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The largest island of the Balearics, Mallorca is one of Europe’s boating capitals, and it’s delightfully obvious to see why. Whether you cruise your own boat to this Mediterranean gem, or charter a boat in Mallorca, you’ll be greeted with the perfect set of conditions for an idyllic boating holiday.
Follow in the wakes of the largest superyachts, many of whom grace the swanky marinas of Mallorca each year, as you explore a craggy coastline of towering mountains and crescents of golden sand, and head ashore to discover an ancient cultural identity which thrives despite its popularity as a tourist destination.
Why Visit Mallorca by Boat?
Cruising the coast of Mallorca allows you to escape the summer crowds and get a true sense of the natural beauty of the island. From the capital of Palma, where the grand Gothic Cathedral and royal Palace stand regally over marinas packed with everything from tiny fishing boats to jaw-dropping superyachts, the 550 kilometres of coastline stretches out alluringly. Head west to the vast Tramuntana Mountains, where pine-topped slopes tumble into navy blue waters and in between stone villages retain the same age-old traditions they always have done. East, and the coast, is a dazzling swirl of turquoise waters and golden sands.
Go snorkelling, paddleboarding or windsurfing in the crystal clear waters, anchor in tranquil bays and follow the scents of sumptuous Mallorcan food as you head ashore by tender. With everything from world-class wineries to rip-roaring waterparks there isn’t much Mallorca doesn’t offer visitors. However, it is the glittering coastline, with its coves and beaches, its upmarket resorts and traditional coastal villages, which is the island’s crowning glory. Explore by boat, and you’ll experience it in a way simply not possible from land.
The Best Months for Sailing in Mallorca
Whether you plan to cruise in a sailing yacht or motorboat, the weather in Mallorca is extremely favourable for a good part of the year. Except for the chillier winter months from November to March, the island enjoys perfect conditions for boating. Spring and autumn see far fewer crowds and are some of the best times to enjoy a boating holiday in Mallorca with temperatures in the high 20s and balmy water temperatures, especially in October. The high season months of June, July and August can get warm, but there is always a nice breeze at sea and lots of impossibly blue bays to jump into it to cool off. For those chartering a yacht in Mallorca, consider the spring and autumn seasons for better deals and more choice of yachts.
What to see and do in Mallorca by Boat?
With traditional seafood and paella restaurants, ancient festivals, boutique shopping and over 300 beaches, Mallorca is the perfect mix of traditional, modern and natural. Exploring by boat gives you a unique insight into the Mallorca that few get to see. Whether you want to get away from it all and go in search of tiny fishing villages and hidden coves, or join in with Palma’s exuberant and sophisticated nightlife, the choice is yours.
Highlights include:
1. Hiking in the beautiful Serra de Tramuntana Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage destination.
2. Visiting mountain villages such as Soller, famed for its orange and lemon groves, Valldemossa, once home to Chopin, and the artist’s village of Deia.
3. Lounge on sweeping arcs of sand such as those in the south and east around Cala d’Or, Porto Cristo and Ses Salines. Don’t miss Es Trenc, with its turquoise waters and powdery sand.
4. Cruise along the south coast to swanky marinas such as Puerto Portals and Puerto Andratx, renowned for their excellent restaurants and boutique shops.
5. Venture north to the great sweeping bays of Pollensa and Alcudia and visit their old towns, nearby nature reserves and inland vineyards.
6. Discover astounding natural formations such as Sa Calobra and the Torrent de Pareis gorge, carved through the mountains. Approach by boat for a truly unique view.
7. Delve into ancient gastronomic traditions at the weekly markets, in the vineyards of the interior plains and in the local cellars serving centuries-old Mallorcan recipes.
8. Look out for wildlife as you cruise. Dolphins are commonly spotted in Mallorca’s waters, and you might also see a vast black vulture swooping over the mountain peaks.
Chartering a Boat in Mallorca
With thousands of boats moored in Mallorca’s numerous marinas, there are plenty of options when it comes to chartering a boat. Test the waters before buying a boat and discover what the island has to offer boat owners, by taking the whole family on a Mallorca boat charter holiday.
Should I Buy a Boat in Mallorca?
With around 50 marinas, Mallorca is well-geared towards the boating lifestyle, and it makes for the perfect Mediterranean base for buying and keeping a boat. The islands of Ibiza, Formentor and Menorca are an easy cruise away, and Barcelona and Valencia and their coastlines are about 100 nautical miles.
Buying a boat in Mallorca means you will have at least seven months of cruising time every year, and with plenty of budget flights from most European countries it is an incredibly accessible destination too. While non-EU buyers (which since Brexit includes British buyers) will need to check with VAT and visa requirements (see our article on what we know so far) on keeping a boat and the amount of time you can spend in Spain in any given year, owning a boat in Mallorca is a generally stress-free. English is spoken everywhere within the yachting industry, there are shipyards and chandleries galore, and there are some top boating events in the European calendar held here, including the Palma International Boat Show and the Superyacht Cup.
Rightboat.com has hundreds of boats for sale in Mallorca, so start your search today, and you too could be cruising the azure waters of Europe’s boating capital.
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