The party hotspot of Ibiza usually springs to mind when thinking about the Balearics. But the four Spanish islands have so much more to offer than simply being one of the top party destinations in the world. Superyacht charter guests can explore the historical streets, experience the natural beauty, sample the delicious food, soak up the sun on one of the beautiful beaches, and explore the beautiful underwater world surrounding the islands.
Guests aboard Motor Yacht Loon on a Balearic Island yacht charter will experience the very best the islands have to offer. While our charter itineraries are tailor-made to meet client preferences, we’ve put together this eight-day sample itinerary so you can really get a feel for what the Balearics have to offer.
Day 1 – Barcelona
Begin your luxury charter aboard Motor Yacht Loon in Barcelona. The perfect city to start your Balearic cruise. If you’re spending a day or two in the city before boarding Loon, you’ll know that the city’s historic streets are lined with art galleries, designer stores, Michelin-star restaurants, architectural masterpieces, and must-see historic sights. Be sure to take the time to visit some of Antoni Gaudí’s masterpieces, such as the Sagrada Familia Basilica, Palau Güell, Park Güell, Casa Batlló, and La Pedrera.
One of the top-rated restaurants in Barcelona is the prestigious three Michelin Star Cocina Hermanos Torres. From your table, you have a full view of the central open kitchen where you can watch and experience the exquisite cuisine of the two brothers, chefs Javier and Sergio Torres.
Day 2 – Ciutadella de Menorca
Our next stop is Menorca, known as the jewel of the Balearics. Ciutadella is Menorca’s westernmost town and is the perfect place to relax and unwind after the bustle of Barcelona. This authentic Spanish town is a delight to explore, with 9th-century buildings built from rose-colored sandstone and a collection of museums and galleries spread along the seafront. Restaurants serving freshly caught seafood and local ingredients tempt you at every corner, and the Pastisseria des Centre has been serving its Balearic powdered sugar pastries, ensaïmadas, since 1881.
Surrounded by coves and caves, the beautiful coastline around Ciutadella is perfect for exploring by kayak, stand-up paddle board, snorkel, or scuba. There are several dive sites suitable for beginners through to advanced cave divers. A beautiful anchor spot is the brilliant blue cove of Cala Mitjaneta, its high cliffs make it hard to access by land, so it’s the perfect place to stop for a spot of lunch or beach day.
Day 3 – Isla de Cabrera
The tranquil island of Cabrera is a mostly uninhabited national park. This remote island is accessible only by boat, and its rugged, mountainous terrain offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding areas. On land, guests can explore the island’s many hiking trails, pass the unique collection of flora and fauna, and visit 14th-century Cabrera Castle and the lighthouse. Cabrera boasts a number of pristine and secluded beaches. Cala Des Burri beach, on the western side, is an ideal spot for snorkeling and scuba.
The beautiful crystal clear waters surrounding the island offer the ideal spot for us to drop anchor and enjoy the water with Loon’s range of sea toys. Our inflatable netted Sea Pool provides the perfect place to relax on a lounger with a bespoke cocktail crafted by our talented stewardesses or swim in the deep ocean with utmost safety and peace of mind.
Day 4 – Palma
Wake up in the cultural city of Palma. The Gothic Catedral de Mallorca is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring restoration work completed by Barcelona’s infamous Gaudi, including the famous rose window and the golden canopy representing the throne of thorns. Keen sightseers should also see the 11th-century Arab Baths and their beautiful gardens, and l’Almudaina Palace. After a busy morning sightseeing, fuel up at Hotel Convent’s de la Missió restaurant under Michelin-starred chef Marc Fosh.
One of the island’s top beach clubs is Purobeach. The resident DJ will be spinning tunes no matter the time of day while guests relax by the pool or beach on Balinese beds and luxurious sunbeds. Purobeach is an easy tender ride away from Puerto de Palma or a spectacular anchor spot. Alternatively, we can spend the afternoon anchored off some of the island’s most beautiful beaches, such as Es Trenc and its endless sandy beach, Sa Rapita, or Cala Pi. We’ll crack open our famous toy box, and guests can get their thrills from the inflatable water slide, jetskis, Seabobs, waterskis, wakeboards, Efoils, and inflatable water toys.
Day 5 – Sa Dragonera
A short trip from Palma lies the island Sa Dragonera, an old smuggler’s hideout and now a nature reserve. This small island offers a ton of activities. On land, guests can hike to one of the three lighthouses, spot the many species of lizard that dwell here and take in the magnificent views. Sa Dragonera boasts a wealth of dive sites suitable for all abilities. At the northern end of the island, Barracuda Point features a mountainous underwater landscape often compared to the Alps. As the name suggests, it’s common to see huge schools of barracuda. You’re also likely to see octopus, damselfish, and scorpionfish.
Cave dive enthusiasts can explore the cave at Cape Llebeitx, which features a separate exit and entrance tunnel and plenty of impressive sea life, such as eagle rays, sunfish, octopus, lobsters, and even sea horse, or the stalactite cave, La Cueva. There are also two wreck sites, MS Josephine at 33m, located in the channel between San Telmo and Dragonera, and Goggie, lying at 36m, found in the southeast corner of the bay of San Telmo.
Day 6 – Formentera & Ibiza
The island of Formentera is famously known for its endless miles of picturesque sandy beaches. There are plenty of spots to lay out our luxurious beach set-up so guests can soak up the sun in utmost comfort. Sip on a cocktail or get the adrenaline pumping with one of our beach toys.
Alternatively, have lunch and spend the afternoon at one of Formentera’s most exclusive beach clubs, Beso Beach. The club overlooks the ancient aquamarine waters of Ses Salines Natural Park, where guests can relax and unwind to the sounds of the resident DJ or enjoy five-star dining with a Basque and Mediterranean menu that prides itself on serving local and natural cuisine. We’ll end the day berthing in Ibiza.
Day 7 – Ibiza
Ibiza has a lot to offer its visitors both day and night. Spend the day exploring Ibiza’s Old Town and its maze of stone alleyways and 16th-century citadel walls. Visit the historic cathedral and take in the incredible views of the island it offers, then head back down to explore the harbor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Shop till you drop in the high-end boutiques, gift stores, and art galleries before recharging with an iced café or thirst-quenching cocktail onboard.
As the sun sets, Ibiza really comes alive. Ibiza is famous worldwide for its nightlife. Two of the island’s hottest beach clubs, Nassau Beach Club and Blue Marlin, turn into party hotspots come evening, with famous guest DJs and exhilarating performances.
Ibiza is a foodie’s heaven, with a number of innovative and gourmet restaurants. Lio Ibiza offers its guests high-quality gastronomy and a glamourous cabaret show for an entertaining night you won’t be able to stop talking about. For a dining experience like no other, Sublimotion offers 12 diners each night a chance to experience gourmet cuisine forged with sensory technology, illusion, music, and the wow factor. Diners get sent on a trip in time which can only be explained by experiencing it firsthand. For guests wanting a romantic setting, Sa Capella is an Ibiza classic located in the San Antonio hills in what was once a 17th-century monastery.
Ibiza is all about the late-night scene. Previously mentioned Lio and gastronomy performance venue, Heart, transform into luxury nightclubs after midnight. Legendary Ushuaia always attracts the world’s best DJs, and Pacha usually has a celebrity or two tearing up its dancefloor.
Day 8 – Ibiza / Home
After what is sure to be a wild last night, Loon guests can wake up to an indulgent breakfast that’ will beat off even the worst hangovers before waving goodbye and heading to the airport to catch a flight home. Plus, there are always champagne and breakfast cocktails for those that need a little hair of the dog.
If you’re interested in learning more about a Balearic cruise aboard Motor Yacht Loon, we’d love to hear from you. Our itineraries are completely bespoke to suit each group’s interests and requirements, so get in touch to discuss your dream Balearic superyacht charter by emailing us at info@motoryactloon.com.