Ibiza
Ibiza is referred to as the ‘White Island’ due to its typical architecture. This island has become renowned for its lively nightlife in the form of multiple clubs especially in the San Antonio area. However visiting Ibiza Town located on the southeast coast, where the main port and marina is located is like stepping back into another world. With its old stone building and narrow streets, and numerous terrace bars and restaurants. Sit back, sip on a glass of Sangria and watch the street parades as they walk through the narrow streets around the port and through the town. Ibiza also plays host to many concerts, street markets, and open-air cultural events.
Cruise up to the north shores of Ibiza and the coves are outstanding. With high rocky cliffs, dropping down to cobalt blue waters, making the perfect protected anchorage for your charter yacht. Visit the laid back boutique Hotel Hacienda Na Xamena, which overlooks the bay that your luxury charter yacht could be moored in. This hotel offers an excellent lunch ashore in a simply stunning location.
The beaches on the south of the island are stunning especially Playa de Ses Salines, however don’t go there expecting the beach to be empty, far from it, the beaches will be very busy and it is a hip and trendy place to visit. You can hire a lounger on the beach at one of the numerous bars situated on the beach.
A short sail away is the beautiful island of Formentera, which is the smallest of Spain’s Balearic islands.
Formentera
Formentera is a complete contrast to its busy neighbouring island of Ibiza. It lies approximately 4 miles off Ibiza’s south coast, and is only 12 miles long. Here you will find long stretches of beach, which are backed by dunes and pine trees and azure blue clear waters. It is however a popular day trip destination during the summer months, so it can still be busy during July and August.
This tiny little island became a popular tourist destination in the 1960s when Hippies began to visit. It is renowned across Europe for its many pristine white beaches and the fact that nude sunbathing is allowed on most of its beaches.
Mallorca
Mallorca is the yachting capital of the Balearic’s, with the major port being situated in the capital, Palma de Mallorca. Here you will find numerous marinas and also boat yards for lifting large yachts out of the water. A large number of yachts that charter in this location are based in this port, so it is likely that you may start your charter at this location. Not only does Palma offer everything that the yachting world requires, it also has an enormous Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma, locally referred to as La Seu that is worth visiting, lots of outdoor cafes and restaurants, countryside Golf Courses, and a music scene hosting some of the best DJs. The island is studded with beautiful beaches and coves in which to explore with your charter yacht.
Menorca
Menorca is blessed with more beaches than the other three islands of Ibiza, Formentera and Mallorca. There are also archeological sites and cultural attractions throughout the island, and the historic old town is certainly worth visiting.
Menorca is especially well known for its traditional summer fiestas. The Festes de Sant Joan is held annually in Ciutadella, during 23 – 25 June, it lasts for three days. On the first day, a man bears a well-groomed sheep upon his shoulders and parades around the local streets. At night the main streets are closed and bonfires are held. On the second day locally bred black horses are dressed up with ribbons and rosettes. The riders, or caixers, ride the horses through the streets and encourage them to rear up, and the brave spectators run underneath them. The third day sees intense competition between the riders in a harmless form of jousting that involves spearing a suspended ring with a lance at considerable speed. The festes is brought to a close with a firework display. Tourists love to visit the island when these traditional fiestas are being held.
Menorca also offers great diving due to its crystal clear waters and fantastic dive sites.
