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
In-Mind Design has revealed its latest superyacht concept, the Interstellar, showcasing innovative design solutions aimed at enhancing guest experience and sustainability. The 100-meter concept yacht features a unique layout and advanced technological solutions.The vessel’s design prioritizes guest interaction and social spaces, with a particular focus on the upper deck. The main deck features a large open space that can be converted into various configurations, including a cinema, dance floor, or dining area, thanks to modular furniture and retractable screens.The yacht’s exterior design includes a distinctive stepped profile, creating multiple outdoor living areas at different levels. The upper deck boasts a large open space with a retractable roof, providing both indoor and outdoor entertainment options. The concept also features a beach club with direct access to water toys and a swimming pool on the upper deck.“The Interstellar concept is designed to offer maximum flexibility and adaptability to the owner’s needs,” said Francesco Guida, Founder of In-Mind Design. “The modular design allows for various configurations, ensuring the yacht remains relevant and enjoyable over time.”The concept incorporates several sustainability features, including hybrid propulsion systems and energy-efficient materials. The yacht is designed to accommodate up to 24 guests across 12 staterooms, with additional space for a crew of 30.The interior design focuses on creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. The main saloon features large windows and sliding doors that open onto the deck, while the owner’s suite includes a private terrace with panoramic views.The yacht’s technical specifications include a beam of 18 meters and a draft of 4.5 meters. The hybrid propulsion system allows for a top speed of 18 knots and a cruising speed of 15 knots, with an estimated range of 5,000 nautical miles at 12 knots.“We aimed to create a yacht that not only meets the current demands of luxury travel but also anticipates future trends in design and technology,” added Guida. “The Interstellar concept demonstrates our commitment to innovation and sustainability in yacht design.”The Interstellar concept is currently available for potential clients interested in commissioning a custom build based on the design.Credits: In-Mind Design
June 4, 2025
Sanlorenzo has unveiled Casa Sanlorenzo, a new 1,000 square meter arts venue housed within a restored 1940s palazzo overlooking Venice's Santa Maria della Salute basilica. The project includes 700 square meters of exhibition space and a 600 square meter garden, featuring the company's contemporary art collection dating from 1965 to present.Architect Piero Lissoni led the restoration, preserving original brick facades and flooring while introducing contemporary elements. Notable features include a glass-and-steel staircase and an adaptive lighting system designed to accommodate changing exhibitions. The space connects to surrounding areas via a new bridge constructed from prefabricated metal with Istrian stone treads and oar-inspired handrails."I believe the opportunity to build a bridge in Venice for Sanlorenzo Arts is more unique than rare," stated Piero Lissoni. "This bridge is not simply a vehicle to transport people, but a cultural bridge."The venue will serve as an official location for Venice Climate Week from June 4-6, hosting the "Sanlorenzo Talks" series on ecological transition and sustainable innovation. The palazzo's restoration maintained all original load-bearing structures while updating mechanical systems and creating flexible gallery spaces.Casa Sanlorenzo's art collection reflects postwar artistic movements, with works displayed against white walls and alternating concrete and Palladian stone floors. The property combines exhibition areas with a private residential apartment, representing Sanlorenzo's integration of marine craftsmanship, design and contemporary art patronage.The bridge's design incorporates traditional Venetian elements including a humpback shape reminiscent of medieval structures and specialized anti-slip stone treatment. Its metal components feature weather-resistant finishes suitable for the lagoon environment. The project required 18 months of restoration work before opening to the public.Sanlorenzo was founded in 1958 in Viareggio by yacht builder Gionvanni Jannetti. In 2005, Massimo Perrotti became the majority shareholder in the shipyard. Sanlorenzo builds yachts ranging from 28.60 to 73 meters in length. Credits: Sanlorenzo
June 4, 2025
Benetti has completed the slipway launch of the 44-meter Fortitude1, the largest fiberglass yacht in its Class 44M series built at the Viareggio shipyard. The vessel, designed by Cassetta Yacht Designers, represents a repeat order from an existing client.The launch ceremony utilized the yard's historic inclined slipway, maintaining traditional Italian shipbuilding methods. The yacht will now enter final outfitting with delivery scheduled for summer 2025."Benetti is synonymous with quality, heritage, and innovation, and that is why the Owner has chosen us once again," said Daniela Petrozzi, Benetti's Sales Director.Fortitude1 features expansive glazing throughout to maximize natural light, with white marble flooring on the main deck. The design includes a panoramic sky lounge, beach club area, and a custom forward sunpad on the upper deck tailored to the owner's specifications.The exterior maintains the Class line's signature proportions while incorporating owner-requested modifications. The interior layout emphasizes social spaces and indoor-outdoor connectivity, with particular attention given to the main deck aft area designed for entertainment.As with all Benetti's fiberglass models under 500GT, the yacht combines the shipyard's technical expertise with customized solutions for individual owners. The project demonstrates Benetti's continued capability in mid-sized yacht construction at its Viareggio facility.No specific technical specifications were released, though the design focuses on optimizing space and comfort within the 44-meter footprint. The launch follows Benetti's standard construction protocol for this series, with sea trials expected to begin in early 2025.Founded in 1873, Benetti is the oldest Italian shipyard specializing in luxury yachts. Benetti designs, builds and sells composite vessels from 29 to 44m and steel and aluminum boats from 37 to over 100m. The fleet consists of five categories: Class, Oasis, B.Yond, B.Now and Custom to meet all the needs of the market. Benetti belongs to the Azimut|Benetti Group, the largest privately owned luxury yachting group in the world.Credits: Benetti
June 4, 2025
Team Abu Dhabi, featuring Riva Classiche branding and piloted by ten-time Formula 1 Powerboat champion Guido Cappellini, has set a new record in the Pavia-Venice 2025 International Powerboat Raid. The team completed the 400 km inland waterway course in 1 hour, 41 minutes, and 45 seconds, achieving an average speed of 207.26 km/h.The performance breaks the previous 2005 record of 1 hour, 44 minutes, and 45 seconds (203.34 km/h) held by Dino Zantelli. Earlier records include Serafino Riva's 1931 outboard category achievement of 51.660 km/h.The collaboration between Riva and Cappellini dates to 2005 when the champion set an undefeated world water speed record on Lake Iseo near Riva's Sarnico shipyard. The latest record continues this legacy of technical performance in powerboating.The Ferretti Group, led by Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, is now one of the world’s leaders in the construction and sale of luxury yachts and pleasure vessels, with a unique portfolio of brands: Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, Mochi Craft, CRN, Custom Line and Wally.Credits: Ferretti Group
June 3, 2025
Italian shipyard Cantiere delle Marche (CdM) has launched its new flagship, the 47-meter RJ155 explorer yacht, marking the largest vessel to date from the Ancona-based builder. The launch follows the successful delivery of two RJ115 models (Stellamar and Pazienza) and the original RJ130 (now named Nuri).Designed by Francesco Paszkowski with interiors by Achille Salvagni, the RJ155 features a steel hull and aluminum superstructure. Naval architecture by Pierluigi Ausonio incorporates twin Caterpillar C32 Acert EPA Tier 3 engines, providing a 5,000+ nautical mile range at 10 knots. The yacht carries 66,400 liters of fuel and utilizes CMC Marine stabilizers.Accommodation spans five suites for 12 guests, including an owner's cabin with private gym. Storage includes a large lazarette for toys and tender capacity. The design emphasizes indoor-outdoor connectivity through extended overhangs and shaded terraces."We're honored a returning client chose to upgrade from an RJ130 to this larger model," said Vasco Buonpensiere, CdM CEO. The RJ series has received industry recognition, with both RJ115 models winning World Superyacht Awards in 2024 and 2025.At 510 tons displacement and under 500 GT, the RJ155 maintains CdM's focus on expedition capabilities while expanding interior volume. The project represents the shipyard's continued specialization in long-range explorer yachts."Nothing speaks louder than a satisfied client who comes back," added Ennio Cecchini, CdM President. The RJ155 is scheduled for delivery following sea trials.CdM's story begins in 2010. The facilities cover an overall surface of 16˙000 square meters, including 7˙000 sq. m of workshops and 1˙000 sq. m of docks. Since 2015, the shipyard has been the world’s leading builder of explorer yachts. Based in Ancona, Cantiere delle Marche builds yachts from 26m to 43m in length.Credits: CdM
June 3, 2025