The southeast coast of Mallorca on a ‘llaüt’

Ever since I arrived at Inturotel Cala Esmeralda, in Cala D'Or, an authentic oasis facing the Mediterranean, I have had a recurring dream in which I see myself discovering the southeast coast of the island on board a llaut.

The llaut is a traditional boat found in various parts of the Mediterranean. It was designed to sail slowly, savouring every moment, discovering a small hidden cove, skirting a lighthouse, peering into the almost impenetrable darkness of a cave.

Today I will fulfil my dream and go out to enjoy the sun and the sea in one of these ancient boats. Symbol of a more sustainable way of life, less invasive with the environment and that in this part of the island still survives and you will be able to appreciate it if you travel consciously. 

The sea breeze, the sun and the promise of adventure.

From the moment I decided to explore the coast by llaut, I knew it would be a unique experience, new to me. I would discover that the important thing is the journey, and not so much the final destination, the calm swaying of the small boat, the stopping when the heart asks for it, without haste, as if it were a question of stopping time.

The day began early. The sea breeze brought with it the scent of salt and seaweed, a combination that I have always found deeply liberating. Arriving at the port, I saw the llaut, that sturdy and elegant wooden boat, with its curved lines that seem to have been drawn by the sea itself. Clear skies and the murmur of a calm Mediterranean awaited me , but also the promise of hidden coves, dizzying cliffs, white sandy beaches. The southeast coast of Mallorca shines for its natural beauty, with large protected areas and less damaged by urban development than other corners of the island.

The whisper of the Mediterranean

Climbing aboard was like stepping back in time. The llaut glided smoothly out of the harbour, cruising the calm waters of the morning as if it knew every corner of this coastline by heart. The engine purred in a low murmur, the breeze nourished us with a longed-for happiness, transporting us towards new horizons, some of them already known, but rediscovering them from the sea was an adventure.

As we moved away, leaving the magnificent lighthouse as a lookout, the landscape unfolded before my eyes in an almost magical way. The cliffs stood proud, covered with pine and juniper trees, imposing caves pierced the land's silhouette and small coves could be glimpsed like well-kept secrets.The sun, high in the sky, bathed everything in a golden light, the sea a dance of turquoise and emerald reflections. I sat on the deck, feeling the warmth of the sun on my skin and a refreshing, promising breeze. At that moment I think I connected with the soul of the island and its inhabitants.

Discovering hidden coves: a swim in crystal-clear waters

We decided to stop at a small unspoilt cove, one of those hidden gems that are a treat for the senses, which you can also visit on foot from the hotel. The llaut anchored gently, the water, so clear that I could see all the way to the bottom, was calling me with an irresistible invitation. I dived in without a second thought, a revitalising swim. As I floated, gazing at the sky, I felt a deep connection with the nature that surrounded me 360°. I took my diving goggles and dived into another planet, the planet BLUE, fish, posidonia, anemones, sea urchins...and silence. A world of calm and tranquillity.

After the swim, I sat on the deck with a glass of white wine in my hand, contemplating the rocks and the pine trees that seemed to lean towards the water. The landscape seemed so unchanging, so eternal, that it was hard to imagine that it could ever change. And yet I knew how important it was to preserve this beauty, this calm, so that others might also experience it one day. That's why I'm not going to give you the name of the cove, I invite you to discover your secret cove.

The slow rhythm of the llaut

The llaut resumed its journey, and we continued along the coast. Every corner was a discovery: Cala Figuera with its fishermen's houses shyly overlooking the sea, Cala Mondragó with its white sand and calm waters, Cala D'Or with its elegant Ibizan architectures surrounded by pine trees…

I felt lucky to be sailing, in perfect harmony with the landscape. There is no rush, no unnecessary noise. The llaut breathes to the rhythm of the island, slow, leisurely, as if it wanted to remind you that this is not a journey of nautical miles, but of moments lived in full.

We approached small sea caves, those formations that the water has sculpted with infinite patience. From the deck, I could see colourful fish moving among the rocks, and I thought about the richness of the ecosystem around me. A true celebration of life in our Mediterranean Sea.

A farewell to a perfect day

The sun began to slowly descend, tinging the sky with pink and orange tones, the day was coming to an end. The llaut was gliding gently back to the port, the day was saying goodbye with the calm of the sunset. The harbour, illuminated by the last rays of the sun, looked quiet, almost melancholic. While I disembarked, my feet still wobbling, wanting to retain the gentle sway, I knew that this day would remain engraved in my memory and Mallorca would be part of me forever.

An intimate connection with the land and the sea

That day was not just a sailing adventure, it was an opportunity to connect with the natural beauty of the southeast coast of Mallorca in a unique way. Sailing a llaut is more than just moving on the water: it is being part of a tradition, of a history that has been written by the wind and the sea.

Mallorca is the whisper of the Mediterranean in a hidden cove, the scent of pine and salt, the soft creaking of the llaut ‘s wood as it moves with the waves... It is a reminder that we can enjoy nature without altering it, leaving only traces of wonder and respect.

I will return to Cala d'Or again and stay at Inturotel Cala Esmeralda, my Mediterranean refuge. I will return with the illusion of feeling once again the sea breeze caressing my face, the sun on my skin and the calm swaying of a llaut on the calm sea.

Andrea, September 2024