The sailing area Mallorca

Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands and, with more than 550 kilometres of coastline, offers several great, different sailing areas. Due to the variety of sailing areas and the pleasantly warm climate in the Mediterranean, a sailing trip in Mallorca is worthwhile for both beginners and advanced sailors. The island is famous for its impressive coastline: long, white sandy beaches, hidden bays, rugged cliffs and the impressive Tramuntana mountains right by the sea. For experienced sailors, sailing on Mallorca is recommended all year round. Beginners should first venture onto the water during the sailing season from April to October.

There are 46 harbours and many smaller bays on the island to choose from for anchoring. Due to the few currents and shallows, the sailing areas on Mallorca are also very suitable for beginners. However, the winds, which usually blow at 3-4 Bft, are sometimes very changeable and can surprise inexperienced sailors. Depending on the wind strength and direction, the sea level can rise by up to 4 metres, while the tidal range is negligible at just 10 cm. If you want to sit back and relax while sailing, we recommend sailing tours on Mallorca lasting several hours to a whole day. If you want to go further afield, a sailing trip to the other Balearic Islands or blue water sailing to the Spanish mainland is worthwhile.

The 7 best-known sailing areas around Mallorca are:

1. Cala Figuera / Cala d'Or / Portocolom

The east coast of Mallorca is ideal for relaxed, varied sailing trips. With its many small, hidden bays, there are excellent opportunities for a refreshing dip in the sea. The bays on the east coast of Mallorca can often only be reached from the sea side and therefore still show the natural (sea) landscape of the island. Sailor Juan, who frequently sails the east coast of Mallorca, revealed his favourite calas to us in an interview. Many of the enchanting calas are also very good (and cheap) anchorages, although you should always keep enough distance from the cliffs, especially in the very small bays. Sailing along the east coast, you can also admire the mountains of the Serra Levant, which are up to 500 metres high.

2nd Cabrera

About 5 nautical miles from Mallorca lies the sailing area of Cabrera, which was a military area until 1968 and is practically uninhabited. Due to the resulting diversity of flora and fauna, the archipelago was declared a nature reserve. You should apply for a free sailing permit from the national park administration in good time, as only a maximum of 50 yachts are allowed to sail around Cabrera at any one time. In addition, only the two bays of Es Port and Cala Es Burri may be approached, anchoring is prohibited (mooring is by buoys) and a special permit is also required for diving. Despite the regulations, a sailing trip to Cabrera is definitely worthwhile to marvel at the island's marvellous nature and discover the castle and the island museum.

3rd Bahia de Palma / Can Pastilla

The island's largest harbour is located in the large, open bay of Palma. It is difficult to get a berth here at short notice, so you should book as early as possible. The harbour of Can Pastilla also offers berths for up to 500 sailing yachts and boats with a draught of up to 3 metres. However, both harbours are relatively noisy due to the large number of tourists. For spontaneous sailors, anchoring directly in front of La Seu Cathedral is a good place to spend the night. At the same time, the bay of Palma is also an ideal starting point for visiting the capital. The Bahia de Palma is a good sailing area with deep blue water. It offers great views of the long beach and the Tramuntana mountains.

4th Port d' Andratx

Most sailors in Mallorca end up sooner or later in Port d'Andratx, a beautiful and safe harbour on the southwest coast of the island. With up to 500 moorings, there is plenty of space to moor here. The Sierra de Tramuntana begins in Port d'Andratx, which is why a short hiking tour after sailing is worthwhile. The sailing area is characterised by the light, constant wind and the breathtaking landscape. In addition, celebrities and very well-heeled sailors often find their way here, which is why there are often some high-quality and impressive sailing yachts in the harbour.

5th Port de Sóller

Many sailors want to sail around Mallorca in a week. However, this is particularly difficult on the west coast of the island, as there are hardly any other moorings apart from the sheltered harbour of Port de Sóller. However, the west coast offers a very beautiful sailing area with rugged cliffs and the Tramuntana mountains, which border directly on the coast. Sailors should be aware of the strong winds (Mistral and Tramontana) that regularly occur here. Port de Sóller is famous for the railway line with the "Red Lightning", and there are also many shopping and dining options in the harbour. We recommend a hiking excursion into the mountains to explore the west coast on land.

6th Port de Pollensa / Alcúdia

In addition to the long bay of Alcúdia, the north coast of Mallorca also offers one of the largest harbours on the island, Port de Pollensa. Sailing is great fun here: The water is turquoise-coloured and crystal clear, the long, white sandy beaches invite you to linger. Sailors can also admire the foothills of the Tramuntana mountains at the beautiful Cap Formentor from the seaward side. But beware of the sudden, strong gusts of wind and heavy swell.

7th Cala Ratjada

Sail to one of Mallorca's most important fishing harbours, Cala Ratjada, on the northern tip of the island. The lobster houses, which are now listed buildings, are particularly worth seeing. If you sail along the coast, you can discover several marvellous watch towers and lighthouses. Around the harbour, there are several beautiful places to anchor for a quiet swim and to enjoy the breathtaking views of the cliffs and the Serra Levant.