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This week, Click & Boat takes you to the Balearic Islands, one of Spain’s brightest gems. Crazy parties, remote coves, and hundreds of islets lend themselves to a unique boating adventure for sailors who want to explore this small archipelago. Additionally, the endless sunshine ensures you will return home with a tan. What else could you ask for in an unforgettable holiday?
Do you need a skipper when sailing in the Balearic Islands?
If you are a qualified skipper, you can opt for a bareboat yacht charter, also known as a yacht charter in the Balearic Islands, without a skipper. Sailing in the Balearic Islands without a licence is also legal for motorboats under 5 metres and sailboats under 6 metres in length. Additionally, you are limited to sailing during the day and within 2 miles of the coast.
If your boat flies a flag from another EU country, you must have a skipper licence issued in the boat’s country. UK boaters holding the RYA Day Skipper International Certificate of Competence (ICC) or an equivalent licence from a sailing school in the European Union should be fine in most cases. You can also check our boat licence guide for more details.
How much you will pay to hire a boat in the Balearic Islands
Sailing in the Balearic Islands on a sailboat can be cheaper than other options. You can expect to pay between €350 and €1,200 a day for a sailboat with one or two cabins. Prices can vary due to the season and the port or marina you rent from. As for catamarans, whose comfort and speed make them ideal for island-hopping in the Balearic Islands, they cost between €500 and €2,500 a day. Note that many boat owners only rent out their sailboats and catamarans for a full week during high season, usually from Saturday to Saturday.
RIBs can cost between €700 and €1000 a day, perfect for a short trip from Ibiza to Mallorca. We recommend hiring a small motorboat that can cost you less than €200 a day. Motorboats with one or more cabins start from around €300 and, depending on the length and model, can cost up to several thousand euros a day. Fuel can cost up to €150 in addition to the rental cost. In some cases, fuel is included in the price for your Balearic Islands sailing trip. However, checking with the boat owner about inclusions and exclusions is recommended to avoid unpleasant surprises.
What’s the best time of year to charter a yacht in the Balearic Islands
The high season for sailing in Spain begins in late June and ends in late August. However, the weather is favourable for a sailing holiday from late April until the end of September. You can also always find some good off-season deals.
Where to dock
The Balearic Islands are home to some of the Mediterranean’s most modern marinas for yachts of all sizes.
Ibiza
The two main ports in Ibiza are Marina Ibiza and Puerto Sant Antoni De Portmany. Marina Ibiza is the main port in Ibiza town, in the heart of the island’s vibrant nightlife. Port Sant Antoni de Portmany is on the western side of the island and is known for its beautiful sunsets and nightlife.
Mallorca
Mallorca is the largest island in the Balearics. Palma de Mallorca, the capital city, has several marinas, including Club de Mar, Real Club Náutico de Palma, and Port de Palma. These marinas offer excellent facilities and are close to the city’s attractions. In addition, Puerto Portals is a chic marina on the southwest coast, known for its upscale shops and restaurants. Port Adriano is also located on the southwest coast. This modern marina is designed by Philippe Starck and offers luxurious amenities.
Menorca
The main ports in Menorca are in Mahon and Ciutadella de Menorca. Mahón is home to one of the largest natural harbours in the world and is a historic and charming city to explore. Cuitadella is known for its picturesque old town and historical sights.
What’s nearby?
In Spain, you can sail to Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante, Benidorm, Cartagena, Tarragona. France is also not far, especially Marseille, Toulon, Hyères and the Golden Isles. For a longer trip, head to Sardinia or Corsica.
Weather
As you can guess, the climate on the Balearic Islands is Mediterranean, so the average temperature is 23° in June, 25° in July, and 26° in August. The pleasant weather continues into September at 25°, so it’s not bad for a trip to this beautiful corner of Spain.
Nautical distances
The short distances between the islands make this archipelago the perfect destination for an island hopping trip. The following are the distances in nautical miles between the islands and other nearby destinations:
- Palma Mallorca-Ibiza: 64 miles
- Ibiza-Formentera: 19 miles
- Formentera-Cabrera: 74 miles
- Cabrera-Palma From Mallorca: 29 miles
- Palma de Mallorca – Alcudia: 27 miles
- Alcudia-Mahón: 50 miles
- Ibiza-Barcelona: 145 miles
- Ibiza-Valencia: 90 miles
- Ibiza-Benidorm: 80 miles
- Mahón-Alghero: 192 miles.
What to do
Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera are home to sandy beaches, picturesque towns and remote calas (coves) to enjoy the Mediterranean sun. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Mallorca
- Bask in the sun in Palma de Mallorca (the capital and biggest town of the island)
- Discover the otherworldly caves of Drach in Sóller
- Visit the Valldemossa Charterhouse, a splendid palace in Valldemossa
- Explore the uninhabited island of Sa Dragonera
- View the sunset in Cap de Formentor, the eastern end of Majorca’s Formentor peninsula, which the locals have named the “meeting point of the winds”
- Visit the sanctuary of Sant Salvador (Felanitx)
- Admire the unspoiled nature in the Cabrera National Park
- Soak up the sunshine in Cala Ratjada and Can Picafort
Menorca
- Visit the famous Port Mahon
- Travel back to a time of knights at Isabel II Fortress
- Bask in the sun in Cala Macarelleta
- Admire the ancient megaliths in Torre d’en Galmes
- Walk on the ancient path of Cami de Cavalls
- Swim in the crystal clear waters of Cala Macarelleta
- Check out the lighthouse Faro de Favàritx
- Visit the picturesque Ciutadella de Menorca
Ibiza
- Swim in the crystal clear waters of Cala Vadella
- Practice your snorkelling skills in Playa Cala Xarraca
- Relax in Las Salinas, a long stretch of sandy beach
- Explore Cala Comte (Platges de Comte)
- Party the night away in some of Ibiza’s most famous clubs: Amnesia, Privilege and Sankeys
- Chill out in the famous bar Cafe del Mar in Sant Antoni
- Visit the small rock island of Es Vedra
- Sail to the uninhabited island of Cabrera
Formentera
- Check out the view from the stunning lookout Mirador Es Colomer Formentor
- Enjoy the serenity of Cala Saona
How to get there
You can reach this sunny corner of Spain by plane (airports of Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza and Mahón and on the island of Menorca) or by boat (yacht charter from Barcelona or local ferry).
