Cruising Itinerary for Spain and the Balearic Islands

The Spanish luxury yacht charter grounds have something for everyone. Theatres, museums and galleries line ancient streets alongside atmospheric cafes and Michelin-starred restaurants, while high-end and bespoke shopping opportunities are abundant. Evening entertainment provides plenty of bars and clubs for your group to fill the darkest hours, or if you prefer a night under a star-filled sky there are quiet coves just a short distance away from the biggest settlements. Whatever the age of guests on board the sandy white beaches and clear blue waters are the perfect place to practise swimming, play on the jet skis or Scuba dive among the numerous caves and wrecks along the coastline.

Begin your Spanish luxury charter in magnificent Barcelona where the streets are lined with Michelin restaurants, galleries and bespoke shopping opportunities. Culture seekers will never be at a loss on how to fill their hours: Gaudi made the streets of Barcelona his living canvas with the marvellous Casa Battlo which went on to inspire the vibrant Art Noveau Illa de la Discòrdia (Block of Discord), in addition to the artist’s whimsical Park Guell and the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia. Step back in time and wander the narrow streets of the atmospheric Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter) and finish you visit with a trip to the Picasso Museum, which showcases the artist’s earliest works as well as some of his most famous pieces. Watch a concert beneath the stained glass ceiling at the Palau de la Música Catalana, then end the day with an evening stroll through La Rambla and enjoy a coffee or a nightcap while watching the local street performers.

As you sleep off your excesses from Barcelona your captain will cruise on to Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands, for a whole new adventure. Similar to Barcelona, Guests looking to break out the water toys or sunbathe on sandy shores have a number of options close to the city: To the east, there are long golden crescents while a short journey east will take the group to secluded coves ideal for snorkelling and Scuba diving.

The coast from Palma to the old smuggler’s hideout on Sa Dragonera near Port Andratx there is a wealth of dive sites ranging from beginner level through to advanced, including a wreck dive. Seahorses and stingrays are some of the possible local inhabitants you will encounter in the clear blue seas, and after a dive, guests can rest in the sunshine with a cocktail on the sundeck, or take the afternoon to explore the scenic port-side villages along this stretch of the coast.

Continue to Sóller and Alcúdia where guests can take life at leisure and stop off at the remote beaches along the route for tranquil family time. Catch your dinner over a languid afternoon and have your expert on board chef use it as an ingredient in a mouth-watering three-course meal.

Alcúdia boasts an eclectic mix of architectural styles and archaeological sites that have been left behind by ancient cultures, added to which are modern golf courses, bars and clubs and the natural beauty of the long beaches curving along the coast. Both Sóller and Alcúdia have excellent conditions for wind-dependent water toys such as kite surfers and windsurfers, and the clear shallow waters will give confidence to beginner swimmers. End your day with a relaxing evening in town or soak in the ambiance from on board your yacht.

Ciutadella de Menorca is also a great location for land-based trails and water sports: Follow the coast by kayak or sailing boat, snorkel in the coves or Scuba dive along the western coast with sites suitable for beginners through to advanced cave divers.

After the sensory delights of Menorca cruise to the isolated Cabrera National Park and detox on the verdant uninhabited island. Dolphins and whales have been spotted passing through its waters and rare species such including a type of black lizard and various sea snails are most likely to be found within the archipelago. Walk or bike the island trails and discover the 14th century Castillo de Cabrera and the lighthouse – the only place on the island serving food – before returning to your bay for a cooling swim in the sea.

Cruise south overnight and wake up along the white shores of Formentera where the beaches stretch for miles and the beautiful scenery is a patchwork of farmland, villages and untouched coastal woodland. The north eastern side up by Llevant Beach has shallow clean water for children and conditions ideal for wind-powered water toys. Unwind in the sunshine with an hour of yoga and a massage, then head up to Ibiza which by now will be awake and ready to impress.

Daytime in Ibiza is a calm and cosmopolitan affair, where visitors dress to effortlessly impress in their beachwear while shopping the perfect accessories and souvenirs. Pass through the old quarter of Dalt Vila and visit Obispado de Ibiza for the incredible view over the harbour before preparing for a night of complete abandon among the clubs, bars and the casino. May and October are the best time to go for the parties because of the hedonistic opening and closing ceremonies for the summer season.

To secure a luxury superyacht for your next holiday, contact the specialists at CharterWorld Luxury Yacht Charters.

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