Mallorca, the largest of Spain's Balearic Islands, is a premier yacht charter destination in the Mediterranean. Its vibrant capital, Palma, boasts a bustling superyacht scene amid spectacular Gothic architecture. Beyond Palma you will discover varied landscapes from the dramatic Tramuntana mountains (visible from the North Coast) to the island’s stunning sandy beaches and hidden coves. Just south west of Mallorca lies Cabrera, a pristine national park and marine reserve, offering an untouched natural escape. For a comprehensive experience, plan at least a 7-day charter to encompass both Mallorca's vibrant offerings and Cabrera's serene beauty.
Why go there?
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Explore Mallorca's Diverse Coastline: Discover hundreds of calas (coves) and beaches, from lively stretches with watersports (Alcùdia Beach or Cala Millor) to beautiful calas with crystal clear waters and white sand (Cala d’es Moro or Cala Formentor).
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Experience Palma de Mallorca: Wander through the historic old town, visit the magnificent La Seu Cathedral, explore art galleries, and enjoy world-class dining and nightlife.
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Visit Cabrera Archipelago National Park: Anchor in crystal-clear waters (with prior permission), snorkel in abundant marine life, explore the island's castle, and discover the famous Blue Cave.
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Hike the Serra de Tramuntana: This UNESCO World Heritage site offers breathtaking trails, picturesque villages like Deià and Valldemossa, and stunning sea views.
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Savor Local Culture: Attend traditional markets, enjoy flamenco shows, and explore charming towns like Sóller, Pollença, and Santanyí.
How to get there?
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Main International Airport: Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) is the primary gateway, handling numerous international and domestic flights.
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Airlines: PMI is well-connected with major European cities. Airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, Vueling, British Airways, Lufthansa, Air Europa, and many others offer regular flights, especially during the peak season.
Approaching by yacht
Mallorca is a central hub in the Western Mediterranean. You can easily approach by yacht from various popular locations:
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From Ibiza: Approximately 60-80 nautical miles (NM) depending on the starting point and destination in Mallorca. Estimated sailing time: 8-12 hours.
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From Menorca: Approximately 20-30 NM to Mallorca's eastern coast (e.g., Cala Ratjada). Estimated sailing time: 3-5 hours.
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From Barcelona (Spanish Mainland): Approximately 110 NM to Palma. Estimated sailing time: 15-20 hours.
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From Sardinia (Italy): Approximately 220 NM to Mallorca's eastern coast. Estimated sailing time: 30-40 hours.
Marina facilities
Mallorca boasts an excellent infrastructure of marinas, catering to yachts of all sizes.
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Club de Mar Palma:
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Location: Palma de Mallorca.
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Capacity: Over 500 berths for yachts up to 135m.
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Services: Fuel dock, 24/7 security, Wi-Fi, laundry, technical services, concierge, restaurants, shops, and a swimming pool. Known for luxury services.
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Port Adriano:
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Location: Southwest Mallorca, designed by Philippe Starck.
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Capacity: 488 berths for yachts up to 100m.
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Services: Superyacht berths, shipyard, maintenance, luxury boutiques, fine dining restaurants, and a vibrant social scene.
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Real Club Náutico de Palma:
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Location: Central Palma, historic yacht club.
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Capacity: Around 900 berths for yachts up to 40m.
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Services: Fuel, repair services, sailing school, restaurant, and direct access to Palma city center.
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Port de Sóller:
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Location: Northwest Mallorca, charming natural harbor.
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Capacity: Smaller berths, ideal for yachts up to 25m.
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Services: Basic marina services, restaurants, and a picturesque tram ride to Sóller town.
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Marina de Cala d'Or:
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Location: Southeast Mallorca, popular resort town.
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Capacity: Approximately 560 berths for yachts up to 25m.
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Services: Fuel, repair, restaurants, and a lively atmosphere.
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Cabrera National Park:
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Location: A protected archipelago south of Mallorca.
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Moorings: Limited number of official moorings available (must be booked in advance via the park's website, usually months ahead in high season). Anchoring is generally prohibited to protect Posidonia seagrass.
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Services: No services or facilities on the main island, maintaining its pristine nature.
What food to expect?
Mallorcan cuisine is a delightful blend of Mediterranean flavors, with strong influences from Spanish and Catalan traditions.
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Local Specialties:
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Sopas Mallorquinas: A hearty vegetable soup with thin slices of bread.
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Frito Mallorquín: A traditional dish typically made with lamb or pork offal, potatoes, and vegetables.
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Tumbet: A vegetarian dish made with layers of potato, aubergine, red peppers, and tomato sauce.
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Pa amb Oli: Simple yet delicious, toasted bread rubbed with garlic, tomato, and olive oil, often topped with local cheese or ham.
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Sobrasada: A cured sausage made from pork, paprika, and salt, unique to the Balearics.
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Ensaimada: A coiled pastry, often enjoyed for breakfast or as a dessert.
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Seafood: Abundant fresh seafood including grilled fish, paella, and various shellfish dishes.
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Dining: From Michelin-starred restaurants in Palma to charming rustic eateries (cellers) in inland villages and vibrant beach clubs, Mallorca offers a diverse dining scene.
Provisioning advice
Mallorca provides excellent provisioning options, from large supermarkets to local markets.
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Supermarkets: Large chains like Mercadona, Eroski, Carrefour, and Lidl are widely available across the island, especially around Palma and major towns. They offer a full range of groceries, fresh produce, meat, dairy, and international products.
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Local Markets: For fresh, local produce, visit municipal markets.
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Mercat de l'Olivar (Palma): A bustling indoor market with fresh fish, meat, fruit, vegetables, and local delicacies.
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Santa Catalina Market (Palma): Known for its fresh produce, gourmet foods, and lively atmosphere.
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Smaller weekly markets in towns like Sóller, Pollença, and Santanyí offer fresh, seasonal produce.
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Specialty Stores: There are many delicatessens and wine shops, particularly in Palma, offering gourmet products and fine wines.
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Tips:
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Consider using a yacht provisioning service for convenience, especially for larger orders or specific dietary requirements.
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For the freshest produce, visit local markets in the morning.
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Prices for imported goods can be higher, but local products are generally very reasonable.
Language and currency
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Main Languages: The official languages are Spanish (Castilian) and Catalan (specifically the Mallorquín dialect). Both are widely spoken as well as English which is the favoured second language amongst anyone working in Spain’s tourism industry.
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Widely Accepted Currency: The official currency is the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted throughout the island.
Visa requirements
As part of Spain and the Schengen Area, Mallorca follows the Schengen visa policy.
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EU/Schengen Area Passport Holders: No visa is required for entry, regardless of the duration of stay. A valid passport or national ID card is sufficient.
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US, Canadian, UK, Australian, New Zealand Passport Holders: No visa is required for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism or business purposes. A valid passport (with at least 3 months validity beyond your intended departure date from the Schengen Area) is required.
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Other Nationalities: Travelers from many other countries may require a Schengen visa. It is essential to check the specific requirements for your nationality with the Spanish embassy or consulate in your country of residence well in advance of your trip.
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For Stays Exceeding 90 Days or for Other Purposes: For longer stays (e.g., work, study, residency), specific national visas are required, and the application process is more extensive.
