Setting sail from Palma de Mallorca – How to get there?
Among other reasons, chartering a yacht in Mallorca is incredibly popular due to the easy accessibility of its international airport from major European destinations. There are hundreds of daily flights during the summer, making it a true hub for experienced sailors and boaters from around 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 Balearic Islands in the immediate vicinity of the Spanish mainland and the port cities of Barcelona, Valencia and Denia. Often sailors will use Palma as a resting point when crossing the Mediterranean. The area is a great sailing location for yacht charters due to the diversity of the different islands that make up the Balearics. Ibiza, Formentera and Menorca are accessible in a single day of navigation. 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 Mallorca yacht charter. Palma’s marinas offer plenty of luxury and bareboat charter, while the exclusive marinas of Puerto Portals, Port Adriano and Puerto Andratx are perfect for luxury yacht charters in Mallorca. In Palma you can find the Club de Mar, La Lonja Marina Charter, the Real Club Náutico and the Marina Naviera Balear. A large number of one day charters, especially for motor yachts, are available here. The recently remodeled `Muelle Viejo` is also very beautiful, right next to the magnificent Cathedral. There are some great new restaurants right out front 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 10 minutes away by car and has long been recognized as a main port for luxury yacht charters in Mallorca. If you sit at the `Flannagans` restaurant, for example, you can even be table neighbors with people like 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 veritable superyacht port with a touch of understated elegance, yet undeniably beautiful.
What does Palma de Mallorca have to offer after sailing?
You may have come here on a boat holiday, but there is so much more to do if you know where and when… Not a day goes by in Palma without some kind of party or event taking place. From January to December, there is always something to do here. If you haven’t attended yet, seeing the Three Wise Men 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 music bands play in the streets, you can “run with the demons” 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 oriental style and the imposing western style. The famous Cathedral of Palma, commonly known as ‘La Seu’, is second to none in the world. Also not to be missed is the impressive Castell de Bellver, which towers over Palma and has incredible views of the entire bay.
Apart from seeing the many sights, tasting the local specialties such as the famous Sobrasada sausages or the popular ‘lomo’ (pork loin) together with some Mallorcan wine is a pure pleasure.
Souvenir shops or in preparation for your yacht charter in Palma de Mallorca are plentiful. Just head to El Corte Inglés department store (they also have an upmarket delicatessen department) or Porto Pi shopping center just around the corner from Club de Mar. You can buy fresh produce in abundance at the centrally located Santa Mercado Catalina during the mornings. And in the old town and city center 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 do many excursions, enter the spectacular Sierra de Tramuntana and visit some of its charming little towns. 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 goes from Palma to Sóller 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. On 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 to go 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 snorkel and admire the untouched underwater world.