Mallorca is an attractive sailing area all year round which shows its beauty also and especially in winter. A circumnavigation of Mallorca is the best way to experience the great diversity of the area, which makes sailing around the island a very special moment for many crews.
The IRIS Yachtcharter team has put together an itinerary with sheltered marinas and picturesque natural harbours, which is particularly suitable for winter sailing and can be complemented with stopovers in stunning bays if the weather conditions are suitable.
After a glance at the weather forecast, the crucial question finally arises: "Turn right or turn left?" On this itinerary, we sail directly around Mallorca in a clockwise direction for about 170 nautical miles. Depending on the prevailing wind direction, the journey can also be made counterclockwise.
Leg 1-> 22 nautical miles
Vom Club Nàutic Arenal – Playa de Palma (39° 30,3´ N 002° 44,6´ E) nach Port d'Andratx (39° 32,5´ N 002° 22,6´ E)
After only 15 minutes by taxi we arrive at one of the most popular starting harbours of Playa de Palma, the Club Nàutic Arenal. IRIS Yachtcharter's charter base has free parking and moorings for our clients, a variety of commercial facilities - also with delivery service - and popular restaurants within walking distance. In summer, not only the fine sandy beaches, but also the club's own swimming pool attract small and big crew members, while skippers and co-skippers get to know the yacht in detail during the technical check-in. With the first "café con leche" or breakfast in the clubhouse we start to feel the holiday feeling. Our provisions are quickly put away afterwards, as it is best to shop online from home and have the shopping delivered directly to the boat.
Thanks to the early check-in we booked, we leave Club Nàutic Arenal at midday heading west with the intermediate destination of Cala Portals Vells Cala Portals Vells (39° 28,3´ N 002° 31,6´ E)The Cala Portals Vells Vells is one of our favourite bays, framed by several beaches, one of which is the famous Platja del Mago . This unspoilt beach, with its fine white sand, turquoise waters and relaxed atmosphere, is a worthwhile destination on any trip.
After this first stop we head for Port d'Andratx (39° 32,5´ N 002° 22,6´ E)Port d'Andratx is popular with sailors not only because of its geographical location (the shortest distance to Ibiza), but also because of its picturesque surroundings. It is up to us and our designated cook whether we finish the day on board or indulge in culinary delights
Leg 2 -> nautical miles
From Port d'Andratx (39° 32,5´ N 002° 22,6´ E) nach Port de Sóller (39° 48,0´ N 002° 41,2´ E)
The next leg of our cruise takes us along the Serra de Tramuntana, the wild mountain range that has been declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site. In its 45 nautical miles, it has only one real harbour, Port de Sóller (39° 48,0´ N 002° 41,2´ E), but in return the wildest and most romantic anchorages. Our first destination is the unique Cala Banyalbufar (39° 41,6´ N 002° 30,9´ E) ), below the famous artistic village. Port de Sóller is a large natural harbour which offers protection from the wind from almost all directions (but not from the waves). The imposing mountain scenery is characteristic and a ride in the historic tram of Sóller is not to be missed.
On our next route to Port de Sóller, we sail further north and pass the Port de Valldemossa (39° 43,2´ N 002° 35,2´ E), Sa Foradadathe rocky outcrop with its daytime restaurant(39° 45,3´ N 002° 37,2´ E) and the Cala Deia (39° 45,8´ N 002° 38,45´ E), below the famous artistic village. Port de Sóller is a large natural harbour which offers protection from the wind from almost all directions (but not from the waves). The imposing mountain scenery is characteristic and a ride in the historic tram of Sóller is not to be missed.
Leg 4 -> 40 nautical miles
Von Port de Sóller (39° 48,0´ N 002° 41,2´ E) nach Port d´Alcúdia (39° 50,0´ N 003° 08,1´ E)
On our longest leg we can marvel at the "wild west" of Mallorca and explore popular bays such as Cala de sa Calobra (39° 51,6´ N 002° 47,8´ E ) and the Cala Boquer (39° 56,2´ N 003° 06,3´ E) before finally leaving the west coast and rounding Cap de Formentor. Our destination for the day is Port d´Alcúdia (39° 50,0´ N 003° 08,1´ E). Hier finden wir guten Schutz bei Mistral (Starkwind aus nördlichen Richtungen) sowie gute Einkaufsmöglichkeiten und Restaurants für unser Abendessen. Übernachten können wir in der großen Marina Alcudiamar oder vor Anker südwestlich der Außenmole. Die geschichtsträchtige Altstadt von Alcúdia liegt etwa 2km weit entfernt. Sie wurde 123 v. Chr. von den Römern gegründet und zu Beginn des 8. Jhd. als „Al Kudia“ von den Mauren neugegründet. Besonders sehenswert sind das Amphitheater und die römischen Ausgrabungen, die alte Stadtmauer mit Pfarrkirche (Sant Jaume) und der Uhrenturm am Rathaus.
Leg 4 -> 15 nautical miles
From Port d'Alcúdia (39° 50,0' N 003° 08,1' E) to Cala Rajada (39° 42,5' N 003° 27,8' E)
Today we will sail along the long sandy beaches of the Bay of Alcúdia and round the "Cap Farrutx" until we reach Cala Rajada (39° 42,5´ N 003° 27,8´ E)). Here too, depending on the weather, we can choose between several picturesque bays or the harbour town of Cala Rajada, which is a popular summer holiday destination. This marks the eastern end of Mallorca. From here it is only 25 metres to the neighbouring island of Menorca. On the promenade there is a wide variety of restaurants to suit all tastes. The annually changing works of art along the paseo marítimo also deserve attention.
Leg 5 -> 20 nautical miles
Stage 5-> 20 nautical miles From Cala Rajada (39° 42,5' N 003° 27,8' E) to Portocolom (39° 24,8' N 003° 16,1' E)
The route continues south, passing the beautiful coves of the east coast. Always worth a detour are the famous "Coves d'Artà", the caves of Artá, and the dragon caves, "Cuevas del Drach", which can be reached on foot when docking in Porto Cristo.
Our destination today, however, is Portocolom (39° 24,8‘ N 003° 16,1‘ E), a large natural harbour with numerous mooring possibilities. We decide on a buoy and cover the short distance to the quay wall in dinghy. The beautiful old town starts directly at the harbour and is considered to be the best preserved in Mallorca. In its numerous narrow streets, we are delighted by the large selection of restaurants and bars where we can enjoy Mallorcan delicacies.
Leg 6 -> 22 nautical miles
Leg 6->22 nautical miles From Portocolom (39° 24,8' N 003° 16,1' E) to the Archipelago of Cabrera (39° 09,3' N 002° 55,6' E) Cabrera (39° 09,3´ N 002° 55,6´ E)
Today we sail further south to the Archipiélago de Cabrera (39° 09,3´ N 002° 55,6´ E)Cabrera enjoys its reputation as a "must-sail destination" and for good reason. The bay is very sheltered, even in windy weather, and the impressive backdrop of the castle alone is a real attraction. It is also highly recommended to explore the island on foot and immerse yourself in the history of the archipelago. The most popular destinations are the old castle and the ethnographic museum. The well-kept lighthouse path also invites you to take a stroll. With the yacht and the dinghy we also make an excursion to the famous "Grota Azul", Blue Grotto, right in the neighbouring bay, but be careful, the bay can only be partially navigated and anchoring is totally forbidden!
Cabrera is probably one of the most visited places in the Balearic Islands and it is recommended to book a buoy 20 days before the desired overnight stay during the high season. For a day visit, just register for free, as all our yachts have a day licence for sailing and use of the day buoys until 17h.
Leg 7 -> 25 nautical miles
From the Archipelago of Cabrera (39° 09,3' N 002° 55,6' E) to Club Nàutic Arenal - Playa de Palma (39° 30,3' N 002° 44,6' E) Cabrera (39° 09,3´ N 002° 55,6´ E) in den Club Nàutic Arenal – Playa de Palma (39° 30,3´ N 002° 44,6´ E)
Es Trenc (39° 20,8´ N 002° 58,5´ E) is no longer a secret, as it attracts thousands of locals and tourists every year, but on our way to our home port we can't pass the south coast of Mallorca without dropping anchor here. Es Trenc is on everyone's radar, in all the guidebooks and travel blogs, and for good reason: its approximately 10 km of white sandy beach and calm waters offer an unforgettable Caribbean feel. Just behind the beach and the dunes are the salt pans where the famous "Sel de Fleur" (flower salt) is harvested. This delicate salt with a centuries-old history can be found in many shops on the island and is perfect as a souvenir.
At 5 p.m. we are expected at Club Nàutic Arenal for the technical check-out. The last night can be spent in the touristy Playa de Palma or in the quiet Son Veri. Son Veri is a short distance from the cliffs we have just admired from the water and offers several restaurants for our farewell evening before spending one last night on board.
