Mallorca is a perfect destination for a Mediterranean sailing holiday. Here, you can enjoy stunning views of the crystal-clear turquoise waters, golden sand on the beaches, relaxation, peace, and tranquility. When not sailing, you can discover the natural parks, the local cuisine, and the island’s cultural scene.
Mallorca has plenty of wonderful anchorage places, and we will discuss a few of them and their facilities in our article.
Here are the best places to anchor in Mallorca:
1. Cala Pi de la Posada Anchorage
Located in a beautiful setting and easily accessible, it’s no wonder that the Cala Pi de la Posada is a popular anchorage spot.
It has clear waters and is surrounded on both sides by rocky cliffs; as the bay ends there is also a beautiful beach. Here you will find a restaurant, a pharmacy as well as a supermarket. The bay is protected against the winds, from the West to the East.
When anchoring, it is recommended to use sand anchors and shore lines to avoid drifting and you should enter the cove through its central part, as there are a few large stones to avoid located on the port side. Another important aspect to keep in mind is that, during the high season it is advisable to arrive early in the day, in order to find a spot for your boat.
The most famous cave located nearby, at around 3 km east of Cala Pi is Cova des Pas de Vallgornera, measuring 6435 meters in length, which makes it the longest one in the Balearics.
2. Cala Varques Anchorage
Located on the east coast of Mallorca, between Punta d’en Barrufau and Punta de Llevant, Cala Varques is an excellent spot for swimming and diving due to the breathtaking turquoise waters. It’s also a quite anchorage for a lovely yacht escape. The nearby beach has fine sand and there is also a pine forest.
The environment of the cove is protected in order to preserve the wildlife and the local vegetation, which makes services quite limited here.
The cove is protected against swells and winds blowing from the North, North-East, North-West, West, and East. The depth at around 200 meters from the shore is around 6 meters, therefore it is safe to moor here without having any issues.
3. Platja d’es Trencs Anchorage
Platja d’es Trencs is one of the most beautiful and famous beaches in Mallorca, and is well-known for the stunning views that make you wonder if you are in the Caribbeans, an incredible place with white sandy beaches and crystal clear shallow waters.
There is plenty of space for numerous boats, the seabed is mostly sandy with some rocky and seaweed patches.
This anchorage spot is well protected against the winds that blow from North to South as well as from East.
Nearby, there are two coastal towns where you can find some good restaurants and sample the local cuisine.
4. Cala Mondragó Anchorage
Another great anchorage is Cala Mondragó, close to the Mondrago National Park. The seabed here is sandy but there is Posidonia scattered around, so you must be careful where you drop your anchor as this type of algae is protected.
Otherwise, this anchorage is great for swimming and snorkeling and it is also well protected against the winds blowing from the South-West.
If you are an adventure lover, you should check out the nearby caves and plunging spots.
When you want to take a break from swimming and diving, you can grab a bite at one of the restaurants located on the beach.
5. S’Amador Anchorage
Another lovely anchorage spot located in the Cala Mondragó Reserve is S’Amador, also one of the most beautiful coves in Mallorca.
Due to its location, this spot is pristine and the waters are exceptionally clear, perfect for going for a relaxing swim.
The anchorage has a sandy seabed and the maximum draft is around 6 meters.
6. Cala Figueira Anchorage
Located in Santanyi, this tranquil anchorage offers sailors wonderful views, serene and pristine waters, and a peaceful retreat away from the more tourist-filled places. Here you can enjoy a more traditional part of the island, where time passes slowly.
Apart from the lovely dining options located close by, the anchorage is protected against the winds blowing from the East and has shallow waters that facilitate anchoring as well as a sandy seabed covered with some rocky patches.
Nonetheless, you should pay attention to the winds blowing from North and Northeast, in order to avoid any problems.
7. Cala Fornells Anchorage
Located near Paguera, Cala Fornells is yet another beautiful anchorage where you can spend some time during your sailing holiday.
You should take into consideration that during the summer, it gets crowded easily so it would best to arrive earlier in the day to make sure you find an available spot.
The seabed is sandy and rocky, thus facilitating anchoring and the maximum draft here is between 4 and 6 meters.
The anchorage does not have many facilities, but if you’d like to try the local cuisine, you can go to one of the restaurants in Paguera and enjoy the traditional dishes.
8. Magician’s Cove Anchorage
Also known as Portal Vells, this anchorage is well protected against the winds blowing from the South, South-West, North, North-West and West. Its seabed is sandy but it also has seaweed patches to which you have to pay attention, as it is protected.
Close by, you will find a few restaurants like Bar Playa del Mago, and the internet connection works quite well here.
Its name comes from the film that was shot in 1967 (The Magician). You can find this anchorage by searching for El Mago beach or Playa del Mago.
9. Sant elm Anchorage
Sant Elm is a beautiful coastal village where you will find numerous shops and restaurants, which are a great choice if you look forward to tasting the catch of the day. They offer fresh fish dishes and seafood.
The anchorage has a sandy seabed, and you will also find a few mooring buoys. It is also well protected from the winds and swells from South-East, East, North, and North-East.
10. Deià Cove Anchorage
If you would like to enjoy the lovely views of the Tramontana, then this anchorage (also known as Cala Deia) is the perfect option for you. Here, the sea is crystal clear and, it’s a nice place to go swimming and snorkeling.
You can reach Deià anchorage in about 1 hour from Port de Soller.
The anchorage is well protected against the winds blowing from the South, South-West, South-East, and West, and there is also a dock where you can safely moor your dinghy when visiting the beach.
On the beach, there are two restaurants where you can enjoy a lazy afternoon and some lovely Mediterranean food.
11. Port de Sóller Anchorage
One of the most famous places in Mallorca, Port de Sóller, offers everything one may need during a holiday, in terms of facilities, shops, restaurants, and even a great internet connection.
The Port de Soller anchorage is protected from the North, North-West, and West, but it is highly advisable to pay attention during the night as the wind may pick up and move the boat.
You should also be cautious about the boats entering and leaving the marina, in order to avoid any problems.
If you’d like to book a mooring place in the marina, you should make a reservation in advance, especially during the high season.
You should always be prepared for any situation, especially when the weather is bad weather, and booking a berth is a better and safer option.
We’ve put together a comprehensive list of the best marinas in Mallorca, in case you’ll need to book a berth:
12. Ses Ortigues Anchorage
Ses Ortigues anchorage is a wonderful choice for anyone looking to get away from the crowds and enjoy some relaxing time. The waters are clear and it’s a great spot for snorkeling or diving.
Here, you will be protected from the winds and swells from the South, East, and South-East.
It is quite easy to anchor here due to the sandy seabed, but you should pay attention to the shallows.
13. Sa Calobra Anchorage
Another tranquil place to spend a few nights is Sa Calobra, a lovely small cove close to the mountains. It is easily accessible and protected against the winds and the swells from the North, South, East, South-East, and South-West.
Close by, there is also a ravine where you can go for a walk if you like; it has fresh water and it’s a nice place for a stroll in the morning when the temperatures are not so high.
Close by, you will also find a few restaurants.
14. Cabrera National Park Anchorage
This is a lovely anchoring spot surrounded by nature, stunning scenery, and crystal-clear waters which make it an oasis for anyone who wants to enjoy some peace and quiet.
If you are a nature enthusiast and love hiking, here on the island you will find a few trails as well as a castle which you can visit if you would like to learn more about its history.
Also known as Platja Cabrera Anchorage, this place is protected from the North and North-West winds, and there are also buoys that you can book in advance. It is advisable you make a booking about 3 weeks prior to your arrival, especially during the high season.
15. Cala Bóquer Anchorage
Located on the northern side of the island, Cala Bóquer is easily accessible and less crowded than other spots, as it is quite wild. It has a sandy seabed but, you should pay attention to the shallow part of the cove where there are rocks.
The waters here are clean, therefore it is a joy to go swimming and snorkeling.
While spending some time relaxing on the beach, don’t be surprised if you’ll see a few goats coming there as well.
Another important aspect to mention about Cala Bóquer is that, generally, it is well protected against the winds and the swells.
However, you should pay attention when the winds blow from the North-East.
You can find this anchorage on Google Maps as Cala Boquer.
In conclusion, Mallorca is one of the best summer sailing destinations with plenty of lovely places to discover, interesting activities to enjoy, rich history, breathtaking natural wonders, and numerous coves with azure waters and beaches with fine white sand.
Enjoy your next sailing holiday in Mallorca, a paradise of tranquility and beauty!