The Balearic Islands have been made world famous by the “White Isle” of Ibiza’s hedonist summer of prestigious DJs at premium night clubs, attracting party lovers and celebrities galore. But there is much more to this archipelago than dance beats and cocktails.
The Balearic Island chain of Majorca (Mallorca), Minorca (Menorca), Ibiza and Formentera sit in the western Mediterranean. They have a rich history stretching back to the ancient civilizations of Greece and Phoenicia, with traces of human habitation going back nearly 8,000 years. If you want to get away from the main crowds, there are many smaller islets to hop between, with the stand-out national park on uninhabited Cabrera.
Watch the sunset over the bay from the high point at Es Verda near Cala d’Hort, Ibiza, enjoy old Spain in the historic Port d’Alcudia, Majorca, or relax on Playa de Ses Illetes, Formentera, in the spring and fall. If you love wine, you can tour the vineyards where grapes have been harvested since Roman times. Keep a look out for the native tipples of Manto Negro and Callet.
If you want to explore the landscape, there are over 300 beaches across the four islands. Head to Majorca, which has mysterious caves throughout the region, including the famous “Dragon Caves” with its underground lake. Cabrera’s Archipelago Maritime-Terrestrial National Park is home to many species of seabirds and you can spot dolphins and whales around the isle.
Dream Yacht Charter in the Balearics: Our base is in Palma Port Olympique de Calanova, Palma de Mallorca, and our friendly team will look after you, giving local tips and advice. Choose from all-inclusive Balearics cabin cruises or, for bareboat charters, take a look at our fleet. If you need help planning your charter, check out our Inspirational Itineraries section or get in touch with our team to find out more.
The time difference in the Balearics is Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) +1 hours. Locals take a siesta between 1pm and 5:30pm, though many shops and restaurants in the main tourist areas stay open all day.
A passport issued within the past 10 years and valid for three months beyond your planned length of stay is required for US citizens. Most US travelers staying less than 90 days aren’t required to obtain a visa, but check with your nearest Spanish embassy or consulate.
You may be asked to present documentation related to the purpose of your trip, your return flight, yacht reservation and proof that you have sufficient funds for your stay upon your entry into Spain. Talk to us to make sure you have the correct documents before you travel.
Taxis in Palma include Taxi Palma Radio (+34 971 40 00 04) and Taxi Teléfono (+34 971 74 40 50). Book ahead for a taxi, especially in high season, and remember that children under 12 will need car seats.
Any amount over 10,000 euros (€), or the equivalent in any currency, taken into or out of Spain must be declared. For specific information about restrictions, visit the EU portal for links.
The currency is the Euro, while Master and Visa cards are accepted widely in larger stores and restaurants, but you may need cash for independent, small businesses. You can find ATMs at the marinas and banks. Banking hours are Monday to Friday (9:30am to 2pm).
You’ll find free Wi-Fi in some restaurants and cafes, but you may find that speeds vary.
Export of endangered species without a permit is banned. The importation of meat and dairy products from outside the EU, unauthorized firearms and ammunition is also banned.
Cover bare legs and shoulders when visiting churches and historic religious sites.
The Balearic Islands have mild seasonal weather throughout the year with, on average, around 300 days of sun each year. The rains fall mostly between October and December.
Summer temperatures in the Balearics average 86°F with a sea temperature of 79°F in August. It is busy during the high season, but you can avoid the crowds by visiting in spring or fall (May or October) when it’s still warm and sunny. Sailing is calm with warm breezes in June and sea winds in summer.
The sailing conditions are more challenging October to April, with the risk of strong winds. The sirocco (southerly in spring) and the mistral (north-westerly in autumn) are tempered by the Gulf of Lion and bring heavy seas. The Levant is an easterly wind that blows in the western Mediterranean Sea.
Menorca is known as the “Island of Wind” due to a cool, dry, north wind called the tramuntana, which makes the island popular with sailors and surfers.
For recommended beautiful anchorages and tips where to try local food, check out our Balearics itineraries, as we have it covered…
Day 1: Walk along the cobblestone streets of Palma and visit one of the most famous gothic cathedrals in Europe. The Palma Cathedral, also known as “La Seu,” or “the seat”, which refers to the bishop’s seat. Take in Palma’s historic atmosphere and charm, stock up your provisions and dine aboard at one of many great restaurants. Spend overnight aboard.
Day 2: Cala Pi, Majorca, has a lovely beach with calm, turquoise waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Enjoy the beach bar and three restaurants or stock up at the small supermarket and pharmacy. Centuries ago, pirates were a problem in this area and the remnants of a medieval watchtower still remain. This is a very popular anchorage but keep in mind that Cala Pi is a very narrow cove.
Day 3: After a leisurely breakfast, set sail for Colonia Sant Jordi, known for its beautiful white-sand beaches. Try Es Carbo, frequented by the Spanish royal family, and Es Trenc, a two-mile natural, isolated beach with lovely golden sand and clear waters. In town, there are many popular restaurants and tapas bars along Avinguda de la Primavera (Primavera Avenue) for lunch or dinner. A good, sheltered place to anchor for the night lies between the islets of Gabina and Redona, but take care to avoid the sand banks and rocks in this area.
Day 4: Sail north and enjoy the scenic coastline on the way to Cala Figuera. Known to the locals as “Little Venice,” this is a secluded anchorage along the southeast coast of Majorca. The port is part of a traditional fishing community with whitewashed cottages and boathouses that stretch down to the water’s edge. Eat lunch or dinner aboard and enjoy the quiet, natural setting, or try one of the local dishes at a café or restaurant near the marina.
Day 5: Explore Cala Figuera, where there are a number of small coves that may be accessible for anchorage in good weather. One is Calo des Moro, which has a sandy bottom, clear water and a nice, small beach. There are no services available here, just a nice place to swim and snorkel. There are anchorage areas east of Colonia between the islets of Guardis and Moltona, but take care to avoid the sand banks at anchorages between Gabina and Redona.
Day 6: Heading west from Colonia, you’ll discover the quiet port village of Sa Rapita and the lovely beach S’Arenal de sa Rapita, which stretches over half a mile from the port to the small village of Ses Covetes. You’ll find a white, sandy beach ringed with turquoise blue water that is shallow and perfect for windsurfing. A beach bar and restaurant are near the port end of the beach.
Day 7: On the return trip to Palma, you’ll see the beautiful, steep cliffs of Cap Blanc with its lighthouse. Much of the coastline in this area is protected and undeveloped, so provides a beautiful backdrop with rocky inlets and secluded coves. Calo des Cap d’Alt and Cala de Cap Falco are two good examples for waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
Day 1: Walk along the cobblestone streets of Palma and visit one of the most famous gothic cathedrals in Europe. The Palma Cathedral, also known as “La Seu,” or “the seat”, which refers to the bishop’s seat. Take in Palma’s historic atmosphere and charm, stock up your provisions and dine at one of many great restaurants. Spend overnight aboard.
Day 2: After a leisurely breakfast, set sail for Andratx. Along the rocky coastline, you’ll pass Cala Portals Vells beach. It’s popular with sailors and offers dinghy service ashore if you want to eat at the restaurant. Rounding the cape you can try the golden, sandy beach at El Toro, which offers calm waters protected by Port Adriano. Once you reach the harbor of Andratx, one of the prettiest in Majorca, you can anchor there for the night.
Day 3: As you head north, you’ll encounter Sa Dragonera (The Dragon), which is the main island off the coast and home to the Sa Dragonera Natural Park, with its huge colony of seagulls. There are two good spots for anchoring on the east side of the island, but only when the sea is calm. Eat lunch aboard. Along the way, you’ll pass by Cala de Valldemossa where actor Michael Douglas owns an impressive home. Anchor in the port of Soller for the night.
Day 4: After breakfast aboard, visit the attractive port of Soller where you can climb the Es Faro lighthouse. Or travel inland a short distance via a vintage tram, called the “Orange Express”, to visit the town of Soller with its ancient olive trees and fragrant orange groves. The valley and surrounding mountains are a UNESCO world heritage site and popular with ecotourists. Eat lunch in one of the local tapas bars or in a café. In the afternoon, there are also two nice beaches at either end of Soller Bay for swimming and sunbathing.
Day 5-6: Eat a hearty breakfast, and then sail to the port of Pollensa at the foot of Serra de Tramuntana, the island’s highest mountain, where you can anchor for the night. Along the way, you may want to stop at Cala Sa Calobra, a pebble beach and a small cove wedged between two cliffs. Nearby, the Torrent de Pareis (Paradise Stream) has carved a deep chasm in the cliff, which has its own pebble beach.
Day 7: The village of Pollensa is a typical Majorcan town and definitely worth a visit. If you’re searching for the perfect beach, head north to reach the beautiful sandy beaches at Cala Agulla. Relax on the sands, swim or hike up to the Capdepera lighthouse to enjoy the panoramic views. It’s a short sail to the resort at Cala Ratjada, where you can eat dinner and anchor overnight.
Day 8: Porto Cristo’s natural harbor has been sheltering fishing boats for centuries. Today, this peaceful fishing village and its harbor cater to visitors from all over the globe. There are popular beaches near Porto Cristo, but there are plenty of alternatives. You might want to take a glass bottom boat tour or head to Europe’s largest underground lake, Lake Martel, which is a short walk from the Nautico Marina area (or you can hire a taxi). The lake lies in the Cuevas del Drach (the dragon’s caves), a large, limestone cavern system. There are one-hour tours of the impressive stalactite formations, and visitors are often treated to short classical music concerts by musicians who take advantage of the fine acoustics. There are charming cafés in the Placa del Carme as well as restaurants overlooking the marina.
Day 9: Portocolom’s large, natural harbor provides excellent and safe overnight anchorage. It was named after Christopher Columbus and still retains the feel of a quaint fishing village. Stroll the nearby beach at Platja de s’Arenal, which is divided into s’Arenal Gran and s’Arenal Petit. S’Arenal Gran has good underwater conditions for anchoring boats as it is sandy and sheltered from the Mediterranean’s winds and waves.
Day 10: Head to Cala Figueras and enjoy the scenic coastline along the way, part of which belongs to Mondrago National Park. You can stop at Cala Mondrago, a small, beautiful beach with a restaurant and clear, turquoise waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Nearby is Cala s’Amarador with its white-sand beach edged in pine forests. Both coves have depths of up to 20 feet and sandy bottoms, but they are exposed to east and southeast winds. If needed, there are port facilities nearby in Porto Petro. Dock for the night in Cala Figueras.
Day 11: The port of Cala Figueras is still primarily a fishing community with attractive whitewashed cottages and boathouses that stretch down to the water’s edge. Eat dinner aboard and enjoy the quiet natural setting, or try one of the local dishes at a café or restaurant near the marina.
Day 12: It’s a relatively short sail from Cala Figueras to the port town of Colonia San Jordi. Colonia is known for its beautiful white-sand beaches, including Es Carbo, where the Spanish royal family is known to visit. Colonia is also just 10 km from the Cabrera archipelago and the National Maritime Park of Cabrera. In addition to serving as a sanctuary for Mediterranean sea life, the park has a lighthouse, caves and a 14th century castle.
Day 13-14: Enjoy another day at the beach and bring a picnic lunch. Visit Es Trenc, a two-mile natural, isolated beach with lovely golden sand and clear waters. There are many popular restaurants and tapas bars along Avinguda de la Primavera (Primavera Avenue) for lunch or dinner. After an early breakfast on the following morning, set sail for Palma.
Our Balearics Base Manager, Montserrat Rebenaque Sabaté (Tel: + 34 622 462 950, email: palma@dreamyachtcharter.com) will be pleased to welcome you on arrival.
Our base is at Palma Port Olympique de Calanova, Palma de Mallorca, between the beaches of Cala Mayor and Illetas. The marina offers two restaurants, shopping, swimming pool and water sports.
Be aware that anchoring in sand is permitted, but anchoring in seagrass (Posidonia) beds is prohibited. Where buoys are provided, you must use them. You can reserve a buoy here.
You can provision in advance by ordering online for delivery at your yacht with Eroski Supermarket or locally at the supermarket (100m from base) for a small delivery charge. You’ll find banks, bars and a pharmacy just five minutes walk from the marina.
Fly to Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI), Spain, from the US via Madrid or Barcelona. We can arrange airport transfers on request to our marina, which takes about 20 minutes by taxi. Make sure your passport is in date and valid for the duration of your stay, and we’ve got visa advice under our Handy Info section
- Call the marina on VHF channel 9
- Only take soft bags and not suitcases as they are too cumbersome on board
- On land electricity is 230 Volts – 50Hz (power sockets are F type)
- International country dialing code for Spain is +34 and the area code for the Balearics is 971
- Cell Phones can work depending on zones but don’t forget the roaming fees!
- WiFi internet is available in the marina
Before you set sail, download and read this information to make your trip as hassle-free and smooth as possible.
