Balearics Balearics - pleasure seekers haven, by day and night

The have always been one of the most popular island destinations in the Mediterranean, but charter yachts have stayed away due to a hefty Spanish tax that was fortunately recently lifted! This change has opened these delightful islands to chartering, and the number of yachts available has grown by 50 percent. While the four main islands that make up the Balearics all offer 300 days of sunshine per year, perfect blue water and stunning natural beauty, each has a distinct personality. is the largest, and its main city of Palma has been a yachting hub for decades. Even though Mallorca has a touristy label, you’ll find unspoiled anchorages reachable only by yacht beyond the city of Palma. Nearby may be slower paced, but it actually has more beached than Mallorca and combined, with many secluded for yacht exploration. Menorca is also dotted with UNESCO-protected Stone Age relics making a shore excursion a must. Ibiza - well, Ibiza is about nightlife and is known as the party island, but it also has superb restaurants, old towns and museums and a beautifully rugged coastline with plenty of quieter spots for relaxation. The tiny island of is a well-kept secret, with miles of beaches and a tranquil feel that is the opposite of the jet-set lifestyle of Ibiza. Whether you want to soak in the sun, loll in the clear waters, or dance the night away, the sunny Balearics have it all and are best enjoyed island-hopping by private charter yacht. 7 Day Sample Itinerary Day 1 - Palma to Isla de Cabrera

Fly in to and find your yacht along the Paseo Maritime in this beautiful city. Once aboard, you’ll head for tiny Isla de Cabrera, a haven of calm. You can arrange a tour of the 14th- century castle, but you might prefer to unwind with the yacht’s water toys or simply enjoy the pretty cove.

Day 2 - Isla de Cabrera to Ibiza

It’s a 70-mile crossing, so your captain will depart before you’re awake to give you a full day in this legendary hotspot. Shop for fashions among the white-washed buildings, explore a cave with a Greek temple inside, and then dance, dance, dance! Boutiques are open until 2a.m., bars until 4 a.m. and then there are the after- hours clubs - live it up! Day 2 - Ibiza to Formentera

The perfect antidote to a big night, Formentera is as clam as Ibiza is happening! Called “the last paradise of the Med” this island is covered with rosemary and edged with palms and pines. Enjoy sugar-soft sandy beaches, visit the tiny town of Es Pujols for seafood tapas and, that evening, marvel at the star-studded sky with a glass of chilled bubbly Spanish cava. Day 4 - Formentera to Andratx

Another early departure to the fortress town of Andratx on Mallorca. The old city on the hills warded off pirates centuries ago; now you’ll find exclusive shops near the water. The picturesque harbour is a good place to try out the yachts water toys, and golfers can tackle the nearby Golf de Andratx course, with its Green Monster, a 2,000 foot par-five hole. Day 5 - Andratx to Puerto Sóller

A leisurely start for Puerto Sóller, a horseshoe- shaped harbour with the El Faro lighthouse guarding its entrance. You can climb to the lighthouse for a great view of the coastline, or you can take a taxi to the beautiful hilltop village of Deia. The area around Sóller is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, covered with ancient olive trees and fragrant orange groves.

Day 6 - Puerto Sóller to Puerto Pollensa

On this leg, you’ll round the legendary Cabo de Formentor, known as the Devil’s tail, and tuck into the harbour of Pollensa at the foot of the Tramuntana mountains. The calm bay is perfect for swimming, SUP-ing, snorkelling and soaking it all in! Dine at the classic Hotel Formentor, where Princess Grace and Prince Rainier honeymooned.

Day 7 - Puerto Pollensa to Palma

You’ll have a chance to view the shoreline of Mallorca - consumed by its massive cathedral - on your return to Palma. Once in port, you’ll have time to visit the Gothic cathedral known to locals as La Seu (Her) or wander the narrow cobblestone streets of this historic town for some last tapas and Spanish wine before saying goodbye.