Are you planning a Balearic Islands sailing trip or would you like to start your Spanish sailing routes from here? The Balearic Islands are not just a destination on the map – they are more of a feeling. They are hidden somewhere in the western corner of the Mediterranean Sea, yet you feel like you are in the middle of the world when you first catch sight of a turquoise bay off the coast of Mallorca or anchor off the snow-white sandy beaches of Formentera. If you love the sea, or have even just dreamed of sailing one day, then there is a good chance that you have heard of this archipelago. Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, Formentera… four separate worlds, yet they pulse to a common rhythm. There are places where silence reigns supreme, while in other places, music can be heard from the harbour beyond the waves. In this article, I’ll show you the best sailing spots in the Balearic Islands – not in a dry, list-like way, but as a friend would tell you about them at a dinner table. I’ll also talk about when it’s worth sailing, what to look out for before setting off, and which routes are worth exploring the islands along. Whether you’re already a regular at the wheel or it’s your first time sailing, I’ll help you navigate what to expect and how to get the most out of this Mediterranean adventure. This article is for those looking for inspiration or a specific 7-day itinerary in the Balearic Islands.
Here’s what the article will cover:
- What is the best month to sail Balearic Islands?
- 5 reasons why the Balearic Islands is good for sailing?
- How can you get to the Balearic Islands from abroad?
- Where can you sail to from the Balearic Islands? – ports and islands
- Sailing in the Balearic Islands – itineraries
What is the best month to sail Balearic Islands?
The short answer is: from late spring to early autumn. The weather is most balanced between May and September, with ideal sea conditions and guaranteed sunshine. If you listen to me, avoid the August crowds and opt for May, June or September – these are the months when the balance between peace and adventure is best. Sailing in the Balearic Islands is not only attractive because of the beautiful scenery – but also because you can go sailing almost at any time. The archipelago has a classic Mediterranean climate: lots of sunshine, mild winters, warm summers and pleasant winds. But it doesn’t matter when you set off. Each season brings a different atmosphere – sometimes it’s all about relaxation, other times it’s more about the real, sporty side of sailing.
Spring (March – May):
If you ask me, spring is one of the best times to visit – especially in May. There are no crowds of tourists, the ports are quiet, nature is in full swing, and there is something incredibly peaceful about being the first to splash around at anchor in the morning. The days are pleasantly warm (18–24°C), the winds are predictable but not too strong. It’s ideal if you want to relax and explore the islands in peace.
Summer (June – August):
Summer is probably the most popular for a reason. Everything is really alive, everything is open, and the nights are just as memorable as the days. The temperature often hovers around 35°C, the sea water is almost pool temperature, and the wind… well, it’s mostly a gentle sea breeze, which makes for beautiful sailing days, although sometimes you might need a motor. If you come during this time, book your berth in advance – Ibiza and Mallorca in particular fill up quickly.
Autumn (September – November):
There’s something particularly beautiful about the Balearic Islands in autumn. The days are still long, the water is warmer than you might think in September, and most of the boats have already headed home. If you’re into serious sailing, this is your time. Around October and November, the winds pick up, offering the perfect challenge for experienced sailors – while the islands are still fabulous, just not crowded with tourists.
Winter (December – February):
Winter? Quiet. Peace with a capital letter. It’s true that many places close at this time and the days are shorter, but if you’re not looking for the excitement of summer, but rather the closeness of nature, the starry sky from the deck, and the tranquility of deserted bays – then it’s worth getting on a boat in winter too. 10–15°C days, stronger winds, changeable weather – not for beginners, but wonderful in its own way.
5 reasons why the Balearic Islands are good for sailing?
- Reliable winds and pleasant weather
When it comes to sailing, the greatest gift from nature is predictability. The Mediterranean climate of the Balearic Islands offers exactly that: the sun shines almost all day long, and the winds are just enough to keep you from getting bored, but not too much to scare you either. The Meltemi wind – the famous thermal breeze that strengthens towards the afternoon – is both a friend and a helper. It doesn’t remind you of that terrible, stormy gust that makes beginners convulse, but rather guides your boat like a kind, reliable companion. Planning with it? It’s like setting off on a journey with an old, experienced companion. - Varied and beautiful landscapes
When I visited the Balearic Islands, I always felt like I was walking through a natural museum – except the works of art moved around me, and each island was a separate gallery. Menorca‘s rugged, untouched cliffs are so wildly romantic that they make even the most experienced hiker stop. And Formentera’s bays are so clear that they invite you to swim, as if you’ve fallen into some secret underwater paradise. Mallorca with its dramatic rocky coasts and secluded bays is a true artistic spectacle, Ibiza somehow creates a balance between tranquility and partying. So, when you get on a boat, every day you will see a new sight that will make you want to take the helm. - Short distances between islands
One of the most practical things about the Balearic Islands is that you don’t have to spend hours at sea between the islands – you can glide from one paradise to another in a few hours. This gives you enormous freedom: you can easily put together a program where you enjoy the tranquility of Mallorca one day and the sparkling nights of Ibiza the next. Personally, I love this looseness, because it doesn’t drown you in long crossings and gives you more time to get to know the unique atmosphere of each island. I think this quick change is what makes the Balearic Islands really exciting for sailors. - Modern ports and excellent services
Today’s sailing is not just about being at sea – it’s also about the experience of stopping in port. The Balearic Islands offer an incredible variety of options: luxury marinas, friendly, family-friendly ports, all filled with all the essentials. Fuel? Yes. Boat repairs? Yes. Comfortable restaurants? Plenty. It always gives me peace of mind knowing that I won’t have to worry about finding a small part or a good dinner that evening – everything is provided here to focus on sailing. Rent a boat in the Balearic Islands and enjoy the waves taking you to the most beautiful bays of the island – in the perfect balance of tranquility and adventure. - Rich culture and vibrant island life
The Balearics are not only loved for their natural beauty, but because every port is a little cultural adventure. You drop anchor and immediately plunge into island life: colorful markets, fresh seafood, local wines, street musicians, festivals – it’s all a special experience that adds an extra magic to your holiday. Personally, I always look forward to diving into this lively cavalcade after sailing, because it turns a sailing trip into a real sensory experience. And let’s face it, this is the extra that makes it not just a trip, but an unforgettable journey.
How can you get to the Balearic Islands from abroad?
If you’re heading to the Balearic Islands, flying is clearly the most practical and fastest option. Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca have their own airports, so if you’re not aiming for Formentera (which you can only get to by water), you can literally be there in a couple of hours, with a cold sangria in hand.
Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) is the largest airport in the archipelago. It’s like a bustling gateway to the Mediterranean dream – and that’s no exaggeration. It has direct flights to all of Europe, from major cities to smaller airports.
Ibiza Airport (IBZ) is like an aviation festival in the summer: planes come and go, bringing both party-goers and those longing for quiet coves. The number of seasonal flights increases significantly at this time, so it’s not difficult to find a seat on a plane.
Menorca Airport (MAH) already exudes a quieter atmosphere, but all the more friendly. Mainly domestic and If you’re heading to the Balearic Islands, flying is clearly the most practical and fastest option. Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca have their own airports, so if you’re not aiming for Formentera (which you can only get to by water), you can literally be there in a couple of hours, with a cold sangria in hand.
Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) is the largest airport in the archipelago. It’s like a bustling gateway to the Mediterranean dream – and that’s no exaggeration. It has direct flights to all of Europe, from major cities to smaller airports.
Ibiza Airport (IBZ) is like an aviation festival in the summer: planes come and go, bringing both party-goers and those longing for quiet coves. The number of seasonal flights increases significantly at this time, so it’s not difficult to find a seat on a plane.
Menorca Airport (MAH) has a quieter atmosphere, but it’s also friendlier. It mainly serves domestic flights and a few European ones – perfect if you’re looking for a less crowded, more authentic island.
If you’re coming from Europe, you’ve got it easy: Ryanair, easyJet, Vueling, Jet2 – just a few of the many names that fly passengers to the Balearic Islands every day. From London, Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam or even Rome, it’s just a few hours away.
From outside Europe, it’s a bit more complicated, but not at all difficult. It’s usually easy to get there with a big European transfer (Madrid, Barcelona, Frankfurt, London). If you time your connections well, you can even jump from the airport to the ship in a single day – and the adventure can begin.
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how many European flights operate here – perfect if you are looking for a less crowded, authentic island.
If you are coming from Europe, you have it easy: Ryanair, easyJet, Vueling, Jet2 – just a few names from the many that fly passengers to the Balearic Islands every day. From London, Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam or even Rome, the journey is just a few hours.
From outside Europe, it is a little more complicated, but by no means complicated. It is usually easy to do with a large European transfer (Madrid, Barcelona, Frankfurt, London). If you time your connections well, you can even jump from the airport to the ship in a single day – and the adventure can begin.
Where can you sail to from the Balearic Islands? – ports and islands
Ibiza
If you thought Ibiza was all about parties and DJs, it’s time to rewrite the map. The island is famous for its nightlife – and honestly, it’s worth staying up all night – but it’s a completely different story during the day. The orange sunsets of Cala Comte and the crystal-clear calm of Cala Saona easily beat the best beach clubs to the punch. The marinas of Marina Ibiza and Botafoch are always buzzing, but if you’re just here to refuel or grab a bite to eat, it’s still worth dropping anchor. Ibiza strikes a balance between vibrancy and quiet – just like a good sailing trip. yacht hire Ibiza
Mallorca
Mallorca is the flagship of the Balearic Islands for good reason – literally and figuratively. As a sailor, you will find everything here: the modern, sparkling port of Puerto Portals, where the evening flows between champagne and the lights of the port, or the peaceful Port de Sóller, where the sunrise peeking out from behind the mountains accompanies your morning walk. The cliffs of the north coast are a challenge, while on the south side you can set off even as a beginner. Palma is not just a port, it is an experience: markets, art, tapas, all just a splash of anchor. Mallorca is like a carefully composed symphony – at once vibrant and harmonious. yacht rental Mallorca
Menorca
Menorca is not loud. It does not want to impress you – it is simply there and lets you arrive. In addition to the more famous ports, the real experience awaits in the hidden coves: Cala Macarella or Cala Mitjana offer a view that even a painter would rather keep to himself. The water is transparent, the trees provide shade and the world slows down. Rocking under the stars at night, waking up to the splash of the anchor in the morning – this is what you would return for again and again. Menorca does not push. It only whispers softly: “stay another day”. yacht charter Menorca
Ciutadella
Ciutadella is the soul of Menorca – a real journey through time, delicately combining Mediterranean charm with historical depth. The town’s natural bay bites into the mainland like a calm, long sip of wine on a hot summer evening. Along the coast you are greeted by small cafes, old stone houses and the slow rhythm of life – no one is in a hurry here. Walking the streets you feel as if you have stepped into an old travel magazine. If you are looking for a quiet evening, where only the soft lapping of water and the clinking of glasses filter onto the deck of your boat, then this is the place for you.
Maó-Mahón
Mahon is not only the eastern gateway to Menorca, but also a true natural wonder. The port extends so deep into the island that even arriving there is an almost spiritual experience – as if you are slowly being sucked into history. Walking along the coast, British military memorials and Mediterranean bars alternate, the smell of tapas and the salty sea mingle. It is an ideal place to catch your breath, do some boat maintenance or just sit in a corner bar where they still remember what you drank the day before. In Mahón, past and present are intertwined like ropes on a ship’s railing.
Sailing in the Balearic Islands – itineraries
Sailing in Ibiza
Day 1: Sant Antoni – Cala Vedella
13 km (7 nm), sailing time: approx. 1 hour With the first breezes of the day, you leave the bustling port of Sant Antoni and head for Cala Vedella – a small, huggable bay where the sea calms down as if it has always wanted to live here. The boat almost blends into the landscape. If you drop anchor before sunset, kick off your shoes, grab your SUP and paddle out into the silence. Soft music plays from the shore, the air is filled with the scent of sangria and sea salt – this is the kind of opening that only the best sailing weeks have.
Day 2: Cala Vedella – La Savina (Formentera)
33 km (18 nm), sailing time: approx. 3 hours Sailing to Formentera is like stepping into a slower, more colourful reality. La Savina’s harbour is calm and sunny, like a well-taken afternoon siesta. Rent a scooter and explore the world of sand dunes, lighthouses and seaside villages – but don’t forget your sunscreen, the island is brutally sunny. If you’re visiting during the Formentera Jazz Festival, a little improvised music in the evening will bring the perfect end to a perfect day.
Day 3: La Savina – S’Alga (Espalmador)
54 km (29 nm), sailing time: approx. 4-5 hours This is the longer leg, but Espalmador is worth the wait. An uninhabited, dreamlike island where nature dictates. There are no bars or souvenir vendors here – just you, your boat, the sand and the mud baths, which are both fun and surprisingly revitalizing. As you step out of the mud wrap and into the sea, it’s as if you’ve thrown all the noise of civilization off you. Here you’ll learn to breathe slowly again.
Day 4: S’Alga – Ibiza Town (Eivissa)
19 km (10 nm), sailing time: approx. 1.5 hours Now comes a bit of contrast! Ibiza Town is a unique blend of history, excitement and Mediterranean charm. Dalt Vila, the old town, with its narrow streets, spicy scents and old-fashioned shops, is like a living set for a Mediterranean film. Don’t plan too much for the evening – the Aperol Spritz will slip away like the sun setting behind the horizon. If you’re here in summer, the town is buzzing – sometimes there’s a Pride parade, sometimes a street festival, but there’s always something going on.
Day 5: Ibiza Town – Santa Eulalia (Eularia)
15 km (8 nm), sailing time: approx. 1 hour After a short, pleasant stretch, you’ll arrive in Santa Eulalia – an elegant, slightly understated, yet lively place. Perfect for getting in the mood or unwinding after the night before. The coastal promenade comes alive in the evening, especially in June, when the Adlib fashion festival fills the evening with illuminated palm trees and catwalks. Romantic, bohemian and subtly nostalgic – even the air here is different.
Day 6: Santa Eulalia – Portinatx
28 km (15 nm), sailing time: approx. 2 hours The north coast of the island is a wilder, rocky world. As you head towards Portinatx, the landscape gradually becomes more tame, but still retains the raw power of nature. The water is clear, and colorful fish zigzag under the rocks – don’t forget your snorkel! If you’re here in August, the beach turns into an open-air festival during the Village Days, where music, lights and fireworks dance on the waves.
7. Day 3: Portinatx – Sant Antoni
30 km (16 nm), sailing time: approx. 3 hours The last day is always a bit melancholy, but Sant Antoni makes sure that the tour ends on a worthy note. Sunset here is not an event, but a ritual. Sitting on the terrace of Café del Mar or Mambo, swaying to the rhythm of the music as the sun sinks into the sea – that’s the moment when you know you’ll be back. The sailing week is over, but the smell of the sea stays with you for a long time.
Sailing itinerary around Mallorca
Day 1. Palma de Mallorca – El Toro 23.23 km (14.43 nm), Day 2. El Toro – Port de Sóller 8.24 km (36.19 nm), Day 3. Port de Sóller – Port de Pollença 65.76 km (40.86 nm), Day 4. Port de Pollença – Alcúdia 22.87 km (14.21 nm), Day 5. Alcúdia – Colonia de Sant Pere 19.48 km (12.10 nm), Day 6. Colonia de Sant Pere – Porto Cristo 48.06 km (29.87 nm), Day 7. Porto Cristo – Ca’n Pastilla – Palma 94.05 km (58.44 nm)
7 days Menorca sailing trip
Day 1. Ciutadella – Cala Galdana 20.88 km (12.97 nm), Day 2. Cala Galdana – Cala Ratjada 40.54 km (25.19 nm) Day 3. Cala Ratjada – Colonia de Sant Pere 26.48 km (16.45 nm) Day 4. Colonia de Sant Pere – Alcúdia 19.48 km (12.10 nm), Day 5. Alcúdia – Port de Pollença 22.87 km (14.21 nm), Day 6. Port de Pollença – Cala Sant Vicenç 29.79 km (18.51 nm), Day 7. Cala Sant Vicenç – Cala en Bosch – Ciutadella 77.75 km (48.31 nm)
boat rental Balearic Islands
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