Sailing the Balearic Islands: Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and the Mistral

The Balearics are a summer area of short hops: Mallorca to Menorca is a good 20 nm, to Ibiza under 60 nm, and Formentera lies 11 nm off Ibiza. Sailing runs May to October, usually in a light sea breeze. The danger is the northerly Tramontana, often a Mistral offshoot, which makes north-coast bays untenable.

Which cruising areas are there in the Balearics?

Five areas, each with its own character. The harbours in the table are examples; their pages show depth, services and the weather there.

From the mainland it is just under 100 nm from Barcelona to Port de Pollença, around 110 nm to Palma and around 55 nm from Dénia to Sant Antoni on Ibiza, all as the crow flies. From Barcelona that means a night passage; put it in a quiet window without a northerly situation, see Weather window.

How does the wind blow in the Balearics?

In high summer winds are often light: during the day a sea breeze sets in along the coasts, called the Embat in the Bay of Palma, and at night the wind usually dies. More wind comes with weather situations that have names; the islands use the Catalan names of the compass rose.

In spring and autumn lows pass through more often, and then the quiet cruising ground quickly turns into one with strong winds. In late summer, thunderstorms with violent gusts are added.

What is the Balearic Tramontana?

A northerly wind, often the offshoot of the Mistral and Tramontana from the Gulf of Lion. High seas then run on the north coasts of Mallorca and Menorca, bays facing north become untenable, and the south coasts offer shelter.

When the Mistral blows in the Gulf of Lion, it often reaches as far as Menorca and the north coast of Mallorca. The channel between the two islands then gets rough, and the sea keeps running after the wind has started to ease. If you are at anchor in the north, move in good time to the south side or into a harbour before a northerly situation. More about the winds in the guide Local winds of the Mediterranean.

Where can you anchor in the Balearics?

Anchoring is allowed, but not everywhere: Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows are strictly protected in the Balearics, and anchoring on them is prohibited. Only drop the anchor on light-coloured sand and look at the bottom first.

• In season, many bays have mooring buoy fields that you book in advance.
• Cabrera National Park south of Mallorca can only be visited with a permit that you apply for online in advance.
• The rules differ by bay and season; check them locally and with the Balearic authorities.

How to anchor safely and keep watch through the night is covered in Anchoring and anchor watch.

What should I know about the crossings between the islands?

The legs between the islands run across open water and across the ferry routes. Plan them like an open-sea passage, not like a hop from bay to bay.

• Canal de Menorca: a good 20 nm from Cala Rajada to Ciutadella. In a northerly situation this is where the highest seas in the area build up; in calm weather it is a relaxed day sail.
• Mallorca to Ibiza: just under 60 nm from Andratx, a long day or a night passage. The sea breeze eases in the evening, so expect stretches under engine.
• Ibiza to Formentera: 11 nm through Es Freus, a shallow, rocky passage between small islands. Take the channel recommended by the chart and pilot book, and go through in good light.
• Ferries: fast ferries run between the mainland and the islands and between the islands themselves. Keep a good lookout on their routes and call on VHF if an encounter is unclear.

Which formalities apply in the Balearics?

From within the EU, none: Spain is in the Schengen area and the EU customs union. If you arrive from the United Kingdom, Gibraltar or Morocco, report to the Policía Nacional or Guardia Civil and to customs at a harbour with a border crossing.

On board you need a licence under the law of your home country, the SRC for the radio, the boat papers and third-party liability insurance that covers the Spanish minimum amounts. If you stay for a long time, check the rules on the Spanish registration tax for boats. The emergency number is 112, and Salvamento Marítimo listens on VHF channel 16. More on the country page Spain.

How does Sailseer help in the Balearics?

On the map you plan between more than 50 harbours on the islands and across from the mainland. Sailseer compares several weather models and recognises the Balearic Tramontana: when the median of the models reaches 18 kn from northwest to north-northeast, the recommendation names it, with direction, strength and what it means for your leg. On top of that come the AEMET marine forecast and warnings for the areas on your route, readings from the buoys and harbour stations of Puertos del Estado, waves, currents and restricted areas.

Sailseer is a planning aid and not for navigation. Official charts, the marine forecast and the AEMET warnings always take precedence.