Cruising Guide - Palma
Ever dreamt of berthing your boat somewhere that is sunny all year round, is easy to get to, has plenty of places to explore, good food and drink, secluded anchorages and excellent onshore facilities? Well, Palma might just be the perfect destination – the Ancasta Palma Office Team certainly think so! Here we give you a snapshot of what’s on offer in the Balearic Islands and why basing your boat here can offer some incredible cruising opportunities. Be prepared to book your flights, it makes for some pretty great reading…
Discover Palma, Mallorca
Easy Access to the Balearics Archipelago
Palma is the capital of Mallorca, the largest island in the Spanish Balearics archipelago located in the western Mediterranean Sea close to the Iberian Peninsula. Mallorca and its close neighbouring islands of Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera, offer glistening white beaches, clear turquoise waters and stunning coastal vistas, creating an spectacular natural cruising playground.
Enjoy year round sailing
The Balearic Islands enjoy over 300 days of sunshine every year, on average, which means you can enjoy a comfortably mild climate all year round. The long summer sailing season runs from as early as April through to as late as October, although seas won’t warm up until May. Sea breezes in the Balearics are steady and run like clockwork, gradually building during the day, making it the perfect destination for beginner sailors and experts alike. Sailing during the winter 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
The Balearic Island coastlines are bejeweled with an abundance of natural coves known locally as ‘calas.’ These tranquil hideaways boast clear, calm and sheltered turquoise waters creating perfect anchorages for a spot of lunch or overnight stay. With so many to choose from you can find your own little piece of heaven, away from the crowds, where you can 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 to offer everyone. Seek out a classy restaurant and indulge in some locally sourced and expertly prepared tapas with some local wine from the nearby vineyards, or head to Ibiza to enjoy exotic cocktails and see some of the world’s best DJs play on the beach whilst the sun sets over the ocean.
Full service facilities ashore
The Balearic Islands are dotted with well equipped marinas with plenty of berths for vessels large and small. Most ports offer state of the art facilities so you can fuel up, provision and carry out any necessary boat work or repairs with ease.
Easy Travel
And if all of that wasn’t enough, getting to Palma is extremely easy 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, all year round. Plus, Palma airport is just 10 minutes away from the main marinas, so transfers on arrival are simple too.
Top Anchorages - Mallorca
With idyllic anchorages around every corner, it would be simply impossible to list them all, but here are some of the best anchorages to seek out and explore on the island of Mallorca as recommended by the Ancasta Palma Sales Team...
Cala Mitjana near Cala Ratjada - North East Coast
Hard to get to by foot, Cala Mitjana has a small but 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 a spot of lunch or starlit dinner. Come provisioned though, as there aren’t any shops or restaurants to be found in this little piece of paradise. Spend a lazy afternoon bathing in the sun and swimming in and out of the little rock caves, or take a walk up the mountain edge for breathtaking views over the bay.
Porto Cristo, Portopetro and Portocolom – East Coast
These three pretty little towns on the east coast of Mallorca offer a more cultural stopover. Take anchor or find a marina berth in Porto Cristo, or pick up a mooring buoy off Portopetro or Portocolom. Steeped in history, each of these towns has a story to tell and ancient relics to explore. Take a wander around quaint cobbled streets, visit the markets and soak up the more traditional Spanish atmosphere before indulging on fresh seafood cuisine.
Parc Nacional de l'Arxipelag de Cabrera, South Coast
The Cabrera Archipelago Maritime-Terrestrial National Park is a forested island home to an abundance of exotic wildlife, flora and fauna just off of the South Coast of Mallorca. Access to the island is heavily restricted, but special permits that allow you to sail close to the park and drop anchor in designated areas are available. Diving is a popular pastime here and organised hikes will show you the best that the island has to offer.
Cala de sa Nostra Dona, South West Coast
Cala de sa Nostra Dona, also known as Cala Bella Dona, is a tiny little cove situated on the South West coast of Mallorca. Originally declared a nudist beach back in 1986, the cove is very quiet and a locals’ secret hideaway. The sandy beach is small, but clean and inviting and the crystal clear waters are perfect for snorkeling. Come well prepared as there are no facilities at all here, but this keeps the crowds away so you can enjoy this beautiful little nook in ultimate peace and quiet.
Sant Elm – West Coast
Sant Elm is a lovely little town on the South West corner of Mallorca. With magnificent turquoise waters and the Tramuntana mountains towering up above the bay, the setting is quite striking. You’ll also be treated to stunning views of Sa Dragonera Island, an uninhabited National Park which is also worth exploring if you have the time. Popular in the summer months, Sant Elm has two beaches, one with soft golden sand and a smaller, quieter shingle beach. In the town you’ll find lots of seaview restaurants and bars to sample and a lively atmosphere to enjoy day and night.
Sa Foradada, North West Coast
Sa Foradada on the North West coast of Mallorca can be easily identified by a remarkable 10 metre hole worn away in the cliff face, which can be clearly seen from both the water and ashore. In addition to this extraordinary rock formation, the Sa Foradada cove is a great place to watch the sunset and if you take a hike up the hill you’ll find a wonderful restaurant where you can admire the fantastic views whilst enjoying delicious homemade Spanish paella.
Sa Calobra, North West Coast
Sa Calobra is a stunning little cove on the North West coast. Cut into the steep mountainous coastline at the end of the Torrent de Pareis, this deep anchorage is one of Mallorca’s most stunning natural landscapes so well worth a visit. The waters are unbelievably clear making it a great spot for swimming and snorkelling and a pretty pebble beach emerges from a narrow opening in the rock face. Although popular with tourists during the day, head here on a calm evening and you’ll have this marvelous bay to yourself for the night.
List or buy your boat with Ancasta Palma
The Ancasta Palma Sales Team is on hand to help you to sell your boat, find you the yacht of your dreams and make sure you get the best out of sailing from Palma and exploring the Balearics.