If you haven’t sailed to Sa Dragonera yet, put it on your list. It’s the small island off the southwest tip of Mallorca and it’s one of the most atmospheric spots I’ve found in the Balearics.
Getting there: From Palma, it’s about 20nm to the anchorage on the east side of the island. From Sant Elm, it’s a short hop of 1-2nm.
The anchorage: The main anchorage is in the bay on the east (Mallorca-facing) side. Sandy bottom, good holding, 4-8m depth. Protected from the prevailing westerlies.
What makes it special:
- The island is a natural park — no development, no buildings (except an old lighthouse), no noise
- The water is incredibly clear — some of the best snorkelling I’ve done in Mallorca
- Lizards! The island is famous for its endemic Lilford’s wall lizards, which are everywhere and completely unafraid of humans
- At sunset, the silhouette of the island looks exactly like a sleeping dragon — hence the name
Caution: Don’t anchor overnight in anything with a northerly component — the anchorage is exposed to the north and it can build surprisingly quickly. Check the forecast carefully.
Best visited on a settled summer day as a lunch stop or a calm overnight.
Sa Dragonera is one of my absolute favourites. Agreed on all points — the lizards are amazing, they’ll practically climb on you. The snorkelling around the rocks on the south side of the anchorage is outstanding.
I’d add: you can dinghy ashore and walk to the lighthouse. It’s a steep but short walk and the view from the top across to Mallorca is spectacular. Take water — there’s no shade on the path.
A sleeping dragon! That’s such a cool story. I’ve seen Sa Dragonera from the coast near Andratx but never thought about sailing there. Definitely adding it to my list. How busy does it get in summer?
I anchored there for a night last month and it was magical. Completely alone, stars you wouldn’t believe, and the only sound was the waves on the rocks. One of those moments that remind you why you sail.
Agree about the north — I had to leave at 0400 one morning when a northerly started building unexpectedly. Always have a bail-out plan.
@sophie_turner It does get busy on summer weekends — by midday there can be 15-20 boats. Go on a weekday or arrive early. The best strategy is to sail over from Sant Elm first thing in the morning and have the place to yourself until the day-trip boats arrive.
Off-season it’s almost always empty, which is when it’s at its most atmospheric.