Palma A dose of culture, cuisine and local charm in Mallorca

Chartering a luxury yacht in the Balearic Islands

The Mediterranean climate makes Palma a year-round yacht charter destination with warm summers and mild winters, perfect for island sightseeing ashore or enjoying water sports such as windsurfing, diving or kayaking. Play a round of golf at one of Mallorca's picturesque golf courses, browse the wares in glassblowing workshops or hike in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Serra de Tramuntana mountains.
An unmissable landmark in Palma, the Gothic Roman Catholic Cathedral La Seu is a work of art that dominates the old town beside the impressive Almudaina Palace. Other artistic and historic inspiration can be found at the Fundació Pilar i Joan Miró museum dedicated to the work of the artist Joan Miró, the Es Baluard museum of contemporary art and the 14th century circular Bellver Castle.

Diverse food and wine in Palma means you will never be stuck for somewhere to eat or drink. Make a reservation at one of many Michelin-starred restaurants or soak up the Mallorcan vibes at a local tapas bar. Foodies will love the Mercado Gastronómico San Juan, a buzzing food hall with communal tables perfect for a snack, wine tasting or pre-dinner drink. Another great way to spend a day ashore is discovering one of more than 70 bodegas learning about the superb local wine.

Night life in Palma is eclectic and buzzing ranging from salsa clubs to live jazz bars, English-style pubs and clubs for those who like to party! Try a cocktail at Abaco in the La Lonja district, dip into some tapas and vermouth at Tast Club or go to Santa Catalina for drinks and dancing. Tito's at Paseo Marítimo is a top club with regular international DJs and the clientele to match.

For shopping, Palma's compact size makes a shopping excursion very appealing with an excellent variety of boutiques ranging from quirky stores to high-street brands such as H&M and Zara. The Passeig des Born is the golden mile for major stores including luxury labels such as Louis Vuitton, Mulberry and Spanish brand Uterqüe. Shopaholics should also head to Avinguda Jaume III, the Mallorca fashion outlet just 10 minutes from Palma, and designer shopping at Puerto Portals.

Palma de Mallorca's beachfront is a long sandy stretch with a beautiful cycle path, but it's the rest of the island's beaches and coves that really shine. Mallorca’s beaches vary from fine sandy calas with beach restaurants to secluded pebbly coves with turquoise waters – our picks are Es Trenc, Cala Mondragó, Cala Mesquida, Cala Bóquer, Platja des Coll Baix, Caló des Màrmols, Cala Formentor and Caló des Moro.

For something more luxurious when chartering a luxury yacht in the Balearic Islands, drop in for a sunset cocktail at Purobeach overlooking Palma Bay, Mhares Sea Club with clifftop sea views or Nikki Beach who have brought their global brand to the shores of Mallorca.

Palma yacht charter

Chartering a yacht to watch some of the magnificent sailing events that will be taking place in the bay during the Easter time is a must. The most prestigious yachting event will be the Trofeo S.A.R. Princesa Sofia- MAPFRE celebrating its 41st anniversary in 2010. Supported by the Royal family, this event has grown to include the best Olympic classes in the world with 1500 competitors now taking part. A visit to the museum is highly recommended to see the interesting archaeological remains, the collection of primitive weapons, ornaments , ceramics and Renaissance and Baroque art. It was the Palace of the Kings on Mallorca . Opposite and also close to the fishing port is the impressive Gothic cathedral. It was built on the site of the old mosque in Medina Mayurga by Jaume I. It has a magnificent rose window and very high arches. In the city there are many equally beautiful churches well worth visiting.

Although there are many beautiful coves to visit on your yacht charter the city of Palma is full of charm. Walking down the main street of Palma called the Passeig des Born you are able to take in the sites and atmosphere of the city. At the Plaza Major the avenues and boulevards open out to show the full beauty of the art nouveau architecture. Just outside the centre of the city is the castle of Bellver which is overlooks the bay from a hilltop. It is now the place of the History Museum.

The cuisine of the Island is typically Balearic with the influence of the Mediterranean. You can ask your chef on your yacht charter to create one of the local dishes which are full of flavour with the use of local spices like ground beef with paprika called sobrasada, a potato dish with peppers , fried egg plant and tomato sauce is known as Tumbet, as well as rice dishes with the local fish like raor or rascasse. These fish are absolutely delicious and well worth trying. The best known local dessert is called ensaimada which is often followed by a liqueur or gin. The patisserie speciality of the island is the ensaimada. This is a sweet cake, shaped in a spiral shape with icing sugar on top and may also be filled with whipped cream or custard. They are always packaged in cardboard boxes, and make a pretty gift.

The night life offers a wide variety from live jazz to techno disco, concentrated around and walking distance to the port and your yacht charter. Lambada dancing takes place at the club Made in Brazil. Most of the clubs do not open until 10pm and stay open until the early hours of the morning, around 5am. A popular place is Pasha, but also Tito�s is a must for the chic or eccentric. It is claimed that Ray Charles and Marlene Dietrich used to dance there.

So if this is the type of holiday destination you would like to visit, contact the Blue Water charter department, and let us help you chose the right luxury charter yacht.

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