The Illes Baleares or The Balearic Islands are an island archipelago in the western waters of the Mediterranean Sea, very near the eastern coast of the Iberian Peninsula. The Balearic islands formally belong to Spain and are comprised of the four largest islands: Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera. The vicinity these islands share with each other and with other numerous smaller isles make them a perfect spot for some summer island hopping in a skippered or a bareboat chartered yacht.
Why choose Illes Baleares ?
Palma de Mallorca is the capital of the Balearic islands, which can be further grouped into Gymnesian Islands (Majorca, Menorca, and Cabrera) and Ibiza and Formentera as the Pityusic Islands. Among many smaller islands in the Balearic cluster are Es Conills, Es Vedra, Sa Conillera, Dragonera, S'Espalmador, S'Espardell, Ses Bledes, Santa Eulària, Plana, Foradada, Tagomago, Na Redona, Colom, L'Aire and many more. On the island of Cabrera, the Cabrera Archipelago Maritime, a Terrestrial National Park is situated, watching over the countless species of aquatic and aviary life. The Baleares are characterized by a varied terrain array, from wooded hinterlands and hills to wide plateau, lowlands and plains with accompanying flora and fauna.
What to do and see on your yacht charter in Illes Baleares ?
The Balearic archipelago changed hands many times during the centuries: the Vandals, the Byzantines, The Muslims, the Aragon,The British and finally Spain, all leaving their distinct marks on the look and feel of the Baleares. Pristine natural landscape blends perfectly with the subtle Mediterranean architecture of the numerous fishing villages, scattered throughout the shoreline. The four main islands of Illes Baleares each contribute making traveller’s every need a reality on this perfect sailing vacation. Majorca is the largest island in the group and the main attractions include the city of Palma, the Cabrera National Park and the mountains of the Sierra de Tramontana. The old core of Ibiza has been declared an UNESCO World Heritage, all that while being famous as one of the best places to party in the world, with renowned clubs and famous DJs. The island of Menorca offers a quiet alternative to Ibiza, providing peaceful beaches and archaeological marvels. Formentera is the smallest of the four major islands that make up the Baleares, with the Parque Natural de Ses Salines providing a relaxed atmosphere that attracts travellers from all over the world.
Sailing season - When to charter in Illes Baleares ?
The location of the Baleares dictates the predominant climate, meaning mostly Mediterranean climatological influences, characterized by dry, hot and mostly humid summers, with windy and wet winters. The best time to visit the Baleares would be May, June and September. This way, one skips the worst of the high temperatures and the swarms of tourists. Rains are most common in May and October, with July and August being the driest months.