Balearic Islands

There’s several species – particularly gulls – that are rarely seen elsewhere other than in these islands. Remember to look up to the skies for these when in the Balearic!

The Balearic are known by their calas, which are usually coves or small beaches surrounded by rocks or mountains. Some of these are also quite good for snorkeling. 

Most frequently blow from the west, northwest, N and E but are considerably altered bt the effects of local topography. Close to the coast normal sea and land breezes are experienced on calm days.

• Tramontana (Northwest)
  • Strong, dry wind, cold during the winter time; can be dangerous due to reaching gale force in a very short period of time, even on sunny days with apparently no warning sign;
• Vendaval (West)
  • Usually confined to the south and southeast coast, can occasionally blow in the northeast; prevails from late autumn to early spring, but usually short-lived;
• Levante (East)
  • Generally lasting between three or four days, this wind is preceded by a heavy swell, lack of visibility, cold damp air and low clouds;
• Sirocco (South)
  • This humid, hot wind usually carries dust, with haze and clouds; more frequent during the summer, could last around one or two days.

Along the costa Brava, NW N or NE winds are most common, especially in winter, though winds from other directions frequently occur.

Rarely reaching ocean swell sizes, it can affect the Balearic from any difections, in particular the cala anchorages.