Spain is an incredibly diverse and beautiful sailing destination. Wild, untamed nature, ancient monuments and striking modern architecture, bustling cities and deserted coves await you on the Iberian Peninsula and on Mediterranean and Atlantic islands. Sailing in Spain is further complemented by its vibrant nightlife, sultry flamenco, delicious tapas and aromatic paella.
Where to go in Spain on a yacht: the 3 most popular sailing destinations
Spain is a very diverse destination from a sailor's point of view. It boasts more than 5,000 kilometres of coastline and a multitude of islands and islets. The distances between islands are greater than in Croatia, so it is ideal to charter a boat for at least 14 days.
1. Balearic Islands for lovers of unspoilt nature
The Balearic Islands are truly impressive with breathtaking natural scenery, beautiful harbours and deserted beaches. The more remote island of Formentera is enchanting — unspoilt, beautiful and only accessible by boat. Formentera is famous for its white sandy beaches, Caribbean-like azure sea and wonderful tranquillity. It has rightly been called the last Mediterranean paradise.
Weather in the Balearic Islands
In summer, the weather in the Balearics is relatively stable and suitable for less experienced sailors. However, if the Mistral winds are out in force, you'll also enjoy plenty of thrills. To find out more about the Mistral and how to sail it, check out our article — The Mistral: a turbocharger for experienced sailors.
YACHTING.COM TIP: A week on a boat flies by. When you're just reaching your peak, it's already time to head back. But we have the solution for you — set course for a 14-day sailing adventure. You'll be able to fully unwind, enjoy some serious sailing and get to see even more beautiful spots. If you need more convincing, take a look at our article on 10 reasons to go on a 14-day charter.
View from Formetera Island2. Canary Islands for experienced sea dogs
Sailing around the Canary Islands is a whole different story, where you can experience truly challenging ocean yachting in the Atlantic.
The most interesting route for sailing is from Gran Canaria or Tenerife towards the three smaller islands of La Palma, Gomera, Hierro, which are already swallowed up by the wild Atlantic. These islands are hidden away from tourism and with a wild natural beauty battered by the ocean waves. It's a sailing challenge you can't resist.
YACHTING.COM TIP: Known as the "Islands of Eternal Spring" due to their consistently pleasant weather, the Canary Islands occupy a small corner of Europe (an independent territory of Spain) and more importantly for us sailors — located in the Atlantic Ocean. The islands offer many a skipper the opportunity to make their dream come true of ocean sailing. Read our article to find out everything you need to know about sailing there, including 2 fantastic sailing routes — Ocean sailing: set course for the Canary Islands!.
Where else to go for great sailing?
Snorkelling and diving in the Canary Islands
The Canary Islands will capture the heart of every scuba-diving sailor. The visibility here is normally over 30 metres and the water temperature never drops below 20 °C, even in winter. You'll enjoy breathtaking diving among the volcanic rocks and reefs. Compared to the Mediterranean, the Atlantic is much more diverse, with schools of colourful fish, giant porpoises, tuna, barracuda, moray eels, octopus and turtles. Schools of dolphins are also common and occasionally you may even encounter whales or manta rays.
Diving in the nature and marine reserve off Lanzarote is an unforgettable experience. It consists of part of the north-west coast and the islands of La Graciosa, Montaña Clara and Alegranza. Fishing is forbidden here and scuba-diving is subject to a special permit.
Spain will really captivate you and there's no more beautiful and adventurous a way than exploring it on a yacht.
View of Las Teresitas beach Santa Cruz de Tenerife
3. Costa Brava for architecture lovers
The Catalan coastline from Barcelona north to France, called the Costa Brava (Wild Coast), provides a good base for exploring the architecture. Renting a boat in Barcelona will offer you a unique opportunity to discover a city full of modern architecture by Antoni Gaudí, historical sights and bustling city life with street music and the famed tapas bars.
Calella de Palafrugell, Catalonia, Costa-BravaWe can arrange a boat for you all over Europe and further afield. Contact us.
