Spirit of Discovery blog

A few hundred miles south of Barcelona lies the largest of Spain’s Balearic islands, Mallorca, which was to be our Sunday destination.

I was particularly pleased with this fact, as I have a house there and the garden could do with a bit of attention since my last visit was around 2 months prior.

Our guests were also pleased, as they could venture off and see the sights of Palma’s beautiful old town or further afield of course should they wish. The island has beautiful countryside, stunning quaint little villages, vineyards, 4000ft high sheer cliffs, mountains higher than Ben Nevis and a coastline to die for scattered with picture postcard ‘cala’s’ or beaches.

Meanwhile, the Captain spent quality time hoovering and netting leaves from his little pool, as well as sweeping the terraces and giving the car battery a charge…

Late in the evening, once everyone had time to stuff themselves with tapas from the city’s vast selection of restaurants, it was time to sail towards the neighbouring island of Menorca. The sail into the stunning natural harbour of Mahon – Menorca’s capital – is always one of my favourites.

Berthed right on the town centre’s doorstep by 08:00, again everyone was invited to step off and explore. Similar to Mallorca, the beautifully quaint capital of this island is full of great little spots to sit, eat & drink.

Although much flatter than its neighbour terrain-wise, there is still some lovely countryside here with viewpoints over the surrounding varied pastures, rugged coastlines and beaches. Famously occupied by the Brits back in the 18th century, this island still sports evidence of Britishness with sash windows everywhere, fresh milk & butter from the at-that-time imported Friesian cows, and not forgetting of course a large gin distillery…

Winds were almost gale force by the time we departed, again late in the evening to provide for evening enjoyment alongside. The high winds made for a dramatic sight as we left the narrow harbour entrance around 23:00, with 10ft waves crashing onto the rocky coastlines beneath the ship as we slid out through the channel, now on our way to Africa…

Kind Regards
Captain Kim Tanner