Explore the Balearic Island of Mallorca on a bareboat yacht charter

The largest of the Balearic Islands, Mallorca is full of wonderful reasons to visit there on a Mediterranean holiday

19th Mar 2019

The largest of the Balearic Islands, Mallorca is full of wonderful reasons to visit on a Mediterranean holiday – intriguing history, gorgeous coves and mouth watering cuisine to name a few. Couple these with glistening azure waters, calm wind streams and an abundance of secluded anchorages and you have yourself the perfect sailing ground, ideal for a yacht charter holiday.

To help you plan the perfect itinerary, we’ve pulled together a list of the top places to visit while on a sailing holiday to Mallorca.

Mallorca translates to the old Latin phrase ‘insula maior’ which means ‘larger island’ as it is the largest of the Balearics.

Palma

There’s no need to rush away on day one when you can explore the island’s capital city, Palma, where most of the bases are situated. Located on the south west coast of Mallorca, Palma is popular with tourists and is full of amazing architecture and lavish galleries, providing visitors with an intriguing day of sightseeing before heading off on your yacht charter.   

 

Visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma, a stunning 13th century gothic cathedral overlooking the sea, or the Castell de Bellver, a 14th century castle built on a hilltop which boasts fantastic panoramic views. While in Palma, visit one of the many restaurants located along the streets of the capital. Latesail General Manager, Seb, highly recommends visiting the Horapa Thai restaurant which is located right on the street and serves delicious food at very low prices and The Duke restaurant, offering a delicious alternative approach to modern dining and combining flavours from South America, Asia and the Med.

To help you plan the perfect itinerary, we’ve pulled together a list of the top places to visit while on a sailing holiday to Mallorca.

Castell de Bellver is the oldest circular castle in Europe.

Puerto Portals

Head to Puerto Portals for a day of swimming, shopping and eating. Set in the heart of Palma Bay, the port offers nice protected day anchorage but we recommend heading round to Illetes if you are looking to moor overnight. Its title as the most glamourous marina on the island of Mallorca is cemented by the lavish eateries and designer shops that line the marina itself and the surrounding streets.

The beaches surrounding the port are exceptional, and you can relax on the sand or swim in the beautifully clear waters before spending at evening at our favourite bar in the area, Roxy’s – a firm favorite for Seb, who lived in the area until 2014 and has great local knowledge. Pull up a chair at the bar, order a daiquiri and enjoy watching the world go by while looking out over the port and watching the sun go down.

Palmanova beach near Puerto Portals, Mallorca, Spain

Although buzzing with tourists and locals, Puerto Portals is very small – you can walk from one side of the town to the other in under five minutes!

Puerto Adriano

Where else can you have a €10 lunch whilst gazing at superyachts, including several classic J-class yachts regularly moored up? While Puerto Adriano is one of the most expensive ports in Europe, you can find free protected, quiet anchorage just outside the port in the lee of the sea wall, with shimmering clear water and an amazing beach – perfect for swimming.


For an exhilarating adventure, hire a bike from the marina and cycle 15 minutes inland to the Jungle Parc, an adventure packed park in the middle of a forest with zip wires and tree top assault courses. Pay a visit to the Crew Bar, where you can enjoy a mega sandwich for under €10 while you look out over the super yachts that line the inner wall that faces the beach and relax with a chilled glass of local beer or wine.

Puerto Adriano, Mallorca, Spain

Puerto Adriano was only built in 2012 but has nearly 500 mooring spaces!

Puerto Soller

Head to the quaint village of Puerto Soller, which, along with the villages of Fornalutx and Biniaraix make up the town of Soller. This lovely little village is a stunning place, where visitors can go ashore and learn a bit about traditional Mallorcan culture, where the locals are friendly and the food delicious.

Anchor in the bay and head inland where you can visit the historical landmark of Torre Picada which will reward your short climb with magnificent views out over the bay. For a relaxing day on the beach, we recommend Cala Deia, with its quiet shingle beaches and clear rock pools, ideal for spotting some of the local sea life. If time permits, pay a visit to the Can Lluc restaurant and try their fresh sardines and chips – tasty!

Fans of BBC One’s ‘The Night Manager’ will recognise the beach in Cala Deia as the one used in the hit TV series.

Puerto Pollensa

Situated on the Bay of Pollensa on the northern coast of Mallorca, Puerto Pollensa is a small town with a busy marina, perfect for mooring for the day while you visit some of the local sights.

Head inland to one of the area’s highlights, the Calvary Church, which sits at the top of a hill and is reachable only by climbing the famous ‘Calvary Steps’. Once ascended, you’ll find yourself looking out over the town of Pollensa and if visiting around Easter time, you can witness one of the most spectacular Easter parades on earth, where locals reenact the Stations of the Cross, climbing to the top of the hill to remember the crucifiction, all of which takes place under total silence except for the low bang of a drum.

For breathtaking views, head to the Cap de Formentor where you can enjoy beautiful sunsets from the rocky cliff tops before heading back to your yacht.

Cap de Formentor, Mallorca, Spain

There are 365 Cavalry Steps!

Cala Ratjada

Located on the north east coast of the island, Cala Ratjada is a town with a rocky coastline, gorgeous beaches and romantic hidden coves that are perfect for those arriving by yacht. Full of charm and friendly locals, Cala Ratjada is a great place to spend the day exploring, away from the busier ports but still with lots of things to see and do. Pay a visit to the Jardins Bartolomé March or Sa Torre Cega, where you’ll find beautiful flora and fauna interspersed with around 20 modern sculptures, including works by Rodin. For those looking to relax, head to one of the town’s quieter beaches, Cala Agulla, an area of natural special interest and with white sand and sparkling turquoise sea.

For those who aren’t shy of a trek, head up to the Capdepera Lighthouse, where you’ll find spectacular views out to sea and on a clear day, you may even be rewarded with views out to Menorca.

Capdepera, Mallorca, Spain

Translated, Cala Ratjada means ‘the bay of rays’ and is named as such due to its popularity with fishermen.

Cala D’Or

Venture to the south east of the island where you can moor at the Cala Llonga marina before heading inland to see some of the areas historical sights and dine in one of the many restaurants. Cala D’Or is a popular tourist destination, and for good reason, with tree lined coves and gorgeous sandy beaches. We recommend spending some time on the area’s main beach, Cala Gran which is surrounded by clear turquoise sea, perfect for swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving.

Cala Gran, Mallorca, Spain

If it’s history you’re after, head further inland and pay a visit to the medieval monument of Santueri Castle, which is located 475 metres above sea level on a rocky hilltop and rewards visitors with exceptional views out to sea. The area also has its own nature reserve, the Mondrago National Park, home to an array of wildlife including rare birds.  

Cabrera Island

Located off the southern coast of the island of Mallorca, Cabrera is an uninhabited islet, perfect for a day’s R&R, where you’ll find fascinating history, glistening azure waters and tons of local wildlife. The islet is a nature reserve, so you can expect to see various species of animals and rare and beautiful foliage.

As you enter the harbour, you’ll be struck by the magnificent Castillo de Cabrera, a hexagon shaped monument that has held its position on the island since the early 15th century and has been attacked and rebuilt a number of times. For total tranquility, spend some time sunbathing on Platja Cabrera, a golden sandy beach, lapped by shimmering azure waters that allow for excellent snorkelling and swimming. Head to the Mirador de Cabrera, an al fresco dining establishment that has beautiful views out of over the bay and serves delicious local food. We recommend trying the oven baked sea bass and locally roasted vegetables.

Cabrera, harbour entrance, Mallorca, Spain

Flying to Mallorca

Flights to Mallorca are available from most London Airports and most regional airports with British Airways and many low cost airlines. Transfers from the airport to the marina is bookable in advance. Speak to us if you would like help arranging your transfer.

Get in touch

If you want to know more about sailing in Mallorca, speak to one of our experts who will be happy to share their knowledge with you. Use our price comparison tool to search for charters by date or destination, request a quote or contact our team on 01227 479 900.

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