Enjoy sailing in the Balearic Islands

Constant winds, perfect temperatures, landscapes that look like postcards... If there's one thing the different Balearic Islands have in common, it's that they're all ideal locations for sailing. Hundreds of regattas are held throughout the year, some of which are international competitions of the highest level. There are 50 different marinas where you can moor your sailboat or rent one, and there are yacht clubs with the equipment, facilities and everything you need so you can forget about everything and practise your favourite sport in the most amazing part of the Mediterranean.  

Different areas offer different experiences: Ibiza and Formentera are more sheltered from the wind due to their proximity to the mainland, and so are ideal for calm crossings. Minorca and Majorca are a different story: they are closer to the Gulf of Lion and therefore more exposed to the winds that propel them and provide constant windy conditions in summer that are very interesting to sail in. 

The saying goes that a good sailor does not complain about the wind, just adjusts their sails. In this article, we're going to give you key tips to making the most of your sailing experience along our coasts, taking advantage of the decades of knowledge and experience accumulated by the archipelago's salty sea dogs. 

Because if you understand the wind, it can provide great moments on our sailboats. In the Balearic Islands, the winds come with names. One example is the embat, which means "onslaught". It's a thermal wind that blows during the months of good weather (between April and October) and is very common in the three bays of Majorca: Pollença, Alcúdia and Palma. 

It has some peculiar characteristics: it's a constant wind without gusts, which makes it ideal for sports such as sailing. It starts blowing around 10 a.m. at 3 knots and increases in intensity during the day until it reaches around 16 knots before decreasing from 5 p.m. onwards. 

Minorca, on the other hand, is a flat island. That's why the wind is a key piece of the northernmost Balearic Island's identity, especially the north wind or tramontana. 

However, strong north-westerly winds are more common in winter. In summer, the Gregal (NE) wind is more common, which provides excellent conditions for sailing, Minorca's nautical sport par excellence. 

The bay of Fornells and the port of Maó are ideal places to begin a trip, as they offer enough shelter to sail safely while also providing a constant breeze. In fact, both marinas offer courses for all levels. 

Its Mediterranean climate, mild temperatures all year round and 300 days of sunshine per year make it the ideal setting for dozens of regattas throughout the year, some of which are of the highest ranking. That's why it features state-of-the-art sports facilities and a wide range of accommodation options, restaurants and leisure activities, adapted to suit people of all sporting abilities. The time will fly by on the transfer from the port to your hotel as there are no long distances on our islands.