The Balearic Islands are regarded as one of the most interesting sailing and yachting territories in the Mediterranean area.
Majorca
Water tourism holds a key position in Majorca. First and foremost because it has an exceptionally beautiful countryside, crystal clear water and an ideal climate. It has been able to register a particularly large growth over the past years. This brings about a continuous improvement to infrastructure and facilities. The harbours and yacht clubs on the island are characterised by a high level of quality and, by international comparison, deservedly occupy one of the first places. Today Majorca boasts 42 sports harbours that are spread out along the coast. This allows pleasant circumnavigation of the island. It gives great comfort and security to have the next harbour only a short distance away. One can dock at any time and make use of the service offer of the individual harbours.
Due to the good climate, navigation in Majorca is simple and safe nearly all year round, especially in the months of May to October. The weather is mostly good during winter, except at the change of seasons when west winds cause considerable storms. Air and water temperatures are pleasant nearly all year round. The average lowest temperature is about 11 degrees in January and the average highest temperature about 27-28 degrees in August.
Source: www.infomallorca.net
Source: Marina pictures Majorca www.portsib.es
Menorca
In spite of its close proximity to Majorca and a name that sounds the same, Menorca, the second largest Balearic Island, is a completely different kind of holiday experience. Mass tourism has not found its way here and visitors find peace and recuperation against an exceptional natural backdrop. For the most part the coast has been left in its undeveloped condition and there are clean bays and beaches with crystal clear water. The island is divided into two large landscape sectors: in the south, where the longer sandy beaches are also to be found, there are wide plains that are dissected by canyons and in contrast in the north one comes across rugged hills. The harsh coastal areas on this part of the island have their own wild, romantic character.
The island has a typical, pleasant Mediterranean climate. It is characterised by mild temperatures. The average annual temperature is between 16 and 17 degrees Celsius. The temperatures can reach 24 degrees during a warm summer and 11 degrees during a damp winter. The months of May, June and September are undoubtedly the best times to enjoy a pleasant climate, when the temperatures reach maximum values between 21 and 26 degrees.
Tramuntana, the fresh, dry northerly wind, has left its mark on Menorca’s landscape. It is favoured by Menorca’s relatively flat relief. During winter the Tramuntana reaches a speed of up to 130 kilometres per hour, yet in summer it turns into a pleasant breeze that is appreciated by the local inhabitants. It is, of course, an absolute dream for surfers and sailors. Thanks to the Tramuntana, Menorca is known as the “windy island”. One of Menorca’s characteristic features is the high air humidity – above all in winter – with average values around 80% (annual average 68%). This results in “banyadura”, a dew that is typical for the island.
Pleasure craft harbours are to be found on the coasts of: Maó, Addaia, Fornells, Ciutadella or Cala en Bosc. There are water sports clubs at Mahon, Ciutadella, Fornells and Es Castell.
Sources: www.sunsearch.de, www.menorca-spanien.de
Ibiza
The popular holiday island of Ibiza is the third largest of the Balearic Islands and is worth visiting in any season. To a large extent the interior of the island consists of highlands that are up to 475 metres high. The sunsets and the rock islands around the island have their own quite special magic. The important natural resources of the island include the sea bed and in particular the Neptune grass meadows that ensure clean and clear sea water. For this reason the seagrass prairies were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.
The location, climatic conditions and the wide variety of activities on offer make Ibiza an attractive holiday destination for all lovers of water sports the whole year round. The summer season begins in May with the first warm days on the beach. The pleasantly mild temperatures continue until the end of October. The summer months from June to September are hot and dry – it very seldom rains. The temperatures rise up to 30 °C in August and September and the water temperature is between 25 º and 27º C.
Pictures Author: Xescu prats Source: media@ibiza.travel. http://www.ibiza.travel/de/nautica.php
Formentera
Formentera is not only a must for every sun worshipper and beach lover, it is also a paradise for lovers of sailing and yachting. The coast is 69 km in length and includes 40 km of sandy beaches. Due to its position south of the Island of Ibiza, Formentera is a dream location for water sports. The distances are short enough in order to be able to sail from the south to the north of the island within a few hours or to take an unforgettable 2-hour trip to the Island of Ibiza. Sand dunes run alongside pine and cedar forests and several coniferous shrubs and trees give the island its character.
Two modern sports harbours in the locality of La Savina offer more than landing stages.
Formentera’s climate is mild all year round and even in winter the thermometer seldom falls below 10° Celsius. Rain only falls infrequently in Formentera on account of the low altitude of the island (even the highest point on the island, La Mola, is only 190m above sea level) and it is normally warmer than on the neighbouring island of Ibiza. Due to the constant wind in Formentera one is even able to endure the midsummery temperatures in July and August.
The best time to travel is between May and September, but a visit to Formentera is also appealing outside of this period.
Source: www.turismoformentera.com