Balearics
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WHEN TO VISIT:
May to October
START DAY:
Saturday
AIRPORTS:
Palma de Mallorca
CURRENCY:
Euro
LANGUAGE:
YACHTS AVAILABLE:
Yacht
Catamaran
Motor Yacht
English - Spanish - Catalan
DISCOVER THE BALEARICS
Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands and what a stunningly beautiful place it is. It has miles of dramatic coastline and a wealth of long, sandy beaches and small pebbly bays. The mountain range, Serra de Tramuntana, runs down the West coast creating a sensational coastline with an abundance of cliffs and rocky coves. The waters of Mallorca are crystal clear, and it is an excellent place for snorkelling and diving. The island offers many smart marinas for overnight stops where there are numerous harbour-side restaurants serving delicious seafood and locally produced wine. A favourite lunchtime spot is Ca’s Patro March, situated in rocky Cala Deia, and is best reached by boat. Sit at rustic tables, eating the catch of the day, admiring big sea views. Jump in a taxi and visit the impossibly picturesque village of Deia – walk around its little narrow streets, marvel at the quaintest houses and pay a visit to Robert Graves’ house (now a museum).
POPULAR SPOTS:
BALEARIC LOCATIONS:
Find one of Mallorca's many hidden coves!
Puerto De Soller
Waterfront, Palma
PALMA DE MALLORCA: No visit to Mallorca would be complete without a visit to the capital of the Balearics. Palma is dominated by its Gothic sand-coloured 14th century cathedral, Santa Maria de Palma (La Seu), which sits majestically overlooking the sea. Take the time to explore the old quarter behind the cathedral and see the Royal Palace of La Almundaina. The marina is absolutely vast, stretching for over a mile – a fascinating and intriguing amble for any boat lover! The city isn’t huge and is easy to get around – enabling some shopping in smart boutiques before stopping to eat. The food scene in Palma is exciting and along with some trendy restaurants there are plenty of splendid tapas bars down little side streets.
PUERTO DE SOLLER: On the west coast, surrounded by mountains in a crescent-shaped bay with a sandy beach and is a perfect stop for the night. Moor up in the marina and take your pick from the many restaurants close by. There is a long pedestrianised promenade, which is the perfect place for a stroll, an orange ice-cream (made from oranges grown in the village!). For a flavour of the town’s historic charm, jump on the waterfront tram up to the main village and take the quaint 1920s train through the mountains through some stunning scenery.
PUERTO DE POLLENCA: After cruising along the North coast and past the breath-taking Cap de Formentor, you arrive in Port de Pollenca. This is a busy little port with the marina in the centre, minutes away from the long sandy beach. There are lots of restaurants and bars. Sip a cocktail and gaze in awe at La Fortaleza, Spain’s most expensive property which was used in the filming of the BBC hit drama ‘’The Night Manager’’.
PORTO CRISTO: On the East coast, this is a small typical Mallorcan fishing village. It is tucked away from the open sea in a natural sheltered harbour, which has turquoise water and a superb beach (Cala Mandia). It has a laid-back feel to it and yachts take position in the harbour alongside local fishing boats. Visit the Drach Caves (Dragon Caves) – this enormous underground expanse of limestone caves boasts incredible formations of glistening stalactites and stalagmites. Whilst there, take a ride in a wooden boat across Lake Martel – Europe’s largest underground sea.
CABRERA NATIONAL PARK: South of Mallorca is a group of islands, the largest of which is the uninhabited Cabrera. It is classified as a national park due to its diversity of wildlife and plants. Arrange a guided walk with the park ranger and visit the 14th century castle and lighthouse. Permits for boats are limited for overnight stays, which means that a peaceful night can be spent on anchor here, sitting on deck, with sun-downer in hand.