Mallorca ports: Which ones exist, where ferries depart from and how to travel by ferry

Mallorca is the largest island in the Balearic Islands and one of the most visited tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. With beaches of crystal-clear waters, charming villages, a spectacular mountain range declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and an excellent cultural and gastronomic offering, it welcomes millions of visitors from Spain and the rest of Europe every year.

In addition to air transport, maritime transport plays a fundamental role in connecting Mallorca with the mainland and with the rest of the Balearic archipelago. Thanks to its ports, it is possible to travel by ferry with passengers and vehicles throughout the year, making it one of the most comfortable ways to reach the island.

Although Mallorca has numerous marinas, fishing ports and leisure harbours, only two ports have regular passenger ferry connections: the Port of Palma and the Port of Alcúdia.

If you are planning your trip, in this guide you will discover how many ports there are in Mallorca, which ones have ferries, what routes they offer and what places are worth visiting near each one.

Keep reading and discover everything about the ports of Mallorca.

Ports of Mallorca with ferry

Mallorca has two commercial ports with regular ferry connections: the Port of Palma, located in the southwest of the island, and the Port of Alcúdia, situated on the northern coast.

Both ports allow travel between Mallorca, the mainland and other Balearic Islands, although each one offers different routes depending on the destination and the ferry company.

1. Port of Palma: routes and connections

The Port of Palma is the main port of Mallorca and one of the most important in the western Mediterranean. Located next to the historic centre of Palma, it handles the largest share of the island's passenger and freight maritime traffic, and is also one of Europe's leading cruise ports.

Thanks to its excellent location and wide range of connections, it is the usual gateway for those arriving in Mallorca from the mainland or from other Balearic islands.

From the Port of Palma, ferries depart to  Barcelona, Valencia, Dénia, Ibiza and Formentera, depending on the season and the ferry company.

It also has modern passenger terminals, spacious vehicle boarding areas and excellent connections with the centre of Palma and the airport.

1.1. What does the Port of Palma offer?

• Passenger terminal with regular connections throughout the year.
• Vehicle boarding for travelling with a car, motorbike or motorhome.
• Cruise terminal, one of the most important in the Mediterranean.
• Marina with berths for leisure boats and large yachts.
• Quick access to the historic centre of Palma.
• Direct connection to the airport by road and public transport.

1.2. Ferry routes available from Palma with Kikoto Ferries

From the Port of Palma you can travel comfortably to both the mainland and other islands of the archipelago.

The main routes include:

1. Ferry Palma – Barcelona
2. Ferry Palma – Valencia
3. Ferry Palma – Dénia
4. Ferry Palma – Ibiza
5. Ferry Palma – Formentera (subject to season and ferry company)

On Kikoto Ferries you can compare timetables, companies and prices to find the best option for your trip.

1.3. What to see near the Port of Palma?

If you arrive in Mallorca by ferry, you will only need a few minutes to start discovering some of the island's most iconic places.

1.3.1. Mallorca Cathedral (La Seu)

The spectacular Cathedral of Santa María de Palma, popularly known as La Seu, dominates the seafront promenade and is one of the most impressive monuments in Spain.

Built on the ancient medieval wall and facing the sea, it stands out for its enormous Gothic rose window, considered one of the largest in the world, and for the works carried out by Antoni Gaudí and Miquel Barceló in its interior.

It is the first great image that many travellers see when arriving at the port.

1.3.2. Historic centre of Palma

Very close to the port begins the historic centre of Palma, a network of narrow streets where stately palaces, Mallorcan courtyards, churches and small squares full of terraces blend together.

Walking through its streets you can discover iconic places such as:

• Plaza Mayor.
• Passeig del Born.
• Plaza de Cort.
• Arab Baths.
• La Lonja neighbourhood.

It is one of the most pleasant areas to explore on foot.

1.3.3. Bellver Castle

A few kilometres from the port stands Bellver Castle, one of the best-preserved circular fortresses in Europe.

Situated on a hill with magnificent views over the bay of Palma, it houses the City History Museum and offers some of the best viewpoints in Mallorca.

1.3.4. Palma Seafront Promenade

The Passeig Marítim connects the port with the city centre and is one of the liveliest spots in Palma.

Here you will find restaurants, terraces, yacht clubs, areas for strolling by the sea and excellent views of the marina and the cathedral.

2. Port of Alcúdia: routes and connections

The Port of Alcúdia is the second most important commercial port in Mallorca and the main connection point for the north of the island.

Its strategic location allows for the shortest crossings between Mallorca and Menorca, as well as offering connections to Barcelona.

For many travellers it is the best option if their destination is in the north of Mallorca or if they wish to avoid the traffic of Palma.

2.1. Why choose the Port of Alcúdia?

• Fast connection to Menorca.
• Direct routes to Barcelona.
• Less traffic than the Port of Palma.
• Immediate access to the beaches of northern Mallorca.
• Vehicle boarding.
• Excellent location for visiting the Serra de Tramuntana, Pollença or Cap de Formentor.

2.2. Ferry routes available from Alcúdia with Kikoto Ferries

From the Port of Alcúdia you can travel to:

• Ferry Alcúdia – Ciutadella (Menorca)
• Ferry Alcúdia – Barcelona

These routes are especially popular among those making a tour of several Balearic islands or travelling with a vehicle.

2.3. What to see near the Port of Alcúdia?

2.3.1. Historic centre of Alcúdia

A few minutes from the port lies the beautiful old town of Alcúdia, completely surrounded by a perfectly preserved medieval wall.

Its cobbled streets, squares and historic buildings make it one of the prettiest villages in Mallorca.

2.3.2. Alcúdia Beach

With more than seven kilometres of white sand and shallow waters, Alcúdia Beach is one of the best family beaches on the entire island.

Its promenade brings together hotels, restaurants, shops and water sports activities throughout the year.

2.3.3. S'Albufera Natural Park

Very close to the port lies the S'Albufera Natural Park, the most important wetland in the Balearic Islands.

It is a perfect place for birdwatching, cycling along trails or enjoying nature.

2.3.4. Cap de Formentor

Less than an hour's drive away lies the spectacular Cap de Formentor, one of the most photographed landscapes in Mallorca.

Its cliffs, viewpoints and panoramic roads offer some of the finest views of the Mediterranean.

3. Other ports and marinas in Mallorca worth visiting

In addition to the ports of Mallorca with regular ferry connections, the island has numerous marinas, fishing ports and leisure harbours that stand out for their beauty, their maritime atmosphere and the wide range of leisure and dining options. Although no passenger ferries depart from them to the mainland or the Balearic Islands, many are unmissable visits during any trip to Mallorca.

3.1 Port de Sóller

Located in the heart of the Serra de Tramuntana, the Port de Sóller is one of the most beautiful natural ports in Mallorca. Surrounded by mountains and sheltered by a wide bay, it retains a strong seafaring character and offers a privileged setting for strolling by the sea.

Its seafront promenade is lined with restaurants, cafés and terraces overlooking the port, while the historic Sóller tram connects the port with the town, passing through orange and lemon groves.

It is also an excellent starting point for boat trips along the western coast of the island.

3.2. Port d'Andratx

The Port d'Andratx is one of the most exclusive marinas in Mallorca. Located at the far southwest of the island, it combines a traditional fishing port with a modern marina frequented by leisure boats and large yachts.

Its seafront promenade is home to some of Mallorca's most prestigious restaurants, boutiques and cafés with views over the port. From here, numerous boat trips also depart to discover hard-to-reach coves and the nearby island of Sa Dragonera.

3.3. Portocolom

Portocolom is considered by many to be the most beautiful natural port in Mallorca. Located on the eastern coast, it retains a quiet and authentic atmosphere, very different from the more touristy areas of the island.

Its traditional fishermen's houses, old boat sheds and large bay create one of the most representative scenes of the Mallorcan coastline.

It is a perfect place to enjoy local cuisine, practise water sports or relax by the sea.

3.4. Porto Cristo

The Port of Porto Cristo is a small fishing and leisure port located on the eastern coast of Mallorca.

In addition to its pleasant seafront promenade, it is notable for being home to one of the island's main tourist attractions: the famous Caves of Drach, known for their spectacular underground lake and classical music concerts held inside.

Boat trips along the eastern coast also depart from the port during the summer months.

3.5. Cala Ratjada

Located at the far northeast of Mallorca, the Port of Cala Ratjada maintains significant fishing and leisure activity.

It is especially known for its lively atmosphere in summer and for its proximity to some of the island's finest beaches, such as Cala Agulla and Cala Mesquida.

In addition, Cala Ratjada offers seasonal maritime connections to Menorca, making it a port of interest for some travellers during the high season.

3.6. Port Adriano

Designed by the prestigious architect Philippe Starck, Port Adriano is one of the most modern and exclusive marinas in the Mediterranean.

Located in the municipality of Calvià, it combines a luxury marina with fine dining restaurants, shops, cultural events and a comprehensive leisure offering.

During the summer it hosts concerts, exhibitions and activities for the whole family.

3.7. Palma Sports Marina

In addition to the commercial port, Palma has several internationally renowned marinas, such as the Real Club Náutico de Palma and Marina Port de Mallorca, where leisure boats from across the Mediterranean are moored.

Their proximity to the historic centre makes this area one of the most pleasant for a stroll and for admiring some of the world's most spectacular yachts.

Full list of ports and marinas in Mallorca

In total, some of the main ports in Mallorca are:

• Port of Palma (with ferry)
• Port of Alcúdia (with ferry)
• Port de Sóller
• Port d'Andratx
• Portocolom
• Port of Porto Cristo
• Port of Cala Ratjada
• Port Adriano
• Palma Sports Marina
• Port of Pollença
• Club Náutico Santa Ponça
• Club Náutico Can Picafort

Many of these ports are ideal for strolling, enjoying Mallorcan cuisine, booking boat trips or watching some of the finest sunsets in the Mediterranean.

4. Ferry companies operating in Mallorca

The Port of Palma and the Port of Alcúdia have regular connections operated by some of the leading maritime companies linking the Balearic Islands with the mainland and with each other.

The main companies operating ferries from Mallorca are:

• Baleària
• Trasmed
• GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci) (on some routes and seasons)

Through Kikoto Ferries you can compare all companies, check updated timetables and book the ferry that best suits your trip.

Frequently asked questions about the ports of Mallorca

How many ports does Mallorca have?

Mallorca has dozens of commercial, leisure, fishing ports and marinas distributed along the entire coastline. However, only two ports offer regular passenger ferry connections: the Port of Palma and the Port of Alcúdia.

Which is the main port of Mallorca?

The Port of Palma is the island's main port and handles the largest share of passenger, freight and cruise traffic. It also has the greatest number of maritime connections with the mainland and other Balearic Islands.

Can you travel with a car on the ferry from Mallorca?

Yes. Both from the Port of Palma and from the Port of Alcúdia it is possible to board cars, motorbikes, caravans or motorhomes, allowing you to explore your destination island with complete freedom.

Which is the most beautiful port in Mallorca?

Choosing the most beautiful port depends on the type of trip you are looking for. Many travellers highlight the Port de Sóller for its spectacular natural surroundings, while others prefer the traditional charm of Portocolom, the exclusive atmosphere of Port d'Andratx or the beauty of the Port of Palma, presided over by Mallorca Cathedral.

Ready to travel to Mallorca by ferry?

Now that you know the main ports of Mallorca, you can choose the one that best suits your trip. If you are arriving from the mainland or from another Balearic island, the Port of Palma will, in most cases, be your main entry point. If your destination is in the north of the island or you are travelling towards Menorca, the Port of Alcúdia is an excellent alternative.

On Kikoto Ferries you can compare timetables, companies and prices, book your ticket online in just a few minutes and enjoy a comfortable and flexible way of travelling between the mainland and the Balearic Islands or between the different islands of the archipelago.