The port of Palma de Mallorca is a maritime reference point on the Spanish coast and the largest port in the Balearic Islands. It is located in the heart of the city, 600 metres from the old town, and is very well communicated with the airport, which is only 12 kilometres away.
It is a fishing, commercial, passenger and marina port and has established itself as one of the most important ports in the Mediterranean in terms of cruise ship traffic, as well as having regular connections with the rest of the islands of the Balearic archipelago and with Valencia, and is an international benchmark in terms of ship repairs.
The Port of Palma has been optimising the use of its facilities and, above all, the space to accommodate the loading of goods, fishing and passenger arrivals and departures. It is divided into 4 well-differentiated areas, covering the seafront from end to end: the commercial docks, the Poniente docks, the sports docks, the Ribera dock and the West dock.
It is a perfect combination of tradition and technological advances where you can breathe the Mediterranean culture, with its own calm and leisurely philosophy but with a modern character that makes it a very appreciated place by its inhabitants and visitors.
Internationally acclaimed sports sailing
The port of Palma stands out for sport sailing as its Nautical Club is the host of the most important regattas in the Mediterranean and many maritime competitions held on the island, some of them with international prestige and recognition such as the Copa del Rey, the Trofeo SAR Princesa Sofía or the Trofeo Almirante Conde de Barcelona.
In addition, the Nautical Club also offers a multitude of activities for all ages, from children to adults and families, such as canoeing, sailing classes, swimming… A set of modern facilities, adapted and well equipped for all kinds of sporting activities.
Sailing and nautical events come together in the Balearic capital where glamour is combined with high competition.
Nightlife in the Port of Palma
The Mallorcan capital is diverse and vibrant and some of its neighbourhoods are known for their nightlife. The Port of Palma is one of the city’s attractions and a vibrant nightlife is concentrated around it. The fantastic promenade runs along the bay of Palma, 5 km long with more than 600 palm trees. It has a multitude of restaurants, bars, discotheques and live music.
A great nightlife offer in the Spanish style, where events start later than in other European countries. Here you can enjoy food in good company, show off your dancing skills or have a drink in a glamorous cocktail bar.
The second oldest working lighthouse in Spain
The Portopí lighthouse is a symbol of Mallorcan history. It is located on the Paseo Marítimo in front of the port of Palma, and was declared a Historic-Artistic Monument in 1983. It began operating at the beginning of the 14th century and is the third oldest lighthouse in the world in operation and the second oldest in Spain, after the Torre Hércules in La Coruña. Its function was to make Palma a safe haven, promoting it as a trade route.
It is a must for lovers of the sea as it houses a very curious museum with a permanent exhibition on nautical history and the island’s lighthouses, lighting systems and maritime signals.
La Lonja de Palma, an architectural jewel in the Gothic style
The Lonja de Palma or Sa Llotja is the greatest exponent of medieval civil architecture on the island. It is an example of Mallorca’s commercial and artistic power in the 15th century. The building was the site of the mercantile exchange and the former headquarters of the Merchants’ College. It was used by merchants to carry out all kinds of transactions and commercial deals when the island of Mallorca was one of the main destinations on the world trade routes.
It is located in the port of Palma de Mallorca and was built in the 15th century by Guillem Sagrera, who managed to create a work of art that captivates visitors as soon as they enter. It stands out for its striking Gothic architecture and, above all, for its rich and original interior, a large nave crowned by high ribbed vaults.
For centuries it fulfilled the function for which it was built, but throughout its history it has had other more diverse and surprising uses. Today this monument is open only for temporary exhibitions and displays, and is closed to the public the rest of the time. In any case, it is worth taking a stroll through the fish market district, with its streets full of cafés and terraces and a wide variety of restaurants and nightclubs. It is the heart of Palma’s nightlife.
150th anniversary
The Balearic Islands Port Authority (APB) celebrates this year 2022 the 150th anniversary of the founding of the initial body of the APB, the Board of Works of the Port of Palma. And the 30th anniversary of the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands as it is known today.
Throughout the year, multiple activities are organised in the five ports of the Balearic Islands, from publications and exhibitions to congresses and cultural shows. All this to celebrate the history of the port and its projection into the future.
