Majorca Unofficial Tourist Guide
Without wanting to state the obvious, the island of Majorca is surrounded by sea. Clear blue seas, calm, tranquil and rich in sea life. At ports around the island, companies are offering visitors the chance to get out on to the seas and experience the Mediterranean for themselves.
For the more nautical amongst you who wish to set sail yourself there are plenty of opportunities to do so as Majorca has 41 marinas, 30 sailing clubs and mooring for around 10,000 yachts. Here’s some of my favourite sailing areas on the island.
Pollensa Marina is set at the head of a beautiful wide bay in the north east of Majorca. The water is on the shallow side and attention must be paid to the depth when approaching and entering the marina. Winds from the NE - SE can make entry difficult and sometimes dangerous. The old town of Pollensa is worth a visit. The area is good walking country with a 1 mile stroll N to Cala Vincente worthwhile.
Alcudia Marina is situated in a larger harbour, which is used by commercial and fishing craft. The marina is easy to approach and enter but shelter is limited with E - SE winds. There is considerable tourist development and the whole area is very crowded during the summer. There is a Roman theatre, St Martin’s cave and a castle and museum, which may be of interest.
The southern coast, by contrast, is in the main rocky cliffs plunging into the Mediterranean. Port d’Andratx, on the south west coast, is a small attractive town built on low hills all around a narrow bay. Majorca has a magnificent coastline consisting of rocky outcrops intermingled with many small coves that offer excellent sandy beaches.
Andraitx harbour serves both as marina and is home to the local fishing fleet. The surroundings are most attractive as is the local village. Although the housing developments have taken away some of its original charm. Entrance is easy and protection good. Yachts can though expect some gusts from the high surrounding hills and strong winds from the S - SW can produce swell.
You do not have to be an experienced sailor to enjoy Majorca. There are many sailing schools offering affordable courses for holiday makers. My suggestion for a holiday this summer would be to book into one of the cheap Majorca Apartments, enroll on a sailing course and transform into Ellen MacArthur (dodgy haircut not obligatory). Alternatively, if that sounds too much like hard work, soak up the Majorca sun at the Majorca hotels pool.