We are planning a cruise that will stop in Palma de Mallorca August 20 (1200-2300hr.) and Ibiza August 21 (0800-2100hr.) We are not fond of "ships' tours" and will use only public transportation in both ports (unless there is a great local tour provider that anyone can recommend). Were seeking suggestions for places to visit at both stops which are within walking distance of the cruise port terminals.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
Jon.. first off.. Palma is an adorable city to visit.. we have been to Mallorca twice.. and the first time we bypassed it.. just flew in and then went to the small beach town we were staying in for a week.. but this past year we decided to spend a night or two and check it out.
Well it was one of those smack your forehead moments.. why hadn't we done this before ???
I would catch a taxi or bus into the main part of town ( near Cathedral ) and just spend all my time walking the mazes of streets. .the view of the water from the walls near church.. amazing.. the warren of little shops and cafes behind the church.. amazing.. We loved every minute.
Only issue was.. we were there in late May , so you will encounter many more people.. august in Europe, everyone ones on holiday.
I also STRONGLY suggest you go on the cruisecritics.com forums.. they are the best and most intensive for cruisers..they list forums for every cruise line, every port of call, everything.. all shore excurisions.. people wanting to split costs on private tours, forums on how to do your own touring about etct etc..
Seriously.. get over there. .I love Rick Steves and tripadvisor.com forums. been on both for years.. but cruisecritics is far superior forum for cruisers ( weve taken 6 cruises.. many on this forum have taken none and will even be rather derogatory about cruising, there are only a few cruisers here) Go on a forum where everyone is going on a cruise or taken a cruise.
Posted by
OP
Cincinnati, OH, USA
768 posts
Pat:
Thanks for your comments. I thought long and hard about mentioning the taboo "C" word knowing that being on a cruise is looked at in various degrees of disparagement. I even gave some thought to explaining that we would “arrive” at the two places via telekinesis. I will check Cruise Critic (CC) a bit closer to the date of departure. In the past I’ve found CC folks tend not to be inclined to DIY on-shore visits. In fact, this is the reason I posted to RS, thinking I might find some help in planning an informal but thoughtful visit to the two sites during our brief time at each location.
Posted by
Rhode Island, USA
481 posts
Hi Jon,
I "second" the recommendation about Cruisecritic. We visited Palma on a cruise 2 years ago and LOVED It! There are bus stops on the main road at the port, but it depends where your ship will dock if you need it. Our group split up. The ladies took a city bus to the beach and the guys took a bus in the opposite direction into town. Bus #1 is every 15 minutes, I think the cost was 2.50 euros each. Get off at Rambla (the central promenade in city centre). We walked around town and visited the cathedral and the Arab baths and gardens. The distance to the city is about a mile or more, but we did walk back to the ship enjoying the beautiful waterfront. Near the cathedral there's a McDonald's if you need toilets. Lots of places to eat in this area as well. We bought some great deli sandwhiches at a local grocery store and ate near the harbor. I hope to return to Palma someday as it is so beautiful!
Excellent bus routes: http://www.emtpalma.es/EMTPalma/Fron...da&cod_linea=1
There is also a hop on/hop off bus tour if that interests you.
Again, cruisecritic will have everythhing you need.
Good luck!