However, it’s to the sunny archipelago of the Balearics, off Spain’s east coast, that those in the know make their annual summer voyage.
Long considered one of the most idyllic spots in the western Mediterranean, the Balearics is perfectly set up for superyacht charters.
Between quiet, undeveloped Formentera and international party destination Ibiza, these beautiful islands offer something for every mood on a superyacht charter in Spain, whether you’re looking to swim, dive, hike, explore historic ruins or relax on beautiful beaches.
Charter guests to Spain’s Mediterranean coast and the Balearics can expect a Mediterranean climate, which generally means hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. In summer temperatures range from 25°C (77°C) -31°C (88°C), though temperatures of 35°C (95°C) in the south are not uncommon.
For this reason, the main yacht charter season in Spain runs from June to September, though visit just a little outside of this (May or October) and ports will be quieter and temperatures a bit more bearable.
Food in Spain is serious business and each region has its own specialties – you can watch the sun set as you tuck into paella served as it should be on a terrazza in Valencia or try tapas in a low-key local taverna in Seville.
For tapas that comes with a Michelin star, try Tickets in Barcelona, while the three-Michelin star molecular gastronomy on offer at Quique Dacosta in Denia, Alicante, is mind-blowing.
When it comes to party vibes, it’s hard to better Ibiza, where in summer the days, nights and mornings drift into one another and uber-glam beach bars and clubs, such as the legendary Ushuaia Beach Club, with its pool and VIP boxes, are the perfect backdrop for a hedonistic summer.
Before you set sail for the Balearics, explore the many cultural attractions of Barcelona or head inland to see the ‘real’ Spain in Andalusia’s historic cities of Granada and Seville.
With most superyacht charters in the Balearics starting and ending in Palma, you really should take some time to walk around the old town whether you want to shop in elegant boutiques or admire the historic buildings.
The beauty of a yacht charter in Spain is that you can do as little or as much as you like and in the Balearics there is no shortage of places to drop anchor in an unspoiled cove, dive in for a swim or try out some of your yacht’s water toys.
Spain’s east coast is home to Barcelona, Spain’s well-groomed seaside city and a place of unbelievable cultural riches, such as Gaudi’s modern Sagrada Familia and the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, home to a world-beating collection of Spanish art.
Further south along the coast you’ll find Valencia and in between many humbling historic sites, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site city of Tarragona with its Roman amphitheatre.
Although Ibiza is known for its nightlife, there’s a whole world beyond the club scene. Watersports are huge along Ibiza’s shores, and coastal walking trails and tranquil beaches like Santa Eulària des Riu offer peaceful scenery.
To sample Ibiza’s famous chilled-out vibe, head to the old walled city of Ibiza Town, which boasts an impressive cathedral, a maze of narrow streets, and plenty of cool café bars. Not far away lies Cala Llonga, a gorgeous white sandy beach overlooked by steep pine-clad hills.
Formentera, the smallest of the Balearic Islands, is located just off the coast of Ibiza and measures only 12 miles from tip to tip. It’s been called the last paradise in the Mediterranean, due to the lack of development and strict limits on resort construction. Formentera fans love its breathtaking natural beauty and easy- going atmosphere.
The island is dominated by beaches of pure white sand that lead down to the clear turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. Many beaches are deserted, and it’s possible to spend a whole day lazing in the sun and never lay eyes on another soul. There’s also excellent diving here.
Mallorca is the largest and arguably most beautiful island of the Balearics, with sublime weather, a dramatic coastline and over 200 beaches.
Head to the hills to explore an altogether different side of the island, where picture-perfect villages nestle into a lush mountain landscape. The mountain village of Valldemossa, in the Tramuntana Mountains just 17km from Palma, is one of the prettiest on the island. Sóller, between the mountains and the sea, is framed by citrus groves and craggy peaks. With its art nouveau mansions, boutiques, galleries and pavement cafés, Sóller is the perfect place to while away a couple of hours as the afternoon slides into evening.
Mallorca’s biggest city, Palma, is a cultural and historical gem. Visitors from all over the world are drawn to its gorgeous buildings, bustling nightlife, high-end shops and nearby beach resorts. With a lovely harbour, beautiful skyline, fascinating museums and galleries and well- ordered streets, the city is easy to tour on foot, making a few days in Palma an absolute must.
Nature lovers should make the trip from Mallorca to Sa Dragonera, an uninhabited island that’s home to some incredible wildlife, including seabirds, birds of prey and migratory birds. You might also spot small reptiles, including different species of lizard.
On the west coast there are spectacular cliffs that can be up to 300m high, while on the eastern side there’s a multitude of secret coves to discover.
Declared a nature reserve in 1991, Cabrera, just 10 miles off the southern tip of Mallorca, is home to over 450 species of plants and 150 species of birds. This tiny islet has a unique and extremely sensitive ecosystem, which is why only a small part of it, around Puerto de Cabrera, is open to visitors.
Cabrera is a fantastic cruising and diving destination. Diving is allowed in two of the bays: Cala Galiota and Es Dimoni, which both offer spectacular displays of marine life. There are chances to spot species here that you’ll rarely see elsewhere in the Balearics, such as dolphins and sea snails.
Known as the jewel of the Balearics, 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 watersports enthusiasts. Menorca is most famous for its enticing coastal charms, but it’s also home to grasslands, woodlands, mountains and wetlands.
Language spoken in Spain
The main language of Spain is Spanish, spoken by 99% of the population. Other languages spoken include Catalan, Galician and Basque, but you’d have to go quite far off the beaten track to find someone who doesn’t speak Spanish.
Time zone in Spain
Spain is on Central European Time and it also observes Daylight Saving Time, so in the summer months in is GMT + 2 and in the winter months it is GMT+1.
Yachts to charter in Spain
There are so many yacht charters in Spain available it can be hard to know where to begin, which is where we come in. Let our brokers guide you to find the perfect yacht charter for you, whether you are looking for a motor yacht charter in Spain or a sailing yacht charter in Spain.
