7 Day Balearic Sailing Adventure

 

Here's a 7-day Balearic sailing itinerary that balances good sailing passages, anchorages, beaches, hiking, culture, and food. It assumes a monohull or catamaran charter starting and ending in Mallorca during the sailing season (May–September).

Day 1: Palma → Cabrera (20 nm)

Start from Palma de Mallorca and sail south to Cabrera Archipelago National Park.

Onshore activities

Walk up to Cabrera Castle for panoramic views.

Explore the island's nature trails.

Swim or snorkel in crystal-clear protected waters.

Visit the famous Blue Cave if conditions allow.

Overnight: Mooring in Cabrera (book ahead during summer).

Day 2: Cabrera → Colònia de Sant Jordi → Es Trenc (10–15 nm)

A relaxed day along Mallorca's southeast coast.

Onshore activities

Wander around Colònia de Sant Jordi.

Walk the dunes and white sands of Es Trenc.

Try paddleboarding or kayaking along the coast.

Enjoy fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant.

Overnight: Anchorage near Es Trenc.

Day 3: Southeast Mallorca → Cala d'Or → Porto Petro (15–20 nm)

Cruise among Mallorca's picturesque calas.

Onshore activities

Explore the coves around Cala d'Or.

Rent bikes and ride coastal paths.

Visit the fishing harbour of Porto Petro.

Sunset drinks overlooking the marina.

Overnight: Porto Petro.

Day 4: Mallorca → Formentera (45–55 nm)

The longest sailing leg, ideally with an early start.

Arrive at Formentera, known for Caribbean-like water.

Onshore activities

Cycle the island's quiet roads.

Visit La Mola Lighthouse.

Relax on the beaches of Ses Illetes.

Enjoy a beachside dinner.

Overnight: Anchorage or marina in Formentera.

Day 5: Formentera → Ibiza (10–15 nm)

A short sail north to Ibiza.

Onshore activities

Explore the UNESCO-listed old town of Dalt Vila.

Visit local galleries and boutiques.

Hike sections of the coastal cliffs.

Experience Ibiza's renowned dining and nightlife at your preferred pace.

Overnight: Ibiza Town or nearby anchorage.

Day 6: Ibiza West Coast Exploration (15–20 nm)

Cruise along Ibiza's dramatic western shoreline.

Onshore activities

Swim and snorkel in secluded coves.

Visit viewpoints overlooking Es Vedrà.

Take a coastal hike near Cala d'Hort.

Watch one of the Mediterranean's most famous sunsets.

Overnight: West-coast anchorage.

Day 7: Return Passage to Mallorca (55–65 nm)

A full sailing day back toward Palma.

Optional stop if conditions permit

Lunch anchorage near Sant Elm.

Short walk with views toward Sa Dragonera Natural Park.

Arrive back in Palma for your final evening ashore.

Why this route works so well

Mixture of three islands: Mallorca, Formentera, and Ibiza.

Includes protected nature reserves, historic towns, beaches, cycling, hiking, and snorkeling.

Only two longer offshore passages (Mallorca–Formentera and Ibiza–Mallorca).

Suitable for intermediate sailors or a skippered charter.

Provides a balance between adventure and relaxed exploration.

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Corsica boasts over 1,000 km of coastline, featuring a variety of landscapes from sandy beaches to rugged cliffs and secluded coves and Ports

 

For a balanced week with good sailing, memorable anchorages, and plenty of time ashore, I'd suggest a west-and-south Corsica loop from Ajaccio. It avoids long offshore passages, includes Corsica's most dramatic scenery, and offers a mix of hiking, historic towns, beaches, food, and wine. The west coast is often considered the island's most spectacular cruising area because of the red cliffs of Scandola and Piana, the fishing village of Girolata, and the citadels of Calvi and Bonifacio.

Day 1 – Ajaccio → Cargèse

Sailing: 15–20 nm

Ashore

Explore the Greek-Corsican village of Cargèse.

Walk between its unusual facing Greek and Latin churches.

Sunset drinks overlooking the bay.

Sample Corsican charcuterie and local cheeses.

A gentle first day that lets everyone settle into the boat before longer passages.

Day 2 – Cargèse → Girolata

Sailing: 20–25 nm

Pass the dramatic red cliffs of the Calanques de Piana and enter the UNESCO-listed Scandola area.

Ashore

Wander through tiny Girolata.

Hike up to the Genoese fort for views over the gulf.

Swim and snorkel in exceptionally clear water.

Evening

Anchor rather than use a marina for one of the most atmospheric nights of the trip.

Day 3 – Girolata → Calvi

Sailing: 25–30 nm

Ashore

Spend the afternoon in Calvi.

Activities:

Walk the impressive Genoese citadel.

Explore the old streets and waterfront.

Visit local wine bars in the Balagne region.

Optional e-bike ride into the surrounding countryside.

Dinner

One of the better restaurant nights of the week.

Day 4 – Calvi → Saint-Florent

Sailing: 20–25 nm

Cruise along the Balagne coast toward Saint-Florent.

Ashore

Wine tasting in the Patrimonio vineyards.

Hike into the Agriates Desert.

Beach walk at Saleccia or Lotu.

The Patrimonio wine region is one of Corsica's best-known wine-producing areas.

Day 5 – Saint-Florent → Propriano

Sailing: 35–40 nm

This is the longest sailing day and rewards you with a quiet side of Corsica.

Ashore

In Propriano:stroll the marina and old town.

Visit prehistoric sites such as Filitosa if transport is available.

Enjoy a relaxed seafood dinner.

Day 6 – Propriano → Bonifacio

Sailing: 20–25 nm

Arrive beneath the spectacular limestone cliffs of Bonifacio, arguably Corsica's most dramatic harbour.

Ashore

Explore the medieval citadel.

Walk the ramparts.

Descend (or admire) the famous King of Aragon Staircase.

Take an evening walk along the cliff edge.

This is usually the high light town of the cruise.

Day 7 – Bonifacio → Ajaccio (or nearby final anchorage)

Sailing: 30–40 nm depending on route

Final-day options

If conditions are favourable:

Stop at the Lavezzi Islands for swimming.

Enjoy a final long lunch at anchor.

Return toward Ajaccio for evening disembarkation or overnight.

The Lavezzi Islands are one of the most beautiful protected marine areas in southern Corsica.

Best Onshore Activities During the Week

Historic towns Bonifacio, Calvi

Wine tasting Saint-Florent / Patrimonio

Coastal hiking Girolata, Agriates

Beaches Lavezzi Islands, Saleccia

Local food Cargèse, Bonifacio, Propriano

Snorkelling Scandola, Girolata, Lavezzi

Photography/scenery Piana, Scandola, Bonifacio

Practical Notes

Total sailing distance: roughly 170–190 nautical miles.

Best season: late May–June or September.

The prevailing Mistral/Maestrale winds can make the west coast lively, so keep the itinerary flexible. Sailors familiar with the area often recommend treating the Bonifacio Strait and west-coast headlands with respect when strong winds are forecast.

Reserve marina berths in Calvi and Bonifacio well ahead during summer.

This route gives you a very "Corsican" week: dramatic scenery, authentic villages, good sailing legs, wine country, hiking, beaches, and two of the island's finest historic towns without feeling rushed.

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