With thanks to Lantimar Yachting and Fraser Yachts
The island of Mallorca (or Majorca) has long been a favourite Mediterranean destination with holidaymakers and yachties alike. It is well equipped to deal with the demanding needs of shore-side tourists as well as increasing numbers of visiting superyachts.
With Palma de Mallorca recognised as a European yachting hub, with ample marine infrastructure, stunning scenery and a thriving city culture, Yachting Pages spoke to Juan Segui, manager at Lantimar Yachting to create a superyacht destination guide for those visiting Mallorca.
The Mediterranean yachting season starts here in Palma de Mallorca in April/May. It remains active until the end of the season, which is typically marked by the close of the Monaco Yacht Show in late September/early October.
During this time, Palma’s marina network will be indefinitely full of impressive yachts, both large and small, and many yacht crew hopefuls looking for work. The streets, bars and restaurants will also be teeming with tourists and fellow crew on downtime in their favourite crew hangouts.
Many superyachts are based here in Mallorca all year around because of the warm Mediterranean climate. However, the peak time for visiting superyachts and charter guests is during the European summertime. The shoulder season in Mallorca is typically used for yard periods and crewing up.
Mallorca’s Mediterranean climate makes year-round cruising possible. It is largely settled in the summer months - sunny, hot and dry, but with the chance of some unpredictable winds. The winter is mild, but does see some unsettled, cloudy weather and winds.
The average temperature varies across the island, but average summer temperatures are around 26°C (79°F) in Palma, with temperatures as high as 41°C (106°F) having been recorded. In August the average sea temperature is 26°C (79°F). Average winter temperatures rarely dip below 9°C (48°F) with January typically being the coldest month, but temperatures can occasionally drop to -6°C (21°F). October is the wettest month with an average of 70mm of rain.
As the largest of the four Balearic Islands, Mallorca offers what are arguably the most varied sights, sounds and landscapes of the Balearic Islands. A cruise of the island can take anywhere between two and four weeks, depending on how much time you would like to spend in each destination.
The northwest coast of Mallorca is mountainous, with Soller and its beautiful surroundings the main port of call. Here, you can walk along traditional winding alleyways and Spanish squares to find the town’s beautiful architecture and historic landmarks.
The northeast is much quieter with the bays of Pollensa and Alcudia flanked by jagged mountainous ridges. Port d’Polensa is great for its pavement cafes and local boutiques, popular with walkers and cyclists. Many come to Port d’Alcudia for its Blue Flag, white sandy beach and turquoise sea. Backed by hotels and restaurants, it is a resort that gets busy with tourists during the summer months.
The southeast of Mallorca is much ‘sleepier’, offering small sandy beaches, coves and valleys. Cala Figuera, Porto Petro and Porto Colom are three picturesque fishing harbour villages.
Finally, centered around Palma, the southwest is unsurprisingly the most densely populated coastline of Mallorca with half of the population living here. Palma is easy to explore and its unique, gothic charm draws many of the island’s tourists here. Beyond Palma, Port d’Andraxt and Puerto Portals are also worth a visit for their beautiful vistas and boutique shopping.
When on leave in Palma, there are more than a few renowned crew hubs and hangouts for meeting, networking and unwinding with fellow crew in Mallorca.
As a world-renowned yachting hub, there are always plenty of budding yachties and veteran crew living and relaxing in Palma de Mallorca. Many take up yoga or enroll in fitness boot camps to increase their fitness after long periods at sea.
Watersports are also popular here, with stand up paddle boarding particularly prevalent. Palma has a great nightlife, with Corner and Escape Bars popular for wide-screen sports and networking.
As a busy port that’s extremely popular with visiting superyachts, marina space is definitely in demand in Palma. Marine service providers often charge more making it one of the most expensive places to berth in the Balearics.
Many of Mallorca’s most exclusive and equipped marinas are found in the Bay of Palma where there is a total of around 3,000 berths. The berthing network is easy to navigate. However, marinas fill up quickly with premium prices charged – typically anywhere from €40 - €70 for a 10m yacht per day.
Government-run quays are often better value. However, if you’re thinking of leaving your yacht here for the winter, or even for a short week away, it may be worth considering a haul out, as this is often cheaper.
At the most westerly edge of Palma’s Paseo Maritimo promenade is Club de Mar marina. With around 600 berths in total, Club de Mar has superyacht berthing for vessels up to 125m LOA. There are also several specialised superyacht repair businesses located nearby, including Astilleros de Mallorca.
Located centrally in the port, Patalan de la Cuarentenas has 100 moorings for smaller yachts. There is also alongside berthing available for larger vessels up to 60m LOA.
Patalan del Mediterraneo attracts and serves larger yachts. It has 60 berths for superyachts between 20 and 120m LOA with supporting dockside facilities.
At the other end of the Paseo Maritimo promenade is Marina Port de Mallorca with 150 yacht berths, most of which will accommodate larger yachts up to 50m LOA. This facility is close to the STP shipyard, which houses many respectable yacht service providers.
Beyond Palma de Mallorca, superyachts can find marina berthing at Puerto Portals (up to 60m LOA) and Port Adriano (up to 80m LOA). There are also many anchorages around the island; Cala Portals and Las Illetas are both in close range of Palma.
Fuel bunkering is readily available at the marinas throughout Mallorca. Alternatively, your local yacht agent should be able to put you in touch with yacht fuel suppliers finding you the best daily deals.
Yachts arriving in Mallorca’s marinas from foreign ports should take all documents to the marina office as soon as possible so they can be cleared into the country.
A Guardia Civil officer will visit the marina offices in Palma every morning to complete formalities for all new arrivals. He/she will also visit the boats moored along the Palma waterfront. If not, the captain should contact the authorities at the earliest opportunity.
Nationals of countries that are required to have visas for Spain should visit the immigration office in town as soon as possible. They may be allowed short stay without a visa. Further information can be obtained from your yacht agent.
Search for a local yacht agent or read more of our expert Destination Guides.
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