Balearics
WITH THEIR OWN DISTINCT IDENTITY AND HISTORY, THE SUN-KISSED BALEARIC ISLANDS OF MALLORCA, MENORCA, IBIZA, FORMENTERA HAVE POSITIONED THEMSELVES AS A PRIME YACHT CHARTER DESTINATION IN THE WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN ▪▪▪
THE BALEARIC ISLANDS
Located in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea, the sun-kissed BALEARIC ARCHIPELAGO is composed of four main islands: MALLORCA, MENORCA, IBIZA and FORMENTERA and of minor islands and islets such as Cabrera and Dragonera – each of these islands have their own distinct identity.
The Balearics have a rich history. Prehistoric colonization of the Balearics is assumed to have occured some 8000 years ago.
Between 1000 to 6000 BC, a mysterious civilization flourished on Mallorca and Menorca : the pre-Talayotic and Talayotic culture that has beaqueathed to us magnificent megalithic constructions called talayots and megalithic tombs, the most famous of which is Naveta de Tudons in Menorca. Made of large stones, the talayots have the appearance of a tower with a small entrance and a central pillar to support a roof. It is believed the talayots had a defensive function, were used as home, to store food and even for some kind of ritual function.
The Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals, Bizantines…and …. Moors have left their marks on the Balearic Islands before King Jaime I of Aragon recaptured Palma in 1229.
Today, the Balearics make up an autonomous region of Spain, attracting travellers and sun worshippers coming from all over the world and are a prime yachting destination.
For a yacht charter in the Balearic Islands, please contact Blue-Trend your Yachting Specialist▪▪▪
MALLORCA
In the Summer, the Spanish Royal family takes up residence at Marivent Palace in Mallorca. Mallorca is also the favourite hideaway of well-to-do Catalans and the venue of prestigious regattas. It is said that Mallorca’ s history is as long as its coastline.
If your yacht charter starts in Palma de Mallorca, start exploring the Old Town with its narrow cobbled streets, visit the Cathedral, try some of the local specialities and enjoy the vibrant nightlife.
Otherwise, you could immediately escape to the unspoilt Platja deTrenc (Es Trenc Beach) a stunning long stretch of frost-white sand, shallow azure waters among pine trees and rolling dunes and to the peaceful island of Cabrera, a natural reserve.
Have a swim, snorkel, sunbathe, unwind, enjoy a moonlight dinner pampered by your crew and anchor overnight in Cabrera before cruising the stunning Mallorcan West Coast to Sant Elm and the uninhabited islet of Sa Dragonera for a fun afternoon of water sports.
Andraxt, a picturesque fishing village located at the end of a fjord overlooked by the Serra de Tramontana mountain range will be your next stopover.
Andraxt is an exclusive residential area with an upscale marina of over 450 berths and a golf course.
What a pleasure to stroll down the port, stop in one of the tapas bar, , enjoy the lively atmosphere, do some shopping and have dinner in one of the local fish restaurants.
On your route to Soller, you could stop by Sa Foradada and have lunch at the Ca’s Patro March, a popular waterside restaurant in cala Deià.
Soller is an old fishing harbour with a well equipped marina ; it is a great place to eat fish and sea food.
Soller is not far from Sa Colabra, a small pebble beach at the end of a gorge, rather difficult to reach except by boat.
In the afternoon, you will cruise up the dramatic North Western Coast of Mallorca with rugged cliffs, beautiful creeks and sandy beaches.
The bay of Pollensa on the northen tip of the island of Mallorca is ideal for watersports and for overnight anchoring prior to crossing to Menorca.
For a yacht charter in Mallorca, please contact Blue-Trend your Yachting Specialist ▪▪▪
MENORCA
Menorca, the second largest island of the Balearic archipelago is approximately 80 nautical miles North of the Bay of Pollensa (Mallorca island).During the Spanish Civil War, Menorca supported the Republican cause.
As a consequence, no public money for developping infrastructures was allocated to Menorca during Franco’s regime.
This helped preserving the island’s natural identity, agricultural landscapes and traditions.
The Menorcans are viscerally attached to their land.
Real estate development is strictly regulated.
Menorca was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in October 1993 because of the need to preserve the great diversity of habitats that coexist on this small island – the richness of flora and fauna, the quality of the rural landscape and archaeological heritage.
Menorca is an unspoiled, discreet and chic hideaway as well as a cruising paradise ▪▪▪
Weather permitting, an early crossing from Mallorca Pollensa Bay will take you to the historic town of Ciutadellla, the former capital of the island for a late lunch. !
Ciutadella has a natural sheltered harbour.
How about meandering through the charming old quarter;
Stop for a coffee at the main square Placa d’es Born, admire the Gothic and Baroque monuments.
Testimony of the rich history of Menorca : the 14th century cathedral built on the site of an old mosque and the Talyotic Naveta d’es Tudons only 6km away from Ciutadella.
Cuitadella is also famous for the St John’s horse parade that takes place at the end of June in the main square. Cavallers in black velvet period costume ride ebony Menorquin horses with elegant harness, bridles and embroidered saddles for the parade through the streets and make them rear on their hind legs in a reenactment of a religious pilgrimage dating back to the fourteenth century.
The island of Menorca is surprisingly diverse in its landscapes: spectacular rural environment to the interior and distinct coastlines.
The jagged southern coast of Menorca is interrupted by some beautiful creeks with white sandy beaches and turquoise waters such as Cala en Turqueta, Cala Galdana, Cala en Porter.
After a day at sea, it will be nice to stop in time for sunset at Cova d’en Xorio.
Cova d’en Xorio is a series of terraces and natural caves perched above the clear waters, where you can have drinks, dinner and even dance.
The northern coast of Menorca is more exposed to winds.
It has golden sand beaches and blue green waters close to the shore.
East of Menorca is Mahon (Mao’) known for its natural harbour (the second largest one in the world after Pearl Harbour) and for its elegant 18th century Georgian mansions.
Another British legacy is the Fortalesa de la Mola that defends the entrance of the port.
Under British rule, Mahon became the capital of the island.
Mahon city is about 4km to the airport and thus a good place to start or end your charter depending on the yachts we have in the area.
For a yacht charter in Menorca, please contact Blue-Trend your Yachting Specialist ▪▪▪
IBIZA AND FORMENTERA
Whilst Menorca is known as a low-key destination, Ibiza is internationally famous for being a top place to party and for its gorgeous beaches.
Ibiza, though, has much more to offer : it is an island of delightful contrasts.
Overlooking the port of Ibiza, Dalt Vila with its renaissance fortress has been listed a Unesco World Heritage Site.
Dalt Vila testifies to the fascinating history of the island.
Founded as a port town by the Phoenicians in the 7th century BC, the island passed under the domination of the Carthaginians who developed the production and trade of dye, salt, wool and garum (a fish sauce that was the antiquity ketchup) prior to becoming a Roman imperial outpost.
The island was successively governed by the Vandals, the Byzantines, the Moors, reconquered by cruisading christian Norwegian King Sigurd in 1110 followed by King James I of Aragon.
Dalt Vila is a lovely and picturesque fortified town with breathtaking views over the sea, narrow cobbled streets, traditional white houses with painted wooden doors, hanging balconies, climbing bougainvillea, charming cafes, market, shops, tapas bars as well as Michelin star restaurants like the Mirador de Dalt Vila.
Ibiza is a magnet for clubbers and partygoers with iconic clubs and beach clubs such as Amnesia, Pacha, Es Paradis, Ushuaïa, who compete in fierce competition to attract the most famous DJs and create the craziest cocktails.
In total contrast with its wild nightlife, the island of Ibiza hosts yoga and meditation retreats in beautiful natural surroundings.
In the 30s, Ibiza was a privileged destination for avant-garde artists.
In the 60s / 70s came the hippies who also have left their mark on the island !
The hippy culture is still alive in Ibiza in Cala d’Hort, Punta Galera, Atlantis and in Es Canar hippy market.
Those who are fond of archeology will visit the remains of the Phoenician settlement of Sa Caleta, the archeological of Puig des Molins.
Those in search of local traditions and authenticity will take a ride to some of the traditional villages like Santa Eularia des Riu, San Carles, San Gertrudis.
If lucky, they will be able to watch the «Ball Pagès » (Peasant ‘s Dance) (a folkloric dance of unknown origin) performed on a special music (drums, flute, espasi and castanets).
A must-see for nature lovers is Ses Salines, a Natural Park of particular ecological interest and natural beauty extending to the Northern tip of the island of Formentera. Sea salt extraction dates back to the Phoenicians and nowadays Ibiza traditionally harvested salt is known as one of the finest salts in the world.
Chartering a yacht is ideal to explore Ibiza spectacular coastline, coves and beaches of unrivalled beauty and to hop off to Formentera, the smallest, least developped and most southerly island of the Balearics archipelago▪▪▪
Once a hippy hideaway, Formentera is nowadays a luxury destination to relax.
Formentera boasts whitewashed sand beaches, turquoise coves, crystal clear waters.
A day at anchor off Formentera is will leave you long-lasting memories !
For a yacht charter in Ibiza , please contact Blue-Trend your Yachting Specialist ▪▪▪