Historically the Balearic Islands were a prized location for several cultures, thanks to their strategic position in the middle of the western Mediterranean. Locals have built their lives around the sea, using its resources as fishermen, tradesmen and famous sailors. The advancement of marine communications in the 19^th century attracted the first travellers, who spoke far and wide of the beauty of the islands. Over the years important port infrastructures were built, both for trade and for sports.

Today the Balearic Islands have active commercial ports: Palma, Alcúdia (Mallorca), Maó, Ciutadella (Menorca), Ibiza and Sant Antoni (Ibiza) and La Savina  (Formentera) where the maritime terminals are located for the passenger boats linking the various islands, and the islands with Barcelona, Valencia and Denia.

However, recreational sailing has become increasingly popular in recent decades and has made the Balearic Islands a regular destination for sailors, with yacht clubs and over fifty marinas providing docking for small, medium and large size vessels. Many people also choose the Balearic Islands as their destination for a sailing holiday.

Numerous owners choose the islands as the base for their vessel throughout the year, thanks to the mild Mediterranean climate, to the protected ports and to an attractive coastline.

Thanks to their geographical location in the heart of the Mediterranean, the Balearic Islands offer sea lovers and aficionados the possibility of quickly travelling from one island to another, of visiting the National Maritime-Land Park of the Cabrera Archipelago or of hopping over to the Peninsula, France, Italy, Croatia or Greece.

They also provide an excellent network of professional nautical services for maintenance and repair of the vessels, which will cover all of the crew's needs.

Let's not forget that the Balearic Islands are the setting for important sports events that attract sailing aficionados all year round, with internationally renowned regattas such as the Princess Sofia Regatta, the Mapfre King's Cup or the popular Ruta de la Sal.

The islands also provide the chance to become initiated into this interesting sport thanks to its numerous internationally famous sailing schools, such as the Calanova school in Mallorca.