Island Hopping the Pityuses · Posidonia and the Freus Channel · ASA 101-103-104
The Pityuses — Ibiza and Formentera, the ancient Greek “pine islands” — sit sixty nautical miles southwest of Mallorca and make for one of the Mediterranean’s great Learn to Sail cruising grounds: steady summer Garbí sea breezes, two distinct islands with a narrow channel between them, Posidonia-protected mooring fields that teach seagrass-aware boat handling, and the busiest yacht harbor on the Spanish coast for mastering Mediterranean med-moor docking. The week starts at Marina Ibiza, under the walls of the Phoenician upper town of Dalt Vila (founded 654 BC, UNESCO-listed), and the first exercise is coming off the dock at one of the busiest marinas in Europe — a med-moor stern-to with lazy lines that is itself a lesson. The first dinner is in the Dalt Vila old town: bullit de peix (the island’s fish stew of rockfish, saffron, and potato, served in two courses with the rice cooked in the broth after) with a hierbas ibicencas to finish.
Formentera lies three miles south across the Freus channel — the narrow passage dotted with limestone islets that teaches students confined-water boat handling, tide-and-current effects between the two islands, and the close-quarters pilotage that becomes second nature on an ASA 104. The island has no airport, no high-rises, and the clearest water in the Mediterranean, the clarity owed to the Posidonia seagrass meadows that the UNESCO listing protects. Picking up a mooring at Formentera means using the Balearic government’s seagrass-protection buoy fields — a Mediterranean-specific skill students learn here and take forward to any future bareboat charter in Spain. The lighthouse at La Mola on Formentera’s eastern bluff is the one Jules Verne featured in Hector Servadac in 1877. Dinner at Es Pujols or at a chiringuito on Platja de Migjorn is grilled peix de roca straight off the morning boat with flaó (the island’s cheese-and-mint tart) to close.
The week works between the two islands and down into Ibiza’s southwest coast, moving as the Garbí allows. Es Vedrà, the thousand-foot limestone island off Ibiza’s southwest coast — the rock sailors have called magnetic for centuries — rises straight out of the water in a classic headland sail, teaching students compression zone and lee effects of a tall rock in the Mediterranean breeze. Some evenings close at Sa Trinxa, the beach bar at the end of Platja de ses Salines where the island’s DJ culture made its name and the sunset over Formentera is the one most Ibicencos still travel for. The week closes back at Marina Ibiza with the final ASA 104 docking exam in the busy harbor and a farewell dinner in Dalt Vila, inside the Phoenician walls where it started. Students leave with ASA 101 (Basic Keelboat), ASA 103 (Coastal Cruising), and ASA 104 (Bareboat Chartering) certifications earned on real Mediterranean sailing conditions.
This learn-to-sail vacation with Red Sky Sailing Barcelona covers the certifications:
¤ ASA 101 | KEELBOAT SAILING 1
¤ ASA 103 | COASTAL CRUISING
¤ ASA 104 | BAREBOAT CRUISING
Arrive at Ibiza Airport (IBZ) and make your way to Marina Ibiza. Meet your instructor and fellow sailors, settle aboard your sailing yacht, and prepare for the week ahead. Enjoy a welcome dinner aboard and your first evening exploring Ibiza’s beautiful waterfront.
Set sail south along Ibiza’s coastline toward Es Cavallet, a beautiful beach backed by protected sand dunes. Begin developing your sailing and navigation skills while enjoying views of the island’s stunning Mediterranean scenery. Anchor in the clear turquoise waters and spend the afternoon swimming and relaxing.
Cross the Formentera Channel toward Es Pujols, a lively coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, waterfront restaurants, and relaxed island atmosphere. Continue practicing your sailing skills as you navigate between the islands. Spend the evening exploring the town, enjoying traditional paella, and visiting local artisan markets when available.
Sail along Formentera’s scenic coastline toward Es Caló Sant Agustí, a traditional fishing village at the foot of La Mola mountain. Explore the picturesque harbor and enjoy the island’s peaceful atmosphere. Spend the evening sampling local specialties such as bullit de peix, a traditional fish stew, at one of the village’s waterfront restaurants.
Continue sailing along Formentera’s southern coastline toward Migjorn Beach, a spectacular five-kilometer stretch of white sand and crystal-clear waters. Practice anchoring and seamanship skills while exploring the island’s beautiful Mediterranean surroundings. Spend the afternoon swimming, relaxing, and enjoying the peaceful coastal scenery.
Sail west along Formentera’s coastline toward Cala Saona, a sheltered cove surrounded by dramatic red cliffs. Enjoy the island’s turquoise waters and beautiful natural scenery while continuing to develop your sailing and navigation skills. Anchor in the picturesque bay and spend the afternoon swimming and exploring.
Continue toward La Savina, Formentera’s main harbor, where you’ll practice Mediterranean-style mooring and essential docking techniques. After exploring the port, sail toward Ses Illetes, one of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful beaches, famous for its white sand and brilliant turquoise waters. Enjoy an afternoon swimming and relaxing in this spectacular anchorage.
Sail back across the Formentera Channel toward Ibiza, with a possible stop at Playa d’en Bossa along the way. Continue developing your sailing skills before returning to Marina Ibiza for your final docking assessment. Celebrate a memorable week of island-hopping and sailing with your instructor and fellow sailors, then spend your final night aboard.
Please Note. This itinerary is meant to serve as an example. However, it is important to note that the actual itinerary is subject to change due to weather conditions or circumstances beyond our control.
