Central Africa
Yacht charter guests looking to sail as far as possible from the beaten track will be awe-struck by the lush lowlands and colonial coastal towns that etch out...
Luxury Yacht Charter Guide to Macaronesia
Black sands, volcanic rock and beautiful breezes that turn the waters into an adrenaline playground – there are many reasons the islands of Macaronesia make for a cool yacht charter destination. The sweet summer weather lasts all year and charter guests can match the island they choose to their mood. Tenerife is all golden sand and late nights, whereas surfing and kite surfing occupy the shores of Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote offers some of the most surreal natural sights you could ever imagine on European shores. Over in the further flung Macaronesia Islands, you have the blooming flowers of and heady wine of Madeira and the drama of cut craggy coastline of the Portuguese Azores.
Reasons to Charter a Yacht in Macaronesia
Watersports Galore
Wind and waves come together in Macaronesia, particularly over in the Canary Islands, offering a perfectly tailored playground for watersports enthusiasts. Whether you want to surf green waves, take a kite out across the surface, or dive into sunken ships – you can have your pick. Fuerteventura is the main island that tempts the adrenaline lovers, but over on Tenerife you can indulge in whale watching and Lanzarote has plenty to entice land lovers.
Dramatic Lands
Volcanoes, wide sweeps of sand, rocky plains, and tumbling falls – you don’t need to take your yacht charter over to the Caribbean to witness rare landscapes. Macaronesia offers some of the most extraordinary sights in the whole of Europe, with Lanzarote coming out top for its lava fields. Gran Canaria is a song of waterfalls, and La Gomera is nothing but green for as far as the eye can see. Madeira is sheer magic and earns its accolades as the Island of Eternal Spring. The Azores too are remote and rare and brimming with microclimates, caverns, and still water crater lakes.
Everlasting Seasons
The Canary Islands is one of those sweet spots in Europe that captures the endless summer. Throughout the year these seven islands connected to Spain enjoy the warm arid air that blows in from the deserts of North Africa. Lanzarote and Fuerteventura get very little rain. On another foot, summer temperatures also remain milder than the unbearable baking heat that can curse mainland Spain – idyllic for relaxed passages on your yacht charter. The Island of Eternal Spring, Madeira seems to never let go of its warm sunshine, wildflowers ravaging the mountainsides, and slant of sunlight that brings clean fresh hope every single day.
Great Variety
A yacht charter around Macaronesia means that you don’t need to pick one mood and stick with it. For those summers when you want to party and sip cocktails on the sand you can spend a few nights in hopping around the Canary Islands. When you feel like getting back in touch with nature you can disappear into the wild craggy landscape of the Azores where adventure abounds either on horseback or paragliding or climbing the pinnacles of sleeping volcanoes.
Where to Visit in Macaronesia
Lanzarote
Over three hundred volcanic cones, fields of lava and midnight black sand – Lanzarote knows how to pack a few punches. Leave your yacht charter behind and head to see the otherworldly sprawl of the Timanfaya National Park where twisted lava rocks and striking colors create a beautifully bizarre scene. Take the time to visit the Cesar Manrique Foundation to see how the artists vision inspired him to turn this spot on the Canary Islands into a tourist hotspot. Indulge in crystal clear waters by dropping anchor at Playas de Papagayo.
Gran Canaria
Gorgeous Gran Canaria is the grown up of the Canary Islands and an exceptional choice for yacht charter guests wanting to be part of the glitzy marine crowd down in the capital of Las Palmas. Home of the annual yacht show which always makes a splash on the luxury socialite calendar, you can expect an historical town brimming with beautiful bars and restaurants. Further from the hub of the capital and there’s a rugged golden coastline, the raw dunes of Maspalomas and a sublime array of spa hotels.
Madeira
Madeira is a magical island soaked in floral blooms, drenched in spring vibes, and with sleepy gentle pleasures that appeal to those who love sipping wine, striking views, and wandering fragrant botanical gardens. If you want to embrace a wilder side of Madeira, the island doesn’t fall short on delivering the raw edge of the Atlantics elements. Remote black sand beaches, powerful surf, carved rocks, and clear water streams all set this island up as a natural paradise.
Azores
Home to 15 UNESCO heritage sites, swathes of vineyards, a wild coastline, volcanoes puncturing the horizon, and an incredible array of national parks and marine playgrounds, the Azores is adventure encompassed. The archipelago is perfect for whale watching, swimming in steaming geothermic pools, taking a horse and carriage ride around the bright Portuguese painted towns, and hiking to find dramatic otherworldly views.
When to Charter a Yacht in Macaronesia
The islands of Macaronesia tend to offer a year-round climate; although some seasons are sure to have warmer water temperatures than others. The shoulder seasons of spring and autumn both make great times for a yacht charter adventure as you will find solitary shores and lesser foot traffic in the towns. Summer can see throngs of tourists line the beaches and if there is rain to be found it will fall mainly between December and February.
