The largest of the Balearic islands, Mallorca is very popular with visiting yachts, and we can see why! Mallorca is home to some of Europe’s most breathtaking and unique landscapes and some stunning towns waiting to be explored. There is so much choice on this seemingly small island and a range of options depending on what you want from your trip. Sailing along the coastline, you will see why this is such a popular destination for yachts, with the azure-blue water, white sandy beaches, secluded bays, magnificent cliffs and the towering Tramuntana mountains- it is an enchanting sight, hard to match anywhere else in the world. You couldn’t possibly see all this island has to offer in a week’s charter, but the island’s beauty speaks for itself wherever you choose to visit and we can guarantee you will be booking your next charter in no time to see more of this magical island.
The best way to see this island is from the water not only because of the views and privacy but also because you will see so much more of this dreamy island than you ever could if you travelled on land. Your yacht will allow you access to secluded bays and beaches that are only accessible by the water, you will see views of the island that others won’t and all from the comfort of your luxury yacht. The Balearics as a whole makes for a great place to sail, offering perfect conditions, consistent wind, spectacular coastline views, and, of course, sunshine overhead is guaranteed.
Here are our hotspot recommendations for the very best places to visit on the island that will help you in deciding where you want to go and how to get the most out of your time in Mallorca. You really don’t want to miss out on this island!
Palma de Mallorca
Once named the world’s best place to live by the Times newspaper, Palma de Mallorca is a personal favourite and a city you just have to visit. Palma is a very fashionable city with rows of designer boutiques, trendy bars and luxury restaurants lining the streets right at the very heart of the city along Passeig del Born. Not only one of the best spots in Europe for some retail therapy, Palma has also become a hub for the yachting community and is home to some of the world’s most impressive yachts. The city has a real buzz to it and you will feel the electric atmosphere as soon as you arrive which is all part of Palma’s allure.
In contrast to the contemporary, trendy Palma, just up the road is the Old Town which is a more rustic, traditional alternative that is equally beautiful for its Mallorcan charm. This part of the city is packed with history, culture, quaint cafes, bars, tapas restaurants and more shops. You will find more boutique shops here but this is also where you will find the antique bookshops, bakeries, furniture shops and quirky art galleries. You will wander through the windy roads in awe of this city.
An obvious attraction in Palma is the Cathedral that has become a somewhat defining feature of this city. The outside of this magnificent building is often enough to satisfy most, but tours inside the Cathedral are available. It is quite a mesmerising sight on the inside, and with the breathtaking architecture and elements of religious history, the Cathedral radiates a sense of peace and calm. Parc de la Mar is the artificial salt lake found just outside the Cathedral- you can’t miss it and its water fountain.
Bellver Castle is another striking landmark to the west of the city that provides panoramic views across the whole of Palma town and harbour, and on summer evenings the castle’s courtyard is host to concerts under the stars. There is a hike up to the castle through the pine forest for the adventure-seekers, but also a road that will take you straight up to the castle if you don’t fancy a walk.
You won’t have to look very hard for a restaurant in Palma and there really is something for every pallet from casual tapas dishes to Michelin-starred cuisine. For a classy tapas restaurant along Passeig del Born, book a table at Ombu for a menu of traditional tapas with a modern and creative twist. The atmosphere here is always great for intimate meals with friends and family in their private room upstairs or outside for views onto the cathedral. For more high-quality food, a table at Tomeu Restaurant amb Arrels in the Sant Jaume boutique hotel is the place to be for classic Mallorcan food cooked by a Michelin-starred chef.
If you are looking for something more casual but equally as tasty, Aquanauta is a fantastic little Mexican restaurant that serves the most amazing food and cocktails. The atmosphere in here is always vibrant and buzzing with regular guests who can’t resist coming back for the food but also the friendly staff. Alternatively, Naan is a great restaurant, and a personal favourite, in the centre of town that you must try! They serve a divine menu of high quality street-food style dishes using local produce. The restaurant has a great atmosphere and welcoming staff, but you just can’t beat the food- you’ve got to try the Fish Tacos!
Es Baluard Museum or “Museum Bar” is a glorious, outdoor rooftop bar that overlooks the water, yacht club and the cathedral. This is a nice casual bar but with amazing views and has become a very popular, trendy place to grab a fresh cocktail. The museum below is also a great place to visit if you are an art fan. Just over the road, 49 Steps is another fantastic rooftop bar with one of the best views over the harbour- this is a great sunset bar.
Illetas
Not far from Palma, Illetas is a small but beautiful town that is best known for its beaches. Illetas boasts three secluded bays that are well-sheltered from the breeze, and home to sapphire water, beach clubs and delicious restaurants. The beaches can get busy during high season so it is sometimes better to admire the views and swim from your yacht. It is also a nice spot for lunch onboard and using your yacht’s toys. Illeta Restaurant sits on a small rock just off Camp de Mar Beach and is a very popular restaurant open for both lunch and dinner if you do want to dine on shore.
Puerto Portals
The port of Portals is a small but very glamorous destination that is famous for attracting celebrities and their super yachts. The streets along the main port are lined with designer shops, sophisticated restaurants and trendy street markets. Puerto Portals is open year round and home to some very prestigious events, particularly sailing regattas and classic car rallies. This is the perfect spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner, as the ‘Portals Buzz’ is 24/7 and if you hang around in the evening, you will see the harbour come alive as a popular spot for partying with friends and locals in one of the lively bars along the harbour front. It is definitely a party destination.
Cappuccino is always a great option if you are looking for delicious food and drinks with a view and great service. They offer a nice breakfast and lunch menu in particular and always have good seating areas and views- Cappuccino in Puerto Portals over looks the port and its super yachts. It is not hard to find a high-quality, port-side restaurant here. Alternatively, and an excellent spot for dinner, is Chameli’s Restaurant in the centre of town. Chameli’s menu consists of Italian and Spanish cuisine, and is great for Paella. Flanigan is also a popular restaurant and serves an extensive tapas menu and seafood dishes, with the added bonus of enjoying your meal on the large terrace overlooking the port.
Portal Nous is a small cosmopolitain village just a short walk from Puerto Portals and not far from Palma. Cala Portals Nous is a small beach that can be found near the port if you fancy spending some time on the beach while here. Portal Nous is a great spot for nightlife, cocktails, parties and beach bars. Roxy Beach Bar, found on Oratori Beach, is a very popular and well-known beach bar that boasts relaxed Ibiza party vibes. This is the ideal spot if you are looking for an afternoon of cocktails and good music in a beautiful setting right on the water’s edge. This beach is connected to the port, and is the ideal location to get the yacht’s toys out to explore and get involved with the party.
If you are looking for something a little more relaxing, or if you are a yoga fan, Portals de Yoga run yoga sessions through the week which is a great way to find zen whilst taking in the beauty of this glorious region in Mallorca.
A much quieter, picturesque beach further east is La Cala de Portals. You can still find a beach bar here called La Calita de Portals but this is a smaller bar that usually attracts fewer people allowing guests to enjoy the beach more. It depends what you are looking for but there is something for everyone here.
Port d’Andratx
Port Andratx could be considered one of the most authentic Mallorcan spots to visit to get a sense of what life is like here. Once a small fishing village, Port Andratx is now a very glamorous destination that attracts celebrities from all over the world. Andratx was even given the title of prettiest harbour in Mallorca! It is also a very popular spot for yachts, particularly the larger super yachts and has become a bit of a hub for visitors arriving by yacht. The Tramuntana mountains begin at Port d’Andratx so this is a great place to stop if you feel the need to stretch your legs up the mountain after some sailing.
For harbour views and delicious seafood, Restaurant Rocamar is a great spot and ideal for watching the sunset. The port is only around 5 kilometres from Andratx town which is also well worth visiting, particularly for art-lovers, and offers a very different experience to that in neighbouring Port Andratx. Oliu is a very well respected restaurant in the area, known for its delicious and innovate menu, and comes highly recommended.
Not far from Andratx is Sant Elm. If you are looking to explore the area by foot, there is a wonderful hike from Sant Elm that takes you to an abandoned monastery. This is a very popular hike and people often travel to the area just to do this hike! A lovely seafood restaurant in Sant Elm is Cala Conills that has become well known for their seafood platters, lobster and paella. The restaurant itself is found in a natural bay and most of its guests arrive by boat because of its position.
Port de Soller
This is without doubt one of the nicest ports to stop at on your travels around the island. The port is truly beautiful, very picturesque and its gentle character encourages a slow, relaxed pace from its guests. This is the ideal village for a walk along the coast, to the beach or to one of the amazing restaurants for some fresh seafood, and if you are here on a Saturday, you will be able to visit the market in the centre of the village.
The port itself is a very peaceful place, surrounded by mountains, making it an ideal place for coastal hikes. A popular walk of less than an hour takes you up to the lighthouse, well known for its glorious views over the bay. Others prefer to hike between Soller and Deia for a slightly longer, but equally beautiful walk. There are also two beaches in this horseshoe bay, Es Traves and Playa d’en Repic, which is the quieter of the two, if you fancy a relaxing beach day.
Soller is best known for its historic tram that travels between the town centre and the port, so great if you are looking to spend the day on land exploring Soller. If you wanted to anchor here overnight and spend more time on land, the tram will also take you to a train station where you can get on a very quaint vintage train all the way into Palma. This would have to be planned as a day trip, but is definitely worth it. You will get to see so much of the island this way, and parts that most other tourists would never see. The countryside views you pass on the train will take your breath away as you travel through the mountains and into rural Mallorca, and even through people’s gardens full of lemon and orange trees. It is a magical experience that must be done if you are in either Palma or Soller for the day.
A very elegant and highly recommended restaurant in Soller is Salvia that serves a menu of local but sophisticated food against the backdrop of the Soller Valley. Kingfisher Restaurant is also a little gem located on the harbour-side overlooking the water. Kingfisher is a slightly more informal restaurant with outdoor seating, but serves high quality seafood dishes and drinks. You must try the octopus!
Deià
If you decide to visit Deià, and we certainly don’t blame you, you will most likely visit Cala Deià, a small shingle beach made mainly of rocks and pebbles. It is a beautiful spot but not the best beach for sunbathing because of the pebbles. Ca’s Patro March Restaurant is a very well-known restaurant, made famous in The Night Manager, that serves fresh seafood and heavenly views overlooking the bay on the cliff top. It is definitely worth a visit if you come to Cala Deià and is one of the reasons people flock to Deià.
From the beach there is a lovely coastal walk along the cliff top next to the bay that gives you a birds eye view of Cala Deià. Alternatively, the walk back into the glorious town of Deià, that lies in the steep valley between mountains, is a wonderful walk through the countryside. The path is quite obvious and takes you straight back into the town which is stunning, picturesque and charming, commanding some really magical rural views, classic stone houses with green shutters, and narrow, cobbled roads. The extent of Deià’s natural beauty as part of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range led to being given a UNESCO ‘World Heritage Site’ status. The town is very authentic and blissful and much of its appeal lies in how peaceful it feels. What more proof do you need of this destination’s breathtaking features? We would definitely recommend a visit to the fairy tale-like town of Deià and a walk through the countryside.
Deià is also home to some high quality restaurants that serve delicious food in very enchanting settings. Es Raco d’es Teix is a Michelin-starred restaurants in the middle of town that is worth visiting for a memorable experience of traditional Mallorcan cuisine made with quality, fresh and local ingredients. Alternatively, Restaurant Sebastian is a highlight of a visit to Deià, serving more authentic, gourmet Mediterranean dishes that are said to be some of the best on the island! Sebastian is only open for dinner. If you find yourself in Deia town at lunchtime, you might want to try Café Miró, named after Spanish artist Joan Miró, at Belmond La Residencia for a champagne afternoon tea against the impressive mountainous backdrop.
Alaró
Alaró is a quiet, charming inland town found in the valley of the Serra de Tramuntana making it a very magical place to visit and commands a sleepy, relaxed character. You would have to get transport to the village as it is not on the coast but the main reason you would visit Alaró is to see the ancient castle, ‘Castell d’Alaró’, that can be found 800 meters above sea level on a mountain top just outside of the main town. The hike to the top is epic and all part of the magical experience and views only get better the closer you get to the top. Once at the top, not only will you find the castle ruins, but also a friendly donkey, the chapel and some truly breathtaking panoramic views up in the clouds. It is best to do this walk on a weekday as it is a popular walk at the weekend, so try and go in the week if you are looking to enjoy a more peaceful hike. On your way down, we recommend a well-earned stop at the traditionally Mallorcan Es Verger restaurant, or “the lamb restaurant” as is it otherwise known, for some roast lamb that has become a rather famous feature of the region. This hike is on the longer side (2 hours from the village) but well-worth doing and highly recommended as an experience you will never forget without doubt.
Alaró is also home to some of the island’s best vineyards, including the Castell Miquel Estate found in the foothills of the Tramuntana mountains, or Can Ribas Vineyard, Consell which is known to be one of the oldest vineyards on the island. Most of the local vineyards offer wine tasting sessions and tours.
Sa Calobra
This is no ordinary beach and can be found tucked in between rocky cliffs and is cut in half by a river gorge. It is a very unique and beautiful place to visit with all the normal features of a great beach but like nothing you’ve seen before. This beach is best accessed by boat, and tends to be a good place to anchor and get the tender ashore to the beach. This beach maintains a peaceful atmosphere and is not known to be a party beach, so you can truly relax here, and we recommend a visit at sunset for an enchanting experience.
Port de Pollença
Pollença is one of the biggest harbours on the island. This is a great place to base yourself if you want to explore more of the northern region of Mallorca. The town of Pollença is a very quaint village and only about 10 minutes from the port. Here you will find local shops, cobbled streets, cafes and on Sundays, the local market which is worth a visit.
Near Pollença is Cala Boquer, a beach only accessible by foot or by boat, making it a very tranquil spot and one great for snorkelling in clear water. As a secluded bay, it is ideal for a peaceful lunch on board. Alternatively, if you moor in Port de Pollença, it is possible to hike to Cala Boquer from the port through the valley of the Tramuntana mountain range. This is a great activity for nature lovers or just to stretch your legs and to see two destinations in one morning – the hike takes about 40 mins one way.
Alcúdia
Just round the corner from Port Pollença, Alcúdia is a lovely place to stop overnight. This historic town is rich in Mallorcan heritage to include medieval houses, the town hall and the impressive houses of past nobility- it is a hub for the region’s history and something locals are very proud of. To honour this, locals also put on open-air concerts and plays at the town hall and people dress up in traditional costumes to take the audience back in time. This is something that you can just turn up to and is said to be a fun event. You might also want to go ashore for some Spanish paella here.
Alternatively, and if you are a golf fan, you might want to spend some time ashore on the famous 18-hole Alcanada Golf Club said to be one of the best golfing locations in Europe thanks to its challenging course, stunning backdrop and views over the bay.
Formentor Beach
This is another one of the most beautiful spots in Mallorca and only 7 km from Port de Pollença. The beach is about a kilometre long and made up of creamy golden sand and sapphire-blue water. This beach is a great place to stop for a swim or to get the yacht’s toys out while you wait for lunch onboard.
This is another glamorous location lined with luxury hotels, restaurants and bars. The surrounding scenes from the beach are dominated by lush green forests of pine trees and the Tramuntana mountains. From the beach you could make your way north to Cap de Formentor for views across to Menorca from the lighthouse which marks the most northern point of Mallorca. It is defiantly worth the trip to this spot as the views are sensational, particularly at sunrise or sunset.
Cala Ratjada
Cala Ratjada is another glorious place to stop overnight. Enjoy a dinner at anchor or stop for a quick dip while admiring the Serra Levant. This destination is popular for hot air ballon rides that take off from Cala Ratjada and across the rest of Mallorca. On Saturdays, there is a local produce market at Plaça del Pins. If you fancy dining on land for the evening, La Familia Son Moll is a popular restaurant serving everything from tapas to steak dishes in a very traditionally Mediterranean setting. For Michelin star cuisine and a family-run restaurant, try Ses Rotges, who serve a Mallorcan menu with French influence.
Porto Cristo
As the largest natural marina in the south east, this is a fantastic spot to anchor for the night and enjoy the next day. It is a stunning town largely untouched by mass tourism so perfect for those looking to get away from the crowds for some peace and quiet. If you do stop here, you must visit the famous caves “Coves del Drach”, or the Dragon Caves and “Coves del Hams”. You can take an hour long tour through the Dragon Coves, that includes a classical music concert and a boat trip across to Lake Martel. The music concert inside the cove lasts about 10 minutes and consists of musicians playing the cello, harpsichord and two violins. It is a truly unique and beautiful experience.
Some lovely nearby beaches include Cala Anguila, Cala Mendia and Cala Romantica. Sa Sal Restaurant serves traditional Mediterranean food on the courtyard, which is great for summer dining. Porto Cristo is just a nice place to wander around after a day of sailing because the streets tend to be quiet and nobody is in a rush. This is not a party destination, so ideal for those searching for peace and relaxation.
Cala d’Or
Cala d’Or, or the “Golden Bay’, can be found on the east coast of Mallorca. Cala D’Or is a great place to visit for beautiful sandy beaches and crystal clear water, making it perfect for swimming and snorkelling. This spot is best known for its number of small coves and well-preserved nature. Cala D’Or is the ideal location for nature lovers, and the ‘Parc Natural de Mondrago’ nature reserve is a good place to visit to see native wildlife and nature trails. Port Petit stands out from other restaurants in the region for its fine-dining experience and location. We recommend the lobster risotto or salt cod!
Porto Petro
This small fishing village found on the south-east coast is full to the brim with charm, tradition and Mallorcan culture. Home to the Reial Club Nàutic de Portopetro, this small town is a hub for yachts and the harbour tends to be full most of the year. The lack of beach in this area is a blessing in disguise and means that the town is untouched by commercial tourism, allowing the village to retain authenticity and a peaceful aura. Having said this, Porto Petro does have a lot to offer its visitors, and if you are looking to visit a beach, there are some magnificent ones just round the corner from this village, to include the unbelievably beautiful costal reserve called ‘Cala Mondrago Natural Park’ that is only a short walk away. If you are looking for a delicious meal on land, head to Restaurant Maritimo and try the lobster paella or grilled monkfish!
Es Trenc
Es Trenc is home to one of the most iconic beaches in Mallorca that has become one of the most ‘instagrammable’ beaches in the whole of Spain. It is sometimes known as the ‘Spanish Caribbean’ thanks to the relaxed atmosphere, crystal clear water and soft sandy beaches. The water here tends to be shallow and calm making it great for some watersports and a gentle dip to cool off.
Es Trenc isn’t the best spot for restaurants so if you are looking for a nice place to eat ashore, Sa Rapita is a small nearby town that offers a range of restaurants and shops. Es Pinaret is a lovely German restaurant serving a fusion of Mediterranean, German and Asian food in a beautifully decorated garden. This is a great restaurant if you are looking to try something traditional but with a twist. Sa Rapita has recently become a hub for watersports and a popular location for sailors and scuba divers in particular.
If you are as inspired by this magnificent island in the Balearics as we are, book your charter with us now for a chance to see Mallorca’s beauty first hand. Get in touch for more information about a charter in this destination, or for a more detailed and personalised travel itinerary.
Let Lizzie know that you have seen this feature when you are booking your dream holiday!
Lizzie: ahoy@diyachting.co.uk
