Is Mallorca good for sailing? Are you planning to spend your Balearic sailing holiday in Mallorca. In Mallorca’s diverse sailing opportunities, everyone can find something for themselves, from beginner sailors to experienced skippers. While the warm months from May to October bring calm seas, steady winds and perfect weather, winter offers more challenging winds that favour experienced sailors. We can help with itineraries, ports, yacht rental options & other useful information. This article will be the most useful read for those who want a comprehensive but friendly guide to the weather, routes, ports and attractions in Mallorca.
Here’s what the article will cover:
- Why Mallorca is a good for sailing?
- What is the best month to sail Mallorca? – the weather
- How can you get to Mallorca from abroad?
- Where to sail in Mallorca? – ports and islands
- Sailing in Mallorca – itineraries
Why Mallorca is a good for sailing?
- Majorca enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, sunny summers and mild winters. From May to October, the weather is ideal for sailing, making it the peak season for charters. Sailors should monitor wind and wave forecasts to ensure safe anchoring and crossings.
- Whether you are a beginner or an experienced sailor, Majorca offers a wide range of conditions. Calm bays such as Cala Pi and Cala Figuera are perfect for novice skippers and family-friendly anchorages, while open sea routes provide more challenging passages for seasoned sailors. Plan your route in advance, taking wind direction and currents into account to ensure smooth and safe sailing.
- Majorca boasts stunning scenery, including turquoise waters, rugged cliffs, and hidden coves. The Serra de Tramuntana coastline, Cala Figuera, and Cala Pi offer particularly scenic anchorages. Sailors are advised to arrive at popular bays early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy calm waters. Always be cautious of corals and shallow areas when anchoring to protect the reef and ensure safety.
- In addition to its natural beauty, Majorca is rich in culture and history. When you go ashore in towns such as Palma, Sóller, or Port d’Andratx, you can explore historic sites, lively markets, and sample local cuisine. Sailors can stock up on fresh ingredients at local markets to prepare meals on board.
- Majorca has numerous well-equipped marinas, including Puerto Portals and Port de Pollença. These modern facilities provide fuel, water, and technical support, making them ideal starting points for sailing trips. From these marinas, you can plan short day sails or longer trips to other Balearic Islands.
- Sailing from Majorca also allows easy access to nearby Balearic Islands such as Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera, all reachable within a few hours of sailing. Each island offers unique attractions and anchorages, so it is worth planning a flexible itinerary. Rent a boat in Mallorca and experience what it feels like when everything is perfectly timed – the sunset, the sea, and freedom.
What is the best month to sail Mallorca? – the weather
The best time to sail in Mallorca is from May to October, with warm weather, calm seas and steady winds. Even in winter, experienced sailors can enjoy stronger winds and less crowds.
Spring (from March to May): The daytime temperature ranges from 15°C to 22°C, the wind is usually light or moderate, between 10-15 knots, making it ideal for relaxed sailing.
Summer (June to August): Hot and sunny, the average temperature is 25°C to 32°C, the sea temperature is between 24°C and 27°C, the afternoon steady sea breeze is 10-20 knots and therefore provides good sailing conditions.
Autumn (from September to November): The pleasant daytime temperature is between 20°C and 28°C, the wind picks up in October with a speed of 10-18 knots, the sea remains warm.
Winter (from December to February) The daytime temperature is between 10°C to 18°C, the sea water between 14°C and 16°C. Winter brings stronger winds, typically 15-25 knots, ideal for experienced sailors.
How can you get to Mallorca from abroad?
Mallorca International Airport, located approximately 8 km from the capital Palma, is one of the busiest airports in Spain. Major airlines, including budget airlines such as Ryanair, EasyJet and Vueling, offer frequent direct flights to Palma from major European cities and international destinations such as London, Berlin, Paris and Madrid. From outside of Europe, you need to connect via a European hub such as Madrid, Barcelona, London or Frankfurt to reach Palma. Mallorca is well connected to the Spanish mainland by ferry from Barcelona, Valencia and Dénia to Palma or Alcudia, the island’s two main ports.
Where to sail in Mallorca? – ports and islands
Port of Palma (Palma de Mallorca)
The island’s largest and busiest port is located in the capital. It serves as a hub for ferries, cruise ships and yachts. The port offers excellent facilities and is close to the city’s historic centre, restaurants and attractions.
Port de Sóller
A beautiful natural and popular port on the northwest coast of the island, between the Tramuntana mountains. It is a small, picturesque harbour with great dining options and a relaxed atmosphere.
Port d’Alcúdia
On the north-eastern coast of Mallorca, close to the old town of Alcúdia, is a large commercial and leisure port. Ferries depart from here to mainland Spain and Menorca.
Port de Pollença
A picturesque harbour on the northeast coast of the island close to the Formentor peninsula. It is known for its calm atmosphere and picturesque views.
Port Adriano
A modern marina designed by Philippe Starck on the southwest coast near Santa Ponsa, catering for luxury yachts and superyachts. It offers high-end services, shopping and dining.
Port d’Andratx
An elegant and sophisticated marina on the south-west coast, popular with luxury yachts. The town has upscale restaurants, shops and a beautiful view of the harbour.
Porto Cristo
A small, charming port on the east coast known for its nearby caves, including the famous Cuevas del Drach. It is a more relaxed, traditional port.
Cala d’Or Marina
A well-developed and picturesque port in a stunning bay in the south-east of Mallorca. It is popular for its charm and excellent services.
Cabrera Archipelago (Parc Nacional de l’Arxipèlag de Cabrera)
About 10 nautical miles south of Mallorca, Colònia de Sant is a protected national park consisting of an archipelago. Cabrera Island offers the largest pristine waters, biodiversity and historical sites. A permit is required to visit and moor Cabrera.
Dragonera Island (Isla Dragonera)
To the west of Mallorca, near Andratx, is an uninhabited island, a nature reserve. Because of its popular hiking trails and rich wildlife. Accessible by boat from Sant Elm.
Isla de Sa Porrassa
A small, rocky islet near the popular resort town of Magaluf. It is a quiet and picturesque place, great for a short stop or snorkelling.
Isla de la Conejera (Isla del Toro)
A small island with rocky outcrops located south of Mallorca, near Palma, is part of the protected areas around Mallorca.
Sailing in Mallorca – itineraries
HELP ME TO CHOOSESailing 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)
Sailing itinerary from South of Palma
1. day: Palma – Cala Pi
32 km (20 nm), sailing time: 3.5-4 hours
Head southeast from Palma towards Cala Pi. Along the way, enjoy the picturesque coastline and views of the Tramuntana mountains. Anchor in the turquoise bay of Cala Pi. The next day, swim, sunbathe, explore the nearby caves, hike to the Torre de Cala Pi watchtower for a panoramic view.
2. day: Cala Pi – Es Trenc and Sa Ràpita
13 km (8 nm), sailing time: 2-3 hours
In the afternoon, sail to Es Trenc, a long, pristine beach with white sand. Anchor and enjoy swimming, sunbathing and water sports. Go to the nearby port of Sa Ràpita for the night and explore the charming town of Sa Ràpita, enjoy a delicious seafood dinner in a local restaurant.
3. day: Sa Ràpita – Cabrera Archipelago National Park
24 km (15 nm), sailing time: 2.5-3 hours
Sail to the Cabrera Archipelago National Park, a protected area of unspoiled natural beauty. Obtain permission to anchor in one of the designated bays (e.g. Cala Gandulf, Cala Santa Maria).
Take a trip to Cabrera Castle for stunning views, go diving and/or explore the island’s diverse flora and fauna.
4. day: Cabrera – Cala Figuera
26 km (16 nm), sailing time: 2.5-3 hours
In the morning, head to the picturesque fishing village of Cala Figuera. Explore the charming village, walk along the waterfront, taste fresh seafood in a local restaurant.
5. day: Cala Figuera – Portocolom
15 km (9 nm), sailing time: 1-1.5 hours
A short sail to Portocolom, a charming town with a huge natural harbour. Explore the town with its colorful houses, shops and restaurants, the lighthouse, relax on the beach, explore the nearby caves.
6. day: Portocolom – Cala Santanyí
17 km (11 nm), sailing time: 1.5-2 hours
Sail to Cala Santanyí, a beautiful bay with turquoise water and a sandy beach. Discover the nearby caves, take a trip to the Mondragó Nature Park.
7. day: Cala Santanyí – Palma
64 km (40 nm), sailing time: 5-6 hours
Day 1. Palma – Cala Pi 32 km (20 nm), Day 2. Cala Pi – Es Trenc and Sa Ràpita 13 km (8 nm), Day 3. Es Trenc and Sa Ràpita – Cabrera Archipelago 24 km (15 nm), Day 4. Cabrera Archipelago – Cala Figuera 26 km (16 nm), Day 5. Cala Figuera – Portocolom 15 km (9 nm), Day 6. Portocolom – Cala Santanyí 17 km (11 nm), Day 7. Cala Santanyí – Palma – Palma 64 km (40 nm)
Enjoy your last morning in Cala Santanyí before sailing back to Palma.
Imagine this: Mallorca, endless blue waters, and all you have to do is enjoy it. The finding of the ideal yacht? Local rules? Consider them taken care of. Just fill out the form below, request your quote, step aboard your yacht, and let your unforgettable journey begin. Simple as that.
