I’ve been sailing the south coast of Mallorca for over 20 years and I thought I’d share my favourite anchorages. These are spots I keep coming back to:
1. Cala Pi — Beautiful narrow inlet with crystal clear water. Arrive early in high season. Good holding in sand, 3-5m depth. Protected from everything except southerlies.
2. Portals Vells — Three small calas next to each other. The western one is usually the quietest. Sandy bottom, easy anchoring. The old caves on shore are worth exploring.
3. Cala Figuera (Cap de Cala Figuera) — Not the village! The one near the cape. Stunning cliffs and usually much less crowded than the more famous spots.
4. Es Trenc anchorage — Anchor off the beach for a swim stop but don’t plan to stay overnight — it’s very exposed. The water is Caribbean-blue.
5. Cala Llombards — Tight entrance but absolutely worth it. Protected and peaceful. Get there by 10am in summer or forget it.
Happy to share waypoints and more details on any of these. What are your favourites?
This is amazing Carlos, thank you! I’ve only been to Portals Vells so far and it was gorgeous. I’m definitely going to try Cala Pi next. Is it easy to get into for someone who’s still a bit nervous about tight anchorages?
Portals Vells is a gem. I’d add a note of caution about Cala Llombards — the entrance has some rocks that aren’t immediately obvious on the chart. I’d recommend going in with someone who knows it the first time, or at least using a bow lookout.
This is exactly the kind of local knowledge we moved here for! We’re planning to charter for a weekend soon — would any of these be suitable for our first overnight anchor? We’re both a bit nervous about anchoring for the first time without an instructor.
Great list! I’d add Cala Deià on the north coast if we’re expanding beyond south. It’s a day stop only but the setting is unreal. Cala Pi is probably my favourite from your list — completely agree about arriving early in high season, by 11am it’s packed.
@tom_lisa Portals Vells would be my recommendation for a first overnight. Easy approach, good holding, and you can always motor into Palma if the weather changes. No stress at all. @sophie_turner Cala Pi is fine — just go slowly and keep to the centre of the inlet. The depth drops off quickly at the sides but it’s well-charted.