There are many ways to discover Mallorca. You can drive along its scenic roads, wander through its villages or spend the day on one of its beautiful beaches. But if you’d like to experience one of the island’s most authentic sides, we recommend seeing it from the sea. And not just from any boat.
Today, we’d like to introduce you to an experience that is deeply connected to Mallorca’s history and culture: sailing aboard a llaüt, the traditional boat of the Balearic Islands.
Because some places are best understood from the water.
What is a llaüt?
If you’re visiting Mallorca for the first time, you’ve probably seen one without even realising it.
Llaüts have been part of Mediterranean life for centuries. Originally used by fishermen in Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza, these boats were designed specifically for the conditions of the Mediterranean Sea. Their sturdy hulls, elegant lines and smooth navigation made them an essential tool for generations of islanders who depended on the sea for their livelihood.
Today, they remain an important part of Mallorca’s coastal landscape. Many have been lovingly restored and transformed into leisure boats, offering visitors a slower and more authentic way to explore the island than many modern vessels.
Stepping aboard a llaüt is also a way of connecting with Mallorca’s rich maritime heritage.
Mallorca from the sea
There is a side of Mallorca that can only truly be appreciated from the water. The beaches feel wilder, the cliffs appear more dramatic and the coastline reveals an entirely different perspective.
From the southeast of the island, some of the most beautiful routes pass iconic places such as Es Trenc, Es Carbó and Es Caragol. Seen from the sea, these beaches take on a whole new dimension.
The crystal-clear waters, endless shades of turquoise and sense of tranquillity away from the shore create an experience that stays with you long after you’ve returned to land.
Depending on the excursion, it’s also possible to visit Cabrera, the national maritime park located just off Mallorca’s southern coast. Its protected waters and extraordinary biodiversity make it one of the island’s most remarkable natural treasures.
The luxury of slowing down
Perhaps our favourite thing about sailing on a llaüt isn’t the scenery or the hidden coves. It’s the pace. There is no rush. No packed itinerary. No pressure to see everything in a single day. Instead, you simply drift with the rhythm of the Mediterranean.
Stop for a swim. Read a few pages of a book. Share a simple lunch on board. Listen to the sound of the water while the coastline slowly passes by.
It’s a way of travelling that perfectly reflects the philosophy of Ca’n Bonico and the way we like to experience Mallorca.
Let us help you organise your experience
If you’d like to discover the island from this perspective, we’d be delighted to help.
Our team can recommend trusted local companies that organise private or shared excursions aboard traditional llaüts, with options to suit different schedules and preferences.
Whether you’re looking for a half-day trip or a full day at sea, we’ll help you find the experience that’s right for you.
See you at Ca’n Bonico
After a day spent exploring Mallorca’s coastline from the water, there’s nothing better than returning to the tranquillity of Ses Salines.
To our gardens, our pool and the slower rhythm that defines life at Ca’n Bonico.
Because discovering Mallorca is also about connecting with its traditions, its landscapes and the experiences that continue to shape the island’s identity.
And few experiences capture that spirit quite like sailing a llaüt across the Mediterranean.