Itineraries · 7 min
The best boat itineraries around Mallorca
One of the most common mistakes when planning a day on the water is picking a route by the name of a cove rather than by departure port and the day's wind. Mallorca's coastline changes character a lot from one area to another, and a good skipper adapts the plan to real conditions rather than a fixed itinerary from a website. Even so, four routes work reliably on most days of the season (May-October), and we use them as a starting point with our guests.
1. Palma Bay and Illetes (departing from Palma)
The most versatile route and the one least dependent on wind — ideal for half days or if you're travelling with children. From Palma, it's a 20-30 minute sail to the Illetes area, with very clear water and sheltered anchorage most of the year.
It pairs well with a stop at Cala Blava, or you can push a little further to El Toro if conditions allow. It's also the easiest route for lunch at a beach club with direct access from the boat (more on that in our restaurants guide).
2. Southwest: Port Adriano, Sa Dragonera and Santa Ponça
Setting off from Port Adriano, the southwest coast offers steeper cliffs and more secluded coves, such as Cala Blanca and Cala Egos, just minutes from the port and perfect for anchoring within a 15-minute sail.
For a full day, many skippers extend the route to the island of Sa Dragonera, a protected natural area with excellent underwater visibility for snorkelling. This stretch is more exposed to westerly winds, so it's usually confirmed on the morning itself once the forecast is in.
3. Southeast: Cala Mondragó and Cala S'Amarador
From Porto Cristo, the southeast coast towards the Mondragó Natural Park holds some of the island's most photographed coves, with white sand and shallow turquoise water.
It's a popular area in high season, so the key is leaving early (before 10:30-11:00am) to find a comfortable anchoring spot before the land-based excursions arrive.
4. North: Formentor and Cala Figuera (the long route)
The route to Cap de Formentor is the most spectacular in terms of scenery — cliffs over 200 metres high and intensely blue water — but it's also the most demanding: it needs calm seas and is usually reserved for full-day charters from northern ports, or as a special excursion from Palma.
It's not a route we recommend as a default; it depends heavily on the day's forecast, and a good skipper will tell you that in advance rather than pushing it through regardless.
Ready to experience this route for yourself?
Tell us what you're after and we'll suggest the boat and itinerary that best fits your group.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time of year for these routes?+
May through October, with June, July and September offering the best balance between stable weather and fewer crowds than peak August.
Does the skipper choose the route, or can I pick it?+
The plan is always yours to suggest, but the skipper adjusts it based on the day's wind and sea state — that's what keeps the sailing comfortable and safe.
Can I combine more than one area in a single day?+
On a full-day charter (8 hours) you can combine two nearby areas, for example Illetes and Cala Blava from Palma. For the northern or southwestern routes, it's usually best to focus on one area to make the most of sailing time.