If I told you “Ibiza” and your first thought was “party” then better skip this text and book your direct flight and enjoy the party. On the other hand, if your first thought was “Balearic Islands” then there is hope for you.
I agree that Ibiza is most of the times mentioned in the context of partying and mass tourism, but I consider it a part of the beautiful archipelago in the W Mediterranean. Therefore I would like to tell you about the Balearic Islands as a sailing destination.
As mentioned above, Balearic Islands refer to the archipelago consisting of Mallorca, Menorca, Cabrera, Ibiza and Formentera. Luckily for holiday sailors, it is possible to fly directly to these islands where major charter bases are situated.
Sailing Balearics is considered a perfect mix of clear waters, sandy beaches, and stunning landscapes combined with vibrant life in harbors, everlasting beach and bar parties along with delicious local cuisine. Every town in the Balearics possesses a specific mood and atmosphere while locals live their distinctive lifestyle.
Similar to Balearics’ diverse land-life ranging from traditional to ultra modern; sailing Balearics also provides loads of excitement and variations. Southeast winds prevail in the western cruising area in the summer months while northerly winds prevail in the eastern cruising area including Menorca. Northwest winds prevail in the area of East Mallorca to Menorca and east to southeast winds are common from Ibiza to West Mallorca. Average wind speeds range between 5 and 15 knots during the summertime.
For more daring sailors, or for those who enjoy long-distance cruises Balearics are an inevitable destination when sailing from the east coast of Spain towards Sardinia and Italy or vice versa.
The largest of Balearic Islands is Mallorca (also Majorca) while Palma (also Palma de Mallorca) is the capital of the whole archipelago and an autonomous community and a province of Spain. Both Catalan and Spanish language are spoken at Balearics, but English, German, Dutch or Scandinavian languages are also appreciated because thousands of tourists come from those countries.
Cruising around Mallorca would be a perfect idea for a one-week sailing trip. Three or more weeks should be enough to visit the most of interesting places within all islands. Balearic Islands are also grouped as Gymnesian Islands (Illes Gimnèsies) consisting of Mallorca, Menorca and Cabrera; and the Pitiusic Islands (Illes Pitiüses) also referenced as the Pityuses or the Pine Islands consisting of Ibiza and Formentera. Island Cabrera is also the home of Parc Nacional de l’Arxipèlag de Cabrera or the Cabrera Archipelago National Park.
Apart from ‘major’ islands, there are many ‘minor’ islands or islets close to the biggest islands which make sailing Balearics the unique experience.
If you would like to sail around the Balearics visit A Yacht Charter Spain. Here you can find useful and interesting information about the Balearic Islands and an excellent choice of yachts for charter.
I wish you a calm sea, a fine wind and a strong mast!