Cruise Diva Goes Ashore in Europe:
The Mediterranean
Sights to see & things to do
Palma de Mallorca, Spain
One of the Mediterranean’s most chic resort islands is a study of contrasts. Only 60 miles from mainland Spain and 130 miles from Barcelona, high-rise resorts nestle amid fine beaches, rugged landscape, and picturesque villages on Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands.
Diversions
After an impressive arrival by sea, ships dock about a 15-minute drive from the center of Palma de Mallorca. Taxis generally meet arrivals and shore excursions and local buses run from Palma to outlying destinations. Rental cars are available at Passeig Marítim.
In the Palma’s Gothic Quarter, narrow cobblestone streets lead to unique sights such as the Moorish Baths on Carrer Serra. Overlooking the sea from the old town, Le Seu, the Gothic cathedral, contains relics of St. Sebastían and a scalloped-edged altar canopy of wrought iron designed by Gaudí. The art museum, Collecció Juan March, Art Espanyol Contemporani, features the work of 20th century Spanish artists, including those of Juan Gris, Miró, Dalí, and Picasso.
The fortress, Palau de l’Almudaina, was a royal residence of Mallorcan kings and contains a museum displaying antiques, art works, tapestries, and suits of armor. The architecture and surrounding Moorish style gardens and fountains are reminiscent of the days when Muslims ruled the island. Castell de Bellver with its double moat was once the summer palace of kings and now houses a museum featuring collections of coins and archaeological objects. The hilltop view is an attraction itself.
Outside the city, the Caves of Drach are caverns that lead to the world’s largest underground lake. La Granja de Esporlas is a 17th century manor house set amid fountains and formal gardens in one of the island’s most idyllic locations. Valldemosa is a quaint village set at the foot of the Northern Mountain Range. Stop at Cartuja, a royal residence that was converted to use as a monastery in the Middle Ages and later the home of Frederic Chopin. A simple drive through the mountains reveals some of the island’s loveliest scenery.
Shopping
Shop with the jet set along Avenida Jaume III and Paseo del Borne. Good shopping can also be found on San Miguel, carrer Sindicato, Jaume II, Via Roman, and carrer Platería. Buy Majorca pearls in dazzling original designs and keep an eye out for inlaid wood products, olive woodcarvings, pottery, needlework, shoes and other leather goods, and hand-blown glass.
Beaches
The finest beaches near Palma are El Arsenal and Ca’n Pastilla. If they are crowded, another good bet is Cala Mayor beach.
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