The main Balearic Islands are Menorca, Mallorca, Ibiza, and Formentera, although Cabrera is also inhabited. In fact, there are many other tiny islands in the area, all of which are technically part of the Balearic Islands. If you’re looking for a real adventure you need to rent a sailboat in Balearic Islands without a skipper and attempt to get lost amongst these tiny islands.
Of course, the high-quality sailboats supplied have GPS, you can’t really get lost, but it’s great fun trying. To really appreciate these islands you need to take the boat without a skipper and plot your own course. However, you should note that you’ll need a sailboat license, or a skipper is essential.
Take a look now to see the array of sailboats on offer, the majority of them come with or without a skipper, depending on what you need.
It can be difficult to know which direction to sail in first, all of the islands are worth visiting! How far you’ll get and what you’ll see will depend on the time you have available. The good news is that the sailing conditions in the Balearics are generally excellent.
A great starting point is Palma, this is an easy marina to get to as international flights tend to arrive in the city. Before you collect your boat allow yourself some time to check out the town. You’ll find some great shops around the Passeig de Born and a selection of bars, cafes, restaurants, and a host of historical buildings in Placa Llotja. You can even round off your first day with some cocktails before readying the boat to sail in the morning.
To the west of Mallorca is Ibiza and Formentera, to the east is Menorca. As Palma sits on the western coast the logical direction to head is Ibiza, it takes approximately 4-5 hours to cross the Med between these islands, providing you with a great opportunity to get used to the boat. The weather is generally warm with mild to moderate winds, perfect for a novice or an experienced sailor.
Ibiza has a reputation as the party capital for hen and stag parties, but there is a lot more to this island. It’s advisable to dock at the old town and stroll up the hill to Dalt Vila, the older part of the town where you’ll find plenty of interesting bars, restaurants, and cafes.
You should then consider heading south, the small island of Espalmador between Ibiza and Formentera is considered the best diving site in the Balearics, it has to be seen to be believed. It’s also worth enjoying the sunset at Café del Mar, there’s nothing quite like it.
If you decide to sail west, along the western coast heading north, you’ll find a largely unspoiled landscape which is full of secluded coves and the potential to find treasure.
Rounding the top of Ibiza you’ll find you have a straight shot back across the Med to Port d’Andratx on Mallorca. This is a stunning port with plenty of fine restaurants, cafes, and bars.
If you have time it’s worth sailing along the northern coast of Mallorca, the mountain ranges appear to drop straight into the sea. Fortunately, there are enough gaps for you to find safe anchorage, you can even check out Port de Soller, it’s exceptionally picturesque.
Sail around the peak and you’ll find yourself cruising along the western side of the island, Menorca is just a couple of hours away and offers a more relaxed vine. Or you can simply sail along the southern coast, stopping as and when you wish to enjoy the various coves and towns along the way. Time is your only limiting factor here.
