Where to Drop Anchor: 10 Spots Worth the Mooring

Everyone wants to know where to anchor. The real question is: where can you anchor safely, legally, and without thirty other boats already there? Here's what we've learned from 15 seasons on these waters.

Cala Comte (Cala Conta)

The west coast's most popular anchorage for good reason. Protected from Levante (easterly winds), exposed to Tramontana. The moorings fill by 11am in July—anchor northwest of the buoys if you're late. 6-8m depth on sand, good holding.

Cala d'Hort

The Es Vedrà view everyone wants. But it's exposed—southerly swell rolls in, and when the Mistral blows, you're in the lee of nothing. Best May-June and September when the sea is settled. Anchor 50m off the beach in 5-7m.

Ses Illetes, Formentera

The famous "Caribbean of Europe" stretch. Two things to know: one, the Posidonia meadows are protected—you'll be fined €1,500 for anchoring on them. Two, the mooring buoys are €80-120/day and bookable through Illetes Formentera app.

• North end: Quieter, deeper (8-10m), fewer boats
• South end: Near Juan y Andrea, more action, shallower (5-7m)
• Alternative: Anchor off Espalmador (free) and dinghy across

Espalmador

The uninhabited island between Ibiza and Formentera. No moorings, no facilities, just sand and the famous mud baths. Anchor off the north beach in 4-6m on sand. The channel between Espalmador and Formentera is shallow—watch your draft.

Portinatx

North coast, worth it when the south is blown out. Three coves: Portinatx proper (busy, beach bars), Sillot (quieter), and the small cove west of the lighthouse (best protection). 5-8m depth, good holding on sand.

Cala Salada & Cala Saladeta

West coast, north of San Antonio. Cala Salada is the bigger anchorage, often crowded. Saladeta next door is smaller, no beach bar, fewer boats. Both protected from Levante. 6-9m depth.

Atlantis (Sa Pedrera)

Not an anchorage—too deep and rocky. But worth the stop. Anchor off Cala d'Hort and dinghy in, or swim from the boat if conditions allow. The stone-carved pools are real, and the climb down is manageable if you're steady on your feet.

Cala Jondal

South coast, famous for Blue Marlin and Tropicana. The anchorage is deep—10-15m—and crowded by midday. Holding is good on sand. Better for lunch stops than overnight unless you like bass thump until 2am.

Cala Llentrisca

Southwest coast, between Es Vedrà and the lighthouse. No road access, so it's quieter. 6-8m depth, sand bottom. The approach is clear but watch for the reef extending from the point on the eastern side.

Tagomago (Isla de Tagomago)

Private island northeast of Ibiza. You can't land, but you can anchor off the west side in 8-12m. Good protection from Levante. The snorkeling is excellent—rocky bottom, lots of fish.

Benirràs

North coast, famous for the Sunday sunset drumming. The anchorage is crowded on Sundays, fine other days. 6-9m depth. Protected from Tramontana, exposed to Levante. The beach bars do solid paella.