Surf types and water sports in Mallorca

Surfing in Mallorca: the best places for surfing

Can you surf in Mallorca? Not only can you surf on the largest of the Balearic Islands, but it is also one of the most exceptional places on the entire Mediterranean coast to do so.
Although in the past the surfable waves on Mallorca were considered abnormal and irregular, studies for a doctoral thesis presented at the University of the Balearic Islands in 2015 found that this assessment is unfair, as it is considered that there are one hundred and seventy-five days a year when you can surf in at least one part of the island.

Moreover, the alternatives that Mallorca offers to lovers of surfing, the sea and coastal life are clear: pleasant weather during the four seasons, the warm, crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean and a long-standing surfing network that is open to absolutely everyone who no longer considers surfing just a leisure activity, but also a lifestyle. In addition to conventional surfing, Mallorca is ideally suited for different variants such as bodyboarding, kitesurfing, windsurfing or paddle surfing, as well as other well-known water sports. The most important thing? Finding the right places with the right situations to exercise at any time.

Where can you surf in Mallorca?
Due to the nature of its coastline and its small size (which makes it possible to travel quickly by car from one place to another), Mallorca offers many opportunities to find a good spot (or in technical jargon, a good area for surfing).
It is important to know the climate forecasts (which fortunately have multiplied in recent years due to the improvement of technology), even though the island has one of the most regular coasts in the Mediterranean in terms of surfable waves. Winter is the season with the greatest variety of consecutive days in which to practice this sport, especially in the coves of Palma and Alcúdia, while in autumn and spring the most beautiful waves are found on the Japanese beaches.

However, the spots most frequented by local surfers and daily or occasional visitors are located on the northeast coast of the island, in areas such as Cala Mesquida or Cala Torta. Son Serra beach in the bay of Alcúdia can be considered an important factor for conventional surfing on the island. The most experienced surfers can enjoy up to eight spots along the 7 km stretch, with such memorable names as “the bunker”, which guarantees a nice wave and is therefore the most visited area; “the gate” or “the cockleshells”, as the 3 breakers that exist, with alternatives suitable for every beginner and experienced surfer.
It is not difficult to find a handful of professional stores in the area, as well as surf schools with publications for all levels, although it is usually recommended that surfers with a higher level visit Mallorca with their own board, as the market for professional board accommodation is very limited.

Windsurfing and kitesurfing on Mallorca
Surfers say that there are no waves on Mallorca, but there is wind. Therefore, windsurfing and kitesurfing are great options on days (or in areas) when conditions are not optimal for traditional surfing or bodyboarding (lying on the board or kneeling).

 Windsurfing
In windsurfing, the surfer moves on the water on a board with an articulated sail that allows him to change routes and climb with the help of the wind. Which part of the island you choose depends on your information and experience: Cala D’Or or Portocolom can be the right proposals for beginners and the bay of Alcúdia, Palma or Can Pastilla for more demanding sportsmen.

 Kitesurfing
In this case, the board is supplemented by a kite, which the surfer wears around the hips with a harness. The game is practiced in a temperate climate and is quite a risky affair, both for the people who practice it and for those who face the surfers. The easiest formal legal area for this game is the bay of Pollença, although it is unofficially practiced in other places. However, it is strictly forbidden on the most crowded beaches in high season.

 Paddle surfing, an alternative for all ages
Paddle surfing, which is practiced on a large board on which you stand upright while moving around with the help of a paddle, has recently gained a good reputation on the islands. Why? Because it’s simple to analyze and begin in a short range of time, which makes it perfect as a brand new interest at any given time during the vacations. Besides, it’s a low-risk game, which makes it an excellent choice to play with the family when you travel to Mallorca with children. Moreover, you don’t need wind or waves to practice it (it is more suitable for a calm climate and calm waters).

The correct concept is to sign up with one of the many surf schools and choose one of the many bays, the easiest to reach by sea, to practice while taking part in the environment and tranquility.

Other water sports that can be practiced in Mallorca Lovers of the sea and water sports activities will be fully satisfied in Mallorca. Other alternatives to experience the diversity of the island range from snorkeling and scuba diving, kayaking, canoeing and renting jet skis, boats or cruise ships to other extra revolutionary and daring alternatives such as flyboarding (practiced with a board that “flies” as it is propelled by water jets).