Palma de Mallorca/Bonafacio-Corsica/Portoferraio-Elba

[cruiser53]

Hi,

 

We are on a cruise that will also be going to Palma de Mallorca, Bonafacio in Corsica and Portoferraio in Elba.

 

Does anyone have any tips on any of the above cities on what to do and see, would appreciate your help.

 

Regards

Cruiser53

[cruiser53]

We have full days in all 3 ports, would appreciate your help if any of you have been to either of these 3 places, Palma, Corsica and Elba

 

Regards

Cruiser 53

[shoesonfire]

We have full days in all 3 ports, would appreciate your help if any of you have been to either of these 3 places, Palma, Corsica and Elba

 

Regards

Cruiser 53

 

Reviving this question, hoping that someone who has cruised to these ports recently has something to offer. Knowing they are small and easy to do on your own, I'm hoping there are some special tips of what is "not to be missed" at these beautiful islands!

[Hlitner]

Ahhh. We suspect you are not getting responses since these ports are not on the more common itineraries. Regarding Elbe, my advice is to simply explore the town (its not very large) on your own (assuming you have no mobility issues). There are some slopes in the town, but its relatively easy to get about. We would suggest you immediately walk up to the local tourist office where you can get a free walking guide and visit the little museum (free). The highlight of the town is Napoleon's House (it was closed the day we visited).

 

As to Mallorca, this island is very popular in Europe as a beach resort destination. Unlike many parts of Europe this island has some long sandy beaches (many European beaches are full of pebbles and rocks) and clean warm water. Taxis on Mallorca are very expensive so, if you want to save money you can just use the local buses. There is a lot of Mallorca info on the internet so you can do a little pre-trip homework. Our personal favorite beach is Playa del Palma which is located on the opposite side of Palma from the cruise port (we take a bus into town and transfer to a bus that goes out to that area) and there is another popular beach area closer to the port called Cala Major. If you are not up for a beach day you can certainly explore the main city of Palma on your own, take a tour around the island, or simply rent a car and drive the island on your own. Keep in mind this is a huge tourist island where English and German (as well as Spanish) are widely spoken.

 

Cannot help you with the port on Corsica as we have only been to the port of Ajaccio.

 

Hank

[shoesonfire]

Thank you, yes its obvious these are not ports for the larger cruise ships. I'm trying to do more research than necessary on these smaller islands. I guess it's best to just be surprised and flexible on our visit to these ports. I'll report back if I find anything /tourist/travel worthy.

[Courier95]

Hi,

 

We are on a cruise that will also be going to Palma de Mallorca, Bonafacio in Corsica and Portoferraio in Elba.

 

Does anyone have any tips on any of the above cities on what to do and see, would appreciate your help.

 

Regards

Cruiser53

 

If you want to get a taste of rural Mallorca without hiring a car then you might like to consider the train/tram ride from Palma to Puerto de Soller in the north of the island.

 

The train journey is in restored wooden carriages running on narrow gauge tracks and winds it's way through spectacular mountain scenery to the little town of Soller. From there the journey of a couple of miles or so continues by tram through the countryside to the sea at Puerto de Soller.

 

P. de Soller is in an attractive setting and we find Soller town a particularly nice place to wander around.

 

Of course, it depends on how much time you will have in Mallorca. We visit on land trips so can't advise on how to get from the port to the station near Plaza Espana in Palma but no doubt there is a bus.

 

Whatever you do, enjoy beautiful Mallorca!

 

See http://www.sollernet.com and Tripadvisor for more info if you are interested.