Mallorca: A Mecca of possibilities

What's more, hardly any other area offers so much variety within such short distances. Experience cosmopolitan flair in Palma, architectural treasures in Pollença, cool and trendy locations in Cala Ratjada, lonely bays in the northwest and soft beaches all around the island. On Mallorca, you can switch from dreamy fishing village to hectic tourist centre, from daring cliff jump to art vernissage and from Caribbean-esque beach to mountain gorge within minutes.

In keeping with the theme of weather, a word about a special feature of Mallorca: there are constant thermal winds during the warm summer months. As a result, there is a strong south wind in the extensive bay of Palma every day around midday, and a strong north wind in the large bays of Pollença and Alcúdia, on the other side of the island. But towards evening, the wind dies down again and bays that were unprotected during the day are safe again for the night.

But don't worry: in most of the marinas you'll find excellent infrastructure and often in wonderful locations, offering perfect (if not entirely inexpensive) moorings for almost every type and size of boat. And there is almost always a marinero on hand when you arrive - a harbour employee who helps with mooring. Only one thing is still a problem today: the demand for berths remains high and new owners have a hard time getting a permanent berth.

The options for choosing an anchorage are almost unlimited: up to 150 anchorages are described in the literature, and hardly any of them are alike. Sometimes the bays are fine Caribbean-like sand – such as Cala Mesquida - sometimes they are wide and open like Es Trenc, and sometimes large hotel complexes and umbrella colonies spread out at the apex, as in Santa Ponsa. But most of them hide behind protected rock formations and in those frequented by bathers, there’s often a beach restaurant and a small holiday settlement. But even in Mallorca one can still find secluded bays, like Cala Petita or Cala Barca, both of which have amazed many a Mallorca newcomer. But beware, you need to know: Anchoring over sea grass is forbidden and is carefully controlled, neither anchor nor chain may touch the protected sea grass meadows!

The island shows a different face on the lonely northwest coast. Here, in the shadow of the mighty Tramontana mountains, there is only one harbour for 50 nautical miles - Port de Sóller. But equipped with the right handbook (Mallorca für Sportschiffer; Paul Kinzelmann and Mary Synge), there are more than two dozen anchorages here, whose seclusion and tranquillity make every Mallorca cruise a special experience.

Mallorca is particularly attractive because the cruising area can be extended at any time: The neighbouring islands of Ibiza and Formentera are about 50 nautical miles away, and it is only a little more than 20 nautical miles to Menorca. Only the mainland of Spain, at a distance of 100 nautical miles, lies significantly further beyond the horizon.

Harbour dues: If you want to save money when visiting harbours, you can moor up at one of the so-called "Moll Transit". These inexpensive moorings at municipal harbour facilities are available around the island in ten harbour locations. Reservations can be made (www.portsib.es), but mooring is limited to a maximum of three days.

Nature: If you are looking for an alternative to the nature reserve island of Cabrera, head for the island of Sa Dragonera, which is more or less the southern foothills of the Tramontana mountains. The seclusion, hiking trails and views are almost more spectacular here, plus you can anchor in Cala Llado without a permit and use the small mini harbour next door to land. When the day visitors leave in the late afternoon, only lizards, Mediterranean gulls, peregrine falcons, and the highly endangered Balearic shearwaters remain.

Food: Mallorca belongs to Spain - and Spain is the land of paella. Whether with fish, meat, shellfish or vegetarian - there are no limits to this rice dish. One of the most famous, rustic and probably most beautiful locations for paella dishes on Mallorca can only be reached by boat or on foot: In the bay Sa Foradada in the lonely northwest. The three small terraces of the restaurant of the same name are formed from the rock (Attention: When anchoring, expect great water depths of around 15 metres!).

Shopping: You can buy a pair of espadrilles, simple Spanish summer flats, almost everywhere. The offer is far greater in Palma and along the Avinguda Jaume III. The small shopping paradise under neo-baroque porticoes in the shopping district of this metropolis offers international luxury brands as well as many boutique surprises.

Flotsam: This itinerary for resailing takes you once around Mallorca and thus includes the whole diversity of the island.