Its many attractions combined with five world-class marinas have made Ibiza an increasingly popular choice for yachting holidays. A yacht may be the only choice for accommodations during the island's November to March low season, when most hotels have shut their doors. A yacht charter offers the best opportunity to explore parts of Ibiza normally reserved for its celebrity clientele. Crowds of sun-worshippers have yet to invade many Ibiza beaches accessible only by boat.

Chartering the Yacht

Charter options range from single-day charters to Majorca and the Spanish mainland to weeklong sailing trips around Ibiza and its "little sister" Formentera, with anchorages in different coves each night. The price of a yacht charter depends on the type of vessel and whether it is crewed. Licensed sailors can sail without a crew.

As of 2012, typical prices for a crewed, one-day yacht charter for 12, the maximum allowed under Spanish law, ranged from $1600 USD in the low season to $2,000 USD in the high season. A week long crewed charter for 12 starts at $23,500 USD.

Many of Ibiza's professional yacht rental companies offer crewed excursions for smaller parties and at lower prices. Most have English-speaking crews. To begin the yacht rental process, choose a sailing date. Ibiza enjoys sunny skies 300 days a year, so yachting is possible in any season. Then visit the Sailing Dreams website (http://www.sailingdreams.com) to search for a list of available Ibiza yacht rentals.

Land Based Sightseeing

Breathtaking landscapes, crystal-clear Mediterranean waters and dozens of sun-drenched beaches and coves have helped earn the Spanish island of Ibiza its reputation as the foremost glamour getaway for the privileged.
Much of Ibiza's tourist industry centres on Ibiza Town, known locally as Eivissa. The island's largest city boasts two world-class marinas, Ibiza Nueva and Marina Botafoch. Here dock the super-yachts of the island's very wealthiest guests. The sands of Talamanca and Figuertas Beaches lie just a 15-minute stroll from the Ibiza town centre.
The walled old town, dating to the 16th century, has splendid views of the island coastline. Its charming cobblestone streets meander past shaded courtyards and serene chapels free of club and resort noise. Old town restaurants provide the perfect Spanish atmosphere for romantic, upscale dinners. Restaurants at the port marinas offer up-close viewing of scantily clad club dancers strutting about to drum up business.
Ibiza Town's legendary nightlife welcomes club goers of every age, marital status and sexual orientation. Pacha Ibiza, the most famous of the clubs, opens at from midnight and parties until dawn.

Other Ibiza Attractions

• The privately held islet of Espalmador, a tiny land mass off Ibiza's southern tip, is home to unspoiled white sand beaches and, for the health-conscious, a group of sulphur-rich mud baths. Espalmador is accessible by boat.

• For visitors who prefer their mud baths and beauty treatments indoors, Ibiza has several excellent spas. Their services range from affordably basic to a level of pampering found only in the best hotels.

• Ibiza's 124 miles of coastline and calm, clear waters afford exceptional diving opportunities. Ancient shipwrecks and underwater caves beckon experienced divers, while the area's rich marine life entices novices.

Where to Stay

The island's accommodations cater to travellers of all tastes, from those who seek immersion in 5-star luxury hotels to budget-conscious hostel and self-catering apartment guests. Villas in Ibiza offer a private alternative to its hotels. They range from palatial 13-bedroom, 10-bath mansions overlooking the capital of Ibiza Town to an intimate, two-bedroom ocean-view hideaway just five minutes from sedate Portinax on the island's uncongested North Coast.

About the Author

This article is a guest post by Alan Horton on behalf of Holiday-Rentals, checkout their Twitter profile for further information.

Image Credits

Image 1 courtesy of Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/vince_vega/6512995643/
Image 2 courtesy of Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucas-ibiza/4817633122/