There is something genuinely special about casting off from a Mallorcan marina with nobody to answer to but the wind and tide. Bareboat charter in Mallorca puts you in command of your own vessel, your own itinerary, and your own pace. Whether you prefer to call it Mallorca or Majorca, this island sits at the heart of the western Mediterranean and offers some of the most rewarding sailing in Europe, with sheltered bays, dramatic coastline, and neighbouring islands within easy reach.
If you are planning a bareboat charter Mallorca adventure, the routes below cover a range of distances, sailing styles, and experience levels to help you build an itinerary you will genuinely look forward to.
Starting Points and Practical Basics
Most bareboat charters in Mallorca depart from Palma de Mallorca, though marinas in Alcúdia, Porto Colom, and Port Adriano are also worth considering depending on your route. Palma offers the most comprehensive facilities, with fuel berths, chandleries, provisioning options, and easy transport links if you are flying in.
Before heading out, check conditions through AEMET, the Spanish national meteorological agency, which publishes detailed marine forecasts. Mallorca’s summer sailing season typically runs from May through to October, with July and August bringing the strongest charter demand and the most crowded anchorages. June and September offer a good balance of reliable weather and quieter stops.
Route One – Palma Bay and the South-West Coast
This is a natural first route for sailors new to bareboat charter in Majorca. The sheltered waters of Palma Bay give you a comfortable shakedown passage before the coastline opens up heading south-west towards Cap de Cala Figuera and beyond.
From Palma, sail south-west past the cliffs of Cap Blanc and work your way towards the quiet anchorage at Cala Pi. This narrow, pine-backed inlet has limited space so arriving by early afternoon is sensible. Continue to the Colònia de Sant Jordi for an overnight berth in a proper marina if you want shore facilities, and from there you can make day sails into the shallow waters around the Salines de Llevant.
Heading back north-west, the anchorage at Portals Vells is a favourite with bareboat sailors. The three interconnected coves offer calm water and a short walk up to a cave chapel carved into the cliff.
Route Two – Cabrera Archipelago
The Cabrera Archipelago National Park lies around eight nautical miles south of Mallorca’s southern tip and is one of the highlights of any Majorca bareboat sailing trip. The islands are a protected marine park, which means wildlife is abundant, the water is clear, and anchoring is only permitted in designated areas with a buoy reservation system in place.
You must book mooring buoys in advance through the Cabrera National Park reservation system, managed by the Balearic Islands authority. Spots fill quickly in summer, so plan ahead. Overnight stays are permitted but numbers are capped, which keeps the anchorages peaceful.
The main harbour at Puerto de Cabrera is a dramatic natural inlet flanked by a medieval castle. Snorkelling is genuinely good here, and the walking paths around the island offer views back over the fleet at anchor.
Route this as a loop from Palma: south through Palma Bay, overnight at Colònia de Sant Jordi, across to Cabrera for two nights if your reservation allows, then back towards Palma via the south-west coast and Portals Vells.
Route Three – The Northern Circuit
The north of Mallorca is a different proposition to the sheltered south. The Serra de Tramuntana mountains drop steeply to the sea, creating a dramatic coastline with few harbours and exposed passages. Rounding the northern capes requires attention to the weather, but the rewards are considerable.
Departing from Palma or Port Adriano, sail north along the west coast. The anchorage at Sant Elm is useful as a staging point before rounding Cap de Tramuntana. Sa Dragonera, the small island just off Sant Elm, is a nature reserve and a striking piece of sailing scenery.
Continuing north, Port de Sóller is the standout stop on this coastline. The circular bay is well protected and the town is charming, with a vintage tram running along the waterfront. From Sóller, the passage north to Pollença requires care around Cap de Formentor, one of the most photographed headlands in the Balearics. Time your rounding for settled conditions.
Port de Pollença and the adjacent bay of Alcúdia offer good marina facilities and calmer sailing waters on the north-east coast. From Alcúdia you can extend the route east before heading south to close the loop back to Palma via the east coast anchorages at Cala Ratjada and Porto Colom.
Route Four – Mallorca to Menorca
For sailors with offshore passage experience, combining a bareboat charter in Mallorca with a crossing to Menorca opens up an entirely different island. The canal between the two islands can produce a short, steep sea in northerly winds, so this route suits confident crews who are comfortable reading weather windows.
The classic departure point is Alcúdia or Cap de Formentor, which shortens the crossing to around 40 nautical miles. Mahón, on Menorca’s east coast, is one of the deepest natural harbours in Europe and an arrival worth savouring. The approach through the long inlet lined with old fortifications and white houses is memorable sailing.
From Mahón, Menorca’s south coast offers a string of stunning calas accessible only by sea, including Cala Turqueta and Cala Macarella, which are among the most beautiful anchorages in the western Mediterranean. If you are returning to Mallorca rather than leaving from Mahón, a one-way charter arrangement may suit your schedule better.
Choosing the Right Bareboat Charter for Your Route
The route you choose should shape the vessel you select. Shorter coastal passages around Mallorca’s south and east suit monohulls in the 38 to 45 foot range. The northern circuit and any offshore passage to Menorca calls for a well-found yacht with reliable engine, good navigation equipment, and enough tankage for extended sailing.
At Sailing Around, the bareboat charter Mallorca fleet is matched carefully to the sailing area and the qualifications of the skipper. Checking certification requirements before you book is straightforward, and the team is well placed to advise on which vessel suits your planned route and crew size.
A Few Practical Notes for Independent Sailors
Anchoring etiquette in the Balearics matters. Protected areas require buoy use rather than anchoring, and even in open bays there is growing pressure on the seabed. Use a snubber on chain and let out adequate scope.
Water and fuel can be taken on in main marinas but smaller harbours have limited facilities. Provision generously before leaving Palma. Carry paper charts as a backup regardless of your plotter setup.
Most importantly, build flexibility into your schedule. Mallorca sailing is at its best when you follow the conditions rather than a rigid plan. The bay you had not intended to stop in often turns out to be the best one of the trip.
For more on planning your bareboat charter in Mallorca or to browse available vessels and routes, visit the Sailing Around website and get in touch with our team directly.
