Balearic Islands Yacht Charter Guide

ISLANDS OF CONTRASTS, SPAIN’S GOLDEN ISLES ARE AMONG THE MEDITERRANEAN’S MOST GLAMOROUS CRUISING HOT SPOTS

From spring through to late October, enjoy long summer days that adorn the islands of Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca. These golden Spanish isles have evolved to be among Europe’s most glamorous holiday hot spots, attracting well-heeled travelers to enjoy the long hours of sunshine and hip, world-class hangouts. Stunning beaches and clear water bays punctuate their breezy coastlines, while ashore Michelin-starred restaurants and state-of-the-art marinas welcome the superyacht crowd in style.

CHARTER EXPERIENCE

Over the past few decades, Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands, has established itself as one of the Mediterranean’s most exclusive destinations. Life in Mallorca is all about long, lazy lunches anchored in secret coves, ambling through ancient streets and finding yourself in the latest nightclub (should it take your fancy). Should you tire of picturesque ports, golden-sand beaches and rustic villages then Palma, the island’s capital, offers a cool contrast from the quieter sides of the island.

Ibiza, meanwhile, has a bohemian attitude and is the perfect place to enjoy an alternative lifestyle. Ibiza Town is the place to go if you want to party like a free-spirited twenty-something. The island is stealing St. Tropez’s movers and shakers. A smattering of chi-chi beach bars and vibrant beach clubs dot the coastline — many of which appeal to those who prefer relaxing to raving. Ibiza also boasts some of the most inspiring dining establishments in the Mediterranean. While the island may have an amazing party scene, it also offers deserted bays and serene stretches of white sand where the loudest noise is the waves lapping the hull of your yacht. Alternatively, the tiny island of Formentera to the south of Ibiza is relatively peaceful, even during the peak summer months.

The lesser-known and often overlooked island of Menorca has a beautiful interior, countless secluded coves and more miles of beaches than Ibiza and Formentera combined. This is the island you graduate to when feeling jaded from the party crowd on Ibiza or need some downtime away from the glamor and sophistication of Mallorca.

Whichever yacht you choose to explore Spain’s Balearic Islands, you can expect sun, sand and carefree nights (wild as you wish) the moment you embark on a superyacht charter around the Golden Isles.

Location Highlights

Thrill the senses at Mallorca’s famous Mercat de l’Olivar food market
Reserve a table at Marc Fosh or Zaranda, Mallorca
For cabaret and gastronomic splendor head to Heart, Ibiza
Less boho, more chic? Try the Cotton Beach Club, Ibiza
Enjoy the magnificent anchorage of Espalmador
Dive underwater flora and fauna at Cabrera National Park
Swim in the clear waters of the UNESCO biosphere reserve, Menorca
Spend your days beachside at Cala D’Aubarca, Ibiza

Expert Advice

Mallorca’s cathedral and castles along with the many museums will keep you busy on ashore. Architecture dating back to the 13th Century is a spectacular sight to see. After a few days exploring the island, head to the private, rentable Togomago Island, and put the yacht’s jet skis and other water toys to the test. When you arrive in Menorca you will find hidden beaches and secret coves. While Ibiza may be known for its “club” scene, this gem has a lot more to offer than its nightlife. The beautiful beaches are home to chic beach clubs and plenty of fun dining establishments.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

DAY 1

PALMA DE MALLORCA TO CABRERA ISLAND (28 NAUTICAL MILES)

Embark your charter yacht in the cosmopolitan capital of Palma. Spend the day exploring Mallorca’s capital with its maze of cobbled streets home to designer boutiques and shops packed with local ceramics, textiles and antiques alongside traditional tavernas and tapas bars. Early evening cruise across to the nature reserve island of Cabrera and spend your first night moored in one of the national park’s sheltered bays.

DAYS 2 & 3

CABRERA ISLAND TO IBIZA TOWN, IBIZA (70 NAUTICAL MILES)

Early morning cruise towards the White Isle. Step ashore to shop the boutiques that line the cobblestone streets of Ibiza Old Town. Cross the drawbridge from the main town to negotiate the alleyways and steps that lead up to the castle. You can expect plenty of long lazy lunches, rosé and boho glamour as you spend the next few days cruising around the island’s rugged coastline. Those looking for an immersive clubbing experience should try Ushuaia Ibiza, while legendary Pikes is the place to head for an iconic Ibiza party.

DAY 4

IBIZA TOWN TO ESPALMADOR & FORMENTERA (10 NAUTICAL MILES)

Enjoy the magnificent anchorage of Espalmador. Take the tender or swim ashore and bathe in the natural mud baths at the heart of the beautiful uninhabited island. The nearby bicycle friendly island of Formentera is perfect for a peaceful anchorage. Step ashore for a sunset cocktail at Platja de ses Illetes or for dinner at Es Molí de Sal. The seafood restaurant is located just meters from Lletas Beach and is surrounded by Las Salinas natural park. Early morning jump in to dive the beautiful underwater world of the Freus Marine Reserve.

DAY 5

FORMENTERA TO ISLA VEDRA TO CALA SALADA (32 NAUTICAL MILES)

Cruise along the southern coastline of Ibiza and anchor under the island of Vedra. Jump in and snorkel around the impressive rock formation. If you are PADI-qualified, anchor in the Cala d’Hort marine reserve and dive in the underwater forest of Las Gorgonias near Bleda Plana island alongside shimmering wrasse as they navigate through the Neptune grass. Head to Cala Salada for a well-deserved dinner ashore.

DAYS 6 & 7

CALA SALADA TO SóLLER, MALLORCA (72 NAUTICAL MILES)

Depart Ibiza early morning and cruise towards Mallorca for an afternoon of watersports anchored beneath the towering cliff of Cabo de la Mola. Enjoy a late lunch at one of the fish restaurants on the jetty at Sant Elm followed by a walk up to the abandoned Trappist monastery Sa Trapa for spectacular views. Early evening anchor in the bay of Port de Sóller and venture inland to the mountain town of Sóller. Dominated by a 16^th century church, Sóller’s ancient streets are home to traditional tapas bars and restaurants.

DAYS 8 & 9

PORT DE SóLLER TO CALA MORELL, MENORCA (48 NAUTICAL MILES)

Often referred to as the “beat free” Balearic, the island of Menorca is the place to head when Ibiza and Mallorca leave you feeling tired. Spend a few days relaxing and swimming in the clear waters that make up part of the UNESCO biosphere reserve. Anchor in the south at the secluded double cove, Cala Macarella and Macarelleta, and step ashore for fresh seafood, cooked simply at the double cove’s small restaurant – as the only building you can’t miss it. After a day exploring, cruise to Fornell’s in the north and take the tender ashore for fresh lobster at legendary Es Cranc.

DAY 10

CALA MORELL TO PALMA DE MALLORCA (80 NAUTICAL MILES)

Cruise overnight to Puerto Portals and step ashore in the bustling port before heading to Palma. Berth at the wonderfully situated Club de Mar marina in central Palma and spend the day exploring the beautiful Old Town, with its Cathedral and famous markets. Lovers of gourmet food will find a generous helping of Michelin-starred restaurants in Palma. High on your list should be Simply Fosh in the rustic setting of a 17^th century Hotel Convent or the Sea Club at Cap Rocat. Located across the bay, the stunningly converted old fort provides views overlooking the entire Bay of Palma and fleets of yachts at anchor.