Palma

Palma lies on the south west coast of Majorca, one of the Balearic islands in Spain. It is also the capital of the Balearic Islands.

Sa Seu, Palma's stunning cathedral is at the centre of the historic and oldest part of town. It overlooks the Parc de la Mar, a pretty seaside park with a small lake and panoramic views of the Mediterranean.

Other places of interest include the Museu de Mallorca, Palau de l'Almudaina and the Basiilca de Sant Francesc.

Valldemossa is the island's most beautiful town. It is set in the hills, a 30-minute taxi ride from Palma. The Monastery Complex is the main feature of the town and incorporates a palace, the Museu Municipal de Valldemossa and a neoclassical church.

Avinguda D'Antoni Maura is lined with sidewalk cafes and snack shops, and the adjacent Passeig des Born offers great shopping. In fact, most of the main streets have a variety of shops selling gifts such as glassware, embroidery and carved olive wood. Placa Major, an unusual underground shopping mall, is a short walk from the centre of town.

Please note that many shops, churches and museums may close mid afternoon for a few hours siesta.

There are countless beaches to choose from on the island.

Local dishes include 'huevos a la sollerica' (fried eggs, sobrassada sausage and pea sauce), 'tumbet' (traditional vegetarian side dish) and 'ensaimada' (sweet pastry).

Estacion Maritima has four cruise terminals and serve ships docked at the Poniente and Paraires quays. The terminals are joined by a network of covered walkways. Facilities include telephones, post office, snack bar/cafe and toilets. The Poniente Quay is around 1½ miles southwest of Palma’s centre.

Occasionally ships may also dock at a pier inside Dique Del Oeste (the west sea wall). These piers are served by the Estacion Martima 5 passenger terminal.

Taxis are available at the docks and cruise lines may also have shuttle buses available.