Mallorca by yacht: Itinerary, tips and hidden coves

With stable weather and easy line-of-sight navigation, this island is also ideal for less experienced or hobby sailors. Crystal-clear waters, hundreds of scenic coves (calas), top-class marinas, and delicious Mediterranean cuisine await you. Set off on a week-long sailing adventure around Mallorca and discover the places you’ll never want to leave.

Often called the pearl of Spain, Mallorca offers a ruggedly beautiful coastline dotted with sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs and secluded coves. With nearly a million inhabitants, the island is steeped in history — from medieval landmarks like Palma’s iconic La Seu cathedral to charming villages tucked into the Tramuntana mountains.

After a day at sea, drop anchor in a quiet bay or lively marina and choose your evening: culture, cuisine, or a bit of nightlife — the island has it all.

Thanks to Mallorca’s mild climate and predominantly northerly summer winds, conditions are reliably pleasant from spring through autumn. The sea is rarely rough, tides are minimal, and navigation is straightforward — you can often sail “on sight” between coastal landmarks (perfect for beginners). Modern marinas and countless sheltered bays mean safe anchoring is easy, whether you're tying up at a buoy or dropping anchor in a cove.

With around 555 km of coastline and varied terrain, the island offers more than enough to fill your itinerary — from dramatic cliffs to peaceful beaches.

Palma de Mallorca, the capital, is just 15 minutes from the airport, with regular direct flights from several major European cities. Most charter yachts depart from Palma’s La Lonja Marina or nearby harbours, so you can land, transfer and set sail in no time.

The main yachting season in Mallorca runs from May to October, when the island enjoys warm, sunny weather ideal for both sailing and swimming. July and August bring the highest air and sea temperatures — but also the largest crowds. For a more peaceful voyage with quieter bays and easier mooring, aim for the shoulder months: May–June or September–October.

The main yachting season in Mallorca runs from May to October. During this period there is warm sunny weather suitable for swimming in the sea. The highest air and sea temperatures are in July and August, when the island is also at its busiest. For a quieter cruise with fewer boats in the bays, we recommend choosing marginal dates - ideally May-June or September-October.

In September, the sea is still wonderfully warm from summer, but most tourists have already left, and prices for charters and services begin to drop. October often remains pleasant for sailing, though you should keep an eye out for occasional autumn storms.

In September, for example, the sea is still heated from the summer, but most of the tourists have left and charter and service prices are dropping. October weather tends to still be pleasant, just be aware of occasional autumn storms.

To sail around the entire island, you’ll need at least a week. The full route is about 160 nautical miles (NM). The itinerary below covers roughly 170 NM, averaging 20–30 NM per day — or 4–6 hours of sailing, leaving plenty of time to swim, go ashore, or enjoy a relaxing dinner in port.

We recommend a circular sailing route starting from Palma that captures the very best of Mallorca — from stylish marinas and historic towns to secluded coves and protected islands.

This sample itinerary is designed for a typical 7-day charter cruise (embarking on Saturday afternoon and returning the following Saturday). Expect one main crossing per day, giving you plenty of time to relax, swim, or explore ashore at each stop.

• Mooring: The luxury marina at Port d’Andratx offers around 450 berths and full yacht services. In calm weather, you can also anchor in the bay just outside the harbour.
• Supplies: Water and electricity are available at the marina. The nearby town of Andratx has supermarkets, bakeries, and a weekly market on Wednesdays — perfect for picking up fresh vegetables, fruit, and pastries for your trip.
• What to experience: Stroll through one of the most picturesque ports in the Mediterranean, enjoy a drink overlooking the yachts, or indulge in fresh seafood at one of the harbourfront restaurants.
• GPS: Port d’Andratx – 39°32.1′ N, 2°23.5′ E (marina entrance)

• Mooring: Port de Sóller has a small marina with several visitor berths at the pier, along with dedicated mooring buoys available in the bay. For extra peace and quiet, you can anchor in the more sheltered part of the bay.
• Supplies: Fuel and water are available at the marina’s filling station. Just 2 km inland — easily reached by the charming historic tram — the town of Sóller offers supermarkets, bakeries, a pharmacy, and other amenities. Port de Sóller itself also has a few smaller shops and a bakery right by the promenade.
• What to experience: Sailing along the northwest coast with cliffs rising on your starboard side is a highlight of the trip. After mooring, hop on the tram to explore Sóller’s historic centre. In the evening, enjoy tapas or fresh seafood by the water. If time allows, consider a trip to the picturesque mountain villages of Fornalutx or Valldemossa.
• GPS: Port de Sóller — 39°47.5′ N, 2°41.3′ E.

• Anchoring: Port de Pollença features a large, well-protected marina with plenty of berths. In good weather, you can also anchor in the expansive Bay of Pollença, which is naturally sheltered by the surrounding mountains.
• Supplies: The marina provides full services including water, electricity, and showers. The town has several supermarkets (including Eroski and Lidl) for mid-cruise provisioning, along with fuel stations and shops offering yachting supplies.
• What to experience: This area is perfect for relaxing with the Tramuntana Mountains as your backdrop. Take a leisurely walk along the famous Pine Walk, which once inspired Agatha Christie, or sail to Formentor Beach — a stunning spot with white sand and turquoise waters beneath dramatic cliffs. Don’t miss the Mirador Es Colomer viewpoint on Cape Formentor for breathtaking panoramic views.
• GPS: Marina Port de Pollença — 39°54.8′ N, 3°4.6′ E.

• Mooring: Puerto Cala Ratjada, located on the northeast coast, is a spacious marina with over 350 berths. Visiting yachts can moor at the town pier or at Club Náutico’s facilities. In calm conditions, a great alternative is to anchor in the nearby natural bay of Cala Moltó, just north of Cala Agulla. It offers a sandy bed, shallow depths and excellent holding.
• Supplies. Water and electricity are available at the marina. If you're anchored or moored offshore, ask the marina about water delivery or use your dinghy to come ashore for supplies.
• What to experience: After a few days at sea, Cala Ratjada is a great place to stretch your legs. Enjoy sandy beaches like Cala Agulla or Son Moll, and soak up the town’s vibrant nightlife along the seafront. For a touch of history, head uphill to Castell de Capdepera, a medieval fortress with panoramic views over the coast.
• GPS: Puerto Cala Ratjada — 39°42.5′ N, 3°27.8′ E. (Alternatively, the Cala Moltó anchorage — 39°43.7′ N, 3°27.3′ E).

• Anchorage: Cala d'Or — known as the “Golden Cove” — is a popular resort on Mallorca’s southeast coast, shaped by a series of narrow, sheltered bays. The main anchorage is in Cala Llonga, home to Marina Cala d’Or, a full-service marina with excellent facilities. For a quieter, more natural setting, consider anchoring in one of the nearby coves — Cala Mondragó, set within a protected natural park, is a top choice.
• Supplies. The resort town has everything you need to restock for the remainder of your trip — supermarkets, bakeries, boutiques, and a wide range of yacht services.
• What to experience: After a day at sea, unwind on one of Cala d’Or’s small sandy beaches, or head to S’Amarador in Mondragó Natural Park — often ranked among the most beautiful beaches in Mallorca. In the evening, enjoy the resort’s lively vibe, with plenty of restaurants, bars and nightclubs to choose from.
• GPS: Entrance to Cala Llonga (Cala d'Or) — 39°22.8′ N, 3°13.6′ E.

• Anchorage: Cabrera Island and its surrounding islets form a strictly protected national park, and private anchoring is prohibited. All boats must use designated mooring buoys, and an online permit must be obtained in advance. While day-use buoys are available in select areas, overnight stays are only permitted on reserved buoys in the main bay near Cabrera Marina.
• Supplies: Cabrera is completely uninhabited — there are no shops, restaurants, or facilities. 
• What to experience: A visit to Cabrera feels like stepping into another world. The island is a haven of untouched nature, with crystal-clear waters teeming with fish, lizards, and seabirds. Go ashore to hike up to the historic Cabrera Castle, which offers spectacular views over the island and surrounding sea. The snorkelling here is excellent — and if you’re lucky, you might even spot dolphins.
• GPS: Cabrera main bay (buoy) — 39°08.7′ N, 2°55.9′ E.

• Anchoring: Your final day brings you back to Palma, with most charter companies requiring boats to return by 6 p.m. Ideally, arrive in the early evening to allow time for check-in and one last relaxed night aboard. You’ll spend the night again in your original marina, most commonly La Lonja or Club Náutico, depending on your charter.
• Supplies. After securing the boat and completing handover formalities, enjoy your final dinner on dry land — Palma’s lively dining scene offers plenty of options to mark the end of your trip.
• What to experience: If you didn’t have time to explore Palma before setting sail, now’s your chance. The city is rich in history and culture — don’t miss the stunning Gothic cathedral La Seu, the royal palace of Almudaina, the medieval alleyways of the old town, and several excellent modern art galleries.
• GPS: Marina La Lonja Palma — 39°33.5′ N, 2°38.7′ E.

Tip: You can sail the entire route in either direction, but many sailors recommend going counterclockwise to take better advantage of the prevailing northwesterly Tramontana wind. Always plan your route based on the current weather forecast — if conditions are poor along the northwest coast, consider exploring just the southeastern part of the island and returning the same way, or even combining your trip with a visit to nearby Menorca.