Why Mallorca Works So Well for Sailing
Mallorca is one of the best sailing destinations in the Mediterranean, and it is underrated. Sailors default to Greece or Croatia, but Mallorca offers something neither can match: a full circumnavigation of a single large island with wildly different coastlines. The east coast has sheltered coves with turquoise water. The north has dramatic cliffs and mountain backdrops. The west has tiny fishing harbours tucked beneath the Serra de Tramuntana. And the south has Cabrera, a national park island that most tourists never reach.
The wind is manageable. Summer thermals build from the south-east in the afternoon (10 to 15 knots), making for pleasant beam reaches along the coast. Distances between harbours are reasonable. And the marinas, while not cheap, are well-maintained and well-stocked.
This itinerary covers Mallorca's highlights in seven days. It is based on a clockwise circuit from Palma, tested and refined over multiple charters. Total distance: 178 nautical miles. Total marina and mooring costs: under 500 euros.
The Route at a Glance
| Day | Route | Distance | Hours | Overnight | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat | Check-in at Palma | 0nm | -- | Palma marina | Included |
| Sun | Palma to Cabrera | 29nm | 5h | Buoy mooring | ~€40 |
| Mon | Cabrera to Porto Colom | 24nm | 4h | Marina | ~€130 |
| Tue | Porto Colom to Port de Pollenca | 41nm | 7h | Marina | €60-160 |
| Wed | Port de Pollenca to Port de Soller | 38nm | 6.5h | Marina | ~€80 |
| Thu | Port de Soller to Port d'Andratx | 26nm | 4.5h | Marina | ~€70 |
| Fri | Port d'Andratx to Palma | 20nm | 3.5h | Palma marina | Included |
| Sat | Check-out by 9am | 0nm | -- | -- | -- |
| Total | 178nm | 30.5h | ~€480 |
Fuel estimate for the week (40-foot monohull, mix of sailing and motoring): approximately 450 euros.
Saturday: Palma
Check-in at the charter base from 10am. Most charter companies in Mallorca operate from the marinas around the Bay of Palma: Real Club Nautico, Marina Palma Cuarentena, or Club de Mar.
Use the afternoon to provision. The Mercat de l'Olivar in central Palma is excellent for fresh produce, meat, fish, and local cheese. For bulk shopping, there is a Mercadona within walking distance of most marinas.
Do not rush out. Spend the evening in Palma. Walk the old town: the cathedral (La Seu) is stunning at sunset. Eat at one of the restaurants on Passeig des Born or in the Santa Catalina neighbourhood. You will not be back in a city for the rest of the week.
Sunday: Palma to Cabrera (29nm, 5 hours)
Leave Palma by 8am. Head south across the Bay of Palma towards Cabrera, a national park archipelago 10 miles off the southern tip of Mallorca. The passage is open water, so leave early before the afternoon thermal builds.
Important: you must book a mooring buoy in advance. Cabrera is a protected national park. Anchoring is prohibited. Mooring buoys cost approximately 40 euros per night and are allocated through the Balearic government's online booking system (ideally book 2 to 4 weeks ahead in summer). Without a booking, you cannot stay overnight.
Once moored, Cabrera is extraordinary. The water is the clearest in the Balearics. Snorkel straight off the boat. In the afternoon, take the dinghy to the main island and hike to the 14th-century castle on the hilltop. The views at sunset, with the mountains of Mallorca on the northern horizon, are the highlight of the trip.
There is a small cantina on the island for drinks, but no shops. Bring everything you need from Palma.
Swimming: the cove is a marine reserve. Expect to see grouper, octopus, and barracuda within metres of the boat.
Monday: Cabrera to Porto Colom (24nm, 4 hours)
A relaxed morning sail north-east along the south coast. The first section passes the dramatic cliffs of Cap de Ses Salines, Mallorca's southernmost point. Then the coastline softens into the cala-studded east coast.
Porto Colom is a traditional Mallorcan fishing harbour, unspoiled by mass tourism. The marina costs approximately 130 euros per night for a 40-foot yacht, which is the most expensive stop of the week but worth it. The town has excellent seafood restaurants along the harbour front.
Afternoon: Walk or cycle to the Punta de Ses Crestes lighthouse at the harbour entrance. The views along the coast are beautiful, and it takes less than an hour there and back.
Alternative anchorage: If you want to save on marina fees, anchor in Cala Sa Nau or Cala Mitjana, two stunning turquoise coves 3nm south of Porto Colom. Free, but exposed to southerly wind.
Tuesday: Porto Colom to Port de Pollenca (41nm, 7 hours)
The longest day. Leave early (7am latest). Sail north along the east coast, passing the beautiful Cala Ratjada and rounding Cap de Formentor, the dramatic northernmost point of Mallorca where the Serra de Tramuntana drops vertically into the sea.
Break the passage: Stop mid-morning at Cala Mesquida, a wide sandy bay 18nm from Porto Colom. Anchor for an hour, swim, have a second breakfast. This turns a 7-hour marathon into two manageable legs.
Cap de Formentor is the highlight. The cliffs are 300 metres high. If the wind is from the north-west (common in summer), expect some chop rounding the cape. Stay 200 metres offshore and it is fine.
Port de Pollenca sits in a wide, sheltered bay on the north coast. Marina fees range from 60 to 160 euros depending on the season and berth availability. The town is charming: a long promenade, good restaurants, and a market on Sundays and Wednesdays.
Evening: Walk the Pine Walk (Paseo de los Pinos) along the seafront. Simple, beautiful, and the best way to stretch your legs after a long sail.
Wednesday: Port de Pollenca to Port de Soller (38nm, 6.5 hours)
Sail west along the north coast, beneath the full length of the Serra de Tramuntana. This is the most scenic passage of the week. The mountains rise over 1,000 metres directly from the sea, with terraced olive groves, stone villages, and pine-covered cliffs.
The coastline between Pollenca and Soller has no harbours. Commit to the passage. The wind is usually a light to moderate beam reach from the east, making this a fast and comfortable sail.
Port de Soller is a natural horseshoe harbour, almost completely enclosed by mountains. The marina costs approximately 80 euros per night. Moor up and explore.
Do not miss the vintage tram. A wooden tram runs from the port up through the orange groves to the town of Soller (about 10 minutes, 7 euros return). From Soller, a vintage train (the "Ferrocarril de Soller," built 1912) runs through the mountains to Palma, though you will want to save that for a land-based trip. The tram ride alone is a highlight. Get off in Soller town, walk the Placa de la Constitucio, and eat dinner at one of the restaurants in the square.
Provisioning: Soller town has a Eroski supermarket for restocking.
Thursday: Port de Soller to Port d'Andratx (26nm, 4.5 hours)
A shorter day after two long ones. Continue west along the Tramuntana coast. The stretch between Soller and Andratx is the wildest and most dramatic section, with the island of Sa Dragonera appearing ahead as you round the south-western corner.
Sa Dragonera is an uninhabited nature reserve shaped like a dragon (hence the name). You can anchor off the eastern shore in settled weather and take the dinghy to the island for a hike. The island has marked trails, a lighthouse, and endemic Lilford's wall lizard (small, friendly, everywhere). Allow 1 to 2 hours for the walk.
Port d'Andratx is one of the most upscale harbours in Mallorca. Marina fees are approximately 70 euros per night. The harbour is surrounded by restaurants, and the town has a relaxed but polished feel.
Do not miss: CCA Andratx, a contemporary art museum in a converted warehouse on the edge of town. It is one of the best small art spaces in Spain, with rotating exhibitions and a sculpture garden. Open Thursday to Sunday, 10:30am to 7pm, 8 euros entry.
Friday: Port d'Andratx to Palma (20nm, 3.5 hours)
The final sail. A short morning passage south-east along the coast back to Palma. Leave by 9am and you arrive before lunch.
Refuel at the charter base fuel dock before mooring. Most charter companies require you to return the yacht with the same fuel level as departure (or pay a premium for them to refuel).
Spend the afternoon cleaning up (most charter companies require a basic tidy; the professional clean is included in your charter fee). Use the remaining daylight for a last swim in the Bay of Palma or a walk through Palma's old town.
Last dinner: Eat out in Palma. The Santa Catalina neighbourhood has the best restaurant concentration: El Camino for tapas, Patron Lunares for seafood, or any of the places on Carrer de Sant Magí.
Saturday: Check-out
Off the boat by 9am. The charter company inspects the yacht. Assuming no damage, you are free to go.
Practical Notes
Best months: May, June, September, and early October. July and August are hotter, busier, and more expensive. April is possible but water temperature is 16 to 18°C.
Wind: Summer thermals build from the south-east in the afternoon, typically 10 to 15 knots. Mornings are often calm. The Tramuntana (north wind) can funnel through the mountain valleys and create gusts of 25+ knots on the north and west coasts. Check forecasts daily.
Provisioning: Stock up in Palma before departure. Porto Colom and Soller have adequate shops. Cabrera and Sa Dragonera have nothing.
Cabrera booking: Essential. Book at least 2 to 4 weeks in advance through the official Cabrera National Park booking system. Limited buoys available.
Eating out: Budget 25 to 40 euros per person for a good waterfront dinner with wine. Harbour restaurants in Porto Colom and Port de Soller offer the best value.
Cost summary for the week:
- Marina and mooring fees: approximately 480 euros
- Fuel (40-foot monohull): approximately 450 euros
- Eating out (6 dinners, 2 people): approximately 350 euros
- Provisioning (breakfast and lunch on board): approximately 200 euros
- Total running costs: approximately 1,480 euros (excluding the charter fee itself)
For a full breakdown of what a charter costs, see our yacht charter cost guide.
More Itinerary Resources
- How to plan a charter itinerary covers the general principles
- Best Greek islands for sailing for an alternative destination
- Croatia sailing guide for Dalmatian coast routes
- Caribbean vs Mediterranean if you are choosing between them
- What to pack for the complete packing list
We Plan Mallorca Charters
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