Palma de Mallorca, Spain in Yacht Style with Windstar Cruises


In a spring sunny morning, our Windstar Yacht docked at the Port of Palma de Mallorca. We were pleasantly surprised when we found out the previous night during the port of call briefing, that transfers were arranged to the City center, courtesy of Windstar.

Palma's Harbor as viewed from the Bellver Castle
While quite few of our fellow travelers decided to go for a pearls shopping (that's what Palma is known for), a small group of us wanted to visit the 14th Century Gothic Style Bellver Castle, which set on a hilltop less than two miles of the Palma City Center, and is known for it's unique circular shape offering breath-taking views of the island & the harbor.

We did not sign up for the shore excursion, organized by the cruise line, since you can easily take a taxi to the Castle from the Taxi Stand, located right on the city main shopping street, in front of " Le Seu" (Palma's Cathedral). The total cost one way was less than 9 Euro.

After touring the Castle, which totally worth the trip, we had a slight challenge finding a taxi to get back to the City Center. We asked around and we were told that typically taxis do not wait to take you back, unless you make a specific arrangements.

Bellver Castle Palma
Right outside of the main entry, there was a viewing point where a lot of people were gathered to take a pictures. We did the same and then we noticed a wooden sign saying "To the City" with descending stairs down the hill. For few seconds, we wondered if this was the right way to go, but after seeing another couple coming from this path to the Castle, we took the challenge. After less than 10 minutes descending we found ourselves on a main street, and from then we took another taxi back to the Center, for only about another 8 Euro.

"Le Seu" Palma's Cathedral
If you happened to be in Palma, a visit to the Le Seu is a must! Built on the site of pre-existing Arab Mosque, the Cathedral was designed in Gothic Roman Style beginning in the 13th Century, and restored by the famed Gaudi in the 20th Century. Le Seu is surrounded by cobble-stone streets dotted with local boutiques & souvenir shops.

Traditional Bolero Dance
The culmination of our day in Palma was a Private Event organized by Windstar Cruises, which took place in the March Palace Museum, located steps away from the Cathedral.

We had a chance to view a private art collection by prominent Spanish Painters such as Dali & Rodin followed by live music and Bolero Dance with flowing wine and tapas at the Palace Terrace overlooking the city.

What a better way to end this memorable event than a glass of wine!
Thank you for reading and please leave your questions and comments below.










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