Mallorca Marina Berth: Buying, Renting, Concessions and Prices

Securing a Mallorca marina berth is far more than a logistical decision: it is a long-term, legally complex and financially significant asset. Mallorca has around 41 marinas and a total of between 14,000 and 17,000 berths – from modest fishing quays to internationally renowned premium marinas such as Puerto Portals or Port Adriano. Anyone who wants a permanent berth here must understand the Spanish concession system, compare the right marinas and know what a berth really costs – in terms of purchase price as well as annual upkeep. This guide explains the full picture: the legal position, authorities, market prices, waiting lists, common mistakes when buying, and the most important steps to securing a booking.

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• Spanish recreational boating licence – requirements and recognition

The concession system: what you need to know legally

The most important principle to understand from the outset: In Spain, the seabed is state-owned property. This means that no individual can own a berth in the same way as a plot of land. What can be acquired, transferred and inherited is a concession – a long-term administrative right to use a specific berth in an approved harbour.

Concessions are granted by the competent port authority and are subject to Spanish maritime and harbour law. In Mallorca, the authority responsible for the vast majority of leisure and recreational marinas is Ports de les Illes Balears (Port IB), a public body of the Balearic regional government.

Please note: A concession does not automatically permit everything one might assume. Before signing, have the precise rights of use – such as commercial subletting – reviewed by a lawyer. A mistake here can lead you into protracted administrative proceedings.

An overview of the most important marinas on Mallorca

Mallorca has around 41 marinas, which differ considerably in character, infrastructure and prestige. The following table provides an orientating overview of the best-known facilities:

The Real Club Náutico de Palma is listed on the Navily platform as number 1 across the entire Balearic Islands. According to Navily, it offers shore power and water at the quay, showers, toilets, fuel, Wi-Fi, waste water treatment, CCTV, night security, and car hire on site.

The Marina Port de Mallorca – reachable on +34 971 289 693 or recepcion@portdemallorca.com – allows online bookings directly through its website and offers a concierge service as well as Eco-Port certification (Blue Flag).

Buying vs. renting: the two routes to a berth

Buying a permanent berth (acquiring a concession)

When purchasing a berth, you acquire – in strict legal terms – an existing concession from the previous holder. The harbour or Port IB must approve the transfer. Not every marina facilitates such a secondary market; in some harbours concessions are not freely tradeable.

Berth purchases are typically handled through specialist brokers or platforms such as marinaberths.de, which list berths for Mallorca and the Balearic Islands – including Puerto Portals, Port Adriano, Moll Vell, Club de Mar, Puerto de Pollença, Santa Ponça, and Port Calanova.

Renting a permanent berth (annual lease)

Many marinas offer annual or seasonal contracts for permanent berths. These are generally less expensive than buying and more flexible, but offer no capital appreciation potential and, depending on the contract, cannot be sublet.

Short-stay berth / visitor berth

For short-term stays, most marinas offer transit berths. Marina Port de Mallorca allows online bookings for visiting boats directly through its website.

Prices: What a berth in Mallorca costs

Concrete list prices for Mallorca's marinas are rarely published by the marinas themselves and vary considerably depending on the boat's length, beam, draught, and the berth's location. The following reference points can be derived from available sources:

Please note: Purchase prices for concessions on the secondary market vary considerably depending on location and boat size. For premium locations such as Puerto Portals or Port Adriano, larger berths can achieve correspondingly high prices. For current market prices, you should consult specialist brokers or platforms such as marinaberths.de.

Waiting lists: Patience is a virtue

At the most sought-after marinas on the island – particularly around Palma and along the prestigious south-west coast – permanent berths can involve waiting lists of several years. The following ground rules apply:

1. Get on the waiting list early – membership is a prerequisite at some clubs.
2. Make direct contact with the marina – many berths are never publicly advertised.
3. Engage a broker – specialists know about secondary market listings before they go public.
4. Check club membership – membership of the Real Club Náutico de Palma or similar clubs can offer advantages when it comes to berth access.
5. Explore alternatives – ports such as Puerto de Pollença or Club Náutico Santa Ponça are less crowded and may offer shorter waiting times for access.

The role of Port IB and the authorities

Ports de les Illes Balears (Port IB) is the central government authority for marinas on Mallorca and the other Balearic Islands. It:

• issues and manages concessions
• approves transfers between private individuals
• sets the framework conditions for harbour fees and operations
• monitors compliance with environmental requirements (e.g. Posidonia protection)

Please note: Every transfer of a concession must be formally approved by Port IB. A private law purchase contract alone is not sufficient. Without official approval, the acquisition has no legal effect.

The Port IB website can be found at www.portsib.es.

Which recreational boating licence is required?

The licence is not itself part of the berth purchase process, but it is an inseparable ancillary question. In Spain, different requirements apply depending on the size of the vessel and the sailing area. Foreign licences are recognised under certain conditions.

You can find full details in our guide: Recreational Boating Licence Spain – Recognition and Acquisition

Tax aspects when purchasing a berth

The purchase of a concession on the secondary market is in principle a taxable transaction in Spain. Depending on the circumstances, the relevant taxes may include the Impuesto sobre Transmisiones Patrimoniales (ITP) – transfer tax – or VAT (IVA). The Balearic Islands have their own ITP rates, set by the regional government.

Note: The tax classification of a berth purchase depends on whether it is a transfer between private individuals or a first acquisition from the concessionaire. Seek specialist tax advice on the transaction. For an overview of taxes for residents, see Taxes as a Resident on Mallorca.

Environmental Regulations: Posidonia and Blue Flag

Mallorcan ports are subject to strict environmental regulations – an aspect that affects both the berth itself and conduct within the harbour:

• The Posidonia seagrass is strictly protected in Balearic waters. Anchoring in Posidonia meadows is prohibited; some marinas such as Port de Mallorca actively inform visitors about protected areas.
• The Blue Flag certificate is an international quality and environmental award for harbours. Marina Port de Mallorca holds this distinction.
• Many harbours have sewage treatment facilities and recycling stations – use of these is generally compulsory.

Most Common Mistakes When Buying a Berth on Mallorca

1. Concession not checked for transferability – not all concessions are freely tradeable. Some are tied to a specific person or company.
2. Regulatory approval overlooked – a purchase contract without Port-IB consent is worthless.
3. Usage rights not clarified – is subletting the berth permitted when you are not on Mallorca?
4. Duration of the concession not checked – concessions are time-limited. A berth close to expiry may lose value.
5. No gestoría engaged – an experienced gestoría knows the local administrative procedures. More on this: Gestoría Spain
6. Additional costs underestimated – annual fees, harbour charges, maintenance and insurance add up considerably.
7. Unrealistic expectations about waiting times – anyone who needs a permanent berth in a premium marina immediately is usually in for a disappointment.

What Comes Next? A Checklist for Your Berth

Once you have secured your berth in Mallorca, the following steps are advisable:

• Check the boat registration in Spain and have it transferred if necessary
• Take out Spanish boat insurance
• Align your leisure craft licence with Spanish requirements (Sportbootführerschein Spanien)
• Clarify tax obligations: residency status and ITP (Steuern als Resident)
• Check Modelo 720 if overseas assets need to be declared (Modelo 720)
• Apply for residencia if permanent residence is planned (Residencia Spanien)
• Conclude annual fees and a service agreement with the marina
• Study emergency contacts and harbour regulations

Conclusion: A berth in Mallorca is an investment – in every sense of the word

Around 41 marinas with tens of thousands of berths make Mallorca one of the most densely concentrated sailing destinations in the Mediterranean. At the same time, supply is scarce in premium locations and the legal complexity is considerable. The Spanish concession system protects you as a user, but restricts traditional notions of ownership. Those who plan ahead, engage the right specialists and handle the administrative process through Port IB correctly can acquire a berth that appreciates in value over the long term and adds a maritime dimension to island life.

Official Sources

• Ports de les Illes Balears (Port IB) – responsible harbour authority for the Balearic Islands: www.portsib.es
• Marina Port de Mallorca – official website with online booking system: www.portdemallorca.com
• Govern de les Illes Balears – the overarching regional authority: www.caib.es
• Navily – independent rating platform for harbours, Balearic Islands ranking: www.navily.com