The Best Yacht Charter Destinations in the Balearics, According to Experts

Four Balearic islands—Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera—are a true Mediterranean paradise. Chartering a yacht here is a fantastic experience. This archipelago off the eastern coast of the Iberian Peninsula offers incredible coves, clear, blue waters, spellbinding historic towns, dramatic mountains, and exclusive marinas. Each island has its own personality and unique things to discover.

You will find Caribbean-like bays in Formentera, great nightlife in Ibiza, stunning natural diversity in Mallorca, and charming countryside in Menorca. A luxury charter will give you the freedom to enjoy all the Balearic delights at your own pace, stopping at splendid harbors, such as Port Adriano, Portals Nous, and Marina Ibiza. 

For me, the Baleriacs are always about the sunny days, the bluest seas in Europe and mouthwatering tapas (traditional Spanish appetizers). Here are the best charter destinations to visit in Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca, and Formentera.

Palma de Mallorca’s Old Town 

Best for stunning architecture and food

Palma de Mallorca is meant to be admired from the sea. The harbor here is among the most striking in the world, thanks to the dramatic Cathedral. A former mosque, this monolithic building is Palma’s most treasured gem and an ultimate showstopping moment. Peek inside to find a breathtaking Gothic interior and canopy, designed by Antoni Gaudí. The Moorish heritage can be explored in the Royal Palace of La Almudaina, which was once an Arab fortress. 

But the real pleasure in Palma de Mallorca is just wandering through the maze of its historic streets and immersing yourself in the local foodie culture. The local take on tapas is called variat—a selection of three or four dishes on one plate—traditionally served in bars. Llonguet (spongy bread roll) and bunyols (doughnuts) are the street foods to try. And don’t leave without munching on ensaimada, a spiral-shaped, fluffy pastry sprinkled with powdered sugar.

Ibiza Town

Best for romantic town walks and partying

With three marinas in its natural harbor, Ibiza Town is definitely a yachts-first destination. Mooring here gives you a spectacular view of the hilltop Dalt Vila, a UNESCO-listed fortified medieval Old Town of the island’s capital. Enter the quarter for romantic, whitewashed streets, atmospheric local galleries , and the epic Castle of Ibiza. It could be just that—a beautiful Balearic beach town—but the world righteously knows Ibiza as one of the most exciting party destinations. 

The legendary Pacha is steps from the marinas. Opened in 1973, it’s one of the planet’s top nightclubs, where the best DJs play and have residences. The major nightlife area is at Platja d’en Bossa, 2 miles south of the Old Town. Here, you can visit such well-known clubs as Hï Ibiza and Ushuaïa. Also, the stretch is home to a great selection of luxurious beach bars, where you can lounge during the day.

Platja de Ses Illetes, Formentera

Best for the white sands

Arriving in Ses Illetes by yacht feels like traveling across the Atlantic to the Caribbean bays. This beach in the north of Formentera is as dreamy as they come – the idyll of turquoise sea and the white sand. Stopping here for a swim is an easy trip from Ibiza Old Town—the sail takes about 35 minutes. Platja de ses Illetes West is the best anchorage with calm winds and straightforward beach access. 

This stretch is semi-wild, so there are no hotels or tourist developments. Es Ministre and Juan y Andrea are two high-end seafood restaurants, where you can try Spanish dishes overlooking the shimmering blue waters of Ses Illetes. 

Port de Sóller, Mallorca

Best for a picturesque harbor

Anchoring in stunning places is an important part of the allure of yacht chartering. Sheltered from the winds, Port de Sóller’s harbor is among Mallorca’s most beautiful moorings. It’s also a gateway to the magnificent UNESCO-protected Tramuntana mountains. The town’s picturesque heart is the promenade, where you find many restaurants and cafes to relax with a mountain view. 

Take a historic tram (the stop is right next to the marina) to Sóller, a popular day trip in Mallorca. Its Plaça de la Constitució is a photogenic marvel, where cozy restaurant terraces overlook the Gothic-Modernist Església de Sant Bartomeu. More beauty awaits you at Can Prunera, a museum of the Catalan modernismo movement, with a Joan Miró exhibition and a whimsical spiraling staircase inside. Platja d’en Repic and Sóller Playa are perfect for a quick dip in Port de Sóller. 

Cala Pregonda, Menorca

Best for breathtaking Mediterranean nature

A charter yacht takes you to the most remote spots. Cala Pregonda is among Menorca’s most magical coves. Located on the island’s northern coast, it’s a stunning bay with golden sand. The small rocky islands protect the harbor from big waves. It’s ideal to soak in the sublime Mediterranean scenery and escape the buzz of the cities. The rocky edges of the beach are great for snorkeling. Scenery-wise, the combination of green shrubs, gold-reddish sand, and turquoise water is a sensory delight. There’s also Platja de s’Alairó nearby, another wild blue bay to discover. You can hike the Camí de Cavalls trail to access the remote Binimel-La beach. 

Portals Nous, Mallorca

Best for luxurious marina life

Less than 10 miles from Palma de Mallorca, the elegant Portals Nous feels worlds away. Its marina, Puerto Portals, has long been the favorite anchoring spot for the wealthy and famous in the Balearics. With over 650 berths, an exclusive dining proposition, sophisticated hotels, and easy beach access, this harbor is a fantastic base for your trip. Puerto Portals is also a luxurious commercial center, offering a selection of top-notch nautical shopping brands. It’s steps away from Portals Nous Beach, a crescent-shaped sandy bay with clear blue water. Another spectacular stretch is Caleta de Portals Nous, a picture-perfect cove, which greets you with many shades of blue. Wellies, serving heavenly burgers, and Ritzi, offering a mouthwatering Italian menu, are top choices for waterside dining. 

The marina’s social scene is part of the appeal. As Roderick Hodgson, yacht charter broker at MYSEA, puts it, “This is Mallorca’s answer to Puerto Banus. Though smaller and more charming, the restaurants and bars offer the perfect place to watch glamorous guests and fabulous large yachts.”

Platja d’Alcúdia, Mallorca

Best for families with kids

There are several reasons why Alcúdia is among the best destinations in the Balearics. First of all, there’s Alcudiamar, a superb marina with 745 moorings and an adjacent luxurious family resort. Steps away from the port is the glorious Platja d’Alcúdia—think eight miles of powdery white sand and clear shallow waters. That’s an ideal Mallorcan beach town for family leisure. Your kids will love playing with the sand, splashing in blue water, and running around the spacious beach. 

At the southern end, Platja de Muro offers a quieter experience and a fragrant pine forest. But that’s not all. There’s the historic town of Alcúdia, where you will explore pretty cobblestone streets, medieval fortifications, and ancient Roman ruins. This part of North Mallorca is the whole exciting package for a charter holiday. 

Platja de S’Alga, Formentera

Best for an exclusive yacht escape

Private islands are rare in the Mediterranean. Found between Formentera and Ibiza, S’Espalmador is a gorgeous uninhabited islet, owned by two Belgian businessmen. Platja de S’Alga is its most impressive spot, a stunning beach of white dunes meeting the bright blue sea. It’s easily the most exclusive bathing location in the region—you can only access it by boat. Anchor in this bay for translucent water and exceptional snorkeling. 

Hike to marvel at the pink lagoon in the middle of S’Espalmador. Curiously, this uninhabited island has a surprising pop culture connection. In 2024, Katy Perry filmed a music video for her track “Lifetimes,” directed by the frequent Bad Bunny collaborator Stillz. The clip features the singer running through the white sands, dipping in the azure waters and kayaking (exactly the activities anyone should be doing at such a spectacular corner of the Balearics). 

Experiencing the island from the water is what makes it so special. “There is something magical about approaching the beaches from the sea, visiting the turquoise waters and hidden coves that you just can’t reach from land,” says Hanneke Maljaars, Senior Charter Consultant at Ocean Independence. “Guests love being able to anchor in complete privacy and swim straight from the yacht.”

Cala Xarraca, Ibiza

Best for snorkeling

More secluded than the other popular Ibiza coves, Cala Xarraca is a gift that keeps on giving for yachting enthusiasts who also love snorkeling. The rocky seabed is perfect for long plunges and underwater exploration. It’s protected from the winds, so the water is clear and calm in summer. You can also try jumping off cliffs and rocks. The relative isolation and tricky land access make Cala Xarraca a sort of an open Ibiza secret for the yachting crowd. There’s a restaurant overlooking the cove, where you’ll find Spanish seafood classics, drinks, and a selection of tapas. If you’re craving more wild coves, sail to S’Illot des Renclí nearby. 

Sa Dragonera, Mallorca

Best for the wildlife and hidden coves

Sa Dragonera is an uninhabited island off Mallorca’s south-west coast. Sailing here is a sublime experience—you’ll glide into the untouched azure coves, observe the aquatic birds, see the lonely lighthouses, and gaze at the steep limestone cliffs. In other words, if you’re chartering a yacht in Mallorca, Sa Dragonera is an unmissable day trip. As it’s a natural park and a protected Posidonia seaweed area, anchoring is only possible at the port. 

Step onto land to find scenic hiking trails through the unspoilt Mediterranean landscapes. The island’s northwestern coast features the highest cliffs that look spectacular from the sea. You can also anchor at Sant Elm, a charming resort town with a sandy beach overlooking Sa Dragonera.

Ciutadella, Menorca

Best for history and urban beaches

Menorca’s gem of a town, Ciutadella, is the exemplary yachting stop. There are two high-class marinas near the Old Town, allowing you to comfortably anchor before exploring the atmospheric streets. Ciutadella’s center is elegant and pretty. Also, it’s compact enough to explore magnificent palaces and cozy galleries in the morning, and enjoy the beauty of nearby coves in the afternoon. 

The town is a gateway to many fantastic beaches, such as Sa Farola, Cala en Blanes, Cala en Brut, and Sa Caleta. Each will mesmerize you with its sapphire-blue water. Yachting here is for those who’d like to take advantage of Menorca’s splendid coves, without sailing too far from civilization. 

The destination is also a favorite for food-focused charters. “Ciutadella is especially rewarding for its old town, where you’ll find exceptional local seafood,” says Heather Richie, a certified ship’s cook at Fisher & Farmer. “Start with the traditional lobster stew (caldereta de llagosta).”