The Balearic Islands
The Balearic Islands lie in the western Mediterranean off the east coast of Spain and are a must for any sailor. Whether experienced or new to sailing, Mallorca, Ibiza, Formentera, Menorca and the Cabrera archipelago suit every level. Thanks to Mallorca's proximity to major European airports, even spontaneous trips in the shoulder seasons are easy.
You can moor in state ports, private clubs or scenic anchorages. Private clubs charge more but offer greater comfort, while many crews simply prefer to anchor in the picturesque bays known as calas. Sailing is possible year-round, and festive cruises over Christmas and New Year are increasingly popular. Many crews deliberately avoid the hot months of July and August, preferring March to June or September to October. Swimming is feasible into November, and from October the bays and marinas are pleasantly quiet. Winter and spring are ideal for sport sailing and training.
Mallorca
Mallorca, the main Balearic island, offers beautiful landscapes, crystal-clear bays, stalactite caves, charming harbour towns, art, culture and famous nightlife. Club Nàutic Arenal in the Bay of Palma is an excellent starting point for circumnavigations, island-hopping and bay exploring. It is within 15 minutes of Palma airport and offers free berths for charter clients. Playa de Palma has long sandy beaches, trendy spots, shopping and every imaginable watersport.
Cala Blava and Cala Veya
One nautical mile south-west of Club Nàutic Arenal, Cala Blava has a large buoy field that must be reserved in advance; anchoring is not allowed. Neighbouring Cala Veya is a scenic anchorage below high cliffs with crystalline water, ideal for swimming and snorkelling away from the crowds. From May to July plan morning or evening swims, as the afternoon Garbi wind can make it choppy.
Palma de Mallorca
The Balearic capital offers everything for sailors. Fridays and Saturdays are busy with crew changes, so Sunday to Thursday is calmer. Several marinas offer guest moorings, and anchoring across from the cathedral is an exceptional, much-photographed experience.
Illetas and Cala Portals Vells
Illetas is a well-protected, turquoise anchorage popular with crews leaving Palma, best on weekdays. Cala Portals Vells, the Three Finger Bay, has three sandy beaches; its famous Platja del Mago featured in the 1967 film The Magus. Anchor overnight only in westerly winds or calm, as the bay is open to the east.
Mallorca's west coast
Port d'Andratx
Nestled in the Serra de Tramuntana, Port d'Andratx impresses with spectacular scenery and offers safe moorings, buoys, restaurants, bars and shops.
Sant Elm and Isla Dragonera
Sant Elm has popular summer buoys (reserve ahead) near the protected island of Sa Dragonera, a 274-hectare reserve rich in biodiversity, including the Balearic wall lizard. Visiting requires an online permit.
Cala Banyalbufar and Cala Deià
Cala Banyalbufar offers magnificent Tramuntana views and 13th-century Moorish terraces; anchor around 10 metres. Cala Deià, three miles from Port de Sóller, allows sandy anchoring under 10 metres with summer restaurants. Nearby Na Foradada is famous for its pierced rock; Archduke Ludwig Salvator lived on the estate above in the 19th century.
Port de Sóller and Cala de sa Calobra
Port de Sóller is the only sheltered harbour in the north-west of the Tramuntana and a picturesque village; ride the historic wooden tram to Sóller. Book berths at portsib.es, or anchor and tender ashore (note: little swell protection). Cala de sa Calobra, where the Torrent des Pareis flows in, is considered by many THE bay of Mallorca, with cliffs over 200 metres and an annual concert in early July.
Bay of Pollença and Bay of Alcúdia
Colònia de Sant Pere
The sunset from the Club Nàutic in Colònia de Sant Pere has thrilled many. Below the mountains of Artà, it is well placed to provision before a circumnavigation or a hop to Menorca.
Mallorca's east coast
Cala Rajada, Porto Cristo and Portocolom
Cala Rajada, 25 nautical miles from Menorca, has a lively promenade and an annual art mile. Porto Cristo, in Manacor (Rafael Nadal's birthplace), has a relaxed fishing-village feel and the famous Coves del Drach and dels Hams nearby. Portocolom keeps its original charm; its summer buoy field is bookable via portsib.com.
Cala Mondragó and Cala Figuera
Cala Mondragó is a celebrated nature reserve loved by swimmers and snorkellers, with a beach restaurant. Picturesque Cala Figuera has only a few private buoys and no anchoring, but enchants with its fresh-fish morning market.
The sunny south
Es Trenc and Cala Pí
Es Trenc offers turquoise water over a mile of pure sand for a Caribbean feel, with yellow buoys marking the swimming zone; very busy on summer weekends. Fjord-like Cala Pí cuts deep into the cliffs two miles from the Bay of Palma; mind the submerged rocks, anchor with a shore line, and hike the clifftop trail with views to Cabrera on clear days.
Cabrera
The Cabrera archipelago national park is one of Mallorca's favourite destinations. Its large natural harbour has a limited number of overnight buoys (reserve online 20 days ahead; summer sells out, anchoring prohibited). Ashore you find the La Cantina bar, castle ruins, a museum and lighthouses on maintained trails.
Ibiza and Formentera
Many Mallorca-based crews sail on to Ibiza and Formentera, the Islas Pitiusas. Between Es Freus and Ses Salines lies a 100,000-year-old Posidonia meadow, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Formentera has one harbour with two marinas, reachable only by boat or ferry; marina fees are among the highest in the Balearics, but the sandy anchorages and famously clear water make up for it. Best from May to July and September to October.
Menorca
Mallorca's smaller sibling is all about nature away from mass tourism. A UNESCO biosphere reserve, Menorca enchants with unspoilt landscapes, undeveloped beaches and quiet calas; the capital Ciutadella offers Spanish architecture and authentic restaurants.