The Balearic Islands are a Spanish archipelago in the Balearic Sea, near the eastern coast of the Iberian Peninsula. The archipelago has four major islands, viz., Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera. Experiencing a Mediterranean climate, all four major islands are extremely popular tourist hotspots, with Ibiza particularly being considered as an international party destination. 

Here, Bayswater Boats will walk you through what sailing in the Balearic Islands looks like. Mysterious coves for nature lovers, willing to fully explore the archipelago, and hundreds of islets make for an adventurously unique boating trip – not to mention the Mediterranean sunshine, that ensure that you return home with a shimmering tan. 

Qualified skippers can go for what is known as ‘bareboat yacht charter’, which simply means a yacht charter in the Balearic Islands without a skipper. Interestingly, if the length of your motor boat and/or sailboat is less than 5 metres and 6 metres, respectively, you don’t need a licence to sail in the Balearic Sea. However, you are allowed to sail only during the daytime and within a distance of 2 miles from the coast.

If your boat displays a flag from a different EU country, you will be required to hold a skipper licence issued in the country of your charterer. Travellers from the UK with the RYA Day Skipper International Certificate of Competence (ICC) or an equivalent certificate/licence from a sailing academy located in the European Union usually don’t face any issues. 

As it is the case with most parts of Spain, the peak season in the Balearic Islands starts late June or early July and lasts until late August. However, as far as a sailing trip is concerned, the weather remains favourable from late April through the end of September – and this is the time when you can get your hands on some really attractive off-season deals.

The Balearic Islands boasts some of the well-equipped and modern marinas for yachts of every size.

• Ibiza: Marina Botafoch and Marina Ibiza in Ibiza Town, Marina Santa Eulalia in Santa Eulalia del Riu, and Puerto de San Antonio de Portmany in San Antonio.

• Mallorca (or Majorca): Marina Port de Mallorca in Palma de Mallorca, Club de Vela Puerto de Andratx in Andratx, Marina Palma de Cuarentena in Palma, and Alcudiamar in Alcudia. 

• Menorca (or Minorca): Fornells Port (Fornells), Port Mahon (Mahon)

• Formentera: Varadero de Formentera and Marina de Formentera in La Savina, Es Caló de Sant Agustí in Es Caló 

Nearby Places to Visit When in the Balearic Islands

In Spain, you can sail to Valencia, Barcelona, Benidorm, Alicante, Tarragona, and Cartagena. France is also all not too far away, specifically Marseille, Toulon, the Golden Isles, and Hyères. If you are looking for a longer trip, you can consider sailing to Corsica or Sardinia (Stintino, Alghero). 

Weather in the Balearic Island

As stated earlier, the Balearic Islands experience a Mediterranean climate. The average temperatures in June, July, and August tend to be 23°C, 25°C, and 26°C, respectively. You can even plan a trip to this exquisite region in the month of September, as the average temperature in this month tends to be around 25°C.

Nautical Distances between Islands

Short distances between most islands in the Balearic Archipelago makes it an ultimate option for island hopping. Formentera-Cabrera: 74 miles; Ibiza-Formentera: 19 miles; Palma de Mallorca-Alcudia: 27 miles; Cabrera-Palma from Mallorca: 29 miles; Ibiza-Barcelona: 145 miles; Alcudia-Mahón: 50 miles; Ibiza-Benidorm: 80 miles; Ibiza-Valencia: 90 miles; and Mahón-Alghero: 192 miles. 

What to do In the Balearic Islands

Mallorca, Ibiza, and Formentera feature myriad idyllic towns, remote coves, and exotic beaches to enjoy the Mediterranean weather. Here are a few things you can do on these islands: 

Mallorca

• Bask in the sun in Palma de Mallorca, which is the capital and largest town of the Balearic Islands)
• Discover the mysterious caves of Drach in Sóller
• Explore the unpeopled island of Sa Dragonera
• Visit the Valldemossa Charterhouse, a former royal residence and palace in Valldemossa
• Enjoy watching the setting sun in Cap de Formentor, the eastern tip of Majorca’s Formentor peninsula, which is named “meeting point of the winds” by locals.
• Visit the 14th-century monastery, known as Sanctuary of Sant Salvador (Felanitx)
• Visit the Cabrera National Park to admire the pristine nature.
• Soak up the sun in Can Picafort and Cala Ratjada.

Menorca

• Visit the popular Port Mahon, the capital and second largest city in Menorca
• Wall through the era of knights at Isabel II Fortress
• Enjoy basking in the sun in Cala Macarelleta
• Appreciate the Talayotic site of Torre d’en Galmes
• Take a stroll on the ancient trail of Cami de Cavalls
• Visit the picture-perfect Ciutadella de Menorca
• Swim in the shimmering waters of Cala Macarelleta
• Explore the lighthouse Faro de Favàritx

Ibiza

• Enjoy swimming in the sparkling waters of Cala Vadella
• Try your hands at snorkelling in Playa Cala Xarraca
• Unwind in Las Salinas, a lengthy stretch of sandy beach
• Enjoy sea view in Cala Comte (Platges de Comte)
• Party until wee hours in some of the most famous clubs in Ibiza, including Privilege, Sankeys, and Amnesia
• Relax with some drinks in the popular bar, Cafe del Mar in Sant Antoni
• Visit the legendary rock of Es Vedra
• Sail to the desolated island of Cabrera

Click here to view our 11 best things to do in Ibiza blog!

Formentera

• Enjoy watching cliffs from the viewing platform, Mirador Es Colomer Formentor
• Feel the calmness of Cala Saona

How to Reach the Balearic Islands 

You can reach this balmy side of Spain by either boat: yacht charter from Barcelona, or plane: Palma de Mallorca Airport, Ibiza Airport, and Mahón Airport, Menorca. 

Bayswater is a trusted and licensed yacht charter and yacht service provider in the Balearic Islands that allows you to explore this scenic archipelago to the fullest, be it from coast to coast in Ibiza, or the scenic route between Ibiza and Formentera. Along with our experienced crew, we ensure every traveler the experience of a lifetime!  

To book a luxurious and hassle-free sailing trip in the Balearic Islands, click here.