Yacht charter in Palma de Mallorca

In a day from Palma you can sail across the bay to Portals Vells and El Toro, the coves of Calvià or the coast of Cala Blava and Cap Blanc on the east side. With more time, the classic route continues west to Port d'Andratx and the island of Sa Dragonera, or south to the Cabrera National Park.

Anchoring in Cabrera or spending the night in its harbour requires prior authorisation from the park, which runs out in summer: if you want it in your charter, ask whether the company applies for it. Anchoring on posidonia is banned throughout the Balearics, and local skippers know the sandy patches in each cove.

To charter bareboat you need a boating licence valid for the boat; if you do not have one, a skippered charter also takes away the stress of manoeuvring in Palma's marinas, which are crowded in summer. For charters of a week or more, ask what the price includes: final cleaning, fuel, berths away from base and APA on larger yachts.

The best boats for July and August are booked months ahead. In May, June and September the sea is pleasant, the ports are quieter and prices are usually lower.

On a bareboat charter you are the skipper and need the right qualification. On a skippered charter a professional sails the boat while you relax. On a fully crewed charter, typical of large yachts, a chef, deckhands and a stewardess are added.

Saturday-to-Saturday weeks are the norm in high season, but many companies in Palma de Mallorca offer single days, half days and weekends.

Look at the boat's year and condition, the number of cabins and heads, the equipment and what the price includes: final cleaning, bed linen, fuel, marina fees and APA (the expense fund on crewed yachts).

Dealing directly with the charter company avoids broker commissions and lets you sort out routes, timings and extras.