Bays and anchorages in Mallorca

Bays and anchorages in Mallorca

Take your boat out to sea, anchor in an idyllic bay, and enjoy a fantastic day of swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing. The stunning sailing area off the coast of Mallorca offers numerous beautiful anchorages.

Mallorca is characterized by three vast bays: Palma Bay in the south, Pollença Bay in the north, and Alcúdia Bay in the northeast. Numerous other open bays and endless sandy beaches also dot the coastline. Safe anchorages, secluded bays with beaches, and well-equipped marinas can be found along the southwestern, southern, and southeastern coasts. In total, Mallorca boasts 555 kilometers of coastline.

Bahia de Soller

This lagoon-like bay offers the only truly safe anchorage on the entire northwest coast, framed by high cliffs. A trip to Soller is also worthwhile, to ride the tourist train and have lunch in the village square.

Bay of Palma

One of the most attractive boating destinations in Europe, a center for nautical businesses, and the home port for numerous charter bases. Good anchorage can be found directly in front of Palma Cathedral and near an old concrete jetty by Club Anima Beach (www.animabeachpalma.com), towards Portitxol Marina. In stronger winds, the best shelter is near the "Varadero" bar, opposite the cathedral. When anchoring, be careful of the pipelines coming from the shore.

Cabrera

The tranquil island archipelago of Carbera, with its natural harbor, offers a welcome contrast to bustling Palma. Mooring buoys must be reserved and paid for online in advance, and anchoring is prohibited. Once this hurdle is cleared, you can fully enjoy the peaceful nature reserve with its many coves and caves. Please note that pets are not allowed ashore at any time.

Cala Arsenau

A hidden little rocky cove with a sandy bottom at a depth of 2,5 to 5 meters. Cala Arsenau is located near the former fishing village of Portocolom. Here you can swim in peace in the crystal-clear, Caribbean water or enjoy a snack at the chiringuito (beach bar).

Cala Blava

A pretty little cove nestled among rocks covered with pine trees and shrubs. The seabed is sandy and 3-4 meters deep. Both locals and tourists enjoy the idyllic atmosphere of this blue bay. There are no sun loungers or restaurants, so you should bring your own food and drinks. The cove is particularly popular during the peak summer season.

Cala Castell

The tranquil bay of Cala Castell lies approximately 12,8 kilometers from Pollença. Its beautiful, unspoiled beach marks the end of an impressive gorge. When there is no strong northerly wind, the bay offers good anchorage opportunities. Here you can swim undisturbed and enjoy the sun.

Cala Comtessa

The bay lies between the headland of Punta des Bufador and Platja d'Illetas. The water and underwater conditions are ideal for anchoring; the sandy and seaweed bottom has a depth of 2 to 3 meters. Take care when passing between Illot de Sa Caleta and Illot de S'Estenedor, as there are some shallows there.

Cala Deià

Cala Deià is a cove surrounded by steep cliffs on the west coast of Mallorca. The area opposite the jetty, with a gravel and rocky bottom of four meters, is recommended for anchoring. The other area is less suitable due to strong northerly winds; the sandy and stony bottom is not particularly safe.

Cala Falcó

A secluded, small bathing cove with a picturesque beach framed by rocks and pine trees. The cove is very well sheltered from the wind, and the sandy seabed with seaweed makes it ideal for anchoring. There is a beach bar (www.capfalco-beach.com) serving excellent Mediterranean cuisine.

Cala Figuera

In this picturesque, deeply forked bay near Santanyí, you can swim in crystal-clear water, undisturbed by mass tourism and excessive development. The village itself is a former fishing village that has retained its quaint, original charm to this day.

Cala Formentor

The long, narrow bay lies approximately 3,5 nautical miles from Port de Pollença, and the water and underwater conditions are excellent for anchoring. However, caution is advised in south, southeast, and southwest winds. Please note the shallow water depth of only one meter off the coast.

Cala Fornells

Cala Fornells is a small inlet near Paguera. The coastline is rather steep and rocky. There are numerous private houses and restaurants along the shore. The water and underwater conditions are suitable for anchoring, although it is recommended to anchor in the neighboring Caló de ses Llises instead. The seabed consists of sand and rock at a depth of 4 to 6 meters. Just a short distance away in the next small cove near Paguera, you can visit the beach restaurant Niza (www.nizapaguera.com) serving fresh Spanish specialties and tapas.

Cala Llamp

A beautiful rocky cove with crystal-clear water. Well-suited for anchoring and diving when winds blow from the south, southeast, and west. However, the gravel and rocky bottom poses a risk of the anchor getting stuck. In summer, a visit to the popular Gran Folies (www.beachclubgranfolies.com) with its pool and stunning views is highly recommended. A dinghy shuttle service is also available.

Cala Formentor

The bay lies near the village of Llombards between two pine-covered rocky promontories and is an excellent anchorage when the wind blows from the south and southeast. The sandy bottom has a depth of 3 to 6 meters.

Cala Mitjana

A great bay to anchor your boat, as the water depth here ranges between 5 and 9 meters over a sandy and rocky bottom. Furthermore, this stretch of coastline is protected from the wind by low cliffs and a dense pine forest.

Cala Mondrago

A very popular destination for boaters. Situated on the low, rocky coast of a nature reserve, with little development but Mediterranean vegetation including pine trees and agave plants. The main anchorage is off the northern beach or the western sandy beach. Take care with east-southeast winds.

Cala Murada / Cala Domingos

The small bay is a natural harbor surrounded by rocks with fine, white sand; however, due to the stony seabed, water shoes should be worn for swimming. On land, there are large hotels and apartment complexes that offer sun loungers and parasols for a fee. The nearby bay of Cala Domingos is recommended for anchoring.

Cala petita

Cala Patita is a small, enchanting cove with turquoise waters and a fine sandy beach. It lies in the east of the municipality of Manacor, very close to Porto Cristo. It offers anchorage for boats up to about 12 meters in length, and overnight stays are possible in calm seas.

Cala Pi

One of the island's most popular and beautiful anchorages, with rocky cliffs. The bay is long and narrow, surrounded by verdant rocks, and ends at a magnificent beach. Due to the bay's narrowness, a stern anchor or stern line is essential. Turning around in the bay can be tricky. There is a restaurant, a supermarket, and even a pharmacy.

Cala Portals Nous

This bay lies west of Palma de Mallorca, directly in front of the upscale marina of Portals Nous. The water and underwater conditions are suitable for anchoring; the seabed consists of sand and seaweed at a depth of 2 to 3 meters. On land, you'll find the Beach Alm restaurant (www.beachalm.com) and, opposite, the Roxy Beach Bar.

Cala Portals Vells

This sheltered bay, with three small, fine sandy beaches and a lush pine forest, lies approximately 12 nautical miles from Palma. The water is very clear and ideal for snorkeling. The trendy restaurant REPOS (+34 971 180 492) offers Mediterranean cuisine and seafood specialties. Anchoring is particularly recommended in front of the caves or near the breakwater.

Cala Sa Foradada

One of the island's most popular and beautiful anchorages, with its rocky cliffs, Cala Sa Foradada is one of the most stunning anchorages in the Balearic Islands. Especially at sunset, it offers a unique view of the magnificent, unspoiled mountains of the Sierra de Tramuntana and the Foradada promontory with its famous round hole. Anchoring is possible in the small bay itself, but in southerly winds, anchoring on the other side of the cliffs is recommended.

Cala Santanyi

Cala Santanyí is a well-protected bay with a sandy beach approximately 70 meters long and two inviting beach bars. It is well-suited for anchoring sailboats, especially when the wind is blowing from the north-northeast. The water depth ranges from 5 to 8 meters.

Cala Tuent

The bay is 1,5 nautical miles from Sa Calobra. Here you can anchor on a sandy and seagrass bottom with a depth of 4-10 meters and enjoy a view of Mallorca's highest mountain, Puig Major, at 1445 meters. On the south side you will find the restaurant Es Vergeret (www.esvergeret.com), which is located in an old finca.

cove varques

Cala Varquess is a small cove sheltered by a pine forest and steep cliffs. With its crystal-clear water and a beautiful beach of fine, white sand, it's perfect for relaxing and swimming. Anchoring conditions are good: with a depth of over 6 meters 200 meters from the shore, you can safely moor here.

Cala Virgili / Cala Magraner

In the southeast of the municipality of Manacor lies the small, west-facing cove of Cala Virgili. The fine sandy beach, only 20 meters long, is framed on both sides by cliffs. The cliffs of Cala Magraner are frequently used by athletes and free climbers.

Cala de Sa Calobra

Nestled in the shadow of Puig Major, the highest mountain in the Balearic Islands, lies this picturesque bay. The water and underwater conditions are not ideal for anchoring, as winds from the northwest, north, and northeast make the coastline rough and dangerous. Nevertheless, there are three anchorages: in the southwest of the beach, in the middle of the bay, and in the northern section on a rocky and sandy bottom.

Cala des Marmols

Simply enjoy the stunning natural beauty of Mallorca – in the idyllic Cala des Marmols bay. Completely undeveloped, with a fine white sandy beach, it's one of Mallorca's last hidden gems. The bay is usually frequented only by sailors and motorboat enthusiasts. The clean, crystal-clear water has a sandy bottom and a depth of 3 to 4 meters.

Caló de Sa Figuera

A beautiful, deep bay, surrounded by cliffs and boasting a white sandy beach: the idyllic Caló de Sa Figuera is enticing. But beware: underwater conditions are dangerous for anchoring when the wind blows from the north and northeast. The seabed consists of sand and rock.

Caló des Moro

For many, Caló des Moro is the most beautiful bay in Mallorca. This small, sheltered bay with its sandy bottom is ideal for anchoring smaller boats. The depth is 3 to 4 meters near the shore. The stunning water is crystal clear and shallow.

Camp de Mar

Camp de Mar is perfect for anyone who values privacy in the evenings. You can anchor at the left end of the bay on a firm, sandy bottom with crystal-clear water. The beach at Camp de Mar is large and beautiful, and there are numerous restaurants, bars, and hotels.

Cap des Pinar

Cap des Pinar forms the outermost point of the Victoria peninsula and is one of the most important headlands on the island of Mallorca. The beach in this bay was formerly a restricted area controlled by the military. Today, visitors can enjoy the beauty of this protected peninsula.

Coll Baix

Coll Baix bay lies in the northeast of the municipality of Alcúdia. It is quite exposed and only recommended as an overnight anchorage in westerly winds. Due to its difficult access, the pebble beach is seldom visited and therefore offers peace and seclusion.

Costa de los Pinos

The water throughout the bay is crystal clear and ideal for bathing, swimming, and diving. The rugged, rocky coastline with its fine sandy beach and wild, natural landscape amidst evergreen vegetation is a true paradise. On land, you'll find one of the island's newer beach clubs – Port Verd del Mar (www.portverd-delmar.com), which also offers a shuttle service.

El Toro

Access is from the south or southwest. The bay is located directly at the entrance to our home port, Port Adriano. The water and underwater conditions, with its sandy and seaweed-rich seabed, are ideal for anchoring at a depth of 3 to 5 meters. The port itself boasts numerous boutiques and restaurants, such as Vino del Mar (www.vinodelmar.es). Our office is also located here – we look forward to your visit.

Es Caragol

The beautiful Cala Es Caragol, overlooking the island of Cabrera, is Mallorca's southernmost bay, boasting a very quiet, white sandy beach and secluded dunes. Take care when approaching: the coastline is not very high, so caution is advised regarding the draft.

Es Trenc

Anchoring directly off the endless natural sandy beach, on a good holding sand bottom with some rocky areas and seaweed, is perfect, especially at night. In bad weather, please be aware of a stone slab located near the beach.

illetas

The small bay of Illetas is also home to a popular sandy beach with numerous boutiques and two beach clubs: Las Terrazas Beach Club (www.balnearioilletas.com) and Virtual Beach Club (www.virtualclub.es). Anchoring conditions are good on the sandy and seaweed-covered seabed at a depth of 3 to 5 meters.