Ibiza itself has beautiful, underexplored areas away from the crowds, such as the wilds of Es Amunts nature reserve and the salt flats of Las Salinas. All-night parties aside, Ibiza is also a reputable wellness centre, with some of the best spas in the Balearics, including the free-spirit atmosphere and laid-back luxury of the brand-new Six Senses Ibiza.
Sailing in the Balearics is more than Ibiza though, much more. Formentera, for instance, still somehow slips under the radar and retains its natural beauty. There is very little development here, and it is considered by some to be the last Paradise in the Mediterranean. Menorca offers a mix of historic towns and villages and bella beaches, while Mallorca has one of the Med’s most chic cities in Palma, where most luxury yacht charters in the Balearics set off from.
With good marina facilities, lots of bays and anchorages only accessible by boat, and plenty of sights, sailing the Balearics is a yachtsman’s (or woman’s) dream.
The main charter season in the Balearics is from April to October, with the season peaking in July and August when temperatures tend to sit in the early 30s. For some though, these months can be a little too hot, so booking a yacht charter in the Balearic Islands in June or September can be a wise move. Ibiza’s party season runs from May, when you can attend one of the opening parties, all the way through to the middle of October when the closing parties are in full swing.
Mallorca is the undisputed king of the dining scene in the Balearics, with nine Michelin starred restaurants – more than any of the other isles. The latest two to join the much-coveted list are Dins Santi Taura in the El Llorenc Parc de la Mar hotel in Palma and the clifftop Béns d’Avall, near Soller.
On Ibiza, days drift into nights seamlessly. Chill out at by day at Amante, high in the hills, where you can practise yoga or join the open-air movie after dinner. Beach clubs such as Experimental ooze Hollywood glamour, and if you really want to party, take your pick from some of the best nightclubs in the world: Pacha, Pikes, and Ushuaïa, to name a few.
There’s a very cool vibe at the understated live music venue Cova D’en Xoroi on Menorca, which has VIP tables on the terrace and if you can get a booking at lobster restaurant Es Cranc, don’t pass it by – it’s nearly always fully booked.
On Mallorca, make sure you factor in at least a day in the capital of Palma, visiting the old town and the cathedral and flexing your plastic at the fashionable boutiques of Passeig de Born. Take a day trip to the ancient mountaintop village of Deia, which has long been a hub for creatives, and where princess Diano once holidayed.
For beaches, try the white sands and crystal-clear waters of Ses Illetes on Formentera, or dip your toes into the cobalt seas of Cala Macarella on Menorca.
Escape to the relative quiet of Menorca, a UNESCO biosphere reserve and an island that has more beaches than Ibiza and Mallorca combined and make time to wander cobbled lanes of the old capital of Ciutadella to admire Moorish, gothic and medieval architecture while you’re here.
For many guests on a luxury yacht charter in Ibiza, it’s all about sun, sand, sea and one never-ending party.
Ibiza’s beautiful coastline is home to over 80 beaches, with Cala Bassa in San Antonio and Playa d’en Bossa topping most people’s lists, though you’ll find more peace at Santa Eulària d’es Riu.
Watersports are also popular in Ibiza and there are natural sites, such as the Cova de Can Marca caves, with their stalagmites and stalactites, that are worth a visit.
For a taste of Ibiza’s chilled-out vibe, the old walled city of Ibiza Town, with its maze of narrow streets and cool bars, rarely disappoints.
Measuring just 12 miles from tiop to bottom, Fortmentera is the smallest of the Balearic Islands and has so far avoided large-scale development.
The easy-going lifestyle here is totally seductive and is has so many beaches that you won’t struggle to find one that you’ll have to yourself all day.
Diving is also recommended here, as the pure waters ensure excellent visibility when exploring reefs and underwater caves.
On a luxury yacht in Mallorca, meanwhile, you can visit the largest isle of the Balearic Islands, known for its fabulous weather, over 200 beaches and dramatic coastline.
If you’d like to visit some of its famously picturesque villages, you’ll need to head to the hills and our favourite is probably Valldemossa with its blonde stone houses and 13th-century monastery, hidden away in the lush setting of the Tramuntana Mountains. Coming a close second is Soller, where the art nouveau mansions are incongruous amid the citrus groves and craggy hillsides.
Palma, the capital of Mallorca, is an architectural and cultural jewellery box. From a 12th-century Moorish-gothic palace to baroque churches and Gaudi’s unmistakeable modernist influence, Palma wears its history of colonisation and development on its facades and is a delight to wander. The pretty port is close to many of the main museums and galleries and its many plazas are perfect for dining alfresco on traditional Mallorcan delicacies.
This slither of an island, separated from Mallorca by a narrow channel, is an uninhabited nature reserve that is home to lots of hundreds of species of plant, plus wildlife, including birds of prey and wall lizards – a subspecies endemic to here. The east coast of the small island has lots of secret coves to drop anchor in, while the west coast is guarded by some spectacular cliffs.
Another uninhabited isle, Cabrera to the south of Mallorca is also a nature reserve and its ecosystem is so sensitive that only a small part of it is open to visitors. Nevertheless, diving is allowed in the two bays of
Cala Galiota and Es Dimoni, where you can see lots of marine life, including sea snails and dolphins.
The quieter, shyer sibling to Mallorca, Menorca has retained much of her virgin landscape and traditional Spanish heritage. Menorca is blessed with a stunningly beautiful coastline and boasts more beaches than all the other Balearic Islands put together. Consequently, it’s a veritable Eden for sun worshippers and water sports enthusiasts. Culturally, Menorca is one of the richest islands in the Mediterranean, it’s often referred to as an open-air museum, as it’s studded with ancient ruins, old fortresses and ancient churches from different periods in the island’s tumultuous history.
What’s the currency of The Balearics?
The currency of the Balearics is the Euro and though cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants, it pays to carry some local currency on you.
Language spoken in the Balearics
The Balearic Islands actually have two co-official languages: Spanish and Catalan. Balearic is the over-arching name for the Catalan dialects that can be heard throughout the islands, which include: mallorqui (spoken in Mallorca), eivissenc (spoken in Ibiza) and memorqui (spoken in Menorca).
Time zone in the Balearics
The Balearics follw Central European Time (CET), which is GMT +1 and in summer it follows Central European Summer Time (CEST), which is GMT + 2.
Yachts to charter in the Balearics
There are lots of options when it comes to sailing the Balearic Islands, so whether you are looking for a luxury yacht charter in the Balearics, a more salty seadog sailing experience in the Balearic Islands, our have the right yacht rental in the Balearic Islands for you.
