Yacht Charter in Spain

Three Reasons to Charter a Yacht in Spain

1. Navigation Conditions

Spain has an ideal climate for a yacht charter. With Mediterranean sun guaranteeing hot, dry summers, sailing between the months of May and October is bliss. Winds are mild, blowing from the North, and ranging between 5-15 knots. Though stronger gusts are possible, a smooth sail is likely, so it’s a good destination for sailors of all abilities (but check the VHF channel for regular weather forecast updates)!

2. Brilliant Beaches

It doesn’t matter which yacht charter base you start from, you will never be far from some of Spain’s splendid sands. If you’re navigating the Costa Brava, rent a boat from Roses or Palamos and you’ll find charming coves and unspoilt beaches hidden amongst the beautiful, rugged coastline. Or charter a yacht from Malaga and head east to Cabo de Gata, where you’ll be met with sparkling turquoise waters and glistening golden sands. If you’re exploring the Balearic Islands, however make sure you drop anchor at Formentera and seek out ‘Els Pujols’ beach, where broad, white sands are more reminiscent of a tropical Caribbean paradise!

3. Art, Art, Art

Spain has an abundance of art, and artists which have shaped their cultures and traditions for years, and remains a key element in their tourism. A yacht charter in Malaga will give you the chance to visit ‘Museo Picasso’, a gallery where a large portion of the artist’s work is exhibited, and you can see up close the masterpieces of Spain’s most famous painter. If you’re navigating around Catalonia, you won’t be able to miss the magic of Barcelona; home to Gaudi’s iconic Sagrada Família - Spain’s most visited monument, and the mosaic marvels of Parc Güell.

Balearic Adventures

The Balearic archipelago is located off the East coast of Spain, consisting of four islands, all of which are great destinations for a yacht charter, due to the diverse array of activities and distinct spirits they offer.

If you’re navigating from Majorca, the largest island, you can get a bit of everything! Rent a bike and explore the beautiful natural landscapes of ancient villages and pine forests, pay a visit to the gallery of the famous Catalan painter, Joan Miró as well as touring local wineries to sample the best local produce.

Menorca is smaller, with equal natural beauty… visit Cala Turqueta, which is home to translucent, shallow waters and thick wild forest, or Cala Pregonda’s striking red-gold sands. The mellow pace of the island makes it ideal for a laidback boating vacation, and home to one of Spain’s most stunning coastlines scattered with white sand beaches, what could be more ideal?

Formentera is more understated and the smallest, least known island of Spain. With considerably less tourists than any of its neighbors, it’s a great destination if you’re looking for a quieter yacht charter holiday experience, and is perhaps more unspoilt and authentic. Soak up the Spanish island culture, trying local foods and seeing the breathtaking landscapes on foot or by bike. Or if you’re looking for quiet, lazy beach days, Formentera is perfect as well, with opportunities to snorkel in the crystal-clear waters that lick every shore of the island.

24 Hours in Barcelona

A yacht charter in Catalonia means that a trip to Barcelona is a must. One of Spain’s most culturally celebrated cities, it’s home to magnificent art, food and architecture, so give yourself some time to explore this charming creative paradise.

Morning…
Moor your boat in one of the city’s many fabulous marinas, and head straight to Gaudi’s magnificent Sagrada Família, a unique church which is still unfinished. Construction began in 1882 but the architect, Gaudi only lived to see the very beginning. Then take a stroll down to Passeig de Gràcia, one of Spain’s most expensive shopping streets, also home to Gaudi’s Casa Battló, and after a spot of shopping (or window shopping!), head to La Boquería market for some lunch. Selling a variety of typical Catalan and Spanish foods, it may be some of the most authentic cuisine you taste during your yacht charter so don’t miss out on the chance to discover Catalonia’s culinary craftsmanship!

After lunch…
Once you’ve filled up on Barcelonan treats, it’s only a 10 to 15-minute walk to the popular Picasso Museum, where you can marvel at some of the artist’s most famous works in Spain. If it only took the morning to fall in love with the art of Gaudi, you might want to head slightly out of the centre to Park Güell, an enchanting park of dazzling mosaics designed by Gaudi. Or if you’ve had your art fix for the day (or for your entire yacht charter!), you might want to visit the world-famous Camp Nou (Barcelona FC stadium); the 3rd largest in the world, with a capacity of 99,354.

Evening…
After a day of walking, a refreshing swim in the early evening sun will go down well, so grab a gelato and head to the beach, and when your stomach starts rumbling, you won’t be short of choice when it comes to restaurants and tapas bars. ‘Els Quatre Gats’ is a magical spot, with modernista architecture and décor, which used to be a hub for local artists and writers, including Picasso, and you can eat there and walk 5 minutes in any direction and find a variety of bars to fuel the city’s vibrant nightlife.

Getting There

All of Spain’s major cities – including on the islands – are well connected. There are various international airports such as Palma de Majorca International Airport, located 8km East of Palma, and Barcelona – El Prat International Airport, located 12km South West of Barcelona, which is the 2nd largest and busiest in Spain. Transfers between the airport and your yacht charter base can be organized for you (at an extra cost), just let your GlobeSailor advisor know!