Category Newsletters

Mallorca, an all-time destination for those who are looking for warm sun, stunning beaches, a well communicated city centre and amazing gastronomy. Its capital, Palma de Mallorca, has been rated several times as one of the best cities in the world to live, and one of the most popular superyacht destinations in Europe all year round.

Mallorca has a unique reputation in the yachting industry thanks to the wide offer of services addressed to yachts, comfortable marinas, luxury, and top brand products in an enclave of great beauty and heritage value, making it a perfect destination for both yacht crew and guests.

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GET TO KNOW PALMA DE MALLORCA

Palma is the capital city of the island. The capital city of the Balearic Islands is located in the Bay of Palma, on the south coast of Mallorca.  Lively, trendy, and buzzing Palma city will draw your attention.

Visit one of the wonders of Palma, the Bellver Castle the only round gothic style castle in Europe, dated from the XIV century and offering some spectacular views of the city and the Bay of Palma de Mallorca.

Next stop is a visit to the Cathedral, La Seu a jewel of the Mediterranean gothic era. Witness the magisterial work of Gaudi and the largest Rosetta window of the gothic style in the world. S’Hort del Rei gardens are the main gardens of Palma right next to the Cathedral.

Walk through the historical old centre of Palma, discovering the city’s many styles of architecture from private mansions, old palaces, courtyards, the Jewish Old Quarter, the town hall located at Plaça de Cort to the mayoral residence and modernist buildings.

Also optional is a stop to taste the typical Mallorcan ensaimada in one of the city´s oldest bakeries, served with either warm chocolate sauce or almond ice cream, depending on the time of the year. You can also continue to tantalize your taste buds with other Mallorcan products such as olive oil, almond liqueur, cheeses, wines, sobrasada sausages, jams, etc. Or you perhaps can also choose to finish the day with gastronomic tapas and assorted wines.

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BERTHING OPTIONS IN MALLORCA

Port Adriano

Port Adriano is a marina for boats up to 100 metres long in the South-west of Mallorca, Balearic Islands.

Designed by Philippe Starck, there is no doubt that this is the most modern and best equipped marina in the Mediterranean. Its innovative concept is expressed not only in the marina’s aesthetics, but in an authentic improvement in comfort for users: berths and shopping area with parking places in the shade, absence of traffic in front of the boats and shops, concealed cabling, 24m2 of storage space in front of the berths, terraces in the sun and shade, an esplanade for events, etc.

The marina features stores with prestigious international brands for nautical goods, boatyards, and luxury boat brokers.  Well-known top-quality fashion brands are there, too. In addition, Port Adriano has an excellent range of international ‘cuisines’.

With continuous events throughout the year, with concerts and cultural activities, it is the liveliest port in Mallorca and an essential part of the island’s leisure offer.

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Puerto Portals

In the middle of the bay of Palma de Mallorca, Puerto Portals opens to the sea as the most glamorous nautical and leisure complex in the Mediterranean.

Located just 10 km from the centre of Palma and 16 km from the airport, the marina has 650 berths from 8 to 60 meters in length and an exclusive shopping area with a wide variety of quality complementary services: restaurants, bars, boutiques, nautical companies, jewellery shops and perfumeries, among other services.

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Club de Mar Mallorca

Club de Mar Mallorca has 575 moorings and can accommodate boats from 8 meters to 135 meters in length, with a waiting dock for boats up to 350 meters.

The club has a comprehensive commercial and service area ranging from boutiques, restaurants as well as a chandlery and mechanical workshop. As complementary services, it has a meeting room, games, bars, swimming pool, children’s club, and everything you need to make your stay more pleasant and comfortable.

The main advantage of Club de Mar Mallorca is its location: situated on the seafront of Palma de Mallorca, capital of the Balearic Islands. Its position close to the city centre and shopping centre makes it unique among the yacht clubs and marinas of the island.

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Marina Port de Mallorca

A welcoming marina the whole year-round Marina Port de Mallorca, has been a leading port in the Mediterranean right from the beginning, thanks to its team who are whole heartedly focused on working towards the quality and excellence of its facilities, that are both state-of-the-art and sustainable.

Its prime location in the heart of the Seafront Promenade in Palma de Mallorca makes it a unique marina in the Balearics and a port with moorings for boats up to 50m in length for all 365 days of the year, brimming with life in the centre of one of the most special and popular cities in Europe.

But its real value is being both one of the most welcoming yet also private marinas at the same time – thanks to its excellent security and absolute discretion, where clients and the marina team can become great colleagues and friends.

The marina awaits you with great enthusiasm and with open arms.

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ASSISTANCE

The Evolution team in Mallorca is led by Xisco Notario. His in-depth knowledge of the area allows him to advise expertly on cruising itineraries, berth opportunities, VIP entertainment and navigational laws across Mallorca. Whether you have guests on board or are spending time in a yard, Xisco and his team are available 24/7 to provide the necessary and bespoke solutions as well as peace of mind for your entire visit to Mallorca.

The Palma Evolution office is located in the Paseo Maritimo, next to the marinas, and the team is looking forward to welcoming you to Mallorca. They are a one-step solution to all your inquiries always with a personal, attentive, and friendly manner.

If you are interested in cruising Mallorca and the Balearics this season do not hesitate to get in touch with them at palma@evolutionagents.com

The Spanish government and the autonomous regions are reviewing their COVID restrictions for movement of people, social activity and business operations every 14 days, so please see a summary of the most relevant points for crew as of today, Friday 12th March:

ANDALUCIA – MALAGA
General Restrictions: 

• Curfew from 22:00 to 06:00 hrs
• People meetings limited to 6 persons, inside houses and in bar/restaurant terraces, unless cohabitants. Limited to 4 persons inside restaurants/bars.
• Individual sport activities permitted. Face mask compulsory when interpersonal distance cannot be guarantee.
• Businesses in general opened till 21:30 hrs. Working time can be extended if the activity requires so.
• Restaurants opened till 21:30 hrs. Take away from 20:30 to 22:30 hrs
• Movement only within the province unless justified by working reasons. A Company´s certificate for worker´s mobility is required and must be carried by the worker
• Supermarkets, food stores, bakeries open 21:30 hrs
• Andalusia is closed, entry and exit from the Autonomous Community is only allowed for justified purposes, not tourism.

Yacht and crew restrictions:
No special restrictions for the arrival of yachts, as long as no COVID-19 cases onboard over last 14 days. Crew changes are allowed.

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ANDALUCIA – CADIZ, ALGECIRAS & SEVILLA
General restrictions:

• Curfew from 22:00h to 06:00h
• Movement only within the province unless justified by working reasons. A Company´s certificate for worker´s mobility is required and must be carried by the worker
• People meetings limited to 6 persons, inside houses and in bar/restaurant terraces, unless cohabitants. Limited to 4 persons inside restaurants/bars.
• Businesses in general opened till 21:30 hrs. Working time can be extended if the activity requires so.
• Restaurants opened till 21:30 hrs. Take away from 20:30 to 22:30 hrs
• Andalusia is closed, entry and exit from the Autonomous Community is only allowed for justified purposes, not tourism.

Yacht and crew restrictions:
Yachts arriving from Spanish Ports do not have any type of restrictions, and can arrive freely. If coming from a foreign Port, negative PCR results for the whole crew will be required 48h before arrival, or well be quarantined upon arrival and test done. Crew movements permitted.

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BALEARIC ISLANDS
General restrictions:
 
Balearic Islands, with the exception of Ibiza and Formentera, which are closed until the 15^th March (confirmed its opening to tourism from this date), are accepting travellers from EU Countries and from Mainland Spain, always providing negative PCR test done within 72h before arrival and filling in a online Health Form.

• Curfew from 22:00h to 06:00h.
• People meetings limited to 6 people, from 2 different households.
• Restaurants open until 17:00h, in Mallorca and Menorca only terraces with a maximum occupation of 50% and interior 30% from Monday 15^th. Maximum 4 people per table. In Ibiza, opening from Monday 15^th of terraces with a max of 4 people per table.
• Small businesses (less than700sqm) open until 20:00h, with a 75% max capacity.
• Department Stores and shopping malls (over 700sqm) open only from Monday to Saturday until 20:00h.
• Gyms open with a 30% max capacity.

Yacht and crew restrictions:
Yachts can arrive with no problem with professional crew onboard from any port, but if coming from a risk area, negative PCR test with less than 72h before arrival is required by Authorities. For arrival with guests onboard, it would depend on the nationality of the guests as well of last Port of Call, which may be studied in each case.

Crew movements are allowed and crew can fly in and out from Palma to embark or disembark their vessels.

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CANARY ISLANDS – TENERIFE & GRAN CANARIA 
General restrictions:

• Tenerife is open and accepting tourists. Anyone flying into Canary Islands must carry a negative PCR test done with less than 72h before arrival. Lanzarote is closed, and people can only enter or exit the island for justified reasons.
• Curfew from 23:00h to 06:00h in all Islands excepting Lanzarote, which is from 22:00h to 06:00h.
• Bars and restaurants are fully open in exteriors, and open with a 50% limitation in interiors. Maximum 4 people per table in interior and 6 in terraces.
• Businesses are open with capacity limitations.

Yacht and crew restrictions:
Ports are open and yachts can keep arriving with no problem with crew onboard, and if arriving with passengers must be studied case per case, based on passengers nationality and last port of call.

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CARTAGENA
General restrictions:

• Curfew from 22:00h to 06:00h.
• Social meetings limited to 4 people.
• Closure of the Murcia Region. Entry or exit is only allowed for justified reasons. Movement inside the region is permitted.
• Bars and restaurants open with 30% limitation in terraces and interiors.
• Businesses working with limitations and health measures.

Yacht and crew restrictions:
Yachts can arrive and crew movements are permitted. Negative PCR tests are not required for arrival, but crew members cannot move from the vessel.

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CATALONIA
General Restrictions (valid from 15 March until 28 March 2021):

• Curfew from 22:00 to 06:00 hrs
• Gatherings limited to 6 persons who can be from up to two ¨bubbles¨, in public and private spaces, unless cohabitants.
• Gyms may open interior spaces to capacity of 30% and those with outdoor facilities may open with up to 50% capacity with masks to be worn at all times.  Outdoor sports activities are permitted for groups up to 6 people.
• Bars and restaurants may open and use their outside terrace areas to full capacity and interior spaces up to 30% capacity– with a maximum  of 4 people per table and only during the hours 07h30-17h00.  Take-out and delivery services available 19h until 22h.
• All stores up to 800m2 may open with a capacity of up to 30% during the week and weekends. Stores over 800m2 remain closed.
• The region’s border closure remains in place but there is not restriction of movement within Catalonia as long as travel is only with people from your ¨bubble¨.

Yacht and crew restrictions:
No special restrictions for the arrival of yachts, as long as no COVID-19 cases or symptoms onboard during the 14 days prior to arrival in port (Maritime Declaration of Health must be submitted 24 hours prior to arrival). Crew changes are allowed.

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GALICIA
General restrictions:

• Curfew from 22:00h to 06:00h.
• Some areas closed depending on risk level, being only able to enter or exit for justified purposes.
• Social meetings are limited to people living in the same household, or to a maximum of  4 people if not living in the same household.
• Bars and restaurants can only open terraces with a 50% capacity limitation and interior up to 30%, until 18:00h.

Yacht arrivals:
Galician Ports are open, and yachts can arrive with no problem. Crew movements are allowed, but in the case of passengers Authorities are studying the different situations on a case-by-case basis.

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VALENCIA
General Restrictions (valid from 15 March until 12 April 2021):

• Curfew from 22h until 06h
• Social gatherings in public spaces are limited to 4 people; in private houses they are limited to cohabitants only.
• Sport can be practised in open-air installations, in groups up to 4 people and interior sports facilities including swimming pools may open to 30% capacity.
• Bars and restaurants may to open and use their outside terraces to 100% capcity and inside areas to 30% capacity until 18h – with a maximum of 4 people per table.
• Food shops, pharmacies and other essential stores can open until 20h.
• The region’s border closure remains in place.

Yacht and crew restrictions:
No special restrictions for the arrival of yachts, as long as no COVID-19 cases or symptoms onboard during the 14 days prior to arrival in port.  Crew changes are allowed.

Since the 1st January 2021 the United Kingdom is no longer part of the European Union and this not only affects the movement of people, but also the movement of goods.  We therefore would like to clarify the following points concerning the purchasing and transportation of goods/merchandise between the EU and the UK:

• The UK is now referred to as a ¨third country¨ situated outside of the EU.
   
• From now on, all goods traveling between the EU and the UK will be subject to Customs controls and payment of VAT, duties and possible inspections by customs authorities, meaning that all shipments required a commercial invoice detailing the contents, value and HS code (an international customs code).

• For items being returned for repair, whether under warranty or not, in order to avoid paying taxes on the value of new goods we must request a temporary exportation procedure for the purpose of repair.

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Instructions for goods with preferential UK/EU origin which are exempt from duties

Following the TCA (Trade & Cooperation Agreement) established on 24th December 2020 regarding rules for preferential origin, goods may be imported and exported to and from the European Union and remain exempt from the payment of duties if these goods originate in the UK or the EU.

In these cases the commercial invoice should be accompanied by a declaration including a detailed description of the goods as well as place, date, name and signature of the shipper.  If the preferential origin is not declared in the commercial invoice the merchandise may be held by Customs and it may be necessary to contact the recipient in order to obtain the proof of origin (a Certificate of Origin or commercial invoice for the goods, stamped by the Chamber of Commerce in the UK or in the EU respectively, may be required).  If the proof of origin is not provided, duties according to the standard rates will be applied.

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Contact our Customs and Logistics Departments for guidance and assistance

Tel. (+34) 971 400 200

customs@evolutionagents.com – logistics@evolutionagents.com

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With the United Kingdom officially exiting the European Union on January 1st, 2021, the entire world will have to deal with its lasting implications. While economic, social, and political matters will see much change after Brexit comes into force, travel and tourism will also face significant changes after the transition period that will end this year, on December 31^st.

When Brexit comes into effect, all British nationals will be non-Europeans and therefore treated as such in terms of restrictions of movement and entry requirements into the Schengen area.  If no further agreements are reached, all British nationals will no longer enjoy unrestricted lengths of stay in the Schengen area but instead be limited to 90 days in every 180 day period, and, very important to note, with no need to hold a Schengen visa to enter.

When it comes to yachts and its crew in particular, Brexit will have an impact in terms of travel and immigration procedures, which will immediately come into force on January 1^st, if no further agreements have been reached before.

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1.  If I am a British crew member already embarked on board a yacht in Schengen territory (ie: Spain) on January 1st, how long will I be able to remain in EU? What will I need to do?

All British crew members already embarked on a vessel in the Schengen area will be able to remain indefinitely within a 10km radius of the vessel’s location as long as they are officially embarked and employed onboard, and stamped out of Europe in their passports.

On the other hand, all British crew currently onboard a yacht in the Schengen zone and wishing to disembark after January 1^st will be subject to disembarkation protocols, which means getting their passport stamped INTO Europe in order to disembark and travel within the EU or return to the UK.

To find out more about the exact immigration protocols to be followed from this date on if you are already embarked, we highly recommend you contact your local EVO office as procedures may change depending on your current port.

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2. As a British seafarer, what will I need to do to embark a yacht that is already located in EU waters?

From 1^st January 2021 British crew will be subject to official protocols in front of immigration authorities when embarking a yacht moored in the Schengen area, which means getting their passports stamped OUT of the Schengen zone once embarked in order to stop the days running on their passports while embarked.

As previously mentioned, exact protocols to be followed may vary in each port, therefore we highly advise to contact us for further information on a case-by-case basis.

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3. Considering the COVID- related restrictions currently in force, under which circumstances will a British citizen be able to travel to Spain?

After Brexit comes into full effect on 1st January, United Kingdom will be considered a third country, and as such, COVID-related restrictions currently in force related to non-essential travelling may apply as the European Commission has confirmed that no exceptions will be made for the UK and the same rules will apply as to other third nations.        

Please click here for full information about COVID-related travel restrictions.

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IMPORTANT NOTE

**As of today, due to the high contagion rate increase, an exceptional Ministerial Order has been approved by the Spanish Government, which states that from December 22nd until January 5th, at least, flights departing from the UK towards Spain can only carry Spanish nationals, Andorran nationals or registered residents in Spain or Andorra.**

**EDIT 13/01/2021: Please note that on 1st January 2021 the Spanish Government published an update to the restrictions for using the direct travel corridor UK-SPAIN allowing an exception for seafarers traveling to embark vessels in Spanish waters, providing they show justification of their seafarer status and obligation to resume onboard duties.  Nevertheless, we are finding that some groundstaff in the UK and airline companies are not recognizing this exemption and are recommending that seafarers in the UK delay travel or find alternative routes to the vessel.**

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Contact your Evolution office for guidance and assistance or send us an email to info@evolutionagents.com.

Following last week´s latest announcement about the new requirement from Spanish Authorities for travellers coming to Spain by air or sea to present a negative PCR test result if coming from risk areas (listed below) starting today 23rd November, we are now able to confirm as follows:

Seafarers are EXEMPT from presenting a PCR test result when travelling to Spain for the purpose of joining a vessel on the condition they can prove their seafarer status and embarkation on a vessel moored in a Spanish port.

After several checks with Health Authorities, who were waiting further instructions from Health Ministry, we have received final official confirmation today about this exemption. In order to prove their seafarer status, it is not specified what documents the crew member must carry, but from our recent experience and in accordance with the travel documentation required during the State of Alarm, we highly recommend that the following documents be ready to present:

• Passport.
• Seaman’s Discharge Book and SEA.
• Letter from Captain indicating crew and vessel details, port of embarkation and date of embarkation.
• Crew list and Copy of Ship’s Registry.
• Agent Letter corroborating vessel location and crewmember status in Spanish.
   

As a very important note, please be informed that even if PCR test is not compulsory, crew members must fill the FCS (Health Control Form), to be presented before embarking and/or once arrival to a Spanish Airport,  www.spth.gob.es  and Spanish Health Authorities may decide that extra controls are required, if:

• After reviewing the FCS Form they consider further examination is necessary.
• When they pass by the temperature check, it appears to be 37,5ºC or higher.
• After visual inspection the crew member may seem ill and Health Authorities consider that it is necessary to do an extra check.

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Kindly see below the countries listed as “risk areas”, for your best information:

Countries and territories in the EU/EEA: Austria – Belgium – Bulgaria – Croatia – Cyprus – Czech Republic – Denmark (except Faroe Islands and Greenland) – Estonia – France – Germany – Greece (except the regions of Kitri, Ionia Nisia, Dytiki Ellada and Sterea Ellada) – Hungary – Iceland – Ireland – Italy – Latvia – Liechtenstein – Lithuania – Luxembourg – Malta – The Netherlands – Norway (except the regions of Rogaland, Møre og Romsdal, Nordland, Viken, Innlandet, Vestfold og Telemark, Agder, Vestland, Trøndelag and Troms og Finnmark) – Poland – Portugal (except the Azores) – Romania – Slovakia – Slovenia – Sweden

Countries outside the EU/EEA:
Albania – Andorra – Argentina – Armenia – Aruba – Bahrain – Belize – Bosnia & Herzegovina – Cape Verde – Colombia – Costa Rica – French Polynesia (France) – Georgia – Gibraltar (UK) – Guam – Jordan – Kuwait – Lebanon – Libya – Moldova – Monaco – Montenegro – Morocco – North Macedonia – Palestine – Panama – Puerto Rico – Russian Federation – San Marino – Saint Martin – Serbia – Switzerland – Tunisia – Ukraine – United Arab Emirates – United Kingdom – United States of America

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Kindly note that this list is to be revised every 15 days, and entering into force 7 days after the revision to allow enough time for protocols to update.

For your better reference, download  below a document we have prepared with full information and procedures to follow for the arrival into Spain of crew and guests/contractors via air or sea (ferry).
In regards yacht arrivals, as procedures may change depending of the port, please be so kind to contact your local Evolution Office for further information or send us an email at info@evolutionagents.com.

Download the Seafarer and General Travelers Arrivals Protocol in Spain. COVID-19