VERDICT: CHARTERING IN THE BALEARICS

Cruising the Balearics is very different to island hopping in Greece or Croatia. Along the south-east coast of Mallorca, in particular, no end of superyachts and motorboats churn up and down at considerable speed. Behind them, huge housing and hotel developments dominated the scenery.

Would I go again? The area has many attractions – but maybe once is enough. The sheer number of boats puts a strain on mooring spaces and racks up the prices, especially in high season. Perhaps April/May and September/ October might be better.

Company: Alboran Charter booked via Latesail.com

Price: for two weeks starting 9 June – £3,611 including extra insurance, dinghy outboard engine etc.

Flights: Norwegian Air, Gatwick to Palma, Mallorca – £90.30. Easyjet, Menorca (Mahon) to Gatwick – r93.90 (note that prices fell to an infuriatingly cheap £15 two weeks before departure)