The Serra de Tramuntana is Mallorca's spine — a mountain range that runs the entire length of the island's northwest coast, rising to over 1,400 metres and dropping straight into the sea in cliffs of sheer limestone. UNESCO listed it as a World Heritage Site in 2011. From the land, you can admire it. From the sea, you live inside it.
Sailing the Tramuntana coast is the single best day on the water Mallorca offers. There is no road that follows this coastline — it's too steep, too broken, too remote. The coves here are accessible only by boat, the water is deep and impossibly clear, and the scale of the mountains makes you feel small in the best possible way.
The Tramuntana mountain range gives the northwest coast its name — the tramuntana wind blows from the north in winter and spring. For comfortable sailing along this coast, plan for May through October. July and August offer the calmest conditions; June and September offer the best balance of calm seas and uncrowded anchorages. Check the forecast carefully — a northerly building on this exposed coast requires an immediate change of plan.
The Route: Palma to Cap Formentor
The classic Tramuntana day charter departs Palma, rounds the Cap de Cala Figuera in the southwest, and heads northwest along the coast. The full route to Cap Formentor and back is 90 nautical miles — best as an overnight passage or split across two days. A half-day version reaching Cala Deià or Port de Sóller covers the highlights in 6–8 hours.
The most dramatic stop on the route. The Torrent de Pareis gorge is one of the longest canyon systems in the Mediterranean, carved over millennia and opening onto a small pebble beach. You'll hear the silence before you see the place. Anchor off the small cove and swim ashore. The water clarity here regularly exceeds 20 metres.
The quieter neighbour to Sa Calobra, set in a wide bay with a sand-and-pebble beach and a small restaurant (Es Vergeret) that's been feeding sailors for decades. Good holding in 6–10 metres. One of the best lunch stops on the island.
The only natural harbour on the entire northwest coast, perfectly sheltered by mountains on three sides. The town of Sóller sits above, connected to the port by a famous vintage tram (1912) that's still running. The port has a marina with water and electricity, making it the ideal overnight stop. Excellent restaurants on the waterfront — try Es Faro at the lighthouse for sunset.
The tiny cove below the artist's village of Deià — home to Robert Graves, Mick Jagger, and generations of painters and writers who came for the light and never left. The cove is accessible by boat or a steep path. Ca's Patro March restaurant sits above the rocks — one of the finest tables in Mallorca with views over the water. Book ahead.
The northernmost point of Mallorca — a blade of rock jutting into the sea with a lighthouse at its tip. The water around the cape is deep and extraordinarily clear. Anchor in the sheltered bay of Cala Murta on the southern side of the cape and watch the sunset paint the cliffs gold. This is the most remote and spectacular anchorage on the island.
Sail the Tramuntana with TSB
Our skippers have sailed this coast hundreds of times. Tell us how long you have and we'll design the perfect Tramuntana itinerary around your schedule.
Plan Your RouteWhat to Bring
The Tramuntana coast is exposed and the sea state can change quickly when the northerly wind builds. Our boats carry all safety equipment as standard, but guests should bring warm layers for the morning departure from Palma and sun protection for the afternoon anchorages. Snorkelling gear is essential — the water here is some of the clearest in the Mediterranean.
The restaurants at Sa Calobra, Cala Tuent, Port de Sóller and Cala Deià should be booked in advance from late June onwards. Our team handles all reservations as part of the charter package.