LES ILES BALÉARES
A 30 minutes de navigation, vous êtes à Palma de Mallorca.
Cette grande ville inclue une partie « village authentique », du côté du port, à l’architecture ancienne, où vous trouverez de bons restaurants. Entre cette vieille ville et le port, le soir une multitude de bars à Tapas vous invitent à de belles soirées.
Vous y mangez délicieusement, bercés par une musique cool, et vers 23h le personnel rentre toutes les tables et chaises. Dans un premier temps frustrés, le changement de musique vous fait vite comprendre que ça va être la fête.
Le DJ est à fond, tous les clients dansent pendant des heures, souvent sur des chorégraphies dynamiques, belles soirées festives. Le plus beau reste à venir.
Au départ de Palma, trois heures de navigation vous conduisent à Ibiza.
Quelle douceur, quelle beauté ! Le port est incrusté dans le village, les locaux et touristes ont le sourire, font la fêté et déambulent très cool.
Ancien, authentique, le village se prête à la détente et les boutiques de très beaux vêtements, fabriqués dans les terres par les hyppies, font foison. Le rapport qualité/prix est incroyable. Après appareillage, visite obligatoire de la petite île de Formentera, à 30 minutes de navigation. Une merveille que je ne vous décris pas, aucun mot n’est assez fort.
You'll likely choose to reach your boat by plane; a 10- to 20-hour flight, or 48 hours by sailboat, isn't the most pleasant option. In the north, the first island is one of the most authentic. Little Menorca is never overrun by tourists, and the locals are very welcoming. After a swim at one of the small, unspoiled beaches in the north, you can return to Mahon, having sailed up the river estuary for 4 miles.
The old port is surrounded by fortifications, somewhat in the Vauban style, and the old village is teeming with pubs and night bars serving tapas and featuring lively DJs. Fishermen and other locals will readily offer their services. The next day, by boat or, for a different and charming experience, by rented scooter, it's recommended to visit the only other village on the island, on the opposite side to the west: Ciudadella . This pretty village is very similar to those found on the Greek islands, with its white, cube-shaped houses. A short river weaves the port into the heart of the village, and the bars and restaurants, like the houses, are built on the hillside, their terraces overlooking the sea. The atmosphere is breathtaking, relaxed, and the music is laid-back.
After leaving Menorca , the larger island of Mallorca is very close, but its east coast holds little interest. Opposite its southern tip, the tiny island of Cabrera beckons. Deserted, except for a small military base in its center, it resembles a crater. A large bay with soothing and beautiful colors, perpetually calm, welcomes you through its tiny northern entrance. This is, in fact, the center of the crater, and its narrow access ensures its complete tranquility.
The coast around the island is beige granite, with some Mediterranean vegetation, and many pretty coves with clear waters, where you can practice climbing safely since your landing points would be the sea.
After a beautiful afternoon swimming in the crystal-clear waters and relaxing, you weigh anchor and decide against returning to port to party. Heading west, past the south of Ibiza, you reach the island of Vedra . Locals say it has a powerful energy, that it is the very heart of the archipelago. It's true that it is imposing and rugged, and as you approach it, you can feel its strength.
Even more so if you're there at sunset; the colors blend together and the distinct rays seem to have been designed by God. An hour's sail will take you to the north of Ibiza , to peaceful anchorages, notably off a wide beach, a popular gathering place for the island's hippies every summer full moon.
Pastel colors—blue, orange, pink—relaxed music, and a gentle party until the early hours. After a peaceful night, the scenic tour of the island's east coast will take you back to Ibiza Town, where you can enjoy some lively nights in the popular nightclubs.
