Sailing in Palma
Palma de Mallorca is the capital of the Balearic island of Mallorca, an island group located in the Mediterranean. With a mix of beautiful beaches, stunning architecture, and a vibrant nightlife, Palma is the perfect destination for a sailing holiday. A boat rental in Palma de Mallorca allows you to explore the beautiful coastline of the island while enjoying the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean.
Things to do and see when sailing in Palma
Yes, you can party in Palma de Mallorca, you could party a lot and do nothing else while here, but why not take the time and explore Palma’s old town and admire the city’s architecture or head out on a boat to discover some magical natural landscapes Mallorca has to offer? You won’t be disappointed!
Activities in Palma
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Visit Palma Cathedral: Also known as La Seu, this stunning Gothic cathedral is located in the heart of Palma and is one of the main attractions on the island.
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Castell de Bellver: This unique castle, built in the 14th century, is located on a hill overlooking the city of Palma. The castle is known for its circular design and is going to charm you with this unique architecture.
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Take the day to relax at one of Palma’s many beaches: With an extensive coastline, Palma has many beautiful beaches to offer. Some of the most popular beaches include Playa de Palma, Cala Major and Illetes.
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Stroll around the Old Town: Take a stroll through the winding streets of Palma's old town and explore the beautiful architecture and historical landmarks. Be sure to stop by Placa Major, the central square of Palma.
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Rent a boat in Palma de Mallorca and explore the beautiful coastline of the island while enjoying the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean.
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How about a round of golf? Palma has several world-class golf courses that offer stunning views and challenging holes.
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Go for a hike in the magnificent Tramuntana Mountains. There are plenty of beautiful hiking trails with stunning views of the Mediterranean to choose from.
Beaches in Palma
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Cala Major Beach: Cala Major is a popular beach located just 4 kilometers south-west of the city center of Palma. It is a long, wide beach with golden sand, crystal clear water, and plenty of amenities, such as sun loungers, umbrellas, and beach bars. This beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Due to the close proximity of all these amenities, it is also a very family friendly beach
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Playa de Palma: Playa de Palma is a stunning beach made of 10 kilometers of sand. This long white sandy beach is surrounded by crystal clear water, and a promenade that runs along the shore. This beach has all kinds of amenities, including showers, toilets, sun loungers, and parasols. It is a great place to relax, soak up the sun, and enjoy the beauty of the Mediterranean sea.
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Illetas Beach: Illetas is a small beach with fine sand and clear water, nestled in a cove surrounded by cliffs and pine trees. This beach offers a relaxed and tranquil atmosphere, perfect for those looking for a peaceful escape from bustling Palma. There are also several beach bars and restaurants nearby, where you can enjoy a refreshing drink or a delicious meal with a view.
Restaurants in Palma
Casual dining in Palma:
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Sa Bodegueta: This traditional restaurant serves delicious tapas and local cuisine. The prices are reasonable, and the atmosphere is cozy and relaxed.
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Café L'antiquari: This lovely café serves delicious sandwiches and salads in a charming setting. The food is made with fresh and local ingredients, and the atmosphere is cozy and welcoming.
Best restaurants with a view in Palma:
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Es Fum: This Michelin-starred restaurant offers stunning views of the Mediterranean and serves creative cuisine made with local ingredients.
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Abaco: This unique restaurant is known for its beautiful garden and stunning décor. You might not get the sea views, but you get the views of the lovely garden. The food is excellent, and the atmosphere unforgettable.
Fine dining in Palma:
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Adrian Quetglas: This Michelin-starred restaurant serves creative cuisine made with fresh, local ingredients. The atmosphere is elegant and sophisticated.
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Marc Fosh: This Michelin-starred restaurant offers a modern take on traditional Mediterranean cuisine. The food is excellent, and served in a restaurant with elegant interior
Bars and Clubs in Palma
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Tito's: This legendary club is one of the most famous nightlife spots in Palma. With three floors of music and a rooftop terrace, Tito's is the perfect place to dance the night away.
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Blue Jazz Club: This jazz club is located in the heart of Palma and offers live music every night. The atmosphere is cozy and intimate, and the drinks are excellent.
Explore historical Palma
Whether you're interested in Gothic architecture, ancient history, or just soaking up the atmosphere of a beautiful Mediterranean city, Palma de Mallorca has something for everyone. Palma de Mallorca has been ruled by different empires throughout the centuries and this shows in its beautiful architecture. The Cathedral of Santa Maria is a gothic cathedral and although the construction already began in the 13th century, it wasn’t finished until 300 years later. If you want to explore a beautiful palace, head over to the Almudaina Palace which dates back to the 13th century.
Sailing conditions in Palma
The sailing conditions in Palma are excellent, with mild temperatures and calm waters. The best time to go sailing in Palma is from May to October, when the weather is warm and the waters are calm. During the summer months July and August, temperatures can reach up to 30°C, and water temperatures can reach up to 25°C. The perfect conditions for a fun boat trip in Palma de Mallorca.
The winds in Palma are generally not very strong, making it also a great destination for novice sailors who want to practice their sailing skills.
How much does it cost to rent a boat in Palma?
A yacht charter in Palma de Mallorca really doesn’t have to break your bank. In fact, it can be very affordable. It all depends on the type of boat you choose and the time of year you decide to sail here.
What type of boat is best for sailing in Palma?
Do you already know what kind of boat holiday you would like to experience when setting sail from Palma de Mallorca? If so, you should choose the type of boat that is going to allow you to make it happen. If you want to explore all the beautiful beaches that you can discover around Palma, you should opt for a boat with a shallow draft for easy access. If you are more of an adventurer, want to feel the wind on your skin and don’t mind unpredictable situations, you should go for a boat with a sail.
Rent a catamaran in Palma
Pros of renting a catamaran in Palma
A catamaran rental in Palma de Mallorca is the perfect choice for anyone who seeks to have the most relaxing boat holiday on the island. Due to the way catamarans are built and the two hulls on which they stand, they allow for more space on board and on deck. You can really stretch your legs and make full use of the space on deck when sunbathing. Equally, you can enjoy a good night of sleep without feeling like you’re stuck in a little cabin on board your boat.
A catamaran charter in Palma de Mallorca is great for anyone who wants to be flexible, but with a plan B on hand. You can set your sail and sail with the winds when they are strong enough, but can revert to using the engine if it’s not. That way you won’t ever get stuck in the middle of the sea.
A catamaran hire in Palma is going to make you very happy if you want to explore all the beautiful and more remote beaches Mallorca has to offer. Catamarans have a shallow draft, making them the perfect choice for exploring and for easy access to the shore.
Cons of renting a catamaran in Palma
However, chartering a catamaran in Palma doesn’t just come with pros. Especially the size of a catamaran can pose some difficulties when trying to find a spot for mooring at the marinas. And you probably have to pay extra. After all, you’re taking up more space and therefore might prevent another boat from taking the space next to you.
Charter a catamaran in Palma
Rent a sailboat in Palma
Pros of renting a sailboat in Palma
A sailboat charter in Palma is a wonderful opportunity to practice your sailing skills, especially novice sailors will appreciate the fact that the winds and overall weather conditions are not as strong and intense as in other destinations in the Mediterranean.
Rent a sailboat in Palma de Mallorca if you feel like going on an adventure while sailing more sustainably. Sailboats don’t produce extra CO2-emissions as they are solely fueled by the wind. This in turn also makes them cheaper options than other types of boats.
Cons of renting a sailboat in Palma
One of the downsides of a sailboat charter in Palma is the fact that sailboats solely run on wind. While it does make them more environmentally friendly to sail, it gives you less flexibility on your sailing holiday as you are completely dependent on the wind and weather conditions. If the wind suddenly stops blowing, you might find yourself stuck on the water and have to patiently wait for the wind to pick up again.
Another downside of a sailboat hire in Palma can be the fact that sailboats have a keel which makes it difficult, or even dangerous, to sail too close to the shore. So if you’re planning on relaxing on one of the many beaches, a sailboat is probably not the right choice for you.
Sailboat charter in Palma
Rent a motorboat in Palma
Pros of renting a motorboat in Palma
A motorboat charter in Palma is great for anyone who wants to discover all the stunning and remote beaches Mallorca has to offer. Motorboats generally have a shallow draft, making them perfect for sailing closer to the shore. You can easily access the beaches and don’t have to worry about swimming very long distances in order to reach the beaches.
Another great thing about a motorboat charter in Palma de Mallorca is the fact that motorboats are relatively fast compared to other boats. You can easily plan on visiting many different spots in one day. This is particularly great for anyone who is relatively short on time, but has a long to do list.
Cons of renting a motorboat in Palma
One of the downsides of a motorboat charter in Palma de Mallorca is the fact that they only run on fuel, giving you a lot less flexibility than other types of boats. You always have to stay closer to the marinas in order to refuel should you run low on petrol.
The fact that motorboats only run on petrol also makes them a lot more expensive. You might even have to pay extra for fuel in addition to your bareboat charter in Palma de Mallorca. If you are driving excessively during your trip, don’t be surprised if you receive a very high bill for that.
Motorboat rental in Palma
Luxury boat holidays in Palma
Palma might be generally known as an extremely affordable, but fun party destination with amazing weather. Cheap food, cheap beer and cheap parties are what attract a lot of tourists to Mallorca’s capital. However, there are also plenty of people traveling to this Balearic Island for a luxury yacht vacation in Palma. It might not be as well-known as Ibiza, but you can find great luxury yacht charters in Palma de Mallorca. Sometimes they even have a jacuzzi on board the boat.
Charter a luxury yacht in Palma de Mallorca
What kind of boat license do you need when renting a boat in Palma?
If you plan on operating a motorboat that is longer than 5 meters, you need to be in possession of a valid boat license. Anyone who wants to sail a sailing yacht in Palma de Mallorca that is longer than 6 meters, needs to carry a valid boat license as well.
Don’t worry if you don’t have a valid boat license! You can always hire an experienced skipper or captain to operate your boat rental. This might even feel more relaxing for many. You can simply lean back, relax and enjoy your boat holiday while someone else is taking care of the navigation and operation of your boat.
Sailing routes in Palma
A boat charter in Palma de Mallorca is a great way to start your sailing adventure in the Balearic Islands, especially to discover the most beautiful beaches and landscapes the island has to offer.
Day 1 - Sail from Palma de Mallorca to Portals Vells (10 NM): Start your sailing adventure in the morning from Palma de Mallorca and sail southwest towards Portals Vells. This is a beautiful natural bay with clear waters and stunning views. You can anchor here for the night and enjoy a peaceful evening on the boat.
Day 2 - Sail from Portals Vells to Port Adriano (6 NM): After breakfast, sail to the luxurious Port Adriano. This marina is a popular spot for superyachts and offers plenty of dining and shopping options. Spend the afternoon exploring the marina or relax on the beach.
Day 3 - Sail from Port Adriano to Andratx (10 NM): From Port Adriano, sail to the picturesque town of Andratx. This charming town is nestled in the foothills of the Tramuntana Mountains and has a lovely marina that comes with all the amenities and services you could ask for. You can wander through the narrow streets and enjoy the local restaurants before enjoying the amazing sunset views.
Day 4 - Sail from Andratx to Sant Elm (6 NM): Sail to Sant Elm, a small fishing village on the western coast of Mallorca. This is a great place to anchor and enjoy some swimming and snorkeling in the clear waters. You can also hike to the nearby Sa Dragonera island nature reserve.
Day 5 - Sail from Sant Elm to Port de Soller (12 NM): Sail to Port de Soller, a charming port town on the northern coast of Mallorca. This town is nestled in a stunning natural bay and has a lovely sandy beach that will make you want to dance. You can explore the town and enjoy some delicious local dishes in the nearby restaurants.
Day 6 - Sail from Port de Soller to Cala Deia (8 NM):
After breakfast, sail to secluded Cala Deia, a beautiful natural bay surrounded by cliffs and pine forests. This is a great place to anchor and enjoy some peaceful time on your boat or on land. You can also swim, snorkel, or explore the nearby town of Deia if you are looking for a more vibrant afternoon.
Day 7 - Cala Deia to Palma de Mallorca (25 NM): On the last day of your sailing adventure, sail back to Palma de Mallorca. This will be a longer journey, but you can stop at some of the beautiful coves and bays along the way. Once you arrive in Palma, you can explore the city and enjoy some local cuisine before returning the boat to your charter.