Ibiza is one of the Balearic Islands or Islas Baleares which are situated in the western Mediterranean less than hundred kilometres of the eastern coast of Spain.
The islands have been inhabited since prehistoric times, around 5000 BC, and there are many Cyclopean remains. These show the communities constructed dwellings of stone. There is evidence of primitive agriculture including the keeping of domesticated animals. Jewellery, pottery and tools appear to have been manufactured. Later Phoenician traders frequently visited them. In 654 BC the Carthaginians founded what is today Ibiza city. Roman occupation followed and the Visigoths in turn evicted them. The Moors invaded the islands during the 8th century and there is still evidence of their 300 year occupation to be found in the islands architecture and the customs of the islanders themselves. Christians reconquered the islands during the 13th century. Mallorca falling first in 1229, followed by Ibiza six years later. Minorca was the last to fall in 1287. Initially the islands flourished as Catalan colonies but famines and raids by pirates encouraged by isolation from the mainland saw the Balearic Islands decline. The Bourbons following the conclusion of the Spanish War of Succession in 1715 occupied Mallorca and Ibiza. Minorca however was ceded to the British under the treaty of Utrecht along with Gibraltar on the Spanish mainland. British rule over Minorca continued until 1802. In the Spanish Civil War, 1936-39, Mallorca and Ibiza were soon under the control of Franco's forces enabling the Italian fleet to use Mallorca as it's base and offer support to the insurgents. Minorca remained Loyalist until 1939. The 1950's saw the first charter flights land in the islands bringing the tourists that have in turn bought prosperity to the islands and their peoples involved in this lucrative trade. After tourism agriculture and fishing make significant contributions to the economy of the islands. Fruit, olive oil, wine, majolica ware and silver filigree are exported in quantity.
Ibiza is a popular yacht charter destination and most people will find what they are looking for, be it motor or sail, monohull or catamaran, bareboat charter, skippered or crewed yachts.
There is an airport on the island of Ibiza making access extremely easy. Access is also possible from the Spanish mainland via ferry from Barcelona, Denia and Valencia.
Ibiza is a part of Spain and uses the Euro as its currency. All major credit cards are widely accepted and you will have no trouble obtaining money from an extensive network of ATMs
Anyone chartering a yacht in Ibiza will need to have an ICC or International Certificate of Competence. Individual yacht charter companies may have additional requirements and you are advised to check prior to making a booking
The Ibiza yacht charter season generally runs from April to the end of October. July and August are the hottest and tends to have lighter winds; it is also the most expensive time to charter a yacht. April-May and September-October have a lot of plus points, the temperatures are more comfortable, those sailing are likely to getter better winds, it is not as expensive and while ashore you will avoid crowds of July and August.
Detailed reports and information on Yacht Marinas, Harbours and Anchorages in Ibiza can be found in our Cruising Guide
Ibiza, covering 572 sq. km, is the third largest of the Balearic Islands. The capital is Ibiza city, renowned for it's extravagant nightlife. This attracts large numbers of tourists; over one million now visit every year. Some of Spain's most famous discos are to be found hear along with plethora of bars, cafes and restaurants. The Dalt Vila, a souk-like walled city, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are plenty of beaches but in the summer months these get very crowded. Cala Mastella on the east coat and Beniras on the west are two of the best. Santa Eulalia is an attractive village and has three great beaches; Playas de Santa Eulalia, Cala Blanca, and Es Canar. San Juan also boasts good beaches such as Cala de Sant Vincent, Cala Portinaitx, and Cala Xarraca and the remains of a Carthaginian temple in the cave of Cueva des Cuieram. The locals of San Jos not only have a host of beaches but also one of the most beautiful churches on the island. The north of the island is popular with cyclists and hikers. Inland the landscape is rocky and pine trees grow in abundance. Fishing and salt works contribute to the economy with some subsistence farming, aided by irrigation. Little rain falls and the predominant crops are almonds, figs and olives.
In addition to some lovely anchorages there are several marinas on Ibiza; Marina Botafoch, Puerto Ibiza la Nueva, Puerto San Antonio-Abad, Puerto Santa Eulalia. More information on these marinas can be found in the Balearic Islands section of our cruising guide.
Formentera is the smallest of the Balearic Islands, at just 12 miles in length, located just off the south coast of Ibiza. Compared to the other islands Formentera is relatively underdeveloped with good beaches with powder white sand and clear blue waters. There are plenty of opportunities for hiking and walking.The main anchorage is idylic. And when you see a picture of the "idylic anchorage" on the internet there's a good chance its Formentera
Puerto de Sabina, the island's harbour, gets very crowded in the summer and charges are very high. More information on this harbour can be found in the Balearic Islands section of our cruising guide. There are good beaches to the NE of the marina. San Fransisco Javier is worth a visit.
