The Barcelona to Mallorca ferry ride is perhaps the best, most panoramic means of access to the Balearic Islands. Whether one books a carefree beach getaway or an island-hopping jaunt among the island’s historic villages, there’s flexibility and comfort in using the ferry that includes the possible stopover fun on the sea during the cruise.
In this guide, we will guide you through how to book, what to do during the holiday, and what to visit when you get to Mallorca.
Table of Contents
ToggleWhy Take a Ferry to Mallorca?
Traveling by ferry from Barcelona to Mallorca has numerous benefits:
-
You can bring your car, motorbike, or bike along.
-
Enjoy stunning sea views on the journey.
-
Escape airport hassle and bag limits.
-
It tends to be less expensive, especially for families or groups.
How to Book a Ferry from Barcelona to Mallorca: Step by Step
Booking a ferry is straightforward and only takes a couple of minutes to do online. Here’s how:
1. Choose Your Ferry Company
There are a number of ferry companies that cover this route, including:
-
Balearia
-
Trasmediterránea
-
Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV)
They all have different travel classes, departure times, and fares. Most of the ferries start from Port of Barcelona and end at Palma de Mallorca.
2. Choose Your Travel Dates
There are regular ferry operations, though timing is seasonal. There are more frequencies of day and night routes during summer months. Weekends and public holidays fill up ferries quickly, so book in advance.
3. Choose Your Ticket Type
Popular options are:
-
Passenger only (cabin or economy seat)
-
Passenger + vehicle
-
Cabin upgrade (bedroom en suite cabins with beds and showers)
Pick according to your comfort level and journey duration. Overnight ferries are good to sleep on and save an evening of hotel charges.
4. Book Online
Go to the official sites of ferry operators or use aggregators such as:
-
Direct Ferries
-
Ferryhopper
Enter your travel info, select your ticket, and complete the payment. You’ll receive a confirmation email with your ticket or boarding pass.
5. Port Check-In
Arrive at least 1 hour before departure time (or 90 minutes when bringing a car). Show your ID or passport and printed ticket or mobile one. Port Terminal signs in Barcelona are very clear and indicate where to check in.
Journey Time and Inboard Experience
-
Travel Time: 6.5 to 8 hours
-
Departure: Usually from Port of Barcelona – Terminal Ferry Barcelona
-
Arrival: At Port of Palma de Mallorca
In-Transit Facilities May Include:
-
Restaurants and cafés
-
Lounges or private cabins
-
Sun decks with sea views
-
Wi-Fi availability (occasionally charged)
-
Shops and entertainment zones
Tip: Use motion sickness tablets if you are prone to sea sickness.
Mallorca’s Main Attractions Once at Your Destination
When you get here, the island offers varied interests for every tourist:
Palma de Mallorca
-
La Seu Cathedral – Symbolic Gothic building overlooking the sea.
-
Palma Old Town – Historic cobblestone streets, high-end boutiques, and tapas bars.
Beaches and Coves
-
Cala Mondragó – Natural park and turquoise-coloured waters.
-
Es Trenc – Long and untouched beach lined with white sand.
-
Cala d’Or – Charming resort town set amidst small coves.
Outdoor Adventures
-
Serra de Tramuntana Mountains – Excellent for biking and hiking.
-
Cuevas del Drach – Breathtaking subterranean caves and an underground lake.
-
Cap de Formentor – Panoramic cliffs and bird’s-eye views.
Cultural and Culinary Delights
-
Wine tasting at a local winery.
-
Sample ensaimadas (Mallorcan pastries) and sobrasada.
-
Discover serene villages such as Valldemossa and SĂłller for a quintessential island experience.
Travel Tips on the Barcelona–Mallorca Ferry
-
Book well in advance in summer to obtain the best fare and cabins.
-
Bring a coat — sea evenings can be cool.
-
When hiring a car in Mallorca, ensure ferry transport is part of the package.
-
Take overnight ferries to economize on accommodation.
-
Look at the weather forecast — bad seas might delay the boat.
Tip : Book your Taxi ride through Taxxilo to go to your destination.
Summary: Smooth Travel to a Mediterranean Gem
The ferry journey from Barcelona to Mallorca provides a relaxing and welcoming experience, allowing you to relish both your travels and your place of arrival. From simple online reservation to spectacular destinations awaiting discovery in Mallorca, it’s an experience that will suit your vacation itinerary.
Whether you’re heading out to discover Palma’s ancient landmarks, soaking up sunshine on sandy beaches, or trekking through mountains, Mallorca’s got it all — and the boat trip is part of the adventure.