Sailing Adventure from Mallorca to Gibraltar

Our journey begins in Palma de Mallorca with an overnight passage towards Ibiza and Formentera.

Sailing through the night gives this first stage a true sense of departure: the lights of Mallorca gradually disappear behind us, the sea becomes quiet and the crew settles into the rhythm of watches and life on board.

We plan to anchor near Formentera, known for its clear turquoise water and long sandy beaches. Depending on weather and timing, we may spend up to a full day here. There will be time to go ashore, walk around the island or take the local ferry to Ibiza and explore there as well.

This first stage combines night sailing with a relaxed island stop before the longer offshore passages ahead.

From Ibiza we begin a longer open-sea passage towards Cartagena.

This stage is expected to take around a day and crosses waters known for good tuna fishing, which can make the passage especially interesting for anyone who enjoys fishing at sea.

After the open-water crossing, we arrive in Cartagena, where we plan to stay directly on the city waterfront when possible, close to the historic centre.

Cartagena is one of the most interesting maritime cities on this part of the Spanish coast. After a full day at sea, it is a rewarding place to explore on foot, with lively streets, historic buildings and parks overlooking the city. One of the local highlights is the hilltop park where peacocks can often be seen walking freely.

This stage combines real offshore sailing with a completely different atmosphere once we step ashore in one of Spain’s most historic port cities.

From Cartagena we turn west and continue along the Mediterranean coast of southern Spain.

Unlike the previous offshore crossing, this stage allows us to stay closer to land. Depending on conditions, we may stop in beautiful bays along the way for swimming, rest or a quiet anchorage.

One of our planned stops is Almerimar, a large and comfortable marina that makes a good base for exploring inland Andalusia. If timing allows, there is the possibility of leaving the yacht here and making a trip to Granada to visit the Alhambra, the famous palace and fortress complex that was the last major stronghold of the Moorish rulers in Spain.

From Almerimar, we continue with an overnight passage towards Málaga.

In the Málaga area, we may stay either closer to the city itself or in Benalmádena, whose marina has long been considered one of the most distinctive on the Mediterranean coast. From there, Málaga is only a short journey away.

There is plenty to explore ashore, and depending on time, it may also be possible to take the cable car above Benalmádena and visit the bird park in the mountains.

The final stage takes us from Málaga towards Gibraltar, either during the day or overnight depending on conditions.

As we sail west, the Mediterranean gradually narrows and the landscape begins to change. Gibraltar marks the gateway between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, making this a particularly symbolic final destination after travelling all the way from Mallorca.

We plan to stay on the Spanish side in La Línea, directly next to Gibraltar. From there, it is easy to cross into Gibraltar and explore the famous Rock.

A visit here can include panoramic viewpoints over the Mediterranean, Atlantic, Europe and the coast of Africa, as well as caves and Gibraltar’s well-known Barbary macaques.

Finishing the journey beneath the Rock of Gibraltar gives the route a strong sense of arrival: after the Balearic Islands, open-sea crossings and the southern Spanish coast, we reach one of the most famous maritime landmarks in Europe.