Sailing from Palma de Mallorca – How to get there?
Among other reasons, renting a yacht in Mallorca is incredibly popular due to the easy accessibility of its international airport from the main European destinations. There are hundreds of daily flights during the summer, making it a true hub for experienced sailors and boaters from all over the world. In addition, the airport is located just 9 km from the capital `Palma`, as the inhabitants simply know it.
Its favorable location in the western Mediterranean Sea places this beautiful island and the surrounding Balearics in close proximity to the Spanish mainland and the port cities of Barcelona, Valencia and Denia. Sailors will often use Palma as a resting point when crossing the Mediterranean. The area is a great sailing location for yacht charter due to the diversity of the different islands that make up the Balearic Islands. Ibiza, Formentera and Menorca are accessible in a single day of sailing. However, each one offers something completely different in terms of culture, landscape and atmosphere.
What marinas are there in Palma de Mallorca and its surroundings to rent a motor or sailing yacht?
There are some very established new marinas and some pristine ones to choose from for your yacht charter in Mallorca. Palma’s marinas offer plenty of bareboat and luxury yacht charter, while the exclusive marinas of Puerto Portals, Port Adriano and Puerto Andratx are perfect for luxury yacht charter in Mallorca. In Palma there is the Club de Mar, La Lonja Marina Charter, the Real Club Náutico and the Marina Naviera Balear. A large number of day charters, especially for motor yachts, are available here. The recently remodeled `Muelle Viejo` is also very nice, right next to the magnificent Cathedral. There are some great new restaurants right across the street that even bring you takeout on board. There you can sit on your own terrace for dinner, enjoy the enchanting view of the illuminated cathedral and feel the pulse of the vibrant city center. Puerto Portals is only a 10 minute drive away and has long been recognized as a premier port for luxury yacht charters in Mallorca. If you sit in the `Flannagans` restaurant, for example, you can even be table neighbors with the likes of the King of Spain or Rafael Nadal. And Port Adriano (about a 20-minute drive from the city center) with its avant-garde design by Philippe Starck is a true superyacht port with a touch of understated elegance, yet undeniable beauty.
What does Palma de Mallorca have to offer after sailing?
You may have come here on a boat holiday, but there is much more to do if you know where and when… Not a day goes by in Palma without some kind of party or event. From January to December, there is always something to do here. If you haven’t attended yet, seeing the Three Kings arrive at the port on Spanish Christmas Day, January 6, is a sight to behold. And at the end of January there is a whole week of festivities called San Sebastián. Numerous musical bands play in the streets, you can “run with the devils” or join the big barbecue at the end of the week. In summer you can choose the regatta you prefer: either the Superyacht Cup in June, the Princessa del Rey in July or the Copa del Rey in August.
The center of Palma is wonderful to behold, as is the old town. You will find that the overall architecture is a combination of the intricate Eastern style and the imposing Western style. Palma’s famous Cathedral, commonly known as ‘La Seu’, is second to none in the world. Also essential is the impressive Castell de Bellver that towers over Palma and has incredible views of the entire bay.
Aside from seeing the many sights, tasting the local specialties such as the famous Sobrasada sausages or the popular ‘lomo’ (pork loin) along with some Majorcan wine is a sheer delight.
Shops for souvenirs or in preparation for your yacht charter in Palma de Mallorca are plentiful. Just head to the El Corte Inglés department store (they also have an upmarket delicatessen department) or the Porto Pi shopping center which is just around the corner from Club de Mar. You can buy plenty of fresh produce at the centrally located Santa Mercado of Catalina during the mornings. And in the old town and downtown there are endless beautiful boutiques and shops for you to choose from.
The night life is splendid; you just need to go down to the water towards the promenade known as Paseo Marítimo. There you will find the best nightclubs, bars and terraces, all overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and packed with happy yacht charter visitors.
What are the best charter day trips from Palma de Mallorca?
Of course, Palma is the heart of Mallorca, but it is not everything… By car you can make many excursions, enter the spectacular Sierra de Tramuntana and visit some of its extremely charming villages. Deia, Valdemossa or Puerto de Sóller are just a few names that you should remember. There is a very nice train, over 100 years old, that runs from Palma to Soller and from there you can take the equally picturesque tram to the port. A recommended walk through the water would be to take a guided tour of the island of Cabrera, which is also a nature reserve. Along the way they will tell you a lot about the interesting history as well as the fauna and flora of this place. Go swimming in caves with crystal clear waters and soak up the Mediterranean sun. A day yacht charter, most likely on a motor yacht from Palma, would be another option for going there. One of those motor yacht charter boats can accommodate up to 6 or 8 people and you get a skipper to take you to the island, where you can snorkel or dive and admire the pristine underwater world.