By Anaïs BEDE 
By Anaïs BEDE
29 December 2021
Reading time: 5 minutes
IN A NUTSHELL
Unmissable destinations: Palma and Cabrera
Good to know: anchoring in sand is allowed, but anchoring in seaweed (Posidonia) is prohibited. When buoys are present, you must use them.
The best anchorages : the anchorage in Pollença bay and the anchorage in Punta Negra
Contents
- Practical information for your boat rental in Majorca
- Why go to Majorca?
- Where to sail in Majorca?
- The best anchorages in Majorca
- Which itinerary to follow for your cruise?
- What are the weather conditions?
"A cruise departing from Majorca guarantees beautiful discoveries between Cabrera, wild coves with translucent waters, and lush nature" Max, who sailed on an Oceanis 411, told me.
Sailing in Majorca, the largest island in the Balearic archipelago, is synonymous with relaxation and idleness in the midst of picturesque landscapes that are more than a match for tropical destinations!
1. Practical information for your boat rental in Majorca
Average rates depending on the season and the size of the boat
The table below gives you an order of magnitude of the average prices of your boat rental. These prices can change according to the season, the availability, the model, the age of the boat...
| Type of boat | High Season July and August | Mid-Season May, June and September | Low Season April and October |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mono-hull (35 feet /≈2 cabins) | €2,000 | €1,800 | €1,200 |
| Mono-hull (40 feet /≈3 cabins) | €2,300 | €2,000 | €1,500 |
| Mono-hull (45 feet /≈4 cabins) | €2,700 | €2,400 | €2,000 |
| Catamaran (40 feet) | €7,000 | €5,000 | €3,000 |
| Catamaran (50 feet) | €9,000 | €7,000 | €5,000 |
Our main partners on site
Here is the list of our main partners who provide boat rental in Majorca:
- Porto Colom Yachting has a fleet conisisting of both mono-hull yachts (Oceanis, Sun Odyssey, Jeanneau) and catamarans (Lagoon) in Palma;
- First Class Sailing offers mono-hull yachts (Moody, Bavaria Cruiser, Sun Odyssey), and catamarans (Lagoon) for charter from Palma;
- In Palma, Dream Yacht Charter provides for charter mono-hull yachts (Hanse, Dufour, Sun Odyssey), or catamarans (Bali, Lagoon).
The port of Palma
The port, located in the city of Palma, is the largest and most modern port in the Balearic Islands. Apart from being a marina, it also hosts regattas such as the Copa del Rey, and the Princesa Sofía Trophy.
On site, you will have the following services: bathroom facilities, water, electricity, Wi-Fi, laundry, boat maintenance, surveillance… This port has 200 places.
Which licence is required?
During your cruise from Palma de Majorca, you will need a boat licence to skipper a motorboat with more than 15 horsepower or a yacht that is larger than 15 metres. For smaller boats, you will just need to prove good experience at sea with your nautical CV.
If your boat rental in Majorca includes the services of a skipper, you don't need a boat licence or a nautical CV.
2. Why go to Majorca?
When we think of the Balearic Islands, we often have in mind the image of a concrete coastline. However, you'll be surprised by the beauty of the biodiversity of Majorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands. Indeed, its mountains, its coastlines forged by the sea, its fine sandy beaches, and its turquoise waters will seduce lovers of wild nature.
The island offers a wide range of visits. Start your discovery of the island with its capital, Palma. You will enjoy getting lost in the streets of the old town. As Max, who sailed an Oceanis 411, told me: "we were pleasantly surprised by Palma. Its architecture, the atmosphere that this city exudes is lovely". A true emblem of the island, La Seu Cathedral is a must-see. It's a Gothic building dating from the 13th century. At the beginning of the 20th century, renovations, especially of the choir, were carried out by Antoni Gaudí. It is said that the latter would have made his hand during this renovation before starting to work on the Sagrada Família.
Outside of Palma, other visits are worthwhile. In the East of the island, we recommend you visit the Drach Caves . These caves contain a large underground lake, one of the biggest in Europe.
3. Where to sail in Majorca?
Places of interest on the island
With over 500 kilometres of coastline, Majorca is full of coves, each one more beautiful than the next. There is something for everyone: sandy coves, pebble beaches… with a common feature of translucent waters which are more than a match for the Caribbean. Contrary to what one might think, it is possible to find unspoilt and intimate beaches. To name a few: Cala Agulla, Cala Rajada, Cala Mondrago, Es Trenc, Port de Pollença… The Cap de Formentor on the North side of the island is wilder and is bordered by a white sandy beach where you can easily anchor. The North-West coast is surrounded by cliffs and at their foot your boat seems very small, but isolation and a change of scenery are guaranteed!
Cabrera
"The best part of our cruise was when we went around the island. There was a little bit of wind so we were able to sail. A real joy!" Max, who sailed an Oceanis 411, told me. Cabrera forms a group of islands and islets protected since 1991 as a marine and terrestrial park. This is why you will need to obtain a licence from the park authorities before you can sail there. Cabrera has no buildings apart from the ruins of a castle in the North of the island dating from the 14th century. The seabed of the island is exceptional and particularly well-preserved which makes Cabrera a perfect spot for snorkelling. With regards to beaches, the island will not disappoint you either! Among the most beautiful, you will find S'Espalmador beach to the North, and Cala es Borri beach to the East.
As you can see, Cabrera promises you a timeless stopover where you can relax and be amazed!
Minorca
Located north of Palma, you will love Menorca for its quiet far from the mass tourism present in the other Balearic islands, and for its beaches stretching as far as the eye can see. Authentic and wild, Menorca is a remarkable island that was classified as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 1993.
On site, begin your tour of the island with its former capital, Ciutadella de Menorca. This historic city has an incomparable charm and a rich cultural and architectural heritage. It's while walking through the shady streets of the city that you will discover Santa Maria Cathedral dating from the 13th century. This cathedral was built instead of a mosque, hence the presence of a minaret. It testifies to the conquest of the island by the Catalans in the thirteenth century, which then belonged to Muslims. For those who like to go for walks, we recommend you walk the Cami de Cavalls. This coastal hiking trail is an integral part of the island's history because it was created in the 14th century when King Jaume II ordered permanent protection of the island. Your tour of this town will take you to Pont d'en Gill. This natural arch nestled in the cliffs is the perfect place to admire the sunset.
As for beaches, you'll be spoilt for choice. To mention only two quite popular ones: cala Marcarella beach and cala Marcarelleta beach in the South-West of the island. With turquoise water and white limestone cliffs, these two coves are ideal for swimming and snorkelling. To enjoy the less visited beaches, we recommend that you explore the many coves along the coastline with your boat.
4. The best anchorages in Majorca
Anchorage in El Caragol
This anchorage was recommended to me by Max. I think the picture below speaks for itself! Turquoise water, a fine sandy beach... everything is combined to ensure you have a good time!
Anchorage in Pollença bay
Located in the Northern part of Majorca, and less visited by tourists, in Pollença bay you will find coves and beaches that are ideal for diving, kitesurfing, and snorkelling. On the other hand, the bay offers an idyllic setting with beautiful coves like the Cala Formentor with turquoise waters, bordered by the Sierra de Tramuntana.
Anchorage in Punta Negra
A small rocky peninsula located between Palmanova and Puerto Portals in the South of Majorca, Punta Negra has a beautiful beach. You can also go to the Punta Negra lighthouse in Levante de Aguilas bay, in just a few minutes of sailing.
5. Which itinerary to follow for your cruise?
Itinerary of one week - Total distance covered: 128 nautical miles
This itinerary was recommended to me by Max who sailed on an Oceanis 411.
- Day 1: Palma → anchorage at Playa del Trench (30 nautical miles - 5 hours' sailing)
- Day 2: Playa del Trench → anchorage in Cabrera (12 nautical miles - 2 hours' sailing)
- Day 3: Tour of Cabrera with the boat and visit (12 nautical miles - 2 hours' sailing)
- Day 4: Cabrera → Platja es Caragol anchorage (9 nautical miles - 1.5 hours' sailing)
- Day 5: Platja es Carago → Port Andratx (40 nautical miles - 6.5 hours sailing')
- Day 6: Port Andratx → Palma (25 nautical miles - 4 hours' sailing)
6. What are the weather conditions?
The Balearic Islands will offer you a pleasant sailing experience because the weather is mild all year round. In summer, temperatures are around 30°C and in winter 16°C.
As for the wind, the risk of strong gales is more likely between April and October. The Sirocco, coming from the South-East, and the Mistral, coming from the North, both Mediterranean winds, are tempered by the Gulf of Lion.
Acknowledgements
I would like to thank Antoine Lafont and Lionel for their time, testimonies and photos that perfectly illustrate this article.
