The Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal), bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, is a land of contrasts. Enjoy the healthy and varied Mediterranean cuisine prepared with natural products, fantastic wines, the best olive oil in the Mediterranean, and lots of sunshine throughout most of the year. On top of that, the friendly Spanish people and a stunning coastline waiting to be explored, make Spain a country that you just can't miss.
The nautical and charter activity in Spain, in summer, is mainly concentrated in the Balearic Islands, especially in Mallorca, Ibiza & Formentera. Menorca, which is a wonderful island, has much less yacht rental offer.
The island of Mallorca is the largest in the archipelago of the Balearic Islands. Trend setters from around the world, including celebrities, actors and royals famously flock to Mallorca to enjoy their summers on the island.
The first thing that strikes you as you arrive by sea is the contrasting coastline of high cliffs and beaches of fine sand. Almost half of Mallorca is protected land of great environmental value. This includes the national park on Cabrera island, where visits are restricted - be sure to book your mooring buoy in advance. The blue cave is one of the last few undisturbed natural habitats in the Mediterranean, where you will be able to observe a variety of endemic species and enjoy crystal-clear waters and one of the best-preserved seabeds in Spain.
The Capital of Mallorca and the archipelago is Palma, located in a broad bay over 20 kilometers wide. This cosmopolitan city has no shortage of outstanding historical buildings, such as the gothic-style Cathedral of Santa Maria, the Almudaina - Royal Palace - built over what was once the Muslim Alcazar and La Lonja, a beautiful example of gothic civil architecture in the Mediterranean.
If you're looking for some peace and quiet, you'll love Menorca, the second biggest island in the Balearics, where you will find everything you need to enjoy a peaceful vacation, well away from the crowds and noisy tourists.
Ibiza and Formentera (the Pitiusas islands) are the southernmost islands of the Balearics, facing north-east/south-west. Thanks to their position, the Pitiusas islands enjoy a temperate climate - mild winters and dry summers, not excessively hot thanks to the gentle winds. Ibiza's climate shows little variation between daytime and nighttime temperatures and between the different seasons.
The island of Ibiza is 48 km long and is covered by typical Mediterranean vegetation such as pine trees, almond trees, fig trees and orange trees. Along the 500 km of predominantly rocky coastline are numerous sandy coves and some very beautiful beaches.
Although there are about 200 beaches and coves in Ibiza, among the most famous are: Es Cavallet and Ses Salines, Es Bol Nou beach, Cala d'Hort, Cala Tarida, Es Comte, Cala Bassa, Cala Salada, Benirràs, San Vicent and Cala Llenya.
In addition to its beautiful beaches and coves, Ibiza is famous for its vibrant night-life, world famous hot spots, world-renowned DJ's, and night clubs such as Pacha, Space Ibiza, Amnesia, Usuaïa, Privilege, Lío (in Marina Ibiza) and Es Paradis.
Another "must" in Ibiza are its street markets, one of the most famous, although not the only one, is the hippy market Las Dalias.
Last but not least to mention the sunsets in Ibiza, they are celebrated as religious rituals; one of the most beautiful is the one you can see from Cap Blanc, in front of Es Vedrá and Vedranell.
Formentera, the smallest of the islands, is for many, a paradise where yachts can anchor in sparking unpolluted waters with barely a building in sight to disturb the beautiful landscape with spectacular clubs and beach bars.
Menorca is a vibrant and unique island, transformed into a symbol of regional identity thanks to its distinctive personality. Located in the heart of the Western Mediterranean Sea, shaped by wind and sea, Menorca is home to rich biodiversity and an impressive cultural legacy, inherited from the numerous civilizations that have settled on it over more than four thousand years.
The adaptation of flora and fauna to the specific conditions of this rocky and somewhat remote island has resulted in the evolution of unique species. The diversity of climates and the geology of the island have fostered an environment rich in biodiversity, benefited by the traditional care of the land by its inhabitants.
With more than 200 kilometers of coastline, impressive and secluded coves, beaches with crystal clear waters, and well-equipped port facilities, the island of Menorca also has a lot to offer to sailors.
Menorca has some wonderful beaches among which are: Cavallería, Pregonda, Binibeca, Cala Presili, Cala Galdana, Macarelleta, and Son Saura.
The Spanish Canary Islands are situated in the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of West Africa. These seven volcanic islands (Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera, Fuertenventura and Hierro) each have their own unique character and well-preserved eco-systems. The Archipelago has four National Parks.
With a yearly average temperature of 21ºC/69ºF and winds averaging 15 knots, the Canaries are one of the few sailing destinations with great year-round sailing conditions. You can choose from a wide range of ports and marinas, offering a good selection of services. The Canary Islands are a key stopover for sailors crossing the Atlantic as Columbus did on his route to New World.
Marbella is Spain's most southerly Mediterranean mecca. With over 300 days a year of glorious sunshine, it is not surprising that this coast attracts so many visitors all year round. Marbella with its well-known marina, Puerto Banus is the rendez-vous of the rich and famous. The chic bars, restaurants, exclusive boutiques and nice yachts in Puerto Banus make it a sophisticated place to see and where to be seen.
Marbella and Sotogrande are perfect places for Day Charters. Whether you're renting for half a day or a whole week, you will easily find the right boat for your needs, from small motor yachts to luxurious super yachts in Puerto Banus, Marbella Port (Puerto Deportivo de Marbella) or Sotogrande. Take a trip to Gibraltar, a tour to see the dolphins or anchor in front of one of the famous beach clubs on Marbella's coast. There are many hidden corners all along the coast waiting to be discovered. Just make sure there's a chiringuito beach bar nearby, and you'll be in heaven.
There are lots of popular spots to visit on the "Costa". Cabopino, flanked by dunes and pine trees, is a popular quasi-official nudist beach. You will find a pretty little marina, with a good choice of restaurants and cafes. Playa Real de Zaragoza, is a stretch of beach just east of Los Monteros and Bahia de Marbella - an area known to have some of the finest sand on the Costa del Sol. Laguna Beach is home to a number of stylish boutiques, al fresco eateries and an exclusive beach club called Puro Beach, where trendy refinement mixes with the fresh sea breeze.
Marbella hosts the most important charity gala in Spain, the "Starlite Gala", whose sponsors are internationally renowned stars. The Gala is attended by celebrities from all over the world.
Check our selection of day charter yachts in this area and take your pick.