51 minute read
Our Balearic backyard
Ibiza continues to draw the majority of Balearic superyacht traffic during the Mediterranean season, though increasingly owners and guests are choosing to spend longer around Mallorca. Palma’s expanded world class refit facilities have been fully booked all winter, leading more owners and captains to discover that Mallorca, as a destination too, is on the up.
A combination of stricter tourism planning and regulation means that Mallorca now appeals to more elite visitors. Gastronomy and agritourism are on the rise, complementing our stunning landscapes and coastlines, while the island offers many activities for groups, couples and families. For culture and nature, we think Mallorca is among the very best of Mediterranean yachting destinations. But we would say that, wouldn’t we?
MALLORCA
Palma de Mallorca’s international airport (PMI) and its private (TAG) terminal make this a convenient embarkation point for guests and crew alike. Palma is the western Mediterranean’s busiest airport and, being at the heart of the European yachting scene, is well-placed to provide whatever services captains and guests require for a successful cruise.
By far the largest of the Balearic Islands, Mallorca enjoys a wide variety of beaches and coves, coupled with mountainous landscapes. Of the 46 ‘Blue Flags’ awarded to the Balearics’ beaches, Mallorca has 31, as well as 14 Blue Flag marinas, while its 90km-long mountain range, Serra de Tramontana, is designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. On average, the island enjoys 300 days of sunshine per year.
MARINAS Amajor hub for the Mediterranean yachting scene, Palma has an enormous harbour containing no less than six marinas. At the western end, a busy commercial port with ferry and cruise terminals mark the edge of town, while towards the east stretch the urban sandy beaches of Portitxol and El Molinar. A cyclist and pedestrian-friendly promenade skirts the coast all the way to the resort of El Arenal, making it a magnet all year round for joggers, riders, skaters and commuters.
For fuel in Mallorca, Estela Shipping can offer clients preferential rates in Palma’s STP, Port Adriano and Port de Soller. Fuelling in Port Adriano obviates the need for pilots, making it convenient and more costeffective.
PUERTO PORTALS
Puerto Portals is in the heart of Palma Bay and only 16km from the airport. From here, Palma’s centre and beaches are only a taxihop, bike ride, or even a run away, while Portals’ own restaurants, cafes and boutiques are a great spot to linger, peoplewatch and soak up the glitzy atmosphere.
There are plenty of good eateries in Portals itself, while on ‘Roxy Beach’, just past the boat yard, there is a pleasant beach bar perched at the end, where tenders can moor up alongside. For dinner, consider Cap Rocat with its informal waterside Sea Club or more formal La Fortaleza restaurant, a trip across the bay to Cala Blava. This former military fortress is perched on the rocks, in a stunning location where guests can arrive by tender (+34 971 74 78 78, info@caprocat.com, www.caprocat.com).
PORT ADRIANO
This exclusive marina, designed by Philippe Starck, is one of the most modern ports in the Mediterranean, and is an exceptional base for even the largest yachts. Among the number of
restaurants and bars quayside is the upstairs Crew Bar, the venue for Estela Shipping’s annual End of Season Party in early October. There are also a number of design, nautical services and fashion shops, as well as our friends at Burgess Yachts.
PORT D’ANDRATX
Is a bustling harbour town, with plenty of port-side places to eat and drink and while away the hours. Nearby is the picturesque fishing village of Sant Elm, a popular spot for hikers to walk up to ‘Sa Trapa’, a ruined Trappist monastery with stunning views of the coastline and surrounding areas, overlooking Sa Dragonera.
PORT DE SÓLLER
Continuing up along Mallorca’s west coast, we head for Port de Sóller, mooring at Marina Tramontana.
Port de Sóller is a stunning natural bowl and is therefore a tourism hotspot during the high season. A pretty fishing village with a stretch of sandy beach, many seafront shops, bars and restaurants make for a lovely spot to relax.
The coastal town is also a great place from which to explore some of Mallorca’s most picturesque villages, with an old wooden train trundling up to the hilltop town of nearby Sóller at regular intervals. The town is famous for its olives and citrus orchards. On a hot day, a locallymade lemon or orange sorbet is a refreshing must.
PORT DE POLLENÇA
While there is no superyacht marina at Port de Pollença, many yachts stay at anchor off this most beautiful piece of coastline, though it is possible to arrange mooring in nearby Port d’Alcudia’s commercial port by arrangement. Please contact us to book a berth here.
PORT CALANOVA
Under new ownership is Port Calanova, a modest marina on the western side of Palma Bay, in striking distance of the city. Following extensive refurbishment, Calanova has this year reopened with a new hotel, gourmet restaurant and quayside bar. With only a single berth of up to 45m, the marina is mostly suitable for smaller to medium sized yachts.
exploring·MALLORCA
Mallorca’s visitors are mostly sun-seekers, though increasingly they are hikers, climbers and cyclists in search of challenging ascents out of season. Most of Europe’s professional cycling teams train here in the spring, while some 240,000 keen amateurs were expected in 2019.
Spending only a few days cruising Mallorca’s coastline means picking where to drop anchor for the day, with many attractive spots to choose from. But, remember, regardless of where you choose to come ashore, any part of the island is less than an hour away by car. Aside from water sports, fishing, hiking or scuba diving, guests might choose to go shopping in Palma, sightseeing in Soller and Valldemossa, or playing golf at Alcanada. The world is your oyster in Mallorca.
Tip: Contact us to book your buoy here in advance, as places are limited. The best times of year to visit Dragonera are spring and summer, though for bird-watching come during autumn Dragonera (South West)
Dragonera island is a protected nature reserve of cliffs, coves and caves, separated from the mainland by the 800-metre wide Freu Channel. The sixkilometre long rock gets its name from its dragonlike shape and is home to over 350 different plant species.
The islet is a strategic point during bird migration and many colonies of sea birds and birds of prey can be found here. Gulls, shearwaters and osprey are among the species frequently found patrolling its shores.
Deià, Sa Calobra, Fornalutx, Valldemossa, Sa Foradada (West)
A stone’s throw from Port de Sóller lies Fornalutx, regarded as one of the prettiest villages in the whole of Spain. It’s a small, photogenic village whose attraction is its
narrow cobbled streets, pretty houses with red roofs, with flower pots abound and beautiful mountain views.
By car, a drive from Sóller to Deià and on to Valldemossa provides views of the most stunning bit of coastline anywhere, while a stop in each town is worthwhile. Deià is known for its literary and musical connections, with many writers and artists drawn here since early in the 20th century.
Another achingly beautiful village in the Tramuntana mountains is Valldemossa. This quiet and picturesque town has its share of small shops, eateries and art galleries, so is a pleasant spot to while away an hour or two. Hikers can choose from a number of trails that start here.
Tip: Valldemossa’s cobbled streets are notoriously slippery, so leave the stilettos and leather-soled shoes on board for this outing.
A drive from Sóller in the other direction, north towards Sa Calobra, is 38 kilometres of motoring or cycling nirvana. This famous stretch of hairpinned tarmac has featured in many a motoring TV show and photoshoot. Arriving at the bottom of the serpentined road lies the beach of Sa Calobra, tucked between two rocky cliffs, divided by the Torrent de Pareis. South of Port de Sóller lies Sa Foradada, a distinctive punctured rock formation jutting out to sea, creating a lovely sheltered cove for lunch and a swim. It is accessible on foot from Son Marroig at the top of the cliff —one of the finest places from which to view the sunset in Mallorca— but requires a hike that not many swimmers make, keeping this spot fairly quiet.
Tip: It’s worth hiring a sports car just for this drive. Or if you’re a motorcycle rider, there is a wide range of bikes available for hire, while we can arrange guided rides.
Restaurant Foradada is at the bottom, accessible by tender, and offers great rustic cuisine overlooking the clear waters. It is also a superb bird-watching location.
Cap Formentor (North)
Moving further north, we reach arguably the most beautiful piece of coastline Mallorca has to offer. Larger yachts frequently anchor off-shore (gratis, remarkably), though mooring in nearby Port d’Alcudia’s commercial port can be arranged.
Passing Cala San Vincente, a charming small resort featuring three beaches and a great spot for cliff diving, we head for the unspoilt cove of Cala Bóquer. Accessible only by boat or on foot (it’s a beautiful 4km walk from Port de Pollença), this creek is some 300 meters inland with a pebbly beach, popular with snorkelers and divers. Overhead, keen twitchers might spot vultures and falcons rarely seen in Europe.
From Cala Bóquer we progress towards Cap Formentor, a peninsula jutting out from the north-eastern corner of Mallorca, featuring 400-metre high cliffs densely covered in pine trees. At the very tip is the lighthouse, ‘Faro Formentor’, one of the island’s most famous landmarks, while its most inaccessible sandy (public) beach lies in front of Hotel Formentor. Some of Spain’s most expensive homes can be found here, with jaw-dropping views and in perfect seclusion.
Port de Pollença (North East)
Port de Pollença is a well-established lowrise resort with sandy beaches wrapped around a horseshoe bay and a seafront largely unchanged in decades. It is one of Mallorca’s quieter resorts, popular
with families and travellers whose idea of evening entertainment is a stroll along the picturesque Pine Walk, a 3-kilometre cobbled promenade stretching along half of the bay. The seafront offers an array of dining and drinking options, as well as many shops and boutiques to browse.
Setting off down Mallorca’s eastern coast, there are countless calas and beaches where visitors might choose to drop anchor. Heading for Porto Cristo for our next overnight stay, guests may enjoy a beach day at Muro Beach, a long stretch of white sand with a number of popular restaurants and bars, though Muro can get busy during the high season.
Alternatively, calas particularly great for a swim are Es Caló, or the sandy coves at Coll Baix, Cala Torta, Cala Mesquida. The Cala Ratjada light-
house offers impressive views, with Menorca visible in the distance, while there are mooring options here at the Cala Ratjada Marina.
Inland, Alcúdia’s walled old town is worth a visit, where the old gates still stand and where cobbled narrow streets are home to shops, bars and boutiques, while on Sundays it holds one of the island’s biggest markets. Along with the typical Mediterranean marketwares, there is lots of Mallorca produce on offers, while chatty locals add to the colour. On the coast lies Canyamel, from where the Caves of Artà are worth a 45-minute stop. The most impressive underground complex on the island, these caverns hid some 2,000 Arabs and their cattle during the Christian conquest.
East
Stopping at Porto Cristo, one of the main attractions are the Cuevas del Drach (Dragon Caves), another impressive limestone cave complex featuring Lake Martel, one of the world’s largest subterranean lakes. One-hour guided tours end with a ten-minute violin concert, with a string ensemble playing from a rowing boat; a bit touristy, of course, but a fun experience nonetheless.
Setting off towards the southern tip of Mallorca, this coastline offers more
beauty spots, with many, many more calas tempting visitors into their crystalline waters. This stretch of coast is also quieter than the resorts north of Porto Cristo, as it is less accessible by car.
First up comes Cala Varques, a 1km beach in a quiet, secluded bay featuring a small cave and swim-through arch. Popular only with locals prepared to walk 40 minutes, it’s an unspoilt bay.
Moving along towards Portocolom, we pass Cala Murada, a blue-flag beach sheltered between rugged rocks and a small, familyfriendly resort.
Portocolom is a small resort with a deep natural port, and began life as a fishing village. The town is notorious for its annual ‘Fira Gastronómica d’Es Pop’, a food festival held at the end of June, with some 40 stalls offering delicious squid specialties. For sandy beach lovers, nearby Cala Marçal is the main daytime attraction.
Further south, there are a series of quieter calas and pebbly or sandy beaches, in an area popular with boat-based scuba divers. Being not easily accessible from inland, they tend to be quieter, as it takes some determination to get there. Notable are Cala Estreta, Cala Mitjana and Cala Ferrera, before we reach the more developed Cala d’Or.
South East
Cala d’Or is an attractive resort comprising a number of lovely coves and beaches, with a lively marina with lots of cafés and restaurants, though it can get overly busy in the high season.
For a quieter stop, consider Porto Petro, another small fishing village that has swelled into small resort set around a large natural harbour and marina. Next up is the mustsee Parc Natural de Mondrago, one of our very favourite parts of Mallorca. Backed by a large natural park of thick pine forests are three white sandy beaches, connected by a wieldy footpath, offset against beautiful turquoise waters.
Further along is the pretty inlet and natural harbour of Cala Figuera and a perfect spot for lunch, with a number of good restaurants directly overlooking the creek below. Still very much a fishing village without many hotels, Figuera is about atmosphere over sun-seeking.
Cala Llombards is the next possible stop, with a sandy beach featuring a small beach café and clear waters to wade into.
Cap des Moró is the next cove to tempt you. Like the other calas in this region, they are a trek for land-based visitors to get to, but their outstanding beauty makes it worth it, so they can get busy, particularly at weekends. The advantage for yachtdwellers is that they can simply skip to the next bay…
Next up is Cala s’Almunia, which resembles a swimming pool tucked behind a cliff. There are more, but the final recommendation for outstanding, secluded beauty is Cala Màrmols (‘Marble Cove’).
Its beach is only 40 meters wide, but a 5.5km walk from the nearest car parking ensures that this small haven is mostly shared with other boatbased visitors.
Cabrera, Es Trenc (South) Moving around Mallorca’s southern tip at Cap de Ses Salines, Cabrera National Park comes into view, a cluster of nineteen islands. A former prison camp during the Napoleonic Wars and a military base in 1916, it is now a protected national park. Cabrera is a haven for plant- and wildlife, including turtles and whales and two hundred species of fish, as well as bird colonies. With underwater caves and coral and crystal clear waters, Cabrera is very popular with scuba divers. ‘Es Trenc’, which at 3km long is the island’s longest and widest sandy beach, stretching north all the way to Sa Rapita. The dunes of the national park directly behind the seafront provide shelter from any wind, making it popular for all-day beach dwellers, including a large nudist area.
The nearest on-shore resort to Cabrera is Colonia de Sant Jordi, a working fishing port and small marina, with a number of fine, sandy beaches. It is a popular resort for water sports, with low-rise hotels and some good restaurants. Just to the south of town lies what is widely regarded as Mallorca’s finest beach, Platja Es Carbó, which comes with royal approval, as a spot favoured by the holidaying Spanish royal family. A close second must be the neighbouring Tip: Private yachts require permission to anchor off Cabrera and must ensure not to touch in any way the protected posidonia seagrass. Contact us to arrange your visit.
a·day·in·palma
If you are spending just one day in Palma, a great way to explore the city is to stroll around the old town, as the entire centre is easily covered on foot. Opposite STP, walk up one of Palma’s main boulevards, with the cathedral to your right, bringing you to the heart of the city, along Passeig del Born. Shops, cafés, galleries and ateliers are dotted all along the narrow, winding, cobbled lanes that come off either side.
A traditional way to start is to take breakfast at the original C’an Joan de S’Aigua in Calle Sans. Founded in 1700, it is one of the city’s classic bakeries and coffee houses, famous locally for its ensaimadas and cuartos. If stopping by later in the day, this characterful establishment also makes its own artisanal ice cream.
Palma Cathedral, or ‘La Seu’, as she is referred to locally, is an imposing architectural feature of the City and is the secondlargest Gothic cathedral in Spain (after Seville). Construction began in the 13th century, taking 400 years to complete, and it features ‘The Gothic Eye’, one of the world’s largest rose windows with 1,236 pieces of stained glass. Its columns are ringed with wrought-iron candelabra designed by Gaudi. Be sure to walk around to the southern end, facing the sea, to admire the Portal del Mirador, a 15thcentury door by Guillem Sagrera featuring scenes from the Last Supper. For church lovers, Palma has many beautiful examples to enjoy, but like much of southern Spain, having a history littered with Moorish occupation and a large Jewish contingent, these different cultures all put their stamp on the city. Today, the official language of the Balearics
is Catalan, while older locals and villagers speak their own dialect, Mallorquin.
Other highlights around the city are Plaza Cort, featuring the mostphotographed of all of Mallorca’s millions of olive trees, the ancient baths in the Arab quarter, the Jewish quarter, and many classic Mallorcan patios, tucked away in the backstreets. A major part of any Palma itinerary involves wandering about on foot and getting lost, just a little. Close to the cathedral, visit the ‘Palau March’ Museum (10:00-17:00h weekdays, 10:00-14:00h Saturdays), the opulent former home of Juan March Ordinas, an entrepreneur and financier once reputed to be the world’s richest man.
Lovers of modern art should head to Es Baluard museum of modern and contemporary art (10:00h-20:00h) housed in a former military fortress. Its permanent collection includes works by Cézanne, Gauguin,
Picasso, Miro, Picabia, Magritte, Giacometti, Motherwell, Tàpies, as well as more recent artists such as Horn, Plessi, Polke, Kiefer, Schnabel, Barceló, and Scully. The museum also has an active programme of shows, exhibitions and film, catering for a wide audience.
Palma has many art galleries and studios large and small, with a vibrant contemporary arts scene, ranging from German modern at Galeria K (C/ Can Veri 10) to the Balearics-centric Gabriel Vanrell (C/ Tous 1).
Pearls may be an appropriate gift to buy for friends or family back home, as Mallorca is famous for its pearl industry. Visitors to Perl Art (Carrer del Palau Reial 2) can discover all about local natural pearl cultivation, as well as the opaline pearl creation process.
Away from the centre… For visitors unfamiliar with all that Spanish architecture has to offer, a long walk (30 minutes) or taxi (10 mins) to Pueblo Español on the outskirts of central Palma is worth it. Designed as a showcase project, this small ‘village’ features reproductions of famous buildings from Cordoba, Toledo and Madrid, along with houses typical of Spain’s diverse regions. Particularly worthwhile is its reproduction salon, baths and patio from the Alhambra Palace, for those who haven’t visited the real thing in Granada (see p. 88 of Estela’s ‘The Y’ 2018).
A 15-minute drive from the centre is Bellver Castle, visible on the hill to the west of Palma. Bellver (‘lovely view’ in Catalan) is a 14th-century Gothic style circular castle with a unique round tower. Aside from the castle itself, one of the best reasons to visit is the spectacular views over the woods to Palma and the entire bay area.
Shopping
The best shopping in Palma is around Avenue de Jaume III, leading to Plaza de Juan Carlos I, at the top of the picturesque promenade of Paseo del Borne, one of the most popular city centre spaces in town.
The boulevard was designed in the 19th century by Madrid architect Isidro González Velázquez, sharing certain characteristics with Paseo del Prado in the mainland capital. Here you will find names including
Louis Vuitton, Mulberry,
Carolina Herrera, Boss, Cartier, Loewe, Escada, Watches of Switzerland, and Rialto Living, while the nearby department store, El Corte Ingles, is the smaller one of two branches in Palma.
Less predictable are the old town’s narrow, cobbled side streets, where you will stumble across one-off boutiques and independent stores.
Tip: If you are looking for something specific, just ask us, of course. And for your online orders, you can have deliveries (marked with the boat’s name) made to our offices.
Dining out
Adrián Quetglas, Michelin 1*
Paseo Mallorca 20, Palma +34 971 78 11 19 A visit to this bistro will reward your palate many times over. Here, the talented owner-chef, after whom it is named, conjures up contemporary cuisine that will delight guests through its combination of flavours and the unusual Russian and Mediterranean influences in evidence here. In addition, the whole team will make you feel very much at home!
Marc Fosh, Michelin 1*
Missió 7-A, Palma +34 971 72 01 14 Occupies a 17th century convent now revamped in an avant-garde style with open spaces, designer details and minimalist décor.
Fera Restaurant & Bar
Carrer de la Concepció 4, Palma +34 971 59 53 01 Fine dining with a variety of tasting menus, including a vegetarian tasting menu, or à la carte.
MyMuyBueno
Carrer Tous i Maroto 5B (1st floor), Palma An informal eat-in or takeaway deli, MyMuyBueno is fully vegan and highly recommended by Estela Shipping staff and clients alike.
Bon Lloc
Carrer de Sant Feliu 7, Palma +34 971 71 86 17 Mallorca’s first fully vegetarian/vegan restaurant. Informal dining, but food is from the top drawer.
Forn de Sant Joan
C/ de Sant Joan 4, Palma +34 971 728 422 Located in a former 19th century bakery, this family-run restaurant has been serving creative Mediterranean cuisine for 15 years, complemented with an excellent local wine list.
Casual
For al fresco dining, Palma has a number of food courts where you can try a whole variety of delicacies from different vendors. Mercat 1930 (Avinguda de Gabriel Roca 33), opposite Marina Port de Mallorca, and San Juan
Gastronomic Market
(Carrer de l’Emperadriu Eugènia 6) are smart spaces created especially for tapas dining, with a wide range of local specialities.
For a more rustic, authentic market, where eating and drinking on-site are incidental, head for
Mercat de Santa Catalina
(Plaça de la Navegació) or Mercat de l’Olivar (Plaça de l’Olivar), which are a hive of commercial activity, serving until lunchtime only. Nightlife
Compared to Ibiza, Palma’s nightlife is much more low-key. Along Paseo Maritimo, the road that skirts along the harbour, there are a number of nightclubs and shisha lounges that draw a younger crowd. There is plenty of music and late night revelry to be found between the old town area of La Lonja and trendy bohemian Santa Catalina, where the yachting world tends to kick back and relax.
family·activities
We are often asked about things to do in Mallorca for younger children and family groups, so here are just some ideas. To arrange special events, private sessions, or birthday celebrations, contact us at ESTELA SUPERYACHT AGENCY and we can create your day to remember!
PAINTBALL
Sa Pobla (45 min drive)
Mallorca has a number of paintball courses, but the best is Paintball Fantasy in the northern part of the island. Suitable for all ages, they have a number of battlegrounds, where you can play against others or as a private group.
We can even arrange for a ‘dronographer’ to film your event from the air, enabling you watch back the action and re-live the day.
PALMA AQUARIUM
Playa de Palma (15 min drive)
Palma Aquarium is an above-average attraction of this kind, offering not just tanks with viewing areas, but also interactive activities. The big draw is the main tank with its 11 sharks, with a glassbottomed boat to view these creatures and their fellow inhabitants from above.
The park has a splash area, but if children want to get closer to the action, there is snorkelling with rays from age 3+, diving with rays from 8+, and diving with sharks from 10+, for an unforgettable experience. For those who can’t tear themselves away, it is also possible for youngsters to ‘sleep with the sharks’ overnight, next to the large windows inside the viewing lounge.
PALMA JUMP
Palma outskirts (10 min drive) If your youngsters need to blow off some steam,
Palma Jump is an indoor trampoline park with 57 trampolines and a ‘Ninja Warrior’ assault course. Parents can join in (optional, of course!), while the centre also offers adult jump fitness sessions.
KARTING
There are numerous indoor and outdoor karting circuits in Mallorca, most of which will permit racing only in age-appropriate groups. If your party includes adults and children who wish to drive together, let us arrange your mixed session at Circuit Mallorca, in Llucmajor (20 min from Palma). Mixed groups can drive in private sessions, on a purpose-built outdoor 1.2 km circuit. The complex also has a 3.2 km FIAgrade circuit, suitable for single-seaters, saloon cars and motorcycles, with professional instructors on hand. Also available are taxi rides, enabling guests to be a passenger at full speed, driven by a pro racing driver.
KATMANDU
Magalluf (15 min drive)
Katmandu is a mini theme-park for younger children, including activities such as mini golf, soft play and splash park.
Located in the Serra de Tramuntana, declared a world heritage by UNESCO in the natural landscape category. It offers different alternative activities from the sea and mountain.
From the Port of Soller you have access to the reservoirs of Gorg Blau and Cubert and the highest point of the Puig Major island. The winding roads give access to different landscapes and viewpoints from which you can enjoy wonderful sunsets. The Port of Soller retains a tram that connects directly with the town of Soller and this at the same time with the famous Train of Soller.Two of the biggest attractions in the north that can be accessed from the sea are Sa Foradada and Sa Calobra, as well as Sa Costera, Cala Tuent among many others.
The Marina has a Sailor on call 24 hours a day so that our client feels supported at all times,if they were in need of help. We are known for our kindness and make our customers feel like family. Every Thursday and Friday we organize food trucks with live music and on Saturdays we invite all our clients to Paella and to join us and enjoy the stories and personal experiences of the sea world. The Marina has a Bar called La Base in which we invite all our customers for a welcome drink upon arrival in port. We have the Soller Divers diving center where you can enjoy the diving of the Tramuntana mountain range. Without a doubt Marina Tramontana is a mandatory stop if you decide to visit the island of Mallorca and even if you want to cross to the peninsula or to France.
sports·and·activities
HUNTING
Introduced to Mallorca around 2000 BC by the Phoenicians, as a source of food, the Balearic Boc roams in the northern and western parts of the Tramuntana mountains. A sub-species of wild goat, males weigh up to 60 kg at a shoulderheight of 70 cm. Hunting is open all year round, making for an excellent day in unique scenery on a physically challenging stalk, returning with highly sought-after trophy. From September onwards is the partridge and duck shooting season, with terrain, climate and vegetation making it an ideal location for driven and walked-up shooting. Shoots of up to ten guns average bags of 500 partridges per day, over 5 drives. Duck shooting on estate ponds offers some very nice shoots at fast and high birds.
TENNIS
Mallorca’s most famous son today is Rafael Nadal, the world’s former
Number One tennis champion and keen poker player, who hails from Manacor, where his eponymous tennis academy is located.
Nadal still calls Manacor ‘home’ and founded the first Rafa Nadal Academy here, primarily aimed at coaching talented youngsters, but also offers tennis sessions for adults, should you be looking to sharpen up your game (rafanadalacademy.com). The centre has world class tennis and fitness facilities, running a wide range of coaching programmes and summer camps.
GOLF
Mallorca has numerous award-winning gold courses, designed by the world’s best. Among the finest is Alcanada Golf Club, in the north of the island near Alcúdia.
A challenging course designed by Robert Trent James Jr, Alcanada enjoys stunning views and provides a challenge at each hole.
Son Vida, just 15 minutes from Palma has a number of top class courses, including Arabella Golf’s three championship courses.
CYCLING
Excellent roads, respectful drivers and a combination of alpine and flat terrain make Mallorca a Mecca for road cyclists. Most of Europe’s professional cycling teams train here in the spring, while some 240,000 keen amateurs were expected to visit in 2019. For competitive types, there are a number of annual amateur races, while there are cycling centres around the island stock the last composite bikes for hire.
HIKING
Mallorca is a paradise for walkers of all abilities and fitness levels, with many signposted routes offering trails from picturesque bridle paths to more challenging terrain. In the Tramuntana, the area
Tip: If diving independently, contact us to arrange the required permits in regulated dive zones in the Balearics.
around Sóller is popular for hiking, with a number of circular routes that take in villages such as Fornalutx and Biniaraix. Others lead down to the coast, where you can reward your efforts with a refreshing swim and, should you not fancy the climb back up, you can of course arrange for the tender to collect you! Even in high season, you will find plenty of places of peaceful solitude, disturbed only by the occasional goat, donkey or mountain biker.
CLIFF JUMPING (Guided)
Suitable for first-timers and seasoned adrenaline junkies, guides will take you to rugged cliffs, where you change into wetsuits and learn jumping technique starting from 3 metres, working up to greater heights as confidence grows.
SCUBA DIVING
Mallorca’s coastline offers a great variety of scuba diving, from easy shore dives open to all ages and experience to technical dives for advanced or expert divers, to depths of up to 70 metres. In addition to interesting caves and swim-throughs, sea-life varieties typically found at sites around the island include nudibranch, moray, barracuda, wrasse, scorpionfish, rabbitfish, bream, damselfish, lobster, grouper, conger, coral, tuna, meagre, scorpionfish, cuttlefish, octopus, gurnard, squid, triggerfish, sea slugs, urchins, starfish, anemones, tompot, blennie, flatfish, mullet, scissortail and sepia.
HOT AIR BALLOON TRIPS
For a more leisurely way to explore the Mallorcan countryside, consider a hot air balloon glide across the northeastern side of the island, taking off from Cala Millor, an hour’s drive from Palma. Suitable for groups of up to eight people.
ibiza
Ibiza, the island better known for its party scene than its ancient history, continues to be the primary superyacht magnet in the Balearics. Looking at the coastal assets of The ‘White Island’, and its near neighbour, Formentera, their appeal is obvious.
Map data ©2019 Google, Inst. Geogr. Nacional
While Ibiza has its cultural side, which we explored in the previous edition of ‘The Y’, this year we focus on the coves and beaches that most yachting visitors come for. We count more than forty locations worthy of consideration, though some are of course more desirable than others. Assuming you seek plenty of space for your towel without rubbing thighs with the hoi polloi, we pick some of the finest, going clockwise around the coast.
1 Es Cavallet 15 Punta Galera 29 Cala Mastella 2 Las Salinas 16 Cala Salada 30 Cala Llenya 3 Sa Caleta 17 Cala Saladeta 31 Cala Nova 4 Cala Jondal 18 San Miguel 32 Cala Pada 5 Cala d’Hort 19 Cala Benirras 33 Playa Niu Blau 6 Cala Carbo beach 20 Cala Xarraca 34 Santa Eulalia 7 Cala Vadella 21 Cala Xuclar 35 Caló de s’Alga 8 Cala Molí 22 Portinatx 36 Cala Llonga 9 Cala Tarida 23 Cala d’en Serra 37 Sol d’en Serra 10 Cala Codolar 24 Cala de St Vicent 38 Cala Olivera 11 Cala Conta 25 Aguas Blancas 39 Platja s’Estanyol 12 Cala Bassa 26 Es Figueral 40 Talamanca 13 Port D’Es Torrent 27 Pou des Lleó 41 Figueretes 14 Cala Gracioneta 28 Cala Boix 42 Playa d’en Bossa
Tip: Part of the protected National Park, with the posidonia seagrass that gives waters around this part of the island their clarity, captains must take care to keep both anchor and chain off the seagrass, while jet skis are forbidden
Es Cavallet, an extensive, picturesque, white sandy beach with protected dunes and salt flats behind, sometimes windy with rolling waves. Part of it is denoted as nudist beach and is there is a lively gay scene at the southern end, with a number of popular restaurants and beach clubs drawing a relaxed crowd. Bird watchers (of the feathered variety) may spot flamingoes roosting in the shallows behind.
Las Salinas is one of the busier beaches on the island. This extensive white sandy beach is a popular meeting point for locals and famous faces alike, with well-known restaurants like Malibú and Guaraná known to pull in the odd screen or music star. Other notable hotspots are Jockey Club and Sa Trinxa beach clubs.
Sa Caleta beach is collared by distinctive orange cliffs. Part sand, part rock, the site features some Phoenician ruins dating back to 654 BC. The clay, mixed with water, makes for an excellent DIY face mask, if you’ve left the La Mer at home.
Cala Jondal is one of the most popular Ibizan beaches, pebbly at the southern end, with a number of beach clubs drawing affluent sun worshippers. Some nearby restaurants and bars keep visitors fed, hydrated and entertained.
Es Cavallet 38°50‘21.7“N 1°24‘20.2“E
Las Salinas 38°50‘29.1“N 1°23‘12.5“E
Sa Caleta 38°51‘59.3“N 1°20‘10.6“E
Cala Jondal 38°52‘01.5“N 1°18‘44.5“E
Cala d‘Hort 38°53‘23.3“N 1°13‘26.1“E
Cala Carbo 38°53‘45.2“N 1°12‘53.4“E
Cala Vadella 38°54‘53.7“N 1°13‘11.0“E
Cala Tarida 38°56‘25.5“N 1°14‘01.1“E
Es Xarcu is especially good for boatbased visitors, as it’s a shingly beach and inland access is along a dirt track, so it tends to keep big crowds away. The waterside restaurant is a popular spot for lunch with locals in the know.
Cala d’Hort has stunning sunset views over Es Vedra, making this a great port of call towards the end of the day. The beach itself is laid back and popular with families.
Cala Carbo is a small public beach, but is generally eschewed by tourists. Secluded between cliffs and with pine trees providing shelter, it’s particularly worth coming here on a breezy day.
Cala Vadella is a lovely sandy beach, but can get crowded, so is probably best enjoyed from the water. The southern end of the bay is particularly good for snorkelling. ‘Big Blue Ibiza’ scuba dive centre is located here, as well as a surfing school.
Cala Moli, the pebbles here tend to keep sand-lovers away, so this beautiful spot doesn’t get overcrowded. Declared a ‘natural beach’ means there are no beds/loungers here, though there is a beach club with its own pool, should you prefer to keep off the stones.
Cala Tarida is a 1km long strip of white sand, sheltered by hills. With restaurants, bars and watersports here, it’s one of the most popular beaches in the area, so can get crowded. Orca Sub scuba dive centre is located here.
Cala Codolar is a small, half sand half pebbles, locals beach, without many facilities to speak of. It’s also under the flightpath, but in high season, this is going to be one of the quieter beaches. There is a windsurf school here too.
Cala Conta (or Comte, in Catalan) is where you’ll find the classic ‘Ibiza vibe’, with a beach restaurant/bar open until midnight, with resident DJ. White sands, dunes and a wonderful view of the sunset, this is a popular spot for those looking to chill into the evening.
Cala Bassa is one of the busiest beaches in this part of the island. The water here is truly turquoise, there is a buzzing beach club and great rocks for cliff jumping.
Port d’Es Torrent is a calm spot, mostly pebbled and with very limited parking, so mainly frequented by locals and guests staying in nearby hotels. There are signs by the ‘fun police’ banning ball games and music, so it’s perfect if you like peace and quiet.
Cala Gracio and Cala Gracioneta are nestled side-by-side near San Antoni, but far enough away from town to keep large numbers at bay. Pretty sandy coves and calm waters make this a lovely spot to linger. If Chef has the day off, the chiringuito in Gracioneta will deliver lunch (and cocktails) to your sun lounger.
Cala Conta 38°57‘49.9“N 1°13‘15.8“E
Cala Bassa 38°58‘08.1“N 1°14‘31.4“E
Cala Gracio 38°59‘32.0“N 1°17‘22.8“E
Cala Gracioneta 38°59‘34.0“N 1°17‘20.0“E
Punta Galera 39°00‘10.0“N 1°17‘32.0“E
Cala Salada 39°00‘35.9“N 1°17‘46.5“E
San Miguel 39°05‘05.5“N 1°26‘21.1“E
Benirràs 39°05‘22.5“N 1°27‘02.9“E
Sa Galera or Punta Galera is an old quarry that is now a formation of flat rocks, popular with nudists, artists, hippies and yogi. Not easily accessible from inland, Galera is one of the quieter places for those in the know. Whether you’re going to practise your Downward Dog or not, bring your mat for comfort. Great for cliff jumping and a stunning sunset view.
Cala Salada is a rustic bit of beach backing onto thick pine trees, mostly frequented by intrepid visitors seeking relative seclusion. Even more determined are those clambering across the rocks to get to the prettier, sandier and even more secluded Cala Saladeta next door. Not a problem for those arriving here by tender, of course.
San Miguel bay itself is lovely, but it’s a fairly developed resort with nearby family hotels and holiday accommodation, so there are probably more suitable options nearby.
Benirràs Beach is in a sheltered bay, with pebbly sand and clear waters. There are a couple of bars on the beach, looking out over Cap Bernat, a rock formation jutting out of the water outside the bay, also known as ‘the finger of God’. Those unfortunate enough not to be aboard a boat need to jostle for position on the beach for Benirràs’ famous Sunday ritual, when hippy bongo drummers congregate at sunset. Yacht dwellers can hear the rhythmic beats from the distance, to the smell of incense.
Cala Xarraca is a great spot for a swim and a snorkel. An abundance of posidonia seagrass provides crystal clear water and draws plenty of fish. Limited car parking keeps the number of land-dwellers down, making this a perfect stop for those afloat.
Cala Xuclar is a pebbled little cove without much car parking, so rarely gets crowded. The beachfront restaurant here (until 10pm, +34 679 67 05 59, cash only) consistently earns rave reviews, serving some of the finest seafood in Ibiza.
Portinatx is a popular resort with three beautiful beaches (S’Arenal Gros, S’Arenal Petit and Playa Porto) that are particularly popular with snorkelers and divers. Worth a visit, but prone to crowding.
Cala d’en Serra is a small sandy cove with clear waters and great snorkelling. Tucked away, it never tends to get too busy. A stunning setting with beautiful views out to sea.
Cala Sant Vicent (also Cala San Vicente, or simply ‘Sa Cala’) is a well-developed resort, with hotels and restaurants catering for tourists. The beach itself is a sandy expanse, though, providing ample room for everyone. Apart from a variety of watersports offered here, in nearby San Juan, it is possible arrange horse riding tours (age 12+) that take in the local countryside, coastline and beaches.
Cala Xarraca 39°06‘04.3“N 1°29‘54.3“E
Portinatx 39.113734, 1.512476
Cala d‘en Serra 39°06‘26.3“N 1°32‘19.4“E
Cala Sant Vicent 39°04‘31.2“N 1°35‘38.8“E
Aguas Blancas 39°03‘37.9“N 1°35‘32.7“E
Figueral 39°03‘13.3“N 1°35‘52.5“E
Pou des Lleo 39°02‘26.7“N 1°36‘31.9“E
Cala Boix 39°01‘35.9“N 1°36‘30.3“E
Sol d’en Serra is a secluded spot, with a shingle beach eschewed by families and those who prefer sand. Clear waters are great for snorkelling and scuba diving, but the main draw here is the beach club, Amante, which offers all the usual luxuries, plus extras such as yoga and an outdoor movie theatre.
Aigües Blanques (also Aguas Blancas) is named after the white-crested waves that tend to roll in. This 300-metre stretch of sand is a popular spot, despite it being prone to easterly winds. While nudism is popular all around Ibiza, this is a designated nudist beach. Cradled by tall cliffs, it’s a popular spot for rock-jumping, as well as surfing. Blancas has great views over the nearby private island of Tagomago (which can be hired www.tagomagoisland.com/).
Es Figueral is remote enough to keep the crowds away, frequented mainly by tourists staying nearby.
Pou des Lleo and the gravelly, rocky cove at Canal d’en Marti is a rustic beauty spot, with rugged red rocks in clear waters, and some rickety boat houses.
Cala de Boix’s beach isn’t overly popular for its dark, grainy texture, but makes for a great cove to visit by tender, provided the wind isn’t up. Tree-lined cliffs surround the 150m long strip, making for a picturesque and quiet place to enjoy without the crowds.
Cala Mastella is a gorgeous creek with a tiny beach. Not easily accessible by land, the cove is tailor-made for boat-based visitors. The beach-front restaurant ‘El Bigotes’ (+34 650 797 633), named after its former owner’s famous bushy ‘whiskers’ is a very popular, but basic eatery, often booked up months in advance. Even the king of Spain has been turned away here after pitching up without a reservation.
Cala Llenya is one of the most popular beaches in this part of the island, with some 200m of fine sand and shallow waters popular with families. At 60m wide, it’s rarely overcrowded, except perhaps on Saturdays, when the famous nearby ‘Las Dalias’ hippy market is on.
Cala Nova is one of the most beautiful sandy beaches on Ibiza, in an arc 250m long and 30m wide. Shallow for quite some way out, it’s popular with families, though it is prone to strong currents when it gets deeper, so the surf can get up a bit.
Cala Pada is a rocky cove with a sandy beach, framed by thick pine forest. The jetty here makes it a handy place to disembark. It’s a beautiful spot, though its close proximity to a ghastly package tour hotel means you won’t be alone.
Playa Niu Blau is a narrow strip of gravel and sand, collared by pine trees offering plenty of shade if it gets too hot. Not so much an all-day destination beach, Niu Blau rarely tends to get overly busy.
Cala Mastella 39°01‘22.0“N 1°35‘48.3“E
Cala Llenya 39°00‘50.5“N 1°35‘14.6“E
Cala Nova 39°00‘29.0“N 1°35‘01.6“E
Cala Longa 38°57‘10.8“N 1°31‘30.7“E
Cala Llonga at 200m long and up to 100m wide is a popular beach, protected from the elements by high cliffs on either side. While this is a well-established resort, with many hotels, restaurants and amenities, there is plenty of space for it never to feel crowded. The resort is also particularly accessible for wheelchair users.
Calo s’Alga, also Racó de S’alga, is difficult to find from inland, so tends to be quieter than nearby places. The small beach is cordoned off at one end by a breakwater, covered in plant life, so its clear waters are particularly good for snorkelling.
Cala Olivera is a public beach in a small, south-facing cove in an exclusive neighbourhood. So much so, that arriving here by car requires a security check before being allowed down the private access road. No photo was available, but take our word for it that Cala Olivera is worth a visit. Being another popular nudist haunt, you may see more than a just famous face here…
Platja s’Estanyol is another tiny, secluded cove, accessible only by a single access road if coming by car. It is popular with people looking for a bit of privacy and with clubbers in the morning who have yet to call it a ‘night’. In the afternoon, nearby trees provide some shade, while its shallow pebbled waters tend to be bath-warm. Snorkellers have reported seeing grouper and even moray eels here. Talamanca, at 900m long and 30m wide, is the quietest of Ibiza Town’s three beach areas and is in walking distance of its marinas, or just around Punta Grossa headland if you drive the tender past Marina Botafoch. Restaurants, shops and cafés are more low-key than Cala Bossa on the other side of town. A long wooden promenade make the beach easily accessible for wheelchair users, while it is only the second beach in Spain to install an ‘audioplaya’ system for the sightimpaired, designed to guide bathers, using beacons and sound bracelets.
Figueretes is made up of three sandy beaches, the nearest to Ibiza Town, where you will find something going on anytime of day or night, given the proximity of hotels, shops and nightlife.
Playa d’en Bossa is Ibiza’s largest beach, at over 2.5km long and up to 50m wide at some points. With hotels located all the way along, as well as bars, restaurants and boutiques, it is the island’s busiest stretch of sand. Given the close proximity of Ibiza’s famous clubs, the evenings are for chilling to beach-based DJs, the nights for clubbing, the mornings for sleeping it off and the afternoons for sunbathing before doing it all again. D’en Bossa is exposed, so a great spot for windsurfing and other wind-dependent watersports.
formentera·and·espalmador
No yacht-based visit to Ibiza is complete without hopping across to Formentera, if even just for a day trip. Formentera’s beaches and waters are up there with the world’s finest.
Tip: Contact us to book your buoy or anchorage in good time, as availability is limited. Restaurants too can be booked up long in advance during the high season.
Moor up off Ses Illetes, either on a buoy or anchored in sand (with the aid of the anchoring service) and enjoy what is considered to be the nearest thing to paradise in the Balearics.
Ses Illetes Beach 38°45‘38.7“N 1°25‘55.0“E
Off the northern tip of Formentera lies the uninhabited private island of Espalmador, popular with snorkelers and picnickers. The islet is famous for its sulphurous mud flats and although mud bathing is technically not permitted, this is widely disregarded.
Tip: Espalmador is particularly beautiful at sunset, so don’t arrive too late to claim your spot.
There is some nightlife to be found on Formentera near Es Pujols’ bustling seaside promenade, but that isn’t what most visitors come for.
Cala Saona 38°41‘45.7“N 1°23‘14.7“E
Espalmador 38°46‘43.7“N 1°25‘32.6“E
Es Pujols 38°43‘37.8“N 1°27‘40.3“E
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menorca
North-east of Mallorca lies Menorca, which is sometimes overlooked as a superyacht destination, but has another 200km of beautiful coastline to explore. This green island not only offers unspoiled coves and beaches in clear waters, but also offers activities for lovers of equestrian sports and country pursuits.
Cala Pregonda is a favourite with snorkellers, with lots of fish to be seen
Cala Turqueta is pristine and popular, so perhaps best enjoyed from the water. This is a great spot for cliff-jumping.
Cala Macarelleta is stunning, though you will need to arrive early to secure a good spot on the small beach. Cala Mitjana has two coves to choose from. The lack of any nearby facilities may make this a decent bet if looking to avoid the crowds.
Tip: Menorca’s crystalline waters are thanks to the presence of posidonia seagrass, so ask us for local anchoring guidance along the northern and southern coasts.
Cala Macarella 39°56‘07.5“N 3°56‘17.7“E
Cala Pregonda 40°03‘33.8“N 4°02‘48.3“E
Horses
Having been invaded many times in its ancient history, Menorquinos have long used horses in their battles to defend their island from unwelcome visitors. Breeding horses for their strength and agility, the ‘Menorquina’ breed shares many characteristics with the North African Arabian Berber, tracing its origins back to the Iberian horse. Recognised as a distinct breed since the 15th century, purebreds are small and only black in colour.
Menorca remains a horseriding island, with many horse-related fiestas held each year. The biggest of these takes place in the second city, Ciutadella, for two days towards the end of June. Sunday 23rd June is the date for your diary for 2019, if Menorca is in your itinerary. If it isn’t, and you love equestrian events, consider making
a special visit. Consider it the horse equivalent of running with the bulls in Pamplona, but less lethal. Slightly.
The proceedings on the opening Sunday of this two-day extravaganza start with a man riding a donkey, playing a flute and beating a drum, leading 150 small black stallions through the streets to the city’s main square.
The horses are trained in a specific type of dressage (‘Doma Menorquina’) and are taught to jump up on hind legs, among other disciplines.
While this in itself may be dangerous principally for the riders, the horses perform the ‘bot’ in the midst of a crowd of thousands, to great excitement and celebration. Riding
Menorca has many stables and manèges for riding and learning dressage. A flat landscape means trail riding is easy and suitable for all ages, while there are many routes to choose from. From a morning woodland ride, to a week-long 200km trek along the Camí de Cavalls bridleway that runs along the entire coastline, there are many options.
It’s a great spectacle not to be missed, though best observed from a safe distance. To see how crazy this gets, check out this video (scan or click the QR code)
