Luxury catamaran yacht escapes to the Balearic Islands

Luxury yacht charters have always been popular in the Western Mediterranean over the summer months, and whether you’re a seasoned charterer or considering one for the first time, the Balearic Islands is an incredible playground for days at the beach, nights partying to the early hours and impressive cultural landmarks that have accumulated on these shores over the millennia.

If you’re unsure where to start, this guide will give you a brief look into the highlights that Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and other parts of this archipelago have to offer.

Why choose a luxury catamaran charter for the summer?

If you want the first-class experience and complete convenience throughout your summer holiday or special celebration, luxury catamaran charters are a proven success. There is a great variety available on the market to meet a range of budgets and interests, and 22.6m/74ft Sunreef catamaran CALMAO is a prime example of what’s on offer: Built in 2017, she has bright contemporary interiors, 4 large en-suite cabins for up to 9 guests, top notch technology and an abundance of outdoor space for sunbathing, meals and simply admiring the views.

Catamarans also have two more significant benefits over their single-hulled counterparts: Greater stability and a shallower draft to access the beautiful shallow anchorages close to the coast.

You have the freedom to roam wherever you please at any time of the day, unhindered by public transport schedules or congestion on the roads. Once you’ve had your fill of the towns and cities, you can cruise off to one of the many secluded anchorages to stargaze and enjoy an uninterrupted night’s rest.

Nightlife

Ibiza Town’s reputation is no secret, and throughout the summer the bars, clubs and beaches host international DJ talent for parties that go through the night into the early hours. For a more laid-back ambiance, Portinatx in Ibiza’s north has a choice selection of restaurants and bars in what was once a quaint fishing village.

On Mallorca, Palma is the hub for nightlife with quirky bars and clubs catering to locals and international visitors alike. More upscale nightlife can be found in harbours such as
Port Adriano, Cala d’Or and Port d’Andratx for cocktails and music to flow long after sundown.

Menorca might seem quiet in comparison to Ibiza and Menorca but there are still plenty of places to dance the night away. Ciutadella de Menorca and Mahon have clusters of bars and clubs along the port, while a favourite haunt of yacht charterers is Covas den Xoroi, set in caves within cliffs high above the sea.

When you’re done with the party, everyone else’s revelries needn’t keep you up all night: Once you’re back aboard your luxury catamaran, your Captain can sail to a quiet anchorage where you can wake the next day to golden sand beaches and breakfast ready and waiting in the shaded cockpit.

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Beaches and watersports

Golden sand beaches await your arrival to Formentera, and this is where having your accommodation aboard a luxury yacht becomes an advantage: Wake to your destination right in front of you – your crew can even organise meals on the shore – and secure your spot before anyone else arrives.

On Mallorca, Cala Mondrago beside the Mondrago National Park is a popular anchorage for luxury yachts, as is the sandy Cala de Santa Ponça closer to town. If however, you want to leave the rest of the world behind, then your captain can sail off to the Cabrera National Maritime Park or use local knowledge to find you the perfect spot, daytime or night.

Menorca is so beautiful that the whole island is protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Cruise from one white sand beach to the next along the southern coast, or take the road less travelled and discover the scenic north.

Watersports are popular in the Balearic Islands and snorkelling in the shallows, Scuba diving amongst the seagrass meadows paddleboarding along the cliffs or bounding over the water on jet skis or towable toys are just some of the options available to you during your holiday. Luxury yachts come with a selection of water toys, and S/Y CALMAO has kayaks, paddleboards, snorkelling equipment, water skis and more to entertain guests wherever they anchor. Another advantage to having your own water toys is that you don’t have to watch the clock for returning any rentals, and they’re available should you want to wake up at the crack of dawn or play until the light fades.

Outdoor activities

Adrenaline seekers have a range of sports to pick from during their time amongst the Balearic Islands: Sea caving tours, hikes through pine forest and quad biking are just some of the possibilities.

A day trip inland to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Serra de Tramuntana is ideal for bike rides through the terraced hills, visiting Chopin’s winter residence, the Royal Charterhouse in Valldemossa, along the way.

Arts and culture

The ability to island-hop while you’re dining, entertaining or resting on board means that you save time and can begin each day in a brand new location, fitting in as much as possible during your visit.

Ibiza might be a party capital but it also has a thriving arts community displaying the work of both contemporary artists as well as past names such as Cezanne, Dali, Picasso and Gaudi. The Museu d’Art Contemporani d’Eivissa and Museu casa Broner are two of the most popular in the area and are situated close to other attractions such as the hilltop Castle of Ibiza and the surrounding fortifications. South of Ibiza Town, there are the remains of buildings, courtyards and streets occupied by ancient Phoenicians and Carthaginians at Poblamnet fenici de sa Caleta, while the western coast has more beaches, forts and art installations such as Cala Llentia to discover.

Palma on Mallorca is the heart of civilisation in the archipelago, and Catedral de Mallorca is a highlight of any visit. Its construction spans centuries and features the architectural styles from all the different time periods. Gaudi was invited to leave his mark on this impressive structure, the rose window being the most renowned of his additions.

A short walk around the surrounding streets will take visitors to The Royal Palace of La Almudaina, ancient Arab baths and museums that provide a greater insight into life in the area across the ages.

The eastern coast of Mallorca has plenty of winding coves and beaches to make your anchorage, and one of its most incredible natural wonders is the Drach Caves. Descend down stairways to one of the world’s largest underground lakes and take a boat ride through the illuminated expanse while being serenaded by the daily concert.

Windswept Menorca has lighthouses and forts dotted along its sprawling coast, and Ciutadella de Menorca and Mahon boast picturesque streets for a wander to discover each place’s unique art and architecture.

Luxury yachts book up fast ahead of the summer season; be ahead of the rest and plan your spectacular escape to the magnificent Balearic Islands.

Trina Howes is a Director of CharterWorld America. CharterWorld is a luxury private yacht charter company that creates outstanding vacations with excellent yachts at amazing prices – worldwide.

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