Yacht Charter Itinerary The Balearic Islands, Mallorca and Menorca
Written by Missy Johnston
Palma de Mallorca Cathedral
Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands. Board your yacht in the harbor of the main island town of Palma. Palma is a lovely town, with a bit of a bohemian feel, and steeped in history. Explore Old Town, filled with little narrow streets, home to cafes, music bars and restaurants. Be sure to visit La Llotja, the old fish market in Old Town, and the Palma Cathedral, overlooking Old Town and the harbor. Overnight.
Bay on Dragonera Island
Leave in the morning to cruise to Puerto de Andratx, an inviting little fishing port sitting at the head of a small narrow bay on the southern coast of Mallorca. Clustered around the head of the bay along the harbor promenade are a number of little cafes and restaurants, many serving fish caught fresh by one of the little fishing boats tied up along the Promenade. The main town of Andratx is worth visiting, especially if you can enjoy one of the many festivals or concerts. Andratx is home to artists and many galleries can be found along the streets. Town Hall is in an old Arabian Farmhouse from the 15th century, around which there is a market every Wednesday. Sail out of Puerto de Andratx, past the high cliffs, at the opening of the bay, where the Cabo de Sa Mola lighthouse is perched. Cruise to the island of Dragonera, now a national park, to stop for a swim, and then to the northwest coast of Mallorca on the way to Port de Sóller. Overnight.
Puerto de Soller at sunset
In the valley with Port de Sóller are the village of Fornalutx and the hamlet of Biniaraix. The valley is famous for orange groves and ancient olive trees planted in terraces and the river delta area is great for bird watching. A tram connects the Port de Soller to the main town of Soller further up the valley, once a thriving center of the citrus trade. In town, explore the famous botanical gardens and for the adventurous, head out to the surrounding mountain range, the ‘Serra de Tramuntana’, for great hiking or long relaxing nature walks. After enjoying lunch, leave for Puerto Pollenca . Overnight.
Pollenca Pine Walk
Puerto Pollenca, an old fishing port sits at the head of a long and narrow bay, which once survived on fishing, and now survives on tourism. Enjoy the main square filled with cafes and restaurants, which every Wednesday is home to the local market. Stroll along the Pinewalk, or enjoy one of the local beaches. At the tip of the peninsula is Cap Formentor, offering spectacular scenery and breathtaking views. After having lunch, cruise along the other side of the bay and stop to explore the oldest city of the island, Alcudia, founded during the Phoenician time period and once the capital of Majorca. In the late afternoon cruise to Ciudadela on the island of Menorca.
Ciudadela
Enjoy an early morning walk around the historic town of Ciudadela clustered around a lovely little harbor filled with local fishing boats. There are many choices on Menorca of what to do and see. Perhaps, enjoy people watching sitting in one of the little dockside cafés along the natural harbor in Mahon. Or enjoy the peace and quiet of the lovely anchorage of Addaya or one of the many coves within the Bah’a de Fornells, ending with a refreshing swim in a secluded cove to overnight on anchor.
Mallorca Anchorage
Leave early to cruise back to Mallorca to Porto Cristo and anchor for lunch. This area is famous for the caves discovered by Mea Martel in 1896, and was also a favorite summer holiday location of the Kings of Mallorca . If you enjoy caves, perhaps visit the Coves del Drac complete with a boat ride across an underground lake, and a concert.
Canyamel Medieval Fortress Tower
Cruise to beautiful Caya d’Or, stopping en route at Canyamel, a pretty town with lots of small bays. Snorkel in the crystal clear water. Explore Hell, one of the caves in the fascinating Cuevas de Arta, so called because of its rocks resembling monstrous animals and its hellish, magical quality. Take in the view as you arrive in Cala d’Or, a seaside village with beautiful calm water in the bay, overlooked from a distance by the medieval Castel Santeuri. This is a great location to paddleboard or kayak exploring the many inlets in the bay. Overnight.
Mallorcan Donkey
Cruise back to Palma to disembark.