7-Day Balearic Islands Yacht Charter Itinerary

With its tranquil archipelagos, crystal clear seas, cosmopolitan cities, and glamorous party islands, it’s not hard to see why the Balearics are one of the hottest yacht charter destinations on the planet.

On charter in the Balearics, a group of islands off the coast of eastern Spain, in the Mediterranean, you might dance until dawn at a beach club on Ibiza, bliss out on the dazzling white sands of Formentara, or spend an unforgettable morning snorkeling the lush underwater meadows of Cabrera.

In Majorca, you might stroll the medieval alleyways of one of Europe’s finest cities, or cruise in utter wonder along the staggering west coast of rugged mountains, blue sea caves, and upscale fishing villages.

A Balearics yacht charter cannot fail to astonish with its ever-changing landscape, heartbreaking sunsets, and world-class dining and cocktail scene. Here’s an example itinerary for a 7-day Balearics yacht charter.

Day 1: Palma-Cabrera

Begin your yacht charter in the cosmopolitan city of Palma de Majorca, where waving palm trees line the port and Europe’s most spectacular gothic cathedral dominates the skyline. Spend a morning exploring the rabbit-warren streets of the old quarter, visit the 10^th century Arab baths, or relax with an iced coffee in one of the stylish cafes along the Paseo.

Join your yacht at lunchtime, getting settled in with a superb meal on deck as the yacht ventures out into the Bay of Palma towards Cabrera Maritime Park. This stunning, quiet archipelago of 19 islands will take your breath away.

An arid Mediterranean landscape, the gently rolling hills fall away into blue-green waters so clear that you can see the detail of the sea-bed far below, where the waving underwater meadows of Posidonia Oceanica create a rich habitat for marine life. You’ll feel yourself physically relaxing as you dive off the swim platform, play on the water toys, and look for the dolphins and whales that often frolic in these waters.

After a blissful afternoon, dress up for cocktails and canapés on the sundeck and watch the sunset, before enjoying a candlelit meal under the stars, listening to the water lap gently at the hull. Sleep soundly, for Ibiza awaits you in the morning.

Day 2: Ibiza

The yacht will cruise overnight, anchoring off the famous ‘White Isle’ by the time you wake to look through your cabin window. After a stroll through the beautiful streets of Ibiza old town and a blissfully long lunch at the infamous Blue Marlin beach club, party spirits will want to anchor off Playa d’en Bossa to get the party started at Uaisha, returning to the yacht in the early hours, feet sore from dancing, face aching from smiling.  

Those who prefer the quieter side of life will be enchanted by Ibiza’s ruined castles, sleepy hillside villages, and endless stunning beaches. Once considered mainly a package holiday destination, Ibiza is now deliciously high-end and promises luxury spas, decadent beach clubs, boutique shopping, and a superb dining and cocktail scene. Whether you seek the refined life, the party life, or the quiet life, you’ll find it in Ibiza.

Day 3: Formentara (with optional return to Ibiza)

You’ll wake up late to discover paradise on earth on the island of Formentara, a sleepy, laid-back island famous for its magnificent beaches and bohemian vibe. Dust off any sore heads from the night before with a refreshing dive into the crystalline waters, or walk along the powder soft sand to one of the driftwood-and-white beach restaurants for a late breakfast.

Most will find it hard to leave the dazzling white sands, turquoise waters, and beach bars of Plaja Illetes, but those who can drag themselves away will find a dreamy, sun-baked landscape of drystone walls, cactus, and fig trees, with the colourful hippy market at El Pilar de la Mola a highlight.

Regardless of how you spend your day on Formentara, it must finish at one of the chiringutas (beach bars), chilled out music playing as the sun goes down in a blaze of fire. For those wanting to continue the wild party of the night before, Ibiza is just a short cruise away.

Day 4: Puerto Andraxt

The yacht will depart early for Puerto Andraxt on Majorca’s southern coast, one of the prettiest ports in the Mediterranean. Once a den for pirates and smugglers, Puerto Andraxt is now seriously upmarket and is a favoured haunt of superyacht guests and celebrities.  

Depending on what time you departed Formentara/Ibiza, you should arrive in time for lunch in one of the classy waterfront restaurants, before a leisurely walk around town and some boutique shopping or a swim at a nearby cove.

For those wanting to explore the surrounding area, you can take a trip inland to the ancient town of Andraxt, play a visually stunning round of golf at Golf de Andraxt, or strike off on an adventure into the towering Tramuntana mountain range, which begins just north of the town. For dinner, you might return to the waterfront, or try the 2 Michelin starred Zaranda restaurant in Andraxt Town.

Day 5: Dragonera

The island of Dragonera is sheer yachting paradise. Drop anchor in one of the crystal clear inlets, the sea contrasting a deep turquoise against the lush green forest.  Take a spin on the yacht’s water toys, have a long, lazy rose lunch at anchor, and walk it off on one of the island’s many nature trails or have a blissful afternoon sleep on a deckchair.

Drinks on the sundeck at sunset are a must, before sitting down for a delicious seafood meal, watching the moonlight dance on the water. This is one of those perfect yachting days that will linger in your memory forever.

Day 6: Port de Sóller

Today you’ll spend the morning cruising up the coast to Port de Sóller, admiring the rugged mountains that loom over Majorca’s west coast. Sóller sits in a gorgeous bay, a jumble of colourful houses and seafood restaurants lining the sandy beach, and rolling olive and citrus groves carpeting the foothills beneath the jagged peaks.

The hippie-chic town of Deia sits on a nearby hilltop, its fame as an artist’s colony sealed by poet and novelist Robert Graves when he came to live here, hosting a parade of stars including Ava Gardener, Sir Alec Guinness, and Peter Ustinov.

Today, it’s a place to stroll and dine and dream among the cobbled streets and lemon trees, looking down at the cobalt-blue Mediterranean far below. The luxurious Belmond Residencia Hotel and Spa is often listed as one of the best hotels in the world, and as you stroll through the Joan Miro sculpture garden or relax in their day spa, you’ll soon see why.

If you’d prefer to spend the day exploring the coast on your yacht, the rocky coastline offers blue caves in the cliffs and a succession of anchorages more beautiful than the last, with breathtaking backdrops of the Serra Tramuntana mountain range at every turn.  If you can bear to leave the yacht, then lunch at Cala Deia – the clifftop restaurant featured in the John Le Carre film ‘The Night Manager’ – is the place to do so.

Day 7: Peurto Pollensa

Your final morning will deliver some of the most spectacular scenery in the Mediterranean, as you cruise up the coast to Cap Formentara, where mighty bluffs drop away into deep blue sea in a breathtaking, wild landscape that will sear into your mind forever. As you round the corner of the cape, you’ll come to Puerto Pollensa, a resort town nestled in a horseshoe bay beneath the mountains.

Those with the luxury of time will continue their yacht charter across to the idyllic island of Menorca. Otherwise it’s time to disembark, perhaps stopping for one last long lunch in Porto Pollensa before heading to the Palma airport, your Balearics yacht charter receding into a blissful memory of sunshine and sparkling sea.

To find out more about what you might see and do on a Balearic Islands yacht charter, contact one of our Denison charter specialists: