Ibiza is famous for its wild nightlife. But this major Balearic island is far more than just a place to party! It’s also a place where the coastline is sumptuous and the land magnificent. Renting a yacht in Ibiza is an excellent way to enjoy yourself without having to book into a crowded hotel. It’s also a great way to get off the beaten track and explore the coves and surrounding islands, such as Tagomago and Es Vedrá, to your heart’s content.
When is the best time to visit IBIZA?
The island has a hot, arid Mediterranean climate all year round. If you’re a rain-lover, there are only two months you’ll be happy with: November and January. The rest of the time, you’ll enjoy dazzling sunshine. Temperatures are around 30° in summer on land. They drop slightly in spring and autumn (20°). September is an excellent time to visit the island under a beautiful temperate sun. The average temperature is 25°C.
As for sailing, summer offers excellent conditions, with a pleasant sea breeze. Note, however, that this is a very busy time for tourists, and you won’t be alone on the water. If you prefer a quieter time, April, May or October are better. Winter is also an excellent time to discover the island as if you were alone in the world.
Ibiza is a very windy place for sailors. In summer, the wind comes from the east. In winter, westerly and south-westerly winds predominate. These winds can stir up the sea. In that case, you’ll have to head for the coast. This agitation is always short-lived.
What are the main cruising areas?
Ibiza has several marinas and a port. From here, you can take various cruises around the Balearic Islands, as well as to Valencia or Barcelona. The island is also an excellent departure point for cruises to Corsica or Sardinia, and if you have more time, to Italy, North Africa or Greece.
One of the most popular Ibiza yacht charter cruises takes you around the island. Start from the north (Cala de Sant Vicent) and head for Santa Eulàlia on the east coast (where you can stock up on supplies) before heading for Formentera. Here, you can anchor for superb sunsets, kite surf, snorkel or simply swim and explore the many caves carved out of the towering rocks.
It’s time to head back north via Es Vedrá, Isla Conejera and Sant Antoni de Portymany before ending your cruise at Port de Sant Miquel.
There are other cruising areas dotted around the island, and you’ll have a huge choice of places to stop off (the calas) to spend some time in a dream setting.
Here’s what not to miss in IBIZA!
Back on land, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Lovers of unspoilt nature can head for the Benimussa valley or the Pla de Corona plain. You’ll discover fields of almond and olive trees, superb rural villas and fascinating vineyards.
The Salines nature park is another must-see. Here you can observe a vast marine ecosystem. The island is also home to a wealth of culture that has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. You can explore the astonishing necropolis of Puig des Molins or the Phoenician village of Sa Caleta. Eivissa, the island’s capital, is also well worth a visit. Climb up to the fortified upper town (Dalt Vila), visit the old Dominican convent, see the portal of Ses Taules or that of Nou, and be sure to visit the castle and cathedral.
The island also boasts other places of interest, such as Cala d’Hort, just opposite the Es Vedrà nature reserve, the Es Caló d’Es Moro viewpoint, the superb Tarida cove and the impressive cliffs of Cala Llentia.
Where are the best places to eat and drink?
Ibiza is an island where it’s easy to find something to eat, bars and incredible nightclubs. All this has made the reputation of the island, which is very much alive at night. If you like trendy places, the Cafe del Mar in Sant Antoni de Pormany is for you. Breathtaking sunsets and a lounge atmosphere await you. Another jetset bar, Cafe Mambo was the filming location for the famous British TV programme Weekends in Ibiza.
Now it’s on to Santa Eulàlia to discover Nikki Beach, a restaurant on the seafront. Here you can savour the local cuisine by the superb swimming pool, or sip a mojito from the comfort of the top-of-the-range sofas.
You can also relax in Eivissa, at the famous Paradise Lost rum bar, a must on the island. There are other great places to go on the White Island. Head inland to the little village of Santa Gertrudis and take a seat on the terrace of the Bottega il Buco. Donna Lennard awaits you with a menu of tasty dishes made from top-quality produce.
Beso Beach is an ultra-chic beach restaurant on the Salines beach. Here you can enjoy a delicious lunch in a festive atmosphere.
For those who prefer the luxury of selective dining, the Tatel d’Ibiza is a safe bet in Playa d’en Boss. Its cosy atmosphere and gourmet cuisine have made it famous the world over.
Renting a yacht will allow you to move freely between the different places of interest in Ibiza. Among these, you can stop off at the sumptuous beach of Ses Illetes, not far from Savina, a tourist hotspot. Ranked as the 5th most beautiful beach in the world, it offers a unique check-in point where the white of the sand plays skilfully with the blue of the water. A thick pine forest surrounds the beach and isolates you from the world. It’s the perfect place to spend a quiet day away from it all. On site, the famous Juan y Andrea restaurant awaits you. Here you can discover excellence and enjoy simple but famous dishes. The restaurant is now renowned the world over. Another not-to-be-missed address for relaxing in the evening is the well-known Es Moli restaurant. It’s easy to moor just a few metres away and you’ll be picked up by zodiac. Savina beach is superb and the food is delicious. The evenings here are fantastic, and you can spend long hours at the table watching the sea while enjoying freshly caught lobster.
Let’s leave the north of Ibiza to discover another mythical beach, the Jondal beach. This is where you can enjoy a renowned establishment: the Blue Marlin. Set in a sumptuous cove, it faces the sea and offers a unique view of the dream setting. You can stop here at any time: for breakfast, lunch, a fresh fruit cocktail in the afternoon, dinner or dancing the night away.
You’ve probably heard of the El Silencio clubs? The label has opened an establishment in the superb cove of Cala Moli beach. Here you can have fun, enjoy the festive atmosphere and eat! The To Share Ibiza restaurant is run by the famous chef Jean Imbert. Needless to say, the place is well worth a visit.
The last address to discover is Casa Maca. Here you can savour the vegetables grown in the neighbouring garden, which are skilfully cooked to create simple, delicious dishes. Treat yourself, for example, to the smoked baba Ganoush for a perfect aperitif. You’ll enjoy spectacular sea views from the restaurant’s elevated position.
What to eat in Ibiza
You can take advantage of your visit to the local restaurants to discover the local gastronomy. You can try the Borrida de Ratjara, a tasty mixture of potatoes and skate, with hard-boiled eggs, garlic, almonds and parsley. Bullit de peix features a small rock fish with potatoes and aioli. This dish is served with rice cooked in fish stock and coloured with sepia ink.
Another fish dish much loved by the island’s inhabitants, Guisat de peix is made with grouper, salmon, monkfish or skate, combined with prawns or lobster. Potatoes are added to the recipe and simmered in a broth flavoured with almonds. Meat lovers are not left out with Sofrit pagès. This is boiled meat (lamb, chicken or pork) combined with vegetables and potatoes, garlic and paprika. This is a popular dish at Christmas.
To round off the meal, the most popular dessert is flaó. This is a local version of cheesecake (ewe’s or goat’s cheese, in this case) with peppermint and aniseed. It’s refreshing and delicious.
Local culture
The island’s well-known festive side is not its only asset. Ibiza is also a cultural hot spot. You can discover the fincas, amazing dwellings. With thick walls, a flat roof and a large main room, these buildings are typical of the white island. For many, many years, they have been the inhabitants’ solution to the extreme temperatures.
The island has been the target of numerous attempts at conquest, as evidenced by the dozen or so defensive towers scattered around the territory. Today, they have become unique landmarks.
Culture is not just about buildings, but also about crafts. You can take home a beautiful leather bag, ceramics, coral or silver jewellery or wooden sculptures. These typical objects can be found in all the local markets. You can also fall for “adlib” clothing, a local fashion trend inspired by the hippy years.
The most beautiful beaches
The choice is vast and difficult. But there is one beach that we felt was definitely worth a visit: Cala d’Hort. It’s a little corner of paradise set in a superb cove in the south-west of the island.
Above all, it’s an incredible landscape that awaits you here. The jagged cliffs blend perfectly with the wild vegetation, which contrasts beautifully with the blue of the sea. Calm reigns here and you can anchor without any problem.
Climb the cliffs and discover ancient ramparts, dive from the top of a rock into the waves, relax on the fine sand with the sea and its fabulous colours as your only view. The sunset is particularly sumptuous, with an unforgettable view of Es Vedrá.
Are you more into the hustle and bustle of life or luxury shopping?
Eivissa gives you the choice. You can take up residence in the old port, very close to the old town, and observe the life of the locals and fishermen. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the everyday life of Ibiza’s inhabitants. You can also choose the luxury boutiques and famous nightclubs in the new port, with its chic and refined decor. This is where you can discover the famous LIO cabaret, where you can dine (the dishes are concocted by chef Adrian Marin) while enjoying a unique show. Don’t hesitate to take a look at the old port of Ibiza (and the old town), where you’ll have a rare view.
Arthaud Yachting’s recommendations
Opting to charter a luxury yacht in Ibiza will make discovering the island as easy as possible. You’ll be able to discover the wonders from the sea and moor wherever you like to explore the land, coves, beaches and towns where you’ll enjoy sampling the local gastronomy.
You can, of course, circumnavigate the island in less than 12 hours, but it’s best to take your time so you don’t miss out on anything and enjoy all the White Island has to offer. Ideally, you should plan a week’s sailing and include a number of stopovers, as well as cruises to Barcelona or a cruise to Cala Conta, Cala Salada or Cala Bassa.
Our fleet is made up of a number of top-of-the-range yachts that are perfectly suited to your requirements and allow you to discover Ibiza in a different way.
Yacht charter is not just for holidaymakers. You can also hire a yacht for a business event in an exceptional setting.
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