| The islands have been inhabited since prehistoric | | | | E - SE winds. There is considerable tourist |
| times, around 5000 BC, and there are many | | | | development and the whole area is very crowded |
| Cyclopean remains. These show the communities | | | | during the summer. There is a Roman theatre, St |
| constructed dwellings of stone. There is evidence of | | | | Martin's cave and a castle and museum, which may |
| primitive agriculture including the keeping of | | | | be of interest. |
| domesticated animals. Jewellery, pottery and tools | | | | The southern coast, by contrast, is in the main rocky |
| appear to have been manufactured. Later Phoenician | | | | cliffs plunging into the Mediterranean. Port d'Andratx, |
| traders frequently visited them. In 654 BC the | | | | on the south west coast, is a small attractive town |
| Carthaginians founded what is today Ibiza city. | | | | built on low hills all around a narrow bay. Majorca has |
| Roman occupation followed and the Visigoths in turn | | | | a magnificent coastline consisting of rocky outcrops |
| evicted them. The Moors invaded the islands during | | | | intermingled with many small coves that offer |
| the 8th century and there is still evidence of their | | | | excellent sandy beaches. |
| 300 year occupation to be found in the islands | | | | Andraitx harbour serves both as marina and is home |
| architecture and the customs of the islanders | | | | to the local fishing fleet. The surroundings are most |
| themselves. Christians reconquered the islands during | | | | attractive as is the local village. Although the housing |
| the 13th century. Mallorca falling first in 1229, followed | | | | developments have taken away some of its original |
| by Ibiza six years later. | | | | charm. Entrance is easy and protection good. Yachts |
| Minorca was the last to fall in 1287. Initially the islands | | | | can though expect some gusts from the high |
| flourished as Catalan colonies but famines and raids | | | | surrounding hills and strong winds from the S - SW |
| by pirates encouraged by isolation from the mainland | | | | can produce swell. |
| saw the Balearic Islands decline. The Bourbons | | | | The semi-arid island of Sa Dragonera is part of a |
| following the conclusion of the Spanish War of | | | | chain of islands off the southern coast of Mallorca, |
| Succession in 1715 occupied Mallorca and Ibiza. Minorca | | | | known for its abundance of wildlife and high, stunning |
| however was ceded to the British under the treaty | | | | cliffs. The wildlife includes peregrine falcons, migratory |
| of Utrecht along with Gibraltar on the Spanish | | | | birds, and seabirds. Indigenous lizards and bats are |
| mainland. British rule over Minorca continued until 1802. | | | | also found on the island and timid mular dolphins can |
| In the Spanish Civil War, 1936-39, Mallorca and Ibiza | | | | sometimes be seen around the coast. Head for the |
| were soon under the control of Franco's forces | | | | eastern shore and the natural harbour of Cala Lled. |
| enabling the Italian fleet to use Mallorca as it's base | | | | There is an excellent visitor's centre here and some |
| and offer support to the insurgents. Minorca remained | | | | great walking trails that take in historical sights as well |
| Loyalist until 1939. The 1950's saw the first charter | | | | as some superb views and wildlife spotting. |
| flights land in the islands bringing the tourists that | | | | Cabrera, an important bird sanctuary, also lies of the |
| have in turn bought prosperity to the islands and their | | | | south coast of Mallorca. Yachts wishing to visit need |
| peoples involved in this lucrative trade. After tourism | | | | to apply for a permit by sending copies of their sailing |
| agriculture and fishing make significant contributions to | | | | license and passport(s) to the base three weeks |
| the economy of the islands. Fruit, olive oil, wine, | | | | before arrival. Puerto de Cabrera, on the northwest |
| majolica ware and silver filigree are exported in | | | | coast, has 50 laid moorings and yachts must use |
| quantity. | | | | these overnight. It is possible to anchor in S'Illa des |
| This is a popular yacht charter destination and most | | | | Fonoll bay on the east coast during the day. These |
| people will find what they are looking for, be it motor | | | | restrictions are to protect the algae plant, which |
| or sail, monohull or catamaran, bareboat charter, | | | | makes a major contribution to the food chain of this |
| skippered or crewed yachts. | | | | island. |
| The Balearic Islands yacht charter season generally | | | | Ibiza, covering 572 sq. km, is the third largest of the |
| runs from April to the end of October. July and | | | | islands. The capital is Ibiza city, renowned for it's |
| August are the hottest and tends to have lighter | | | | extravagant nightlife. This attracts large numbers of |
| winds; it is also the most expensive time to charter a | | | | tourists; over one million now visit every year. Some |
| yacht. April-May and September-October have a lot | | | | of Spain's most famous discos are to be found hear |
| of plus points, the temperatures are more | | | | along with plethora of bars, cafes and restaurants. |
| comfortable, those sailing are likely to getter better | | | | The Dalt Vila, a souk-like walled city, is a UNESCO |
| winds, it is not as expensive and while ashore you will | | | | World Heritage Site. There are plenty of beaches but |
| avoid crowds of July and August. | | | | in the summer months these get very crowded. Cala |
| Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands and | | | | Mastella on the east coat and Beniras on the west |
| covers over 3,500 sq. km. Prior to 1276 Mallorca's | | | | are two of the best. Santa Eulalia is an attractive |
| history was the same as the other islands. But then | | | | village and has three great beaches; Playas de Santa |
| the kingdom of Mallorca was formed and included the | | | | Eulalia, Cala Blanca, and Es Canar. San Juan also |
| island along with some areas of both mainland Spain | | | | boasts good beaches such as Cala de Sant Vincent, |
| and France. Perpignan, in Roussillon, France was the | | | | Cala Portinaitx, and Cala Xarraca and the remains of a |
| capital of the kingdom. It was returned to the crown | | | | Carthaginian temple in the cave of Cueva des |
| of Aragon in 1343 and flourished until the discovery | | | | Cuieram. The locals of San Jos not only have a host |
| of the Americas and the subsequent change in major | | | | of beaches but also one of the most beautiful |
| trade routes. The island is known for its stalagmite | | | | churches on the island. The north of the island is |
| caves and architectural treasures and prehistoric | | | | popular with cyclists and hikers. Inland the landscape |
| monuments. A further landmark is the abandoned old | | | | is rocky and pine trees grow in abundance. Fishing |
| monastery where both Chopin and George Sand | | | | and salt works contribute to the economy with some |
| lived. Es Pla, a large fertile plain, where cereals, flax, | | | | subsistence farming, aided by irrigation. Little rain falls |
| grapes, and olives are grown, dominates the interior. | | | | and the predominant crops are almonds, figs and |
| Pigs and sheep are raised. There is also limited mining | | | | olives. |
| of copper and lead and quarrying of marble. | | | | In addition to some lovely anchorages there are |
| In addition to numerous anchorages Mallorca has a lot | | | | several marinas on Ibiza; Marina Botafoch, Puerto |
| of marinas, including; Puerto de Palma de Mallorca, | | | | Ibiza la Nueva, Puerto San Antonio-Abad, Puerto |
| Puerto de Cala Nova, Puerto Portals Marina, Puerto | | | | Santa Eulalia. More information on these marinas can |
| Sol de Mallorca, El Toro Marina, Marina de Santa | | | | be found in the Balearic Islands section of our cruising |
| Ponsa, Marina Andraitx, Marina San Telmo, Puerto de | | | | guide. |
| Soller, Pollensa Marina, Bonaire Marina, Alcudia Marina, | | | | Formentera is the smallest of the Balearic Islands |
| C'an Picafort Marina, Serra Nova Marina, Puerto Cala | | | | (just 12 miles top to tip) located just off the south |
| Ratjada, Puerto de Cala Bona, Porto Cristo Marina, | | | | coast of Ibiza. Compared to the other islands |
| Cala d'Or Marina, Porto Petro Marina, Campos Marina, | | | | Formentera is relatively underdeveloped with good |
| Rapita Marina, Puerto de s'Estanyol, Arenal Marina, | | | | beaches with powder white sand and clear blue |
| San Antonio de la Playa Marina, Puerto de Cala | | | | waters. There are plenty of opportunities for hiking |
| Gamba, Puerto de Cala Portixol. More detailed | | | | and walking. |
| information on these marinas can be found in the | | | | Puerto de Sabina, the island's harbour, gets very |
| Balearic Islands section of our cruising guide. | | | | crowded in the summer and charges are very high. |
| Palma de Mallorca, on the south coast and renowned | | | | More information on this harbour can be found in the |
| for it's spectacular sunsets, is the capital city. La Seu | | | | Balearic Islands section of our cruising guide. There |
| is the city's enormous cathedral. Built on the site of a | | | | are good beaches to the NE of the marina. San |
| former mosque, construction commenced in 1230. It | | | | Fransisco Javier is worth a visit. |
| was completed some 370 years later in 1600. | | | | Covering 702 km, the island of Minorca is the second |
| Anybody, today, who has tried to hurry a Spanish | | | | largest of the Balearic Islands. In 1708 during War of |
| builder will be undismayed at what to others must | | | | the Spanish Succession the British occupied it. France |
| look like an eternity in time. The city also has | | | | seized it during the Seven Years War but in 1763 the |
| museums, Renaissance mansions a plenty in the old | | | | Treaty of Paris returned it to British rule. In 1782, |
| town and many attractive churches. | | | | during the American Revolution, the French allied with |
| Puerto de Palma de Mallorca is an enormous marina | | | | Spain seized the island but sixteen years later the |
| set in the capital. In addition to the marina facilities | | | | British returned once again. The final chapter came in |
| commercial shipping, fishing boats, ferries and the | | | | 1802 when the Peace of Amiens awarded Minorca to |
| military, uses the port. All this commercial traffic has | | | | Spain. But even today there is still strong evidence of |
| right of way. Entry and shelter are excellent in all | | | | British occupation. Architecture has a distinctive |
| conditions. The marina gets very crowded in the | | | | Georgian feel even down to the sash windows. |
| summer months and berths are extremely difficult to | | | | Today Port Mahon, lying at on the east coast, is the |
| obtain. There is a useful anchorage in a bay to the | | | | capital and the island's major port. The harbour is |
| east of the port. | | | | both deep and sheltered and overlooked by the |
| Puerto de Cala Nova is medium sized purpose built | | | | town built on the cliffs at the southern end. |
| marina. The marina is somewhat overshadowed by | | | | British influence can be seen at both Fort Marlborough |
| the surrounding high rise buildings but on the whole is | | | | and Collingwood House, named after the Admiral who |
| pleasant. Entrance is easy and shelter good in all but | | | | served alongside Nelson. If any further evidence of |
| strong E-SE winds when some swell may be | | | | the British past is required a visit to the Xoriguer Gin |
| experienced. There are several small beaches nearby | | | | Distillery should provide it. In contrast to the other |
| but these get very crowded in the summer months. | | | | two main islands Minorca remains seemingly tranquil. |
| Palma de Mallorca is only a short distance away. | | | | There is little intensive development and it is still |
| The Serra de Tramuntana Mountains, rising to nearly | | | | possible, even in the middle of summer, to find |
| 1500m, dominate the northwest of the island. The | | | | beaches almost deserted. Ciutadella, on the western |
| combination of a rugged, rocky coastline, pine | | | | side of the island, is a charming little town boasting |
| forests, olive groves and small, charming villages, Deia | | | | fine mansions. There is much evidence of Minorca's |
| in particular, perched high above the Mediterranean, | | | | prehistoric past and a great number of megalithic |
| make this part of the island quite beautiful. | | | | monuments exist. There are many sites and they fall |
| Two bays dominate the north east coast, the Bahia | | | | into three different time periods. The Pre-Talayotic |
| de Pollenca and the Bahia d'Alcudia. An almost | | | | Period or Cave Era from 2000 - 1300BC, the |
| continuous string of sandy bays and beaches make | | | | Talayotic Period or Bronze age, 1300 - 800BC and the |
| up the eastern coast and unsurprisingly this area has | | | | Post Talayotic Period or Iron Age, 800 - 100BC. The |
| seen intense development. | | | | centre is hilly but the island as a whole in mainly |
| Pollensa Marina is set at the head of a beautiful wide | | | | lowland. Despite the fact Minorca's rainfall is greater |
| bay. The water is on the shallow side and attention | | | | than the other islands irrigation is still required. Cereals, |
| must be paid to the depth when approaching and | | | | flax, wine and olive oil are the main agricultural |
| entering the marina. Winds from the NE - SE can | | | | products. There is a little light industry. Lobster fishing |
| make entry difficult and sometimes dangerous. The | | | | also contributes to the economy. |
| old town of Pollensa is worth a visit. The area is good | | | | Minorca has some lovely anchorages and there are |
| walking country with a 1 mile stroll N to Cala Vincente | | | | marinas at Puerto de Mahon, Puerto de Ciudadela, |
| worthwhile. | | | | Puerto de Fornells, Puerto de Cala de Addaya. More |
| Alcudia Marina is situated in a larger harbour, which is | | | | information on these marinas can be found in the |
| used by commercial and fishing craft. The marina is | | | | Balearic Islands section of our cruising guide. |
| easy to approach and enter but shelter is limited with | | | | |