What are the most popular destinations for a sailing trip in Mallorca?

The bays on Mallorca often have beautiful sandy beaches. Many beaches, of the total of over 200 beaches on Mallorca are undeveloped and can only be reached on foot or by boat. The light sandy beaches of the calas invite you to swim. Especially on the east coast, you will find excellent calas that offer good anchoring opportunities.

Charter holidaymakers can choose from various large bays on Mallorca. In the south of the island it is the large bay of Palma with numerous sheltered anchoring possibilities in Cala Blava, Arenal, Playa de Palma, Playa de Illetas, Palmanova, Magaluf or Portals Vells. In the southeast, it is the Caribbean-like 4-kilometre-long sandy beach "Es Trenc" between Colonia Sant Jordi and Sa Rapita that is a dream destination for boat trips from Palma. West of the Bay of Palma there are other mostly rocky bays such as Islas Malgrats near Santa Ponsa, Cala Fornells near Paguera, Es Camp de Mar, Port d'Andratx and Sant Elm.

Yachts at a swim stop - Islas Malgrats near Santa Ponsa

In the north of Mallorca it is the bays of Formentor, Alcudia and Pollença that offer fantastic anchorages in light or offshore winds.  The natural beach Platja de Muro near Can Picafort or Mallorca's only fine-gravel beach, Platja des Coll Baix, are particularly beautiful. The beach S'Arenal to the east of the town Son Serra de Marina may make you forget that you are on a busy tourist island.

The east coast of Mallorca is ideal for a boating holiday. There are dozens of small sandy coves here that are perfect for a swim stop. Some of these calas are also quite well sheltered, so that an overnight stay with the yacht is possible. However, these anchorages are better avoided during strong easterly winds, as then strong swells penetrate the calas, making anchoring very uncomfortable. If there is a swell, you can seek shelter with your charter yacht in the marinas of Cala d'Or, Porto Petro, Portocolom, Porto Cristo or Cala Ratjada.

The most famous anchorages on the east coast of Mallorca are (from north to south):

1. Cala Agulla
2. Cala Varques
3. Cala Magraner
4. Cala Marcal near Portocolom
5. Cala Sa Nau
6. Cala Mitjana
7. Cala Mondrago and S'Amarador
8. Cala Llombards
9. Cala des Moro
10. Cala Marmols

Top anchorage Cala des Moro on Mallorca's east coast

 

 

Some calas are quite narrow, so it's better to still deploy a stern line to the rock to lie safely. In high season, the coves are besieged by many Mallorcan LLauts still squeezing in between the larger yachts. Towards evening, however, the local skippers usually disappear again, so that there is more space for swimming during the night. It is important to note that you should not drop your anchor in the posidonia fields. These seagrass meadows are strictly protected and there are boats patrolling meticulously this regulation of the Balearic government. Between the calas there are often charming little fishing villages that invite you to go ashore with their gastronomy.

The west coast of Mallorca is mostly steeply sloping due to the Tramuntana mountain ridge. There are only a few sheltered anchorages. A nice place for a swim stop is the headland of Sa Foradada. The only marina is in the natural harbour of Port de Soller. If conditions are favourable, you can also venture an overnight stop at Cala Tuent or Cala de sa Calobra.

Cala "Sa Calobra" with anchoring sailing yachts off the Tramuntana coast to the west

A recommended boat trip is to the Cabrera Archipelago at the south-east corner of Mallorca. The archipelago is a protected area and you must reserve one of the 50 buoys in advance, as anchoring is not allowed. The natural harbour of Cabrera has a beautiful landscape and is excellently protected against all wind directions. On the east side of Cabrera is Cala des Burri, which offers buoys to moor for swimming stops. Snorkelling allows you to observe the wonderfully clear waters and the protected flora and fauna of Cabrera. Swimming into the Blue Grotto is one of the highlights of the Cabrera sailing trip. From the castle Castell de Cabrera you have the best view over the entire archipelago.

Mallorca has authentic small fishing ports like Puerto Andratx and Portocolom, Cala Figuera, Colonia Sant Jordi or Sant Elm where you can anchor overnight. Mallorca has many marinas and Club Nauticos that offer berths for transit yachts. Exclusive marinas such as Port Adriano and Puerto Portals round off the maritime service spectrum upwards. The port of the capital Palma is the most important on Mallorca. Most charter crews start their trips from La Llonja Marina, which is located in front of Palma's old town.

Itinerary (1 week) from Palma de Mallorca to the east coast and Cabrera

A typical sailing trip from Palma de Mallorca to the east with 6 nights

Day 1: Check-in, then 6 NM - Cala Blava, Cala del Delta or Portal Vells (depending on wind direction)
Day 2: 20 NM - Playa Es Trenc (anchor or go to Sa Rapita Marina)
Day 3: 22 NM - Portocolom (anchor, buoy or at Club Nautico)
Day 4: 23 NM - Cabrera Island (reserve buoy in advance)
Day 5: 11 NM - Cala Pi (arrive early as there are few anchorages)
Day 6: 17 NM - Palma (return to charter pier)
Day 7: Check-out 
 

Itinerary (1 week) from Palma to the Tramuntana coast to Soller

A typical sailing trip from Palma de Mallorca to the west with 6 nights

Day 1: check-in, then 8 NM - Ses Illetes or Cala Portal Vells
Day 2: 11 NM - Port d'Andratx (anchoring or in one of the two marinas)
Day 3: 24 NM - Port de Soller (Marina Club Nautico)
Day 4: 22 NM - Sant Elm (possibly swim stop at Sa Foradada, anchor at night)
Day 5: 7 NM - Cala Fornells near Peguera (at south swell Club Nautico Santa Ponsa )
Day 6: 18 NM - Palma (possibly swim stop at Illetes or Cala Delta - return to charter pier)
Day 7: Check-out 

Yacht charter Ibiza - Where to rent a yacht?

Catamarans, sailboats or motor yachts can be chartered from Eivissa, the main port on Ibiza. The charter bases are either at Marina Ibiza, Marina Botafoch, Marina Ibiza Magna or Marina Santa Eulalia a few kilometres to the north. In the west of Ibiza, Club Nautico San Antonio is the only charter base. There are numerous bays on Ibiza's west coast that offer adequate shelter and safe anchorage at night. The best known are Platges de Comte, Cala Saladeta, Cala Bassa, Port de Sant Miquel, Cala Xarraca or Playa de Portinatx. On the east coast of Ibiza, the bays of Cala San Vicente, Cala Llenya, Punta Blanca, Cala Llonga, Cala Talamanca or Platja de ses Salines are the preferred destinations for pleasure boats.

A mega highlight is a boat trip from Eivissa to Formentera. The northern part of Formentera is an incredible white sandy beach with turquoise blue shallowly sloping water. Along the beach there are several Chringuitos, which have become legendary. The bars called "Beso Beach", "El Tiburon" or "El Pirata" are a must when it comes to having a rollicking beach party day.

The Chiringuito "El Tiburon" on the beach of Formentera

Northwards, the sandy beach leads to the offshore island of Espalmador. A large number of motor yachts and sailing boats anchor off the beaches during the day. If you don't feel like anchoring freely, you can take your charter yacht to the Marina Puerto La Savina to the south. It is advisable to reserve the berth in advance, as the Puerto La Savina marina is very crowded, despite the very high fees.

The small but well-kept Marina Puerto La Savina on Formentera

Mahon and Ciutadella are the main port towns on Menorca. The port of Mahon is one of the largest natural harbours in the world due to its 5 kilometer deep and 900 meter wide entrance. You can sail around Menorca in about 85 nautical miles. The rugged north coast has steep mountain slopes and picturesque coves and sandy beaches. The sheltered south side offers very quiet anchorages such as Cala Turqueta or Cala Macarella. If you want to rent a yacht in Ibiza, you can simply use our search engine and create your own charter offer.
 

 

 

What is the weather like on the Balearic Islands?

The Balearic Islands have an average of 300 days of sunshine a year. The sailing season here lasts from Easter to the end of October. There is hardly any rain in summer - an average of less than 3.7 mm a month. These conditions are ideal for a sailing holiday. The wind is rather weak in the summer half-year. Thermal winds predominate. Thanks to the favourable geographical position in the Mediterranean, the Balearic Islands are spared bad weather fronts in the summer half-year. In the low season and in winter, a strong mistral can blow. In such a northerly wind, the bay of Palma is very well protected. The thermal winds in summer start in the late morning, especially in large bays, and can reach 4 - 6 Beaufort by the afternoon. Towards evening, these winds die down. All in all, the warm, subtropical climate with long, hot and dry summers and guaranteed sunshine contributes the very best to a wonderful charter holiday.

Summary of weather conditions for boat hire on the Balearic Islands:

• Average wind speed: 3-4 Beaufort
• Main season: April to October
• Sunny days: 300 per year
• Month with the highest average temperature: August, 29.8°
• Month with the lowest average temperature: January, 15.4°
• Month with the highest amount of precipitation: October, 69 mm
• Month with the lowest amount of precipitation: July, 6 mm
• Month with the highest number of sunshine hours: July, 346
• Month with the lowest number of sunshine hours: December, 151

What are the highlights of Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca?

If you like sightseeing, visit Palma's old town with its famous cathedral. Palma's pedestrianised streets are a great shopping eldorado with great prices on fashion items. The historic centres of Mallorcan towns have a variety of cafes, tapas bars and restaurants that will please your charter crew.

View of Palma de Mallorca from Castell Bellver

Excellent wines are produced in Mallorca. It is worthwhile to have a wine tasting directly in a winery like Jose L. Ferrer in Binissalem or Macia Battle in Santa Maria. Cosy bodegas all over Mallorca also offer the locally produced wines, of course.

Mallorca's impressive mountain range, the Serra de Tramuntana, is home to many charming old villages such as Banyalbufar, Estellencs, Fornalutx, Bunyola, Orient, Deia and Valldemossa.

The charming village of Valldemossa is located in the Tramuntana just 15 minutes from Palma

To visit Soller, you should take the historic train that leaves from Palma's centre at Plaça España. Highly recommended are Playa de Muro, Es Trenc beach, the dragon caves of Porto Cristo, the old town with weekly market of Pollença and last but not least Cap Formentor with its steep cliffs and towering lighthouse.

Also visit the old town of Ibiza and the castle with its massive fortifications. Spend an afternoon on Formentera's and Espalmador's incredible white sandy beaches. It's like being in a perfect natural paradise there.

 

 

See the port and old town of Mahon in Menorca. Go to the Sant Joan festival in La Ciutadella, which spans two days in late June. The equestrian games held then showcase horses bred especially for the occasion and riders train all year round to prepare. And for undisturbed relaxation, head to the idyllic Cala Macarella beach and enjoy the breathtaking views of the blue sea from the surrounding cliffs.

The shopping in Palma and Ibiza Town is truly fabulous and there are a huge number of restaurants where you can try the excellent local cuisine as well as international cuisine.

The Balearics are a mecca for water sports. Try kitesurfing, scuba diving, snorkelling, water skiing, wakeboarding, stand up paddling (SUP) or kayaking. For some family fun, there's Jungle Parc in Santa Ponsa, Katmandu Adventure Park in Magaluf, Western Water Park or the Palma Aquarium.

Don't miss Ibiza's brilliant nightlife and head to world famous clubs such as Ushuaia, Space, Amnesia and Pacha. Visit the flagship of chill-out music, Café del Mar, or relax in hip beach clubs like Nassau Beach or the Blue Marlin. In Mallorca, you can party at BCM Planet Dance or Nikki Beach in Magaluf and Titos or Pacha in Palma. There are many modern, sometimes very luxurious beach clubs, but you can still find the traditional small "chiringuitos" on almost every beach on the Balearics. They are simple thatched huts with a bar where you can enjoy simple, good food with your feet right in the sand. This is the pure Balearic attitude to life!
 

What are the possibilities to rent a sailing yacht or a motorboat on the Balearic Islands?

For bareboat charter, you need a skipper's licence. However, you can also rent a yacht with captain. There are around 400 boats between 6 and 25 meter length available. Many larger luxury yachts are also moored here all year round and some are available for charter. The main base for boat hire is Palma, as it has the best infrastructure and the most charter companies. There are about three dozen yacht charter providers on the Balearic Islands. In addition, we offer up-to-date customer reviews to help you choose the right charter yacht. You can compare daily updated charter offers with attractive special prices for the Balearic Islands directly online in the YachtFinder.

Can you learn to sail in Mallorca?

Yes, there are international sailing schools in the towns of Palma, Alcudia and Port de Pollensa. These regularly offer sailing courses, also for beginners. But advanced skippers can also take courses here for advanced skipper licences such as the Yachtmaster and RYA Day Skipper. Skipper exams in theory and practice are even offered by the sailing schools on the island by arrangement. So nothing stands in the way of your sailing course in Mallorca. 

Which harbour handbook or cruising guide is recommended for the Balearic Islands?

We recommend the "Portbook Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, Formentera" by the author and publisher Martin Muth. This book is aimed at all water sports enthusiasts who, in addition to current data and addresses, above all want to get a great visual impression of anchorages and harbour locations on the Balearic Islands. This handbook is now in its fifth edition. It contains a wealth of knowledge about the coasts on almost 400 pages, 800 photographs and 24 maps. The book is extremely robust due to its stitching and can give you many years of pleasure even with intensive use and assist you in planning your cruise. The book is also available in many shops and newsstands on Mallorca. Various boat rental companies already have the Portbook Mallorca on board their charter yachts. BonaNova Books, ISBN 978-3-9817056-4-5

With this viewer you get a partial view of the Portbook Mallorca.

From the same author Martin Muth comes a magnificent illustrated book about Mallorca entitled "Around Mallorca". This book has over 200 pages and contains 135 large-format pictures, including numerous aerial photographs. The texts are in English, German and Spanish. BonaNova Books, ISBN 978-3-9817056-5-2