One of the most popular destinations in the Mediterranean, Mallorca and the Balearic Islands are located approximately 108 nautical miles off Spain’s eastern coast. Whether you are discovering peaceful fishing villages and narrow cobbled streets, dining on the freshest seafood, dancing to the Balearic beats, exploring the diverse natural landscapes or sailing around Mallorca, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Renowned for their captivating scenery, extraordinary cuisine and inspiring, laid-back culture, the Balearic Islands form an archipelago of four main islands – Mallorca, Ibiza, Formentera, and Menorca. Jagged cliffs plunge into clear turquoise waters as you sail around breathtaking coastlines laced with white sandy beaches and sheltered coves.
Sailing the Balearic Islands
Authored by Erin Carey
Sailing is one of the best ways to navigate the shores of the Balearic Islands; not only do you see the islands from a different perspective, but you’ll get to experience unhindered sunrises and sunsets. Being at one with nature is a known reliever of stress. Once you’ve mastered the basics of sailing and are confident, it’s a hugely relaxing pastime. Sailing keeps you on your toes and your body moving so that it releases endorphins that boost your happiness.
Other top places for sailing in Spain include Costa Blanca, the Canary Islands, Costa Brava or Málaga on Costa del Sol.
Mallorca
Mallorca is the largest Balearic Island known for its sheltered coves, beach resorts, fascinating history and limestone mountains. The Serra de Tramuntana mountains cover almost a third of its landmass and continue the Spanish mainland Betic range. The highest peak, Puig Major rises 1,445 metres above sea level. The further north you travel, the more spectacular they are. One of the best ways to appreciate the dramatic scenery is by boat.
Constant sunshine makes the Balearics an ideal destination for year-round sailing. Sail to the south, and you’ll be welcomed by well-equipped marinas and picturesque beaches. The northeast coastline and, in particular, the Bay of Pollensa, is renowned as one of the best sailing spots in Europe with its striking coastline and sheltered bays with good anchoring points and sandy beaches. The capital city of Palma nestles on the west coast of the island.
Around Mallorca there are numerous ports and anchorages. The water is deep and devoid of strong currents, so it’s ideal for beginners and less experienced sailors. If you are a complete novice and yearn to sail these safe waters, well-respected companies like Nautilus Sailing run week-long learn to sail vacations around the island.
Menorca
Menorca is the second-largest of the Balearic Islands. Over half of the island is a protected Biosphere Reserve. Spend time ashore walking the trails in the natural parks of Addaia, Es Grau, Son Bou or Son Saura. The Tramuntana mountains define the island’s north and, rather like northern Mallorca, the landscape is rugged. There are many natural harbours for anchoring and distinctively coloured red sand bays. The world’s second-largest natural harbour is right here in Mahón, with 16th century Sant Felip Castle still guarding the entrance.
In contrast, the pine forests of Migjorn hills, the deep gorges, golden-hued beaches and isolated coves makes the south enticingly different. There is also an impressive underwater cave system to explore if you love diving. Ciutadella is the prettiest of towns on the western tip of the island, a picture-perfect setting with a historical backdrop and waterfront eateries lining the atmospheric marina. If you’re arriving by boat, sail past Far de Sa Farola lighthouse and up the channel to this ‘ancient port’.
Ibiza
Ibiza is the third largest of the Balearic Islands and lies about 90 kilometres off the Iberian Peninsula. Ibiza is steeped in history; the Phoenicians founded Ibiza City in the 7th century BC. The enormous medieval fortress in the upper town ‘Dalt Vila‘ envelops the city, built under Moorish rule in the 16th to defend against the French and Ottomans; it’s a Mediterranean UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Again, Ibiza is a relatively easy sailing area for less experienced crews. The waters, tides and currents are easy to manage, but the area between Ibiza and Formentera needs extra care because of the rocks. If you follow the well-positioned buoys, you should have no trouble. There is a risk of strong winds between October and April as the African mainland influences the conditions.
Formentera
Formentera is the smallest of the Balearic Islands, there’s no airport so the only way to get here is by boat! It’s a less mainstream choice for sailing, and possesses a calm and peaceful vibe. A great destination with some pretty anchorages for a change of scenery, it’s easier to find moorings here in peak summer season than neighbouring Ibiza.
Only a short sail away from Ibiza and beautifully secluded, Formentera is a favourite place with the mega rich in summertime – you’ll see their super yachts anchored off the sandy shores of Ses Illetes beach. Dine next to royalty, film stars or sports idols here in beachside Es Moli De Sal (iconic seafood restaurant in an old salt mill with panoramic views over the waters).
Sailing Qualifications in Mallorca
Mallorca has a plethora of accessible charter yachts and you can even take a week-long intensive course that will qualify you to charter or crew a boat yourself in the future.
Competent Crew
The RYA five day Competent Crew sailing course is ideal for beginners who would like to become active crew members and learn more about the art of sailing. The practical course gives you hands-on experience and teaches you about mooring, handling sails and ropes, dropping anchor and assisting in day-to-day duties. It also covers essential health and safety routines such as man overboard. It’s not all hard work; the captain allows you some time to explore remote beaches and cute villages, and generally capture the most amazing nautical instagram scenes.
Although you’ve passed your RYA courses with flying colours, every day, you’ll learn something new about your environment, the sea, and yourself. One of the primary reasons people learn to sail is travelling without constraints. Mallorca is the ideal destination to hone your sailing skills; the waters are warm, calm and blue. The island is a sailing mecca, and sailors will go out of their way to help each other.
Day Skipper
Once novice sailors have had some practice, become confident crew members, and have fallen in love with the freedom of sailing, the next step is the RYA Day Skipper. This follow-on-stage qualification gives you the freedom to skipper a boat for short, coastal passages. The intensive course covers navigation, taking control of the helm, and ensuring the complete safety of the crew and passengers. There are also supplementary classroom-based courses to increase navigation skills.
With a qualification behind you, you can hire a bareboat, which allows you to skipper and charter your own journey. There is nothing quite like feeling the cooling wind in your hair, the sound of the sails and the pounding of the surf and feeling the boat’s hull slice through the water. There are ample secluded and sheltered mooring points around Mallorca so that you can relax and enjoy the peace and the changing colours of the water and sky as the sun sets over the Mediterranean.
7 Day Itinerary Sailing Around Mallorca and Ibiza
Palma de Mallorca to Santa Ponsa
Mallorca is a vast island with an impressive circumference of 312 kilometres. Set sail from Marina Naviera Balear, a small marina within Palma Harbour and close to the namesake town at the foot of the Santa Catalina district. Enjoy a leisurely sail to the large bay of Santa Ponsa, where you can drop anchor. Beware of the reef and the seagrass; there are hefty fines if you moor there.
Imposing hotels line the bay’s shores, head to the northern part to stock up on food and drinks and other boating essentials from the local supermarket. If you are in no hurry to return to your boat, pop into Parrillada El Ceibo for the tastiest mixed grill cooked over open coals.
Port de Soller
Make Port de Soller your next port of call. The horseshoe-shaped bay is one of the prettiest anchorages in Mallorca with its imposing mountainous backdrop. Formerly a traditional fishing village, it’s now a chic holiday destination with a busy port that sees little boats jostling for position with brutish super-yachts. It’s fun to sit back and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the bay.
Head ashore to discover the narrow streets awash with history, colourful awnings, flags, fading parasols and a rickety tram. Enjoy a drink in the little town square in Soller and sit in the cooling shade of the Parroquia de Sant Bartomeu de Sóller cathedral.
Cala Tuent and Cova D’en Vidal
Next stop, choose from the beautifully peaceful and secluded anchorages of Cala Tuent and Cova D’en Vidal. Here you will be at one with nothing other than the cliffs and pines. Explore the canyons that meander between the cliffs. It’s rocky, so moor away from the shore and in deep water. At night, you’ll be alone under the starry, starry sky.
Mallorca’s coastline is dramatic and snorkelling or scuba diving is recommended here; there are plenty of colourful starfish, curious octopus and pelagic fish to check out before you head over to Ibiza.
Cala Talamanca (Ibiza)
For a change of scenery, sail to Cala Talamanca on the eastern side of the island of Ibiza. It’s right next to old town Ibiza and far from the party crowds. In the evening, take a stroll through the old walled town’s enchanting cobbled streets. Restaurants are plentiful and spill haphazardly onto the cobbles where talented performers charm their audiences under the moon. If you’re sailing as a family and want to spend a couple of nights ashore in a luxury hotel with a kids club, the Nobu Hotel in Tamanca is an excellent choice.
Banirras (Ibiza)
If boho is more your vibe, sail to the northernmost anchorage of Banirras. Banirras has a slightly down-at-heel vibe with old fishing boats lying on their sides, makeshift shacks and long-haired locals selling their wares. The chilled vibe sees sailors languidly snoozing, crystal clear waters full of busying fish, cliff jumpers and sunbathers.
As night falls, a slightly hippy-vibe sets in as boats drift to the sounds of drums, horns and didgeridoos. If you feel adventurous, take a peek into Cova de Can Marca, a natural cave formed thousands of years ago and used by smugglers to hide their loot.
The round trip should take you about seven days. Head back to Palma de Mallorca and keep a watchful eye for spyhopping dolphins or whales. If conditions permit and you follow the safety precautions laid out in your RYA Day Skipper course, take a dip in the vast, open seas.
About the Author
Erin Carey is a digital nomad from Australia who runs a successful business, Roam Generation, while exploring the world on a yacht with her husband and kids. Their boating adventures have been featured in a number of international magazines.
A passionate traveller, Erin has first-hand knowledge of sailing in the Balearic Islands and a deep love of Spain.
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