Yacht charter Palma

   By Agathe LAMIGEON

February 25, 2022

Reading time: 10 minutes

Summary

1. Practical information for your yacht charter from the port of Palma
2. What to do in the city of Palma?
3. Where to sail in the Balearic Islands?
4. The most beautiful anchorages in the Balearic Islands
5. What activities can you enjoy on your vacation in the archipelago?
6. What sailing itineraries should you follow?
7. What are the weather conditions?

"The Balearic Islands are literally in the tropics, an hour from Bordeaux and two hours from Paris. This destination ticks all the boxes: clear water, warmth, swimming, a warm welcome from the locals, and so on! "You can also experience the superb Spanish culture," Antoine, a Filovent customer who sailed on an Elba 45 in October, tells me. "It's very easy to sail there because it's particularly short. For a family vacation , it's the best!" he adds.

Would you like to escape to the sun and enjoy the azure blue sea without going to the other end of the world? The Balearic Islands are made for you! This archipelago will satisfy all your desires thanks to its very different atmospheres: tranquil Menorca, cultural Mallorca and party-loving Ibiza.

Jump on the first plane and get away from it all in the heart of paradise on a cruise in the Balearic Islands, just a two-hour flight from Paris!

1. Practical information for your yacht charter from the port of Palma

What styles of boats are available for charter?

Mallorca is the largest island in the Balearic Islands. It is therefore not surprising that its port, located in the capital Palma, is the largest of the five islands. 339 boats await you at the departure point of this sunny seaside resort, the majority of which are monohulls (45%) and catamarans (29%).

Be careful before renting the boat of your dreams! You must have a boat license to sail in Spanish waters. Don't panic, it is possible to hire the services of a skipper.

"We recommend that you opt for a catamaran for a successful cruise in the Balearic Islands! They are more spacious, wider and more comfortable than boats with one hull, so you can fully enjoy the archipelago. They also have a shallower draft, so they are ideal," advises a member of the Dream Yacht Charter staff.

"For a family cruise, opt for a catamaran. There is more space and your children will not feel cramped. If you're looking for a bit of adventure and excitement, rent a monohull. It's great for playing with the wind!", Celia from our partner Viva Charter recommends.

But above all, make your choice according to your preferences and your budget. It's your vacation, treat yourself!

Average rates according to the season and the size of the boat

The table below gives you an idea of the average prices of the boats. These prices may vary depending on the season, availability, model, age of the boat, etc.

The port of Palma

Do you dream of sailing in the turquoise waters of the Balearic Islands during your vacation? The ideal point of departure for your getaway is the port of Palma, the largest in the archipelago, with more than 1,000 berths! In addition to being renowned for yachting, it regularly hosts nautical sporting events such as the Copa del Rey regatta and the Princesa Sofía Trophy. It has all the facilities sought after by yachtsmen, with the possibility of refueling, water and electricity.

less than 5 minutes from the city center, it is also easily accessible from the airport, 12 kilometers away. The choice is yours! Taxis are available at Gate D for USD25, and will get you to the marina in about twenty minutes. And because there's no such thing as a small saving, you could take public transport with the bus (line 1 ) for just USD5.

Allow around fifty USD to moor there for the night, but of course this price will depend on the season and the size of your boat.

Our local partners

We have contacted the best professional boat rental companies in the area to offer you the vacation of your dreams! Our main partners for departures from Palma, and also the most popular with our customers, are Viva Yacht Charter, Dream Yacht Charter and Cruesa Mallorca Yacht Charter. Their fleets mainly consist of well-known brands such as Lagoon, Dufour and Jeanneau.

• Viva Yacht Charter is considered to be the most modern charter company in Spain. You will love the quality of their 20 boats departing from Palma, always at competitive prices. Our customers recognize their professionalism with a score of 14.38/20.

• Dream Yacht Charter has been making the experience of sailing accessible to all since 2000. The group started out in the Seychelles and has now expanded to more than 60 destinations around the world. You can board one of its 25 boats departing from Palma and enjoy a unique experience! It is also very highly rated, with an average of 16.05/20.

• Cruesa Mallorca is a family business that has been established in Mallorca for over 40 years. Their strength lies in their prestigious fleet at attractive prices. Their friendly, multilingual team provides an impeccable service, which is greatly appreciated by our customers, who give theman excellent rating of 15.67/20. Have a great vacation on the boat thanks to their professionalism!

• Be Charter offers 8 boats departing from Palma for a unique experience ."We received a really warm welcome from the rental company Be Charter. They were really friendly and everything went well," says Stéphane, a Filovent customer who sailed on an Oceanis 30.1 in February. Our customers agree 100% with his statement, as they have given it a fabulous score of 18.89/20!

Skippers are not often included in your yacht charter in the Balearic Islands. We can contact"CaptNBoat","CaptainsandCrew" or"Tripulacion.net" to find one for you.

A

2. What to do in the city of Palma?

The largest city in the Balearic Islands, Palma is not only the ideal point of departure for setting sail for the beautiful islands of the archipelago, but also a Spanish seaside city rich in history and heavenly landscapes. Before setting out in the open sea, take the time to enjoy the capital of Mallorca with its wonderful climate, and discover its architecture, nature and lively atmosphere.

History lovers will be in their element, with numerous sites to enjoy! And yes, Mallorca is not just about lazing around, it's also about discovery. Marvel at the majestic cathedral of Palma, a favorite of our partner Dream Yacht Charter: "It's a must-see!" Located on the walls of the old town, this building decorated with spectacular sculptures by Guillermo Sagrera preserves the remains of kings James II and James III. Then go and discover their former home, the Royal Palace of Almudaina, which today serves as the venue for the Spanish royal family's state ceremonies.

"Go and visit the museum of modern and contemporary art in Palma, it's amazing!", Antoine, who sailed on an Elba 45, tells me.

To combine history and a panoramic view, climb to the top of the hill to the former summer residence of the kings of Majorca, Bellver Castle. One of the only circular castles in Europe, learn more about the city thanks to its famous museum. A sublime testimony to the Islamic period in Spain, the Arab baths were the place to go to socialize in those days!

Looking to get off the beaten track? Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011, the Serra de Tramutana mountain range stretches for around a hundred kilometers and offers a spectacular view of the island and its surroundings. A real feeling of freedom will wash over you once you reach the top of the mountain range. For something a little more unusual, come and admire one of the largest underground lakes in the world in the heart of the Caves of Drach in Porto Cristo. Young and old alike will be fascinated by this real movie set.

The mystical Drach caves on the island of Mallorca (YouTube video)

Once you've had your fill of culture, lose yourself in the streets of the old town and come across magnificent squares such as Plaça Mayor, Casal Solleric, Plaça de Cor and Llotja. Snap up a superb pair of swimming trunks or some luxury sunglasses on Passeig del Born. You will be perfectly equipped for a successful cruise in the sun! "For shopping, I recommend the Jaume III shopping center," advises Celia from our partner Viva Charter.

After all that walking, rest your feet by lying down on one of the island's beaches. The closest to the old town is Ca'n Pere Antoni beach. It is a kilometer long, so you will no doubt find a spot for your parasol. Relax for a while before starting a game of frantic beach volleyball on one of the courts.

In the evening, mingle with the locals in the Santa Catalina district and have a drink while learning a few words of Spanish atthe "Cafe Atlantico Cocktail Bar". Salud ("cheers" in Spanish)! To eat: "La Lonja is perfect for tapas or a drink on the terrace", advises Celia from our partner Viva Charter.

"Before boarding your boat, I strongly recommend that you take a tour of the historic city of Palma, it's really very pretty to see," recommends our partner Dream Yacht Charter. "Take the opportunity to relax on Cala Mayor beach, not far from the port," he adds. If you're feeling peckish, no worries! Palma is full of tapas restaurants. "The restaurant"Can Pelut" is very good, with good value for money", our partner told me.

3. Where to sail in the Balearic Islands?

After having been charmed by Palma and the sublime island of Mallorca, it is time to set course for the other islands of the archipelago, with their completely different atmospheres. You will really feel like you have traveled three times in one cruise! The only drawback is that the voyages between the different areas tend to be quite long. In one week, you will only be able to combine two of them, so that you can really make the most of each anchorage.

"The ideal would be to set sail for the Balearic Islands for two weeks. Choosing a cruise of only one week is too short even to go all the way around the island of Mallorca, while two weeks is perfect for also discovering the other two islands," recommends our partner Dream Yacht Charter.

Mallorca and Cabrera

Before setting out in the open sea to another sailing area, sail around Mallorca. Admire the island from the crystal clear sea; it has a different sailing trim from a distance. It will be quieter than Palma and you will even be able to decide where to berth, certainly in a less touristy place with fewer Germans!

"The island of Mallorca is very diverse, each side of the island has its own special characteristics. The west coast is very mountainous and offers magnificent points of view, while the east coast is rather flat with many heavenly coves," emphasizes a member of the Dream Yacht Charter staff.

"Inthe east of the island, you will find many bays where anchored boats are well sheltered from westerly winds. Enough to allow you to relax on your deck and try your best dives in the azure water! I will present a few of them to you in the next part of the article.

You will be dazzled by the north-western coast, facing Spain. Very rocky, you will find majestic cliffs such as Porto Soller. Hikers and water sports enthusiasts will inevitably moor at this pretty port, far from the crowds, to enjoy an authentic, family atmosphere.

Then head for the amazing little archipelago of Cabrera, a "National Land and Sea Park" since 1991. Celia's favorite, Viva Charter, will take you on a cruise around the 18 small deserted rocky islands and islets that resemble lunar landscapes. They are completely deserted, with only a small military garrison providing surveillance. Anchor at the port of Cabrera, overlooked by a sumptuous castle, and enjoy the beauty of its flora and fauna. Very wild and well preserved, it is home to 80% of the planet's lizards and more than 460 varieties of plants! Also open your eyes and prick up your ears, you might hear the whistle of a group of dolphins!

"If you had to adjust your course to only one place, set off to discover Cabrera. This natural reserve is magnificent and incredibly well preserved," says Dream Yacht Charter. "Cabrera is amazing!" adds Antoine , who sailed there in August.

Minorca

Renowned as the wildest and most tranquil of the three main Balearic Islands, come and get away from it all in the calm and beauty of its many coves and bays.

"Minorca is my favorite! It's more intimate and has more diversity," confides Antoine, who sailed with his family on the side of the boat of an Elba 45.

Explore the island on foot, visiting the Ciutadella and Mahon, the old and new capitals respectively. Take a deep breath of fresh air in the s'Albufera des Grau natural park, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and recognized as a biosphere reserve since 1995. As incredible to observe from the land as from the sea! Stop for a lobster soup at the port of Fornells and admire the sunset from Pont d'en Gill, a famous natural arch, ideal for original photos. Wear good shoes and look carefully in front of you, the path is not the easiest to navigate, but well worth the detour!

The

"I recommend Mercat del Peix for excellent tapas! It really has the atmosphere of a market, with different stalls selling tapas, seafood and typical island products. You take a tray and choose food from different stalls. It's a really fun activity to do with friends or family!" says Lila, editor at Filovent, who has gone on holiday to Menorca. "What's more, it's not a pitch walk from the port to get an ice cream for dessert!", she adds.

Lila and her friends treat themselves at the Mercat del Peix, on the island of Menorca! (YouTube video)

Ibiza and Formentera

When you hear the name"Ibiza", you immediately think of partying, the world's greatest DJs and young people spending the day in a coma on the beaches. And you're not wrong, it is the favorite destination of young people in search of sumptuous and unforgettable evenings. But what you probably don't know is that it is also a very pleasant island to visit, with rather quiet areas.

The north of the island is absolutely calm and protected and a great place for a stroll. The landscapes are like works of art and you will be surprised by the diversity of the beaches. There is a beach for every mood! Whether you're there to party, to enjoy yourself with your family or to spend some romantic time alone with your loved one in a wild cove, you're bound to find what you're looking for on this multi-faceted island.

Stroll through the famous hippy markets for a leap back to the 1960s. In this warm and colorful atmosphere, unearth that rare pearl that you will keep as a souvenir of this dream trip. Then lose yourself in Eivissa, one of the oldest cities in the world, and imagine yourself in a movie among the dazzlingly white buildings. Or how about a more picturesque cruise to Ibiza!

Jump to the side of your boat and sail to wild Formentera. You will have the impression of being at the end of the world on this island with its sailing trim of paradise.

4. The most beautiful anchorages in the Balearic Islands

Haul your boat in and lose yourself among the islands of the Balearic Islands in search of exceptional anchorages. "You will find one magnificent anchorage after another every 300 meters. Don't arrive there too late if you want to find a spot in high season!" explains a member of the Dream Yacht Charter staff.

"Choose your anchorage according to the weather. Depending on the wind, it's best to anchor your boat to the east or west of the island to protect yourself," he explains.

"The anchorages in the Balearic Islands are very easy! It was a pleasure to sail in the region," confides Stéphane, who sailed on an Oceanis 30.1.

Port of Sóller

Located in the northwest of Mallorca, fall in love with this magnificent anchorage. "The port of Sóller is very popular with hikers and sailors," Celia from Viva Charter tells me. "It's a good place to drop anchor in bad weather, as the horseshoe bay remains protected from the worst waves", she adds.

Es Grau

Beautifully natural and wild, the anchorageof Es Grau on Menorca is the ideal point of departure for a hike in the heart of the lush nature.

"We thought Es Grau was really nice! Very peaceful and exotic, it was paradise. We had an excellent takeaway paella there. The restaurant was called"L'avi Bernadet","superb!", Antoine tells me. He was sailing on an Elba 45.

Portals We

"Portals Nous is one of the most famous ports! It has an active nightlife as well as very good restaurants, most of which are quite expensive. The pizzeria"El Diablito" is good value for money! You will see many luxury yachts and may easily come across a celebrity or the King of Spain! On the other hand, it is extremely difficult to find a berth there, but it is possible to find anchored boats at Costa d'en Blanes, the beach next to the port, Celia from our partner Viva Charter tells me. It is not a pitch away from Palma, you only have a few nautical miles to sail west to reach it!

Portals Vells

Continue a little further west and you will come to another idyllic anchorage. "One evening we stood in a cove close-hauled to Portals Nous called Portals Vells. It was really very nice, there wasn't much wind and there was no one else at the anchorage. It was absolutely fantastic and relaxing," says Stéphane , who sailed in February.

Cala Figuera

The charming fishing village of Cala Figuera, only an hour from Palma, will amaze you with its beauty and picturesque charm. Nestled between two cliffs, its vegetation is lush and green. The ochre-colored fishermen's houses are adorned with brightly colored shutters, it looks like a postcard!

"There was an excellent bar, called "Bon Bar", with a very nice view, it was fantastic!" explains Antoine, a Filovent customer.

Dragonera

Its funny name comes from its shape, which strangely resembles a lying dragon. It's a lazard's lair, and your children will love to approach them, as they are not at all shy! It's also the moment to put on your walking shoes and explore the paths of this pretty protected island to the west of Majorca. Climb, jump and marvel. It's the best place to visit to feel like a child again.

"Dragonera is really great! We had a lot of fun with the children and the lizards, it was an absolutely incredible moment", Antoine, who sailed on an Elba 45, tells me. "We also took a superb trip to the old lighthouse", he adds.

Cala Binidali

"The pretty cove of Cala Binidali is a little corner of paradise with an absolutely incredible turquoise sea. You have to get there early, because there are very quickly no more places available as the beach is very small! ", Lila, an editor at Filovent who went on vacation to Menorca with friends, tells me. "Be careful, there are a few small jellyfish around, but they don't really sting that badly."

For the record, she amusingly tells us that: "To the right of the beach, there is a small house belonging to some locals who happen to be nudists. They are often outside having their coffee in the sun, so it's quite funny!"

"Climb the steps to the"Binidali Beach" bar, it offers an incredible view!", Lila tells me.

Lila and her friends arrive in the marvelous cove of Cala Binidali (YouTube video)

5. What activities can you enjoy on your vacation in the archipelago?

Sailing

"We went for 3 days and mainly enjoyed sailing. We calmly anchored boats in a few charming coves and pretty ports and took the opportunity to perfect our maneuvers," says Stéphane, who sailed on an Oceanis 30.1 in February. "One morning, we sailed for an hour in quite thick fog. It was a superb sailing experience!", he adds.

Swimming

"We literally spent hours swimming in the sun. I'm a big softie, so I loved spending special moments with my children, who told me they were "living the life" during these vacations. Seeing them so happy was magical!", Antoine tells me, who went sailing with his family on board an Elba 45.

Hiking and trekking

The best hiking spot we can recommend is the Albufera des Grau Natural Park. Explore the many trails in the midst of incredible biodiversity. There are as many paths as there are levels or paces of walking, so you're bound to find one that suits you perfectly! The Camí de Cavalls royal path is a must-do, a cultural and historical heritage trail around the island of Menorca.

"On the island of Mallorca, go to Port Soller for some trekking. It's the perfect place to veer off into this kind of activity, with breathtaking views of the sea", Dream Yacht Charter tells me.

"We did a lot of walking! We often went ashore with the dinghy for nice walks," says Antoine, who sailed in October. "The islands of Cabrera and Dragonera are great for that! We also did a fair bit of walking in Cala Figuera, Portopetro and Portocolom," he adds.

Hike on the Camí de Cavalls trail (YouTube video)

Paddleboarding and kayaking

"Most of our boaters ask us to rent out paddleboards by the week. It's an activity they love to do on the beautiful calm and crystal-clear waters of the archipelago," a member of the Dream Yacht Charter staff tells me.

"We rented a paddleboard and kayaks and had an incredible time with the kids. I love watching them have so much fun!", Antoine, who went sailing in August, tells me. "I remember hiking on the island of Aire, close-hauled to Menorca, we had a lot of fun with the children in the midst of thousands of lizards, it was incredible", he adds.

Diving and snorkeling

Our diving friends will be amazed by the beauty of the Balearic seabed. You will also find numerous diving clubs for beginners who would like to start the adventure. Celia from Viva Charter informs me that a diving permit is compulsory to observe the fauna and flora of the archipelago.

You can dive and snorkel almost anywhere, the water is crystal clear, making it ideal for veering off in these directions. For scuba diving, we recommend the coves of Porto Cristo in Portocolom. You won't regret it!

The Balearic Islands are among the most beautiful snorkeling spots in the Mediterranean!

"The quality of the water in the Balearic Islands and its transparency are impressive! You can anchor boats absolutely anywhere for a snorkeling session ," a member of the Dream Yacht Charter staff tells me, "we provide the appropriate equipment to the customer before he sets off with our boats."

"The island of Cabrera, not far from Mallorca, is perfect for a lovely snorkeling or diving session," Celia from our partner Viva Charter tells me. "You can also explore the seabed of Cala Blava, Dragonera orEl Toro, in the Port Adriano area, which are great diving spots!" she adds.

Paragliding

Thrill-seekers can take the plunge in the water to the northof Alcudia during a weekend in Majorca. Thrills guaranteed during this memorable paragliding descent, an experience that will remain etched in your memory forever.

Incredible view from a paragliding jump from the top of Alcudia (YouTube video)

6. Which sailing itineraries should you follow?

"The best advice I can give to future yachtsmen is to set off on the opposite side of the wind. You will find anchorages every 300 meters during your navigation", advises our partner Dream Yacht Charter.

One-week sailing itinerary proposed by our partner Dream Yacht Charter - Total distance traveled: 126 nautical miles

• Day 1: Palma → Portals We → Cala Portals Vells (9 nautical miles - 2 hours)
• Day 2: Cala Portals Vells → Sa Torre → Cala Pi (21 nautical miles - 4 hours)
• Day 3: Cala Pi → Arenal de Sa Ràpita → Colònia de Sant Jordi (9 nautical miles - 2 hours)
• Day 4: Colònia de Sant Jordi → Cala Figuera → Portopetro (18 nautical miles - 3 hours)
• Day 5: Portopetro → Cala Santanyi → Cabrera National Park (24 nautical miles - 5 hours)
• Day 6: Cabrera National Park → El Caragol (10 nautical miles - 2 hours)
• Day 7: El Caragol → Es Trenc beach → Palma (35 nautical miles - 7 hours)

Sailing itinerary for a week s sailing with Antoine - Total distance traveled: 183 nautical miles

• Day 1: Palma → Palma Nova (6 nautical miles - 1 hour)
• Day 2: Palma Nova → Cabrera (30 nautical miles - 6 hours)
• Day 3: Cabrera
• Day 4: Cabrera → Cala Figuera → Portocolom (36 nautical miles - 7 hours)
• Day 5: Portocolom → Porto Cristo → Es Trenc (44 nautical miles - 9 hours)
• Day 6: Es Trenc → Dragonera → Es Geperut beach (42 nautical miles - 8 hours)
• Day 7: Es Geperut beach → Palma (25 nautical miles - 5 hours)

7. What are the weather conditions?

The Balearic Islands are the best way to get away from it all and enjoy the sun without traveling to the other side of the world. This archipelago close to France enjoys a divine Mediterranean climate, mild all year round. Pack your bags and come and laze on the sublime beaches of Majorca!

In summer, temperatures can climb to 32°C, with water at 26°C. What more could you ask for! The heat is appealing, so you won't be alone on the beaches. Winter is rather mild, with temperatures around 16°C. What's more, it rains frequently at this time of year, so it's not the best time to put on your swimsuit, especially as the water is only 14°C.

"We went twice, once in the middle of summer and once at Halloween. We were amazed by the color of the water both times. The summer was very hot with absolutely incredible swimming, while in winter we swam in neoprene lycra and shorty! On the other hand, it's great because there are far fewer people," confides Antoine, who sailed on an Elba 45. "The months of June and September are mega cool! "Minorca out of season is like another world, it's really great," he adds.

`

"We really enjoyed sailing in February! We were alone on the water, with perfect conditions: not much wind and lots of light. It was great!", confided Stéphane, who sailed an Oceanis 30.1 in February.

The best compromise would be to discover this idyllic setting in spring orfall. Indeed, there are clearly fewer people, but it is also warm with infrequent rainfall. You won't die of heat during your hike in the heart of the dense green nature. I recommend the month of September, with swimming water at 24°C and a pleasant temperature of 28°C.

"Take your vacation to the Balearic Islands in June or September to avoid the crowds!", a member of the Dream Yacht Charter staff tells me.

The prevailing wind on the Balearic Islands comes fromthe west. A gentle wind comes from the southwest, while the Tramontana, one of the Mediterranean winds, descends to blow on the easternmost islands, namely Mallorca and Menorca, which are closer to France. Don't worry, they are mainly windy from October to April.

"For the best sailing experience, come in April or September, when there are incredible winds," Celia from Viva Charter recommends.

"The wind and currents can change suddenly and without warning and completely alter the nature of the cove in which you have chosen to moor," Celia explains. "You must be prepared to change your plans unexpectedly at night and find another place to shelter for the evening," she adds.

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank Antoine, Lila and Stéphane for their testimonies, which have added authenticity to the article. Many thanks also to Celia and a member of the staff at Dream Yacht Charter for their valuable professional advice.