Palma de Mallorca is a fantastic port of call for cruisers seeking lively city streets, stunning architecture, and charming villages. Its compact size makes it perfect for exploring on foot or two wheels, and many tours take advantage of this. We particularly like the bike tour with the cathedral and Parc de la Mar for its blend of leisurely sightseeing and local flavor, and the private trips to Valldemossa and beyond for personalized insights into Mallorca’s storied villages. Whether you prefer an active outing or a more relaxed cultural day, Palma offers a variety of memorable excursions.
The choices include guided bike rides, private village visits, castle and cathedral tours, and scenic drives through the Serra de Tramuntana. Each offers something unique — from two-wheeled exploration of Palma’s historic streets to intimate visits to picturesque villages like Valldemossa. Check out the options below to find your perfect match.
1. Palma de Mallorca Shore Excursion: Bike Tour with Cathedral and Parc de la Mar
At number one, this bike tour combines a relaxed pedal through Palma’s historic streets with visits to iconic sights like Palma Cathedral and Parc de la Mar. The tour lasts about 3.5 hours and is ideal for those wanting to see the city without spending hours on foot. The guide shares insights into Palma’s history and architecture, making the experience both informative and engaging.
What sets this tour apart is the option to upgrade for three plates of tapas and a drink, providing a tasty break and a chance to mingle with locals. The ride is mostly flat, suitable for casual cyclists, and you’ll pedal around the atmospheric old harbor and the Palma Old Town. Reviewers love the friendly guides and the relaxed pace, with one saying, “Sandra was great, gave us great history, and the tapas stop was delicious.” The $45.28 per person price is excellent for a half-day adventure, perfect for cruise travelers on limited time.
Bottom Line: A fun, active way to explore Palma’s highlights with the added bonus of local snacks, making it a top choice for those who want a mix of exercise and culture.
2. Private Shore Excursion to Valldemossa and Palma de Mallorca
Coming in at number two, this private 6-hour tour offers a personalized look at Mallorca’s beautiful villages and city sights. Starting with the scenic drive to Valldemossa, you’ll stroll through peaceful cobbled streets and may visit the Carthusian Monastery or Chopin’s House (entrance not included). The quiet morning hours mean fewer crowds and a more relaxed experience, and your guide can tailor the visit to your interests.
Afterward, you’ll explore the spectacular Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and enjoy panoramic views from Bellver Castle. The private nature of this tour, at a cost of $557.19 per person, makes it ideal for families or travelers wanting a more intimate experience. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides like Peter and Luis, who go above and beyond to help and provide local insights.
This tour is perfect if you’re interested in combining cultural, scenic, and historical highlights in a single half-day trip. The private format ensures flexibility and a comfortable pace.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those who want an in-depth, customized look at Mallorca’s villages and landmarks without the rush.
3. Mallorca Shore Excursion Bellver Castle and Cathedral Private Tour
At number three, this private 4-hour tour zeroes in on Palma’s best-loved sites — Bellver Castle and the Cathedral of Mallorca — with skip-the-line access. The visit begins with the Gothic castle, built between 1300 and 1311 on a hill offering sweeping views of Palma and the surrounding bay. The guide explains the castle’s architecture and strategic role in Mallorca’s past.
Next, you’ll visit the inside of the Cathedral, with your skip-the-line tickets ensuring no wasting time in queues. The interior’s stunning stained glass and soaring ceilings are truly impressive. The tour wraps up with a stroll through the old town’s labyrinthine streets, revealing the city’s layered history.
Reviewers like Lia and Xavier highlight the knowledgeable guides and the convenience of skip-the-line tickets. The $600.40 per person price reflects the exclusivity and depth of this private experience, suited for travelers seeking a rundown in a short time.
Bottom Line: An ideal choice for architecture lovers and history buffs who want a focused, high-quality tour of Palma’s top landmarks.
4. Mallorca Shore Excursion Highlights Private Tour including Valldemossa
Number four offers a 4-hour private exploration of Mallorca’s key highlights, starting with the charming village of Valldemossa. You’ll walk through its narrow streets, visit the parish church, and taste the local Coca de patata. The tour continues with a visit to Palma’s old town, where you’ll discover the city’s Roman roots and the transformation into Madina Mayurqa.
This tour is flexible, allowing you to explore at a relaxed pace, with time to enjoy the local cuisine and sights. The private format ensures a personal and comfortable experience, with reviews praising guides like Carlos and Pedro for their engaging storytelling and local knowledge.
At $589.98 per person, it offers good value for travelers wanting a balanced mix of scenic village visits and city exploration. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate history combined with culture.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded, private option for travelers who want to see Mallorca’s highlights with some local flavor and flexibility.
5. Palma de Mallorca Shore Excursion: Palma, Deia and Sa Foradada
Finally, the number five on our list is a 5-hour private tour that takes you beyond the city to Deia, Sa Foradada, and the Llucalrari valley. You’ll enjoy stunning views from the Sa Foradada pierce rock formation, known for its hole created during a historical cannon shot, and explore Valldemossa along the way.
This route is perfect for those who love scenic drives and picture-perfect villages, with plenty of opportunities to take photos and enjoy the landscape. The tour also includes visits to Palma’s old city with views of the Royal Palace and cathedral, blending city sights with countryside beauty. The intimate, private vehicle experience at $543.97 per person makes it suitable for couples or small groups wanting to see Mallorca’s varied terrain.
Reviewers mention Michael’s outstanding knowledge and the quality of the scenery, highlighting that this trip is “really beautiful” and “well worth the price for the views and personalized service.”
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a full scenic experience, combining nature, charming villages, and city highlights comfortably.
How to Choose Your Perfect Shore Excursion in Palma de Mallorca
Choosing between these options depends on your interests, budget, and how active you want to be. If you prefer a light, scenic walk combined with local bites, the bike tour is perfect. Want a private, customized experience? The Valldemossa and Palma private tour offers depth and flexibility. For those who love architecture and history, the Bellver Castle and Cathedral private tour is hard to beat. If you’re after a balanced itinerary with scenic views and cultural sites, the Highlights Private Tour hits the mark. And for scenic drives through the mountains and villages, the Deia and Sa Foradada tour provides breathtaking landscapes.
Always book early, especially for private experiences, to secure your preferred times. Consider your pace and interests — active travelers will enjoy the bike tour, while history lovers might opt for the castle and cathedral experience.
Final Thoughts
Palma de Mallorca offers a variety of shore excursions suited to different tastes. For a lively, social outing, the bike tour delivers a great overview with local flavor. If you’re after a personalized, immersive day, the private village and city explorations are ideal. And if scenic vistas and cultural highlights are your priority, the mountain and village drives will not disappoint.
No matter which tour you choose, booking early ensures you’ll get exactly what you want. With so many options, you’ll leave Palma with a richer understanding of this charming Mediterranean city and its surroundings.