The best shore excursions in Mallorca

Mallorca, the jewel of the Mediterranean, is a dream destination for many cruisers who come to the island in search of sun, crystal clear beaches and a rich cultural heritage. With a wide range of activities and places to discover, it is easy to understand why so many tourists choose to spend their holidays here. However, to make the most of the limited time you have during a cruise stopover, it is essential to plan your visit well. One of the best shore excursions in Mallorca is to opt for a guided tour with official Mallorcan guides. This type of tour offers a series of advantages that guarantee an unparalleled experience, from the comfort of private transport to the peace of mind of avoiding long queues at the main attractions.

Discover Mallorca in 4 hours with official guides

One of the main benefits of booking a tour in Mallorca with official guides is the quality and depth of information you will receive. Mallorca’s guides are certified professionals, with a thorough knowledge of the island’s history, culture and best-kept secrets. Their training allows them to offer a unique insight into the places they visit, enriching the experience with fascinating anecdotes and details not found in traditional tourist guides. Imagine visiting the majestic Cathedral of Palma, known as La Seu, not only admiring its imposing Gothic architecture, but also discovering the stories behind its construction, the secrets of its stained glass windows and the influence of the famous architect Antoni Gaudí in its design. A local guide can take you to lesser-known corners of the cathedral, such as the Capilla del Santísimo, a contemporary space designed by artist Miquel Barceló, which is often overlooked by uninformed visitors.

To make the most of your stop in Palma harbour, it is always advisable to plan a half-day or 4-hour tour with the help of a local company of qualified guides.

Pick up at the foot of the cruise ship and avoid waiting in queues

One of the biggest inconveniences of visiting a new destination when you are making a stopover with the cruise ship are the long walks to find public transport or shuttle that can take you to the destination, something that can be especially frustrating when you have limited time at the destination.

In the case of a scale in Mallorca, you have to count the time until you arrive at the exit of the port of Palma. Once outside, you have to calculate that it is more than 3.5 km to the old town. Therefore, you have the option of using public transport until you reach the centre and then look for other buses to go to a specific town on the island.

There is also the option of booking a pay-per-person tour offered by the shipping company. These are usually groups of around 50-60 people for a single guide who must translate every sentence in 3 or 4 languages, monitor and supervise each group of people so that they don’t get lost or slow the group down.

Our recommendation is to hire a private guide through a local company to visit the main attractions of the island, which means that you will be able to enter directly into the most important museums and buildings without wasting time in endless lines, you will go with your family or friends up to a maximum of 6 people + the guide and the driver. This advantage not only allows you to make better use of your time, but also gives you the opportunity to explore more places in one day. For example, you can head first thing in the morning to the village of Valldemossa: The most beautiful village on the island according to several media. Afterwards, you return to the capital and visit the Cathedral of Mallorca, and if you still want more, enjoy the Bellver Castle, a medieval fortress with breathtaking panoramic views of the bay of Palma. With an official guide, you’ll not only avoid the queues, but also enjoy a guided tour inside the castle, where you’ll discover its fascinating history as a royal residence, prison and museum.

Private Transport and Chauffeur at your Disposal

Another great benefit of opting for an officially guided tour of the Balearic Islands is the convenience of having private transport and a chauffeur at your disposal. This means you won’t have to worry about finding taxis, hiring a car or navigating an unfamiliar public transport system. Your driver will pick you up directly at the port and take you to all the destinations on your itinerary in comfort and safety, and private transport also gives you the flexibility to customise your journey according to your interests and needs. Whether you prefer to spend more time at a specific beach, explore a local wine cellar or visit a traditional market, the driver and guide will be happy to adjust the itinerary to allow you to enjoy the experience at your own pace. In addition, the vehicle will be equipped with air conditioning, which is a great relief during the hot summer months in Mallorca.

Most importantly, you won’t have to stop at other places or share the vehicle with other clients. During the whole service you will only be with the guide and the driver.

Personalised and exclusive tour for cruise passengers

Unlike mass tours where visitors are transported in large buses and follow pre-established routes, a private tour with local guides offers a much more personalised and exclusive experience. You can design your own itinerary or rely on the expertise of your guide to recommend the best places based on your interests. Are you passionate about history? Perhaps you’d like to visit the ancient Roman city of Pollentia in Alcudia. Prefer art? A tour of the galleries and studios of local artists in Deià could be the perfect option. This personalised approach not only allows you to enjoy Mallorca’s most emblematic attractions, but also gives you the chance to discover hidden gems that few tourists know about. Charming little villages, secluded coves and stunning rural landscapes that are not on the conventional tourist itineraries, but capture the authentic essence of the island.

Private tour to relax and enjoy the island of calm without worries.

One of the main objectives of a holiday is to relax and disconnect from the stresses of everyday life. However, planning a day of sightseeing, especially in an unfamiliar location, can be a source of worry. Opting for a private tour with official guides eliminates these worries, as they take care of all the logistical details, from port pick-up to buying tickets for attractions. This allows you to focus on what’s most important: enjoying your time in Mallorca, and booking with professional guides in Mallorca ensures an uneventful and worry-free trip as they are able to handle any unforeseen events that may arise during the excursion: changes in the boat’s schedule, traffic or adverse weather conditions. Their experience and local knowledge allows them to adapt the tour on the fly to make sure you don’t miss anything important, even if complications arise.

Why book a private tour of Mallorca if you come by cruise ship?

In short, we recommend you to book a Mallorca cruise tour with an official guide from a local company. It is undoubtedly the best way to make the most of your cruise stopover on this beautiful Mediterranean island. You will always have priority access to the main attractions, private transport and a personalised service to enjoy a unique, enriching and carefree experience. Not only will you discover Mallorca’s most iconic sights, but you’ll also immerse yourself in its culture, history and natural beauty, all in the hands of local experts who will make your visit truly unforgettable.
Don’t miss the opportunity to explore Mallorca in the best possible way!