Magical Majorca: idyllic bays, historic villages and turquoise sea
The largest island in the Balearics, Majorca is a highly popular destination for sailors who have been choosing it as their preferred cruising spot for years. Here, you can spend your time relaxing on one of its many beautiful beaches (over 300), or go on inland excursions exploring forests, old lighthouses, citrus valleys and ancient fortresses. Majorca blends outdoor adventure with an idyllic environment and a rich cultural heritage waiting to be discovered.
Day 1, Palma di Maiorca – Puerto Andratx, 17 miles
Our sailing cruise starts right from Palma de Mallorca, the capital of the Balearic Islands and a hub of Spanish tourism. Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, it is much loved for its enchanting beaches and numerous attractions, as well as for being the undisputed queen of nightlife. Just strolling along the promenade, the famous Paseo Marítimo, allows you to breathe in its euphoric atmosphere and vibrant vitality. Once the check-in is completed at the Palma marina, a short sail will take us towards Puerto Andratx, located on the southwestern tip of Mallorca. The town is nestled inland, in a valley that historically protected it from pirate raids and is surrounded by the hills of the Serra de Tramuntana.
Situated in a well-sheltered natural bay, where large and luxurious yachts anchor in the summer, the marina is the main attraction of Andratx. Once a quiet fishing village, it transformed into an exclusive resort from the 1960s onwards, frequented by prominent figures from the entertainment industry. Its atmosphere is tranquil and far from the chaos of tourists, inviting you to enjoy the panorama of splendid villas on steep and scenic hills. In Andratx, the Church of Santa Maria and the Castell de Son Mas are also worth a visit.
Day 2, Puerto Andratx – Puerto Soller, 25 miles
With another short navigation of 25 miles, we reach Port de Soller, a picturesque seaside village overlooking a splendid natural bay in the shape of a horseshoe. It is characterized by a maze of alleys, narrow streets and stairs. The small port is the most important on the north coast of the island and is equipped with all the services useful for sailing yachts, from electric pillars to the supply of water and fuel reserves.
Immersed in a relaxing atmosphere, it hosts two beautiful beaches. Playa de Es Trves is 800 meters long and stretches along the central part of the town, rich in clubs, bars, restaurants, and shops. On the other hand, Playa d’en Repic is located on the left side of the bay: it is a bit far from the city and can only be reached on foot, a characteristic that makes it very peaceful. If you feel like exploring, an old-fashioned tram climbs the hills from the port to the historic town of Soller, offering incredible panoramic views of the island, citrus orchards and the sea.
Day 3, Puerto Soller – Puerto Pollensa, 35 miles
Once you leave Puerto Soller, it’s time to set sail towards Puerto Pollensa. Located in a bay, the smallest and most beautiful bay in Mallorca, with fine and soft sandy beaches nestled between Cape Pinar and Cape Formentor, Puerto Pollensa is one of the most sought-after and charming destinations in Mallorca. It is surrounded by dozens of picturesque and sheltered anchorages, perfect for swimming, diving, snorkeling and relaxation. In reality, this fishing village until the early 1900s consisted of a simple group of fishermen’s houses. The authenticity of the place faded shortly after the Great War when it transformed into a coveted destination for the English. Developing much more slowly than other resorts, it is a magical location that still retains the charm of bygone times.
Its three beaches are all worth enjoying. Playa del Puerto de Pollensa, the main and largest one; Playa de Albercrutx, smaller; and finally, the tiny Platjola, located at the end of the port, after the small military airport.
Day 4, Puerto Pollensa – Cala Rajada, 25 miles
Sailing towards the northeastern tip of the island, we come across Cala Rajada, a small and traditional fishing village that hosts beautiful white sandy beaches and turquoise waters perfect for snorkeling and swimming. Cala Ratjada, along with Cap de Formentor, vies for the title of the “point of the island closest to Minorca.” Certainly, on the clearest days, the silhouette of Minorca and Ciutadella can be easily observed from the beaches of Cala Ratjada. A privileged vantage point is the Capdepera lighthouse. Positioned at 76 meters above sea level, the lighthouse, operational since 1861, marks the easternmost point of the island of Mallorca, offering a wonderful view.
Among the beaches not to be missed around Cala Ratjada are Cala Mitjada, a small stretch of golden sand at the end of a long inlet flanked by rocky walls; Son Moll, a 200-meter stretch of sand that extends behind the waterfront promenade in the city center. And then there’s Cala Agulla, a horseshoe-shaped sandy beach in a bay bathed by turquoise waters, nestled in a protected natural area. If you prefer something more tranquil, choose Cala Estreta, a small rocky beach washed by crystal-clear waters, or Cala Torta, picturesque and wild.
Finally, don’t miss visiting the Sa Torre Cega museum: housed in a building designed by architect Guillem Reynés Font, it showcases a collection of over 40 sculptures by famous Spanish and South American artists.
Day 5, Cala Rajada – Cala d’Or, 18 miles
Moving gradually towards the southeast side of the island, Cala d’Or awaits us, famous for having the best climate in all of Mallorca and its chic atmosphere. The glamorous area is precisely the tourist port, called Port Petit, but the rest of the town is also a mix of boutiques, restaurants, and souvenir shops. The beaches of Cala d’Or are all small coves but very picturesque. Among them, the wild Cala Serena, Cala Ferrera, Cala Esmeralda with the emerald color of its waters, and Cala Gran Beach with fine white sand.
You can also explore the inland areas, taking hikes through wooded hills and cliffs by the sea. A must-visit for nature lovers is Parc Natural de Mondrago, a nature reserve along the coast with enchanting beaches of very fine sand and waters with incredible shades of blue. You can laze around on one of the wonderful park beaches or explore it on foot by taking one of the numerous trails that crisscross it. In the evening, you can dine in one of the delightful waterfront restaurants and continue the night enjoying music in one of the downtown venues that offer entertainment until late at night.
Day 6, Cala d’Or – island of Cabrera, 30 miles
On the sixth day of our cruise, we explore a true gem of Mallorca. It is the island of Cabrera, a stunning wild and unspoiled island declared a Natural Park as it is home to some protected species, such as the Balearic lizard. Its history is fascinating: during the Spanish War of Independence, it was transformed into a prison to confine the French soldiers captured in the Battle of Bailén. Today, its natural bays are one of the most beautiful snorkeling destinations in the Mediterranean, with turtles, fish, dolphins, marine life and birds that will amaze you.
The 16th-century Cabrera Castle is the best vantage point on the island. From there, you can admire the impressive panorama that unfolds beneath your feet, where the greenery of the vegetation contrasts with the blue of the sea. A piece of advice: in Cabrera, rise early to take advantage of its magical sunrises. Also worth visiting is a 19th-century lighthouse, and Sa Cova Blava, the “blue cave” in Mallorcan, accessible only by sea, where the light and the blue of Cabrera’s sea blend into a unique environment.
Day 7, island of Cabrera – Palma, 35 miles
After the full immersion in the nature of Cabrera Island, all that’s left is to return to Palma, the nautical base of this enchanting cruise. It’s been a journey full of emotions, breathtaking landscapes and the unique atmosphere of this Mediterranean pearl.