Balearic Islands
SPAIN is as colorful and varied as the flamenco dance itself. A big country with an immense coastline it sweeps around from the unspoiled natural reserve of the Costa del Luz in the south through the opulent, high profile region of Marbella and Puerto Banus with it’s celebrity hangouts and on up to the richly eccentric city of Barcelona with it’s 24 hour lifestyle and amazing architecture.
Lying to the east of the Spanish mainland, the BALEARICS are becoming one of the Mediterranean’s most popular yacht charter destinations, thanks to the near-year-round sunshine, azure waters, varied landscapes and warm hospitality.
THE BALEARICS are made up of Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca (all with airports), Formentera and Cabrera. Each imbued with their own character, these islands make a wonderful cruising ground for sailors, superyachts and luxury yacht charters.
MALLORCA
Mallorca, the largest and best-known in the Balearic archipelago. Mallorca (or Majorca) lies approximately 140 miles east of Valencia on the Spanish mainland and is home to the capital, Palma. Mallorca is known for its beaches, crystal clear waters, beautiful anchorages, scenic coastlines,,coves, emerald bays, natural parks, amazing Spanish food (tapas) , sophisticated flair and rich history.
Palma de Mallorca comes as a surprise to many people – it is stylish, sophisticated, intimate, yet bursting with life. It is the island’s cultural centre, with a fascinating historic old town, excellent night life and yacht clubs. The Palma Cathedral is considered “a jewel of Gothic architecture”, with its imposing tower and nine bells, one of them alone weighing 4.5kg. Overlooking the sea, the 14th Century Cathedral is built over the city walls of Palma de Mallorca’s old town.
The south-east coast of Mallorca is generally considered the most scenic part for its sculptured rock formations and beautiful secluded bays, every few hundred meters along the coast between Pollensa and Colonia St Jordi. Then there is classy Andraitx draped around its colorful harbour full of bijou shops and elegant restaurants. Beyond Andratx to the west is the Sa Dragonera Nature Reserve and to the northeast is the Albufera Nature Reserve, one of five that exist in the Balearic Isles. Another highly recommended outing is to the Cabrera National Park, a group of islands and islets less than an hour away from Mallorca. In the north, Pollensa a typical fishing village character where the evening paseo is still taken and local ‘news’ is exchanged in the square.
Towns such as Deià, Pollença and Valldemossa have captivated artists for centuries. Culture is a vital part of the life of the island. Throughout the year there are festivals, concerts, literary events and exhibitions. Sóller is an attractive town on Mallorca’s northwest Coast. Situated some 3km inland from its port, ‘Port de Sóller’, the town lies in a large, fertile, bowl-shaped valley. Sóller shares its valley with the village of Fornalutx and the hamlet of Biniaraix, all of which are famous for their rich orange groves and terraces of ancient olive trees.
In fact, much of Mallorca retains its original, unspoiled charm. Almost 40 percent of the island is protected. There are beautiful areas such as the Sierra de Tramuntana Mountains, in the north, with peaks reaching 1400 m above sea level.
IBIZA
What can we say? It’s all true… But much more lovely than has even been described. Not for no reason do the rich and famous come to live and play here. Fascinating and vibrant; beautiful old Ibiza Town is heartbreakingly pretty.
White walls, flowering vines, arched windows, huge stone steps; musicians playing, people dancing, caves and tunnels; A living theatre that goes on through the night and continues into dawn. Pacha is the best nightclub ever. Ibiza is very cool, very friendly, very wacky and very fun – ‘anything goes’.
Sailing round the coast you’ll find Salinas Beach for lunch at the Jockey Club, Beniras for drumming on the beach at sunset, Cala Jondal for dancing in the sound to live South American bands. Secluded anchorages where you can swim in gin clear waters with white monolithic rock structures around – Ibiza can be very gentle too.
MENORCA
is much more low-key than its neighbours. It’s known for its endless beaches, from long sandy crescents to rocky, turquoise bays. Pine trees fringe the coast. The capital, Mahon, with Georgian mansions and its ancient church is on a bluff overlooking the harbour. A slower pace of life. Lovely old towns. One of the most beautiful natural harbours in the world. Fabulous diving and snorkeling. Peaceful sailing and hideaway anchorages.
FORMENTERA
Formentera is quieter but it also offers golden beaches, rugged mountains and lively ports. And to get away from the crowds visit the remote island of Cabrera and the Dragonera nature reserve. Just a skip and a hop away from Ibiza, this is where people come to chill for the weekend. Low lying with turquoise seas and the most heavenly beaches.
Don’t miss the mud baths for a bit of naked overall skin pampering, then wash it all off in the sublimely clear warm sea Great for nature lovers and naturists.