Alboran Sea and Balearic Sea

The Alborán Sea and the Balearic Islands
Mediterranean Sailing trip from Malaga to Palma de Mallorca

The historic brig 'Eye of the Wind' will set sail from A to B, that is, from the Alborán Sea to the Balearic Islands. Departing from Malaga on the Costa del Sol, this Mediterranean sailing trip takes you along the coastline of Andalusia as far as Mallorca.

Please note the following about the itinerary described:

The route we will sail will depend on the prevailing wind and weather conditions and may change at short notice if necessary. The captain often decides the course of each day's sailing, in particular the choice of a reachable harbour or anchorage for the night, on that day and will, whenever possible, of course try to take into account your wishes. This ensures that your sailing trip will be a pleasant mix of adventure and comfort, participation and simple enjoyment.

Embarkation in Malaga

The starting point of this trip is Malaga, Andalusia's second largest city, which has an international airport connected by direct flights to many international cities. Even in mid-September, we can still expect warm temperatures and sunny days. This stretch of coast certainly deserves to be known as the Costa del Sol, the 'sun coast'. Use your time before embarking to visit the Alcazaba, an eleventh-century Moorish fortress, the Cathedral de la Encarnación, or the house where the great painter Pablo Picasso was born.

The compass points to relaxation

After a safety briefing, you'll soon hear the order "Ready to set sail!" and we'll head out to sea. Each day will be unique: encounters with whales and dolphins are common in this part of the Mediterranean because the strong current from the Atlantic Ocean creates an abundant fish population. During our journey along the coasts of Andalucia, Murcia, and Valencia, you can of course choose to join in operating the sails—no experience is necessary. But even if you don't want to start pulling on the ropes yourself and would prefer to enjoy the trip on the deck or in the comfortable lounge, setting and trimming the sails is always a fascinating show of skill going back to a long-past seafaring era. Enjoy your time on board and let your taste buds be spoiled by the excellent galley, which consistently receives top marks in our customer satisfaction surveys. In the cooler hours, make yourself comfortable below deck in our cosy lounge and browse through our extensive on-board library or the DVD selection.

The reward for all true sailors: shore leave!    

Several stopovers in harbours are planned during the trip. There are various attractive options to choose from:  

Almeria – Spain's sunniest city

The port city of Almería on the gulf of the same name is dominated by North African influences. The appearance of the city centre is characterised by palm-lined avenues, narrow alleyways, and white houses. With about 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, the Andalusian coastal town is the sunniest city in Spain.

Cartagena – a naval harbour on the Mediterranean Sea

The location of Cartagena on the Costa Cálida (the "warm coast") makes it not only one of the most important trading ports in Spain, but also the largest naval base in the Mediterranean. The maritime history of the city is shown in a marine museum and an underwater archaeology museum.      

The nightly harbor of Cartagena in the province of Murcia (photo courtesy of Cartagena Turismo).

Alicante – home to the wines of the Costa Blanca

The evening meeting place for locals and tourists is the palm-lined promenade Explanada de España. The region of the Costa Blanca is known for its vineyards and its speciality turrón, a dessert made from almonds, honey and sugar, similar to white nougat. Our purser will not mind if you sneak some on board.

On course for Ibiza and Formentera and crossing 0° Longitude

We leave the mainland coast and head towards the Iberian Sea, home to the famous Balearic Islands. Here we will soon cross the prime meridian, the invisible line between western and eastern hemispheres of the planet. Unlike the infamous "equatorial baptism", the sea god Neptune will not come on board in person on this occasion, but every sailor should of course be proud of having had a successful "zero meridian baptism"! After a day's sailing on the open sea, we first catch a glimpse of Formentera and its neighbour Ibiza before the prow on the horizon. Protected by the island, it's possible to spend a night at anchor here and swim in the Mediterranean Sea – another highlight of this trip and at the same time a real seafaring adventure. From here, it's just another half day's journey from the bay to Palma de Mallorca, the destination of our journey. As soon as we enter the harbour, you can see the luxury yachts lined up under the sun – the Balearic Islands attract people not just to their beaches, but also their waters.

Mallorca

The pleasant climate, the typical island landscape, and the world-famous beaches make this Balearic island a top holiday destination. Use the time before checking in to visit the Gothic cathedral of La Seu, which is regarded as the main tourist attraction of the city. As you stroll down the ramblas, the main streets of the old town, you will discover Palma as a vibrant Mediterranean city. If you have more time to explore the island with a rental car, you'll find enchanting views and discoveries at almost every corner and when you find some lovely remote spots, you'll see why this island has earned its nickname the "island of peace". Our tip for sporty travellers is to check out the giant water slide park Agualand El Arenal east of Palma.

You'll leave the ship, the crew, and fellow sailors with a bag full of lasting memories. Varied and memorable days on the Mediterranean are now behind you. From the city’s international airport, you can reach many international destinations in just a few hours with direct flights. Contact us—we'll be happy to assist you with your individual travel planning.

Highlights of this trip:

•     Safe sailing in coastal waters from the Costa del Sol to the Baleares
•     Active sailing operation on a 100-year-old tall ship
•     Excellent galley with culinary highlights from morning to night
•     "Zero Meridian Baptism"

Service included:

•     6 nights' accommodation on the 100 year-old historic 'Eye of the Wind'
•     Accommodation in exclusive double cabin with hot and cold running water, shower, toilet and air conditioning
•     Full board (including all meals, soft drinks, coffee & tea)
•     Lounge with TV/video and extensive on-board library, some limited WiFi access available

Not included:
Travel to Málaga and from Palma de Mallorca, shore excursions and alcoholic beverages. We will be glad to help you make individual plans for your arrival and departure. Please contact us.