Hi. I based my
boat on Mallorca for 12 years until 2010. By the way, Palma is the capital, Mallorca is the island. Late August - expect it to be hot, sticky, crowded & busy.
Marina berthing is end on - bows or stern to the concrete
dock, picking up a lazyline from the dock which leads to a thicker
rope which is attached underwater to a heavy ground chain running down between the marina aisles. Use a boathook for the lazyline or at least heavy gloves as it will commonly be encrusted with sharp broken shells. You may want to tie a warp onto the mooring ground line or use a snatch block to even up the tension on it each side of the
boat to keep you straight in your berth.
Individual berths are numbered & delineated by dock bollards so you can see where the berths actually are. However as someone has alluded, in August you may well find that side winds & poor berthing techniques mean boats have pushed together - you may literally have to
work your way slowly & persistently in between the 2 neighbouring boats to get up to the dock - you need to be well fendered of course.... I reckon its easier to do that bows first - especially on a modern boat - so you will need a gangplank to get over the pulpit & down to the dock. You wont want your boat to be too close to the dock in case of onshore winds bashing you against it - keep a good tension on the ground lines.
The marina staff - the marineros - are very happy to help you moor up. Call the marina as you approach & ask for assistance - they will cycle round to your berth & be there as you go in. If all is straightforward you dont need to tip them but if they help you out of a sticky situation, the
price of a
beer will be well received.
Stay cool, stay calm, take it easy. Its fun, honest...
From Palma, Andraitx in the west corner is well worth a visit. Cabrera definitely but only with a
permit, although I'm not very familiar with the south
east coast. If you have time to sail around the island, remember Port de Soller is the only port of refuge on the entire mountainous north
west coast. The most scenic
parts of Mallorca are in the north (Palma is in the south). Along the way going anti clockwise, Port de Colom, Cala d'Or, Porto Cristo, Cala Ratjada. Colonia de St Pere, Puerto d'Alcudia & Port de Pollensa are all
ports with
marinas - some more developed than others - & of course there are others. Also lots of calas (coves) where you can
anchor overnight in settled
weather. Port de Pollensa (the RNCPP has an outdoor pool available to visiting berth holders - Or even lunchtime diners in my experience. Actually so does botel alcudiamar by alcudia marina) & its bay is my favourite - but August would not be my favourite month there. You can
anchor off on Pollensa Bay & Alcudia Bay in reasonably sheltered
water. You will need to pick up a mooring in Formentor.
Going that way around a diversion to Minorca is easily possible, especially to Ciutadella on its west coast - You might not have time to get to Mahon.
Did I say it would be busy? Crowded, even? Great sailing though. Just be aware & make sure you have a good pilot book & read it. Gale force winds are unlikely in August - but like anywhere, not necessarily impossible. The tramuntana can spring up very quickly out of a clear blue sky & last for a couple of days - but probably wont happen - just dont be too complacent. Have a great trip.
In case you get into the mountains, say hello to my bench in Fornalutx, to Ramons Bar in Alcudia & to everyone at Bistro Mar in Alcudiamar. Or have lunch & a swim in a natural pool here:
https://www.everythingmallorca.com/restaurants/es-guix/