Long revered by locals, the Balearic Islands are now starting to develop as a mainstream yacht charter destination. Bespoke Yacht Charter looks at the best way to plan a charter across the Spanish islands and what to look out for whilst in the Balearics.
Located east from mainland Spain, the Balearic Islands are accessible via flights to Palma de Mallorca Airport on Mallorca, Menorca Airport just southwest of Mahón on Menorca or Ibiza Airport on Ibiza. Due to the proximity of the Balearics to mainland Spain, many yacht charter guests also opt to begin their yacht charter in Barcelona, Valencia or Denia.
The Balearic Islands themselves include Mallorca (Majorca), Menorca (Minorca), Cabrera, Ibiza, Formentera and S’Espalmador, with the three most popular islands being Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca. The high season stretches from May to September with July and August being the busiest moments thanks to average temperatures of 27 to 30 degrees.
Spring is a lovely time to visit the Balearics when the fiestas are starting and the weather is warm. Autumn still hovers around 18 to 25 degrees Celsius and you’ll find off-peak seasons still have mild and pleasant weather, making the Balearics an appealing yacht charter destination in any season.
Alexander Coles, Charter Broker, Bespoke Yacht Charter
The Balearic Islands have been ruled by Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Moors, and Spaniards, all of whom have left their mark with impressive architecture, diverse cuisine and lasting traditions contributing to the unhurried culture. There are bustling coastal resorts as well as sleepy bohemian villages; you can find pumping nightclubs as well as quiet tapas bars. The clear turquoise waters are ideal for trying out your charter yacht’s water toys – spend a morning paddle boarding, go diving, or snorkel at a treasure chest of beautiful beaches and coves.
The diversity on offer is excellent for all yacht charter guests – whether you prefer to lounge onboard your private yacht during the day and party at night, go shopping, head inland for outdoor activities such as hiking or indulge in a yoga retreat or spa day ashore.
Menorca, located northeast of Mallorca is a quieter alternative to Mallorca or Ibiza. It is a fantastic island to begin your Balearics yacht charter, after which you can visit Mallorca then Ibiza. Mahón, also known as Maó, is the capital of Menorca and a port town with a leisurely pace – the ideal yacht charter base. We recommend Café Mirador with a terrace overlooking Mahón Port to enjoy a pomada (local gin and lemonade) or platter of sobrasada sausage before embarking on your private yacht charter.
First stop for many yacht charters is Palma de Mallorca, known as Palma. Palma de Mallorca is the island version of Barcelona with funky wine bars, stunning architecture and great shopping. It is the perfect jumping off point for any yacht charter to explore the rest of Mallorca. Other towns to visit include Port d’Andratx, Sóller, Alcúdia, Deià or Valldemossa.
Mallorca has over 300 beaches with diverse surroundings such as pine groves, coastal rocks or dunes. Renting a yacht to explore Mallorca is an excellent option to find the best deserted coves and beaches away from the crowds.
Known as the ‘White Isle’, Ibiza is famous for its hedonistic nightlife however it is a fantastic yacht charter destination for relaxation too. Away from the busier southeast coastline, you can find quieter sandy beaches and white washed villages with idyllic settings.
The west coast of Ibiza is sheltered from the prevailing winds from the east and from San Antonio to Es Vedra you’ll have a hard time picking a beach or cove more perfect than the next. Enjoy a romantic meal ashore at Ses Roques restaurant admiring the beautiful view over Cala Conta, anchor in picturesque Cala Porroig with fisherman’s huts fringing the tranquil cove or spend a leisurely afternoon on land at El Chiringuito at Playa Es Cavallet, a chic beachside restaurant with an excellent wine list, mouth-watering cocktails and superb food.
Ibiza’s sister island is just half an hour south by boat and the perks of having your own private yacht charter means you don’t have to abide by the ferry timetables back to Ibiza. With no airport servicing Formentera, there’s generally less crowds and the island exudes a chilled-out vibe with plenty of opportunities to relax on your luxury yacht charter and decompress from daily life once the day trippers leave Es Pujols and return to Ibiza.
Known for its amazing azure waters, there’s no shortage of breath-taking beaches on Formentera including Playa Migjorn in the south and Cala Saona on the west coast of the island. Playa de Ses Illetes will make you think you’re in the Caribbean with fine white sand and transparent turquoise water. Popular with visiting charter yachts and A-listers it is a fantastic place to relax for a few hours, though best visited outside of peak summer when the crowds are busiest.
Regardless of your itinerary when arriving to the Balearics, booking early is key in Spain as few yachts are in the region during peak months, leading to last minute requests, often finding no suitable yachts in the region.
Author: Rebecca Whitlocke
The 82-meter Oceanco motor yacht Alfa Nero has been listed for sale at €88.5 million through Northrop & Johnson. Broker Richard Higgins holds the exclusive listing for the vessel, which was delivered in 2007 and underwent comprehensive refitting in 2024.Designed by Nuvolari Lenard with interiors by Alberto Pinto, the yacht features Art Deco elements combined with contemporary aesthetics. Notable features include an aft infinity pool with glass waterfall sides and a convertible floor that rises to form a flush entertainment area. The pool system was among the first of its kind in yacht design.Accommodations include six staterooms for 12 guests connected by glass elevators. The master suite occupies the upper deck forward section with private office, marble bathroom, and hot tub-equipped terrace. Additional amenities comprise a spa, sauna, steam room, cinema, and beauty salon.Technical specifications include twin MTU engines providing 18-knot cruising speed and 20-knot maximum speed. The yacht carries a Vanquish VQ45 chase boat and extensive water toys including jet skis, seabobs, and a jellyfish-protected sea pool.The steel-hulled vessel offers 1,250 square meters of living space across multiple decks. Alfa Nero remains one of the most recognizable superyachts in global waters following its 2024 refit, which updated systems while maintaining its original design integrity.Oceanco was founded in 1987. Right now it is a world-class builder of custom superyachts up to the 140 meters range. Oceanco works with world-known designers such as Terence Disdale, Nuvolari-Lenard, Espen Oeino, Sam Sorgiovanni, Igor Lobanov, Tim Heywood and Andrew Winch to create some of the timeless and award-winning yachts afloat today.Credits: Northrop & Johnson
August 26, 2025
The 2021 Feadship motor yacht Somnium, constructed by De Vries shipyard with exterior design by Studio De Voogt and interior architecture by FM Architettura, is currently offered for sale. The aluminum-hulled vessel presents an opportunity for ownership without new-build waiting periods.Somnium accommodates 10 guests across five staterooms, including a full-beam owner's suite featuring a private balcony and dedicated office space. The interior design emphasizes functional luxury for extended global cruising.Key features include a 2.55-meter draft enabling access to shallow anchorages, an aft deck plunge pool with adjustable depth and counter-current system, and an expansive foredeck lounge area. The sun deck incorporates a hot tub and panoramic viewing areas.Technical specifications include an enclosed tender garage with dedicated dive storage and a fold-down transom platform creating sea-level access from the gymnasium. The yacht's design prioritizes family-oriented cruising with multiple outdoor social areas.The 2021 delivery date places Somnium among contemporary Feadship offerings with updated navigation systems and propulsion technology. The vessel's availability provides immediate access to Dutch-built superyacht ownership without construction lead times.Based in the Netherlands and with roots dating back to 1849, Feadship was formed as a group in 1949 as a marketing partnership between six Dutch shipyards, de Vries Lentch, Van de Stadt, Witsen & Vis, Akerboom, De Vries Scheepsbouw and Van Lent Shipyard, and De Voogt Naval Architects. Feadship is well-known as one of the Netherlands’ most elite yacht builders and delivers superyachts from 50–100+ meters in length.Credits: Feadship
August 26, 2025
Polish shipbuilder Sialia Yachts has entered final construction phases for its inaugural fully electric Sialia 45 model at its Gdansk facility, with launch scheduled for autumn 2025. The 14-meter performance cruiser represents the company's initial production electric yacht.The vessel utilizes twin 300kW electric motors delivering a maximum speed of 43 knots. Power comes from standard 500kWh battery packs providing 55 nautical miles of range at 25 knots, with optional endurance packages extending range to 77 nautical miles. Optional biodiesel-compatible range extenders (140kW or 350kW) can increase maximum distance to 164 or 240 nautical miles respectively.Milvio Ricci, Chief Commercial Officer at Sialia Yachts, commented: "Originally, we planned to launch the first yacht in summer, but decided to extend the timeline. It is not a delay; it is a choice to ensure the Sialia 45 exceeds every expectation."Construction incorporates carbon sandwich epoxy hulls built using three infusion processes to reduce weight and minimize noise transmission. The design emphasizes reduced maintenance requirements compared to conventional propulsion systems, with electric motors requiring only decadal servicing and batteries rated for 3,000 cycles under five-year warranty coverage.The model will be offered in multiple configurations including open-deck Runabout, center-console Sport, and enclosed-deckhouse Weekender versions. Sustainable materials feature throughout including standard recycled cork flooring.Charging systems support rapid replenishment from 10% to 90% capacity in approximately 2.5 hours. The launch marks Sialia's entry into the competitive electric yacht market, targeting Mediterranean and Caribbean cruising itineraries with its combination of performance and emission-free operation.Established in 2017, Sialia Yachts, owned by Silent Straits, is a company focused on sustainability and ocean-friendly innovation aiming to set new standards in yachting, with designs that inspire both enthusiasts and experts. The company offers the following models: 45, 59, and 80 Explorer. Sialia Yachts is based in Warsaw, Poland, with a team that includes members in the Netherlands and Italy.Credits: Sialia Yachts
August 26, 2025
Finnish boat manufacturer Saxdor Yachts will present the global premiere of its new Saxdor 400 GTS model at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025. The open-deck vessel expands the existing 400 series, joining the 400 GTO and 400 GTC models.The 400 GTS features a T-top roof, semi-walkaround layout, and fold-down terraces characteristic of the brand. The design emphasizes open-air cruising with overnight capability through two cabins below deck. Forward seating converts to a sunbed, while aft sofas surround a convertible dining table.Built on the same twin-stepped hull as other 400 series models, the GTS is powered by Mercury V10 425hp engines. The helm station accommodates three seats under shelter with optional sliding glass side doors.Saxdor's new model targets boaters seeking open-deck configurations without sacrificing the weather protection and functionality found in the company's other designs. The 400 GTS will be displayed alongside other Saxdor models at the festival, with production following the unveiling.The Finnish brand continues to expand its product range amid reported growth in European powerboat sales. Since its inception in 2019, Saxdor Yachts has experienced exponential growth, producing over 1000 boats and capturing the industry’s attention with their innovative approach. Now, with the introduction of the Saxdor 400 GTO, Saxdor Yachts aims to make waves in the 40-45 ft sport boat market, leveling up from the game-changing entry-level 200 and mid-range 320 models.Credits: Saxdor Yachts
August 26, 2025
Fraser has reduced the asking price for the 50-meter motor yacht Belongers to €12.9 million. The vessel was built by French shipyard Couach in 2014 as part of the limited 5000 Fly 2 series, with only two units completed.Constructed under supervision of project managers and surveyors, the yacht features exterior and interior design by Metrica. The 497 GT vessel accommodates 12 guests in a 5+1 stateroom configuration, including a main-deck master suite with dual bathrooms and walk-in closets. The layout includes two double cabins, one convertible double/twin cabin with Pullman berth, and one single cabin on the lower deck.Outdoor areas feature bridge deck alfresco dining for 12 guests and a sundeck owner's office. Performance specifications include twin MTU engines enabling a cruising speed of 15 knots and maximum speed of 24 knots. Quantum zero-speed stabilizers provide comfort both underway and at anchor.The price adjustment reflects current market conditions for large motor yachts built in the mid-2010s. Fraser continues to manage the sale of the vessel, which remains available for immediate inspection and purchase. Credits: Fraser
August 25, 2025