Cruising Guide - Mallorca
Balearic islands
If you’ve ever dreamt of berthing your boat somewhere that is sunny all year round, easy to get to, has plenty of places to explore, good food and drink, secluded anchorages, and excellent onshore facilities, Mallorca is the perfect destination.
Here, Christine Vageler, Office Manager for our Mallorca offices, gives us a snapshot of what’s on offer in the Balearic Islands and why basing your boat here can provide some incredible cruising opportunities, as well as the expert support of our brokerage teams in Palma, Cala D’Or, Alcudia, and Pollença.
Cruising in Mallorca
Easy access to the Balearics Archipelago
Mallorca is the largest island in the Balearics archipelago. Located in the western Mediterranean Sea close to the Iberian Peninsula, Mallorca, and neighbouring islands Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera, offer glistening white beaches, clear turquoise waters and stunning coastal vistas, creating a spectacular natural cruising playground.
Enjoy year-round sailing
The Balearic Islands bask in over 300 days of sunshine every year, creating a wonderfully mild climate all year round. The summer sailing season runs from as early as April to as late as October, with the warm sea warming up in May, and the sea breeze runs like clockwork, gradually building during the day. Winter sailing is also possible with lighter winds in December and January but watch out for mistrals that will occasionally bring stronger winds.
Find your own secluded Cala
Balearic coastlines are adorned with abundant natural coves known locally as ‘Calas.’ These tranquil hideaways boast clear and sheltered waters, creating perfect anchorages for lunch or an overnight stay. With so many to choose from, you can find a little piece of heaven, away from the crowds, to relax and unwind in complete seclusion.
Vibrant onshore entertainment
Whether you enjoy a bit of easy going beach bar culture or some lively evening entertainment, the Balearics have something for everyone. Indulge in freshly prepared tapas with local wine from nearby vineyards on Mallorca, or head to Ibiza to enjoy exotic cocktails and see some of the world’s best DJs.
Full-service shore facilities
The Balearic Islands offer a plethora of well-equipped marinas with berths for vessels large and small. Most ports offer state-of-the-art facilities so you can easily fuel up, provision and carry out any necessary boat work or repairs.
Easy travel
Travelling to Mallorca is straightforward, with plenty of scheduled flights from all of the major UK hubs, including London, Southampton, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Belfast, Cardiff, Newcastle and more. Furthermore, the airport is just a 10-minute drive from Palma’s central marinas.
Idyllic Anchorages
Here are some of the best anchorages to explore on the island of Mallorca, as recommended by the Ancasta Mallorca Sales Team.
Cala Mitjana near Cala Ratjada - North East Coast
Cala Mitjana has a pretty shingle beach, which can be completely deserted at times. With impressive rock formations and crystal-clear waters, it offers idyllic surroundings and ultimate seclusion for lunch or a starlit dinner. There aren’t any shops or restaurants in this little piece of paradise, so stock up on food and drink and spend a lazy afternoon bathing in the sun and swimming, or walk up the hill for breathtaking views over the bay.
Porto Cristo, Portopetro and Portocolom – East Coast
These three charming towns on the east coast of Mallorca provide a wonderful cultural experience. You can take anchor or find a marina berth in Porto Cristo, or pick up a mooring buoy off Portopetro or Portocolom. Rich in history, each town has its own unique story and ancient relics to discover. Stroll through picturesque cobbled streets, visit local markets and soak up the traditional Spanish atmosphere before enjoying fresh seafood dishes.
Parc Nacional de l’Arxipelag de Cabrera – South Coast
The Cabrera Archipelago Maritime-Terrestrial National Park is a forested island home to abundant exotic wildlife, flora and fauna just off the South Coast of Mallorca. Access to the island is heavily restricted, and anchoring is not allowed, but special permits can be obtained online that enable you to sail close to the island and pick up a mooring buoy. Diving is popular here, and organised hikes show you the best that the island has to offer.
Sant Elm – West Coast
Sant Elm is a beautiful little town on the Southwest corner of Mallorca. The setting is striking, with magnificent turquoise waters and the Tramuntana mountains towering above the bay. You’ll also discover stunning views of Sa Dragonera Island, an uninhabited national park – worth exploring if you have the time. Popular in the summer, Sant Elm has two beaches – one with soft golden sand, and a smaller shingle beach. In the town, you’ll find seaview restaurants with a lively atmosphere.
Sa Foradada, North West Coast
Sa Foradada on the North West coast of Mallorca features a remarkable 10-metre hole worn away in the cliff face, which can be seen from both the water and ashore. In addition to this extraordinary rock formation, this cove is a great place to watch the sunset. If you hike up the hill, you’ll find an excellent restaurant where you can admire the views whilst enjoying delicious homemade Spanish paella.
Cala Varques - East Coast
Head to Cala Varques on the east coast for complete seclusion and relaxation. This picturesque cove boasts a 90-metre white sand beach lapped by inky blue water, with a backdrop of low-lying rocky cliffs and vegetation. Rural in every sense, there aren’t any facilities on shore, so come well stocked with your favourite food and drink to enjoy some time away from the hustle and bustle.
Caló des Màrmols - South East Coast
Caló des Màrmols is a serene and quiet cove located near the southern tip of the island. It features a small beach made up of sand and pebbles, surrounded by barren cliffs. Access to the cove is limited by land and there are no facilities, which makes it a peaceful spot to enjoy a day at anchor. The crystal-clear water is ideal for snorkelling, or you can simply relax and take in the beautiful scenery.
Ancasta is the exclusive dealer for new PRESTIGE Yachts in the UK and Balearic Islands.
Ancasta Mallorca
Ancasta International Boat Sales is one of the largest and most globally-recognised yacht sales companies with an expanding network of offices, a dominant online presence, and representing the largest manufacturers in the industry, including Beneteau Sail, Beneteau Power, Lagoon, Protector Ribs, Bluegame and Prestige.
Our multilingual team of yacht brokers on the stunning island of Mallorca is dedicated to providing exceptional service and expertise in the Balearics. Comprising experienced professionals from diverse backgrounds, our team is fluent in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, German, French, and Dutch, ensuring seamless communication with clients from around the globe.
Each broker brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for yachting, offering personalised guidance whether you are buying or selling. Our team is well-versed in the unique demands of the Mediterranean market and is committed to delivering tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of our clients.
With extensive local insights, we navigate the intricacies of yacht ownership in the Balearics, providing valuable advice on everything from yacht specifications to navigating local regulations.
Whether you are a seasoned yacht owner or a first-time buyer, our team is here to assist you every step of the way, making your yachting dreams a reality in one of the Mediterranean’s most picturesque destinations.
With four strategically located offices across the island, we ensure that our clients receive personalised assistance no matter where they are.