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The Best Beaches in Spain and the Balearic Islands

17 September 2020 • Written by Olivia Michel

For a superyacht charter holiday in Spain, we've discovered the best beaches in Spain and the best beaches in the Balearic islands, from Barcelona and Ibiza to Mallorca and Málaga.

Imagery courtesy of Finca Cortesin.

Finca Cortesin Beach Club, Málaga

For those hoping to stay away from the crowds, this beach club is the perfect stop-off for superyachts cruising around the coasts of Spain and Gibraltar. Located in the town of Casares just 0.9 miles from Finca Cortesin Resort, the club offers 6,000 square metres of amenities including a restaurant, cocktail bar and plenty of sun loungers for topping up your tan. Most importantly, it has excellent access to the crystal clear sea as well as a 35 metre infinity pool. This is the perfect spot to enjoy a sumptuous lunch in the shade, or even just a cocktail with friends out in the sunshine. Drop anchor opposite the beach club and tender to shore or moor 20 minutes away at Puerto Sotogrande.

Imagery courtesy of Unsplash.

Cala Xarraca, Ibiza

Ibiza may be more renowned as one of the top Mediterranean party destinations but it has far more to offer than just the best bars and nightlife in the Balearics. The beach of Cala Xarraca is a snorkelling enthusiast’s paradise; with its picturesque bay boasting crystal clear azure waters, flanked by green forestry and rocky pathways, you’ll almost feel you’ve stumbled onto your very own private beach.

Imagery courtesy of Pixabay.

Cala Agulla, Mallorca

Largely unspoilt thanks to its protected status, Cala Agulla is a 500 metre stretch of super fine, pure white sand. Cala Agulla is found lose to Capdepera and Cala Ratjada in the north east of Mallorca and is the largest beach on the eastern corner of the island. The shallow waters are crystal clear and ideal for paddling, snorkelling or swimming - but that's not the only draw. The quiet beach is also incredibly scenic, surrounded by thick forests of pinewood and overlooked by the mountain range of Llevant Natural Park. There's also a restaurant, beach bar and water sports equipment rental store on site to keep visitors busy.

Imagery courtesy of Pixabay.

Cala Pregonda, Menorca

One of Menorca's most beautiful beaches is Cala Pregonda. An extraordinary coloured sand beach, filled with a unique, reddish gold sand that contrasts with the surrounding verdant fields, this unspoilt strip is the perfect setting for a seaside lunch. There are no facilities, so ask the crew to set up a lunch on the sand.

Imagery courtesy of Unsplash.

Es Grau, Menorca

If you fancy escaping your pristine yacht, venture out to the wild Es Grau nature reserve where you'll find a secluded, white sand beach. The water in this horsehoe-shaped bay is shallow and clear, making it ideal for snorkelling or cooling off after an afternoon of sunbathing. Towards the back of the beach, sloping sand dunes and a pinewood forest lead towards a an unspoilt lake in the centre of the S’Albufera nature reserve. Surrounded by a sleepy fishing village, you'll also find plenty of local restaurants and artisanal shops on shore. 

Imagery courtesy of Unsplash.

Nova Icària, Barcelona

Providing a retreat on the edge of this bustling city, The white sands of Nova Icària are backdropped by the distinctive skyline of Barcelona. Thanks to its proximity to Port Olímpic, visitors will find plenty of amenities nearby including restaurants, bars, and a range of sports facilities.

Imagery courtesy of Unsplash.

Playa de Ses Illetes, Formentera

Once Ibiza’s shy and retiring neighbour, Formentera is now luring curious visitors away from the famed White Isle. Often described as the main reason to visit Formentera, the island's beaches can become crowed at peak season so its advisable to get there early. Playa de Ses Illetes is a particularly outstanding example of natural beauty in Formantera - residues of coral dust mingle with the white sand of the beach to give it a pinkish tinge which contrasts with the aquamarine colours of the waters. Right next to the bay of Playa de Ses Illetes, seperated by a narrow strip of sand, is a second curved bay belonging to Platja de Llevant, giving the area a distinctive shape and also providing visitiors the opportunity to swap sides when the wind is blowing in an unfavourable direction. Visitors from superyachts will also find themselves in good company as there are usually plenty of luxury yachts anchored in the bay.

Imagery courtesy of Unsplash.

Cala Mitjana, Menorca

Tucked away inside a photogenic bay on the southern coast of Menorca, Cala Mitjana beach is a quiet idyll only accessible by foot or boat. Here, crystal clear waters lap against a craggy coastline that's shaded by fragrant pines and shrubbery. Make sure to bring your snorkelling gear, or get the crew to drop you nearby with a paddle board or kayak, to fully enjoy everything this serene area has to offer.

Imagery courtesy of Unsplash.

Es Vedrà, Ibiza

Reaching up 400 metres, the peak of this wild island just off the coast of Ibiza is impressive and definitely worth a visit, especially during sunset or sunrise when coloured by the sun's golden rays. Famed in ancient greek mythology as the home of shipwreck-inducing Sirens, the rocky atoll is ringed by a number of white sand beaches. In order to avoid meeting the same fate as those ancient sailors, drop anchor in one of the nearby bays and get your crew to tender you the shores of es Vedrà - or simply admire the view from your deck.

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