Why sail Mallorca
Mallorca is a hugely popular destination among Mediterranean sailors, and from the water it is easy to see why. Five hundred kilometres of coastline take in sandy beaches, breathtaking cliffs and deep turquoise water that is calm and barely troubled by tides or currents — with numerous coves and moorings waiting to be discovered. It is the ideal setting for anyone who wants an intimate adventure with the sea, the sun and the wind of the Mediterranean, whether that means charming anchorages, natural bays or colourful villages ashore.
Our Mallorca fleet is based in the Port of Palma, fifteen minutes from the airport, beneath the cathedral and the old town. It is the natural starting point for a circumnavigation, a week around the south and east coasts, or a longer cruise that links Mallorca with Ibiza and Formentera to the south-west or Minorca to the north-east.
Anchorages we come back to
Around the island — the classic route
To make the most of Mallorca’s renowned tramontana wind we recommend sailing around the island counter-clockwise. Picking up your yacht in the Port of Palma, set sail south-east towards Cap Blanc and Es Trenc. If Cabrera is on the plan, allow a night inside the reserve — the crossing and mooring both need a permit, requested in advance. From Cabrera work along the Migjorn coast, with plenty of choice for anchoring, on to Es Caragol, Cala Llombards and Cala Mitjana, then up to Porto Colom, the largest natural bay on the island. From there the east and north coasts continue round to the dramatic cliffs of the Serra de Tramuntana and back down to Palma.
A full circumnavigation deserves two weeks, with time set aside to explore inland. A single week is ideal for the south and east — Palma to Cabrera, Es Trenc and up to Porto Colom and back. As always, keep a careful eye on the forecast so the mooring you choose is safe and sheltered from the wind and waves that day; our skippers and charter packs give you the fallback options for each leg.
Sailing events worth timing a charter for
Palma is Spain’s sailing capital, and two events are worth planning around. The Copa del Rey regatta fills the Bay of Palma with racing yachts each July, and the Trofeo Princesa Sofía is held over the Easter break. Anchor in the bay, watch the racing from your own deck, and go ashore for the atmosphere.
Practical notes
- Season: April to October. July and August are peak, and yachts run Saturday to Saturday. May, June and September offer the same warm water with quieter coves.
- Wind: The tramontana from the north-west is the island’s defining wind — hence the counter-clockwise circuit. Summer sea breezes fill in through the afternoon.
- Cabrera: National park — crossing and mooring permits required and limited in number. Book early in peak season.
- Bareboat: An ICC or equivalent licence and appropriate experience. No licence? Choose a Local Skipper or a fully crewed Hidden Secrets charter.
- Getting here: Palma airport is 15 minutes from the marina, with direct flights from most of Europe.
