Sailing Adventure from Rome to Mallorca

Our journey begins in Rome, setting sail in the afternoon and heading west across the Tyrrhenian Sea. After approximately a day at sea, we plan to reach the spectacular Maddalena Archipelago, one of the most beautiful protected areas in the Mediterranean.

Here, the pace changes completely. After the open-sea passage, we can anchor in a beautiful sheltered bay surrounded by clear water, rocky islands and untouched Mediterranean landscapes. Depending on timing and conditions, there may also be an opportunity to go ashore and explore some of the walking trails through the nature reserve.

From the Maddalena islands, we make a shorter and very scenic passage towards Corsica and the extraordinary town of Bonifacio.

Approaching Bonifacio from the sea is one of the highlights of this stage. The yacht enters through a long, narrow natural channel surrounded by high limestone cliffs before reaching a large protected harbour. Above us sits the historic fortified old town, while the lower harbour is lined with restaurants, cafés and small shops.

Bonifacio is also famous for the King of Aragon’s Staircase, carved dramatically into the cliffs above the sea. It is a place where spectacular nature and centuries of history meet, making it a memorable reward after our first major passage.

Leaving Corsica behind, we cross the waters separating Corsica and Sardinia and continue towards the northern coast of Sardinia.

Compared with the first offshore passage, this stage is shorter and gives us more time to enjoy the changing island landscapes around us. Sailing between Corsica and Sardinia offers beautiful views of rocky coastlines, small islands and the open Mediterranean.

Our destination is Castelsardo, a picturesque Sardinian town dominated by its medieval fortress high above the sea. Approaching it by yacht gives a completely different perspective: the colourful town climbs up the hillside towards the castle while the Mediterranean stretches out behind us.

After arriving, there may be time to walk through the old streets, climb towards the fortress and enjoy the atmosphere of a traditional Sardinian coastal town.

This stage combines relaxed sailing with the chance to explore two very different Mediterranean islands in a relatively short distance.

From Sardinia, we begin one of the most adventurous stages of the entire journey.

Before heading into open water, our route takes us through a narrow and shallow channel across the Sardinian coastal area. Once outside, we set a direct course west towards Menorca. The crossing is expected to take more than a day and gives us a genuine experience of offshore Mediterranean sailing.

This is the stage where life at sea becomes especially important: sharing watches, sailing through the night, watching the changing weather and spending long hours surrounded only by open water.

The area can also offer excellent fishing opportunities. On previous passages through these waters, large tuna have been caught here, making the crossing especially interesting for anyone who enjoys fishing at sea.

Our destination is Mahón, the capital of Menorca. Its enormous natural harbour is one of the most impressive in the Mediterranean, surrounded by waterfront buildings that still reflect the island’s historic British influence.

We plan to spend around a day here, giving everyone time to rest after the long passage, explore the town and enjoy Menorca before beginning the final part of the trip.

The final stage begins with a much more relaxed sail along the coast of Menorca towards Mallorca.

After the longer offshore crossing from Sardinia, this section is about enjoying the islands themselves. The coastline offers numerous beautiful places to stop, with dramatic cliffs, sheltered coves and clear Mediterranean water. Depending on weather and timing, we can choose suitable places for swimming, anchoring and simply enjoying life on board without rushing.

Once we reach Mallorca, one of the highlights of the route is planned around Sa Calobra, an extraordinary small bay hidden between towering cliffs. A narrow beach lies at the end of the gorge, and walking inland reveals a dramatic valley surrounded by mountains.

We then continue towards Sóller, where we plan to spend the night. Sóller is one of the most atmospheric places on Mallorca, surrounded by the Tramuntana mountains and known for its historic wooden tram connecting the port with the old town.

Our final sailing day takes us along Mallorca’s spectacular western coastline towards Palma. The route itself is part of the experience, with mountains rising directly from the sea and constantly changing views along the way.

We finish our journey in Palma, the capital of Mallorca, after travelling from Rome across the Tyrrhenian Sea, through Corsica and Sardinia and finally into the Balearic Islands.