The secret circumnavigation of Mallorca

Our itinerary by boat around the island of Mallorca starts in the capital itself. Although we could start the route in different ports, there is no better choice than the Real Club Náutico de Palma with its access and its services as a starting point for these five days with the boat. Our first goal? Cala Figuera, one of the most beautiful enclaves in the southeast of the island.

After leaving the cathedral, the beach promenade and the view of the exclusive district of Dalt Murada in Palma behind us, we take course south to sail the 42 nautical miles (68 km) between Palma and the idyllic port of Cala Figuera. With wind forces between 6 and 8 knots, we will be traveling for more than fourteen hours on this first section.

After completing the virtual direct coastline that separates the port of Palma and that of Can Pastilla and the blue waters of Cala Blava, the maritime route changes and becomes particularly beautiful; it gives us unique vistas, such as Cala Pi, with its peculiar narrowness and the green water, or the impressive Es Trenc beach. We can stop for lunch and enjoy the natural beauty of the place.

With the Colonia de Sant Jordi starboard and the additional knots of the Embat breeze (which blows from the sea itself), we continue sailing towards Mallorca´s south-east, along the blue waters of the Cala Llombards and Cala S'Almonia, leaving the Cabrera archipelago behind us.

A characteristic rock formation (similar to a "Y") welcomes us to the port of Cala Figuera. A quiet and really nice berth, where we can enjoy a hot shower and one of the fresh fish dishes in the restaurants.

Cala Figuera, the starting point of this first day on the high seas, greets its inhabitants with an overwhelming peace and a nature which is particularly beautiful in the early morning light. At this hour, and with a calm sea as a witness, will begin the second leg of our Mallorca round trip. A stage of 49 nautical miles (about 78 km) which will lead us to the north of the island to the Parc de Mondragó in the Colonia de Sant Pere.

After leaving Cala Figuera behind us and enjoying the view of the Mondragó Natural Park, we take advantage of the friendly south winds to take course on the most beautiful coastlines of the island: the idyllic and turquoise blue coves in the east. On this second stage of our circumnavigation we can admire places of immeasurable beauty, such as Cala D'Or, Cales de Mallorca or Cala Romántica - among many others. We will enjoy sailing in the shelter of the coast of Cala Ratjada and Cala Mesquida; the latter is a place where we can stop and celebrate a "lunch on the high seas with a view".

After having crossed Cap Farrutx and its cliffs, and after many hours of sailing with variable winds, we make contact for the first time with the north of the island and places like Betlem. In the past, many monk seals lived here. 

In the calm of the afternoon and with the extra knots that the Mediterranean stream gives us, we take the course of Colonia de Sant Pere, a perfect port to rest and taste the best Mallorcan cuisine.

After two intense days on the south and east coast of the island, we will suggest you a slightly easier day, as far as the nautical miles are concerned, which will be just as exciting and inspiring. With a little more than twenty miles (38 km), this stage takes us from the Colonia de Sant Pere to the spectacular Port de Pollença, one of the most beautiful on the island. It is advisable not to reach the port too late.

In order to prevent the north winds from spoiling our plans, we advise you to go sail this stage in the coastal area. So we can be sure that we can reach the destination in time and can also enjoy the view of such beautiful places as Son Serra de Marina, Can Picafort or Playa de Muro - famous for its Caribbean blue waters.

Die Stunden bis wir die Bucht von Alcúdia erreichen werden unsere Geschicklichkeit als Segler herausfordern. Es handelt sich um ein Gebiet mit wenig Wind, und wir werden viele Manöver unternehmen und oft die Segel wechsel müssen. Das Ziel? Äolus , dem Gott der Winde, die Stirn zu bieten und geschickt das Kap, das die Bucht von unserem nächsten Ziel trennt – der Bucht von Pollença – zu umrunden. 

The hours until we reach the Bay of Alcúdia will challenge our skill as a sailor. It is an area with little wind, and we will do many maneuvers and often have to change the sails. The goal? To deal with Aeolus, the god of the winds, and skillfully circumnavigate the Cape, which separates the bay from our next destination, the Bay of Pollença.

With an environment faithfully reflecting the form and character of Mallorca's north, Puerto de Pollença is an extraordinary place to stop and enjoy the tranquility of the night. The beautiful beach promenade, the indisputable beauty of nature and the gastronomic offer make Puerto de Pollença one of the most popular destinations for all those visiting the island.

One of Mallorca´s most important attractions is to experience the indisputable charm of the Sierra de Tramuntana Mountains. The mountains have been declared a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. The marine route has 41 nautical miles (about 69 km), and takes a few hours. The finish of this stage is the idyllic Puerto de Sóller, one of the most beautiful harbors in the Balearic Islands.

We must study the weather forecast with calm, considering that the area around Cap de Formentor has very strong gusts. 

As soon as we are aware of the winds, and the possible sails changes on our route, we take a course on Cap de Formentor. This area, one of the most attractive of Mallorca, gives us unique views, in which hundreds of high cliffs and the most beautiful turquoise water are not missing.

After rounding our most important and rocky cape and sighting the houses of Cala San Vicente, a straight stretch begins; we will enjoy it until reaching this destination of this fourth day. What is the highlight of this long and last stretch? Without doubt, the image that Sa Calobra gives us from the sea; it is one of the most beautiful places in Mallorca.

After enjoying the natural sights that the area gives us (and why not, a meal with a view), we take a course on the port of Sóller, which is only fifteen kilometers away. A friendly and quiet harbor, in a closed bay, where no wind blows and without currents and which is perfect for resting.

Our last day through the waters of Majorca begins in Sóller. The destination is Palma. A long stage (the longest in our schedule) on which we have to travel more than fifty miles (about 85 km) and during which we will enjoy Mallorca´s west coast.

At the beginning of this last day, we leave the beautiful port of Sóller behind us and take course on Cala Deià, Port del Canonge (in Valldemossa) and Banyalbufar, three of the most important points of our Sierra de Tramuntana Mountains.

With its high cliffs to starboard and the waters west of Mallorca as a witness, we reach the island of Dragonera to continue to the bays of Andratx and Calvià.

The last straight on our circumnavigation begins officially as soon as we leave the small and charming Malgrats islands (next to the impressive Port Adriano behind us); from this point only twelve nautical miles need to be covered.