The Top Yachting Destinations in Spain

From incendiary flamenco to bewitching sounds of guitars and castanets, Spain has everything. From dangerous bullfights to the roar of crowded stands, the intoxicating aroma of sherry, and the brightest gentle sun – it’s a country that never fails to impress. Echoes of great history, monuments of ancient civilizations, amazing architectural masterpieces of Gaudí, majestic medieval castles, and the unique aesthetics of the Salvador Dali Museum-Theatre are just some of the many wonders that make Spain so captivating. Moreover, Spain is washed by the Atlantic Ocean in the west, in the north by the Bay of Biscay, by the Mediterranean Sea in the east, and by the waters of the Strait of Gibraltar in the south. Spain is one of the most powerful maritime powers, with a long and rich tradition of navigation, which gave the world a whole era of grandiose geographical discoveries thanks to sea voyages. The traditions of navigation in Spain today are embodied in yachting, which is considered a national hobby here.

Costa Brava Yacht Route from Barcelona

The Costa Brava is a beautiful Mediterranean coast that runs north of Barcelona to the French border. With its cozy small bays, azure sea water, and pine forests, it is the perfect destination for a yacht charter in Barcelona. The Costa Brava is also where the ridge of the Pyrenees meets the Mediterranean Sea, which is marked by magnificent pine trees and beige-pink rocks.

The Costa Brava was the starting point for international tourism in Spain in the 1950s, which helped the country become the second most popular tourist destination in the world after France. A yacht trip along the Costa Brava usually begins in Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia.

Barcelona’s Rich History

Barcelona has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. According to legend, Hamilcar Barca, the father of the legendary commander Hannibal, founded Barcelona. However, according to archaeologists, there was already a settlement on this site before Barca arrived, and he only restored it. The city was originally called Borsina, but the Romans conquered the territory of modern Spain, and the city grew into a major trading center.

Yacht Itinerary Along the Costa Brava

A typical yacht charter itinerary along the Costa Brava lasts for seven days, covering a distance of 163 nautical miles. The itinerary includes stops at some of the most picturesque destinations along the coast, such as Blanes, Sa Tuna, Cala de Portlligat, Palamos, and Port Balis before returning to Barcelona.

If you’re planning a yacht charter in Barcelona, the Costa Brava is an excellent destination to explore. With its stunning coastline, beautiful small bays, and rich cultural history, the Costa Brava has everything you need for an unforgettable yacht charter experience.

Sailing Itinerary: 7-Day Route Along the Coast of Mallorca from Palma

If you’re planning to explore the scenic island of Mallorca, a 7-day sailing itinerary from Palma would be an ideal way to do it. This route covers a distance of 160 nautical miles and includes stops at some of the most picturesque locations along the coast of Mallorca.

Stops: Palma-Cala Portals Wels-Cabrera-Porto Colom-Cala Agulla-Port de Soller-Andratx-Palma

Discover the Fascinating History of Palma

Palma de Mallorca, the capital city of the island, has a rich history dating back to 123 BC when it was founded by the Roman consul Caecilius Metellus. The city’s symbol and name come from a legend that claims the founding consul arrived at the location with a wreath of palm leaves. The Roman city still exists, buried a few meters below the surface of modern-day Palma, and locals often discover objects left over from Roman veterans who mainly engaged in agriculture.

A Strategic Maritime Trade Object

Mallorca has been the object of invasions and conquests throughout history, as it served as a strategically important object of maritime trade. After the Moors were defeated by the Kingdom of Catalonia in the 13th century, Palma became an important port city of the Kingdom of Majorca and a center of Mediterranean trade.

Decline and Revival

With the discovery of America and the decline in trade in the Mediterranean, the island began to decline economically. In the 18th century, new fortifications were built to protect Palma from pirate invasions. However, in the middle of the 20th century, Mallorca emerged as a fashionable seaside resort, attracting government officials, media personalities, and world politicians.

Experience the Beauty of the Coastline

Embark on a 7-day sailing itinerary along the coast of Mallorca from Palma, and you’ll get to experience the island’s beauty up close. The itinerary includes stops at Cala Portals Wels, Cabrera, Porto Colom, Cala Agulla, Port de Soller, Andratx, and Palma. Each of these locations offers unique sights and experiences, from picturesque coves and beaches to charming seaside towns and historic landmarks.

Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the fascinating island of Mallorca from a unique perspective on a sailing adventure.

Ibiza Yacht Route from San Antonio Abad

Overview: This is a 7-day yacht trip itinerary around the islands of Ibiza and Formentera from San Antonio Abad.

Distance: 115 nautical miles

Stops: San Antonio – Cala Tarida – Punta Sabinar – Cala Pujol – Ibiza – Portinax – San Antonio

Introduction to Ibiza and Formentera

The islands of Ibiza and Formentera are two of the smallest of the four main islands in the Balearic archipelago, located approximately 100km southwest of Mallorca and about 80 km east of the Spanish coast (Alicante, Valencia). Separated by the Es Freus Strait, the two islands are just 11 nautical miles apart. While the sun and sea are definitely attractive aspects of Ibiza, it’s not just what makes this destination popular among young people worldwide.

Ibiza’s Dual Personality

Ibiza has become a globally recognized name for the exciting pleasures of “party” recreation. The island boasts dance floors, beaches, water parks, luxury hotels, and world-renowned nightclubs hosting parties with amazing show programs featuring famous DJs and European celebrities. But Ibiza’s allure is not limited to just its party scene. Away from the wildness of the party centers lies a different Ibiza, with its charming landscapes, ancient towns adorned with snow-white houses and narrow stone-paved streets, and wild beaches guarded by high cliffs. The rich history of the island can be found in its historical sights, most of which are preserved in the capital city of Ibiza, where a labyrinth of colorful winding streets awaits behind mighty stone walls.

Sailing Route

The 7-day sailing route from San Antonio Abad covers 115 nautical miles and stops at San Antonio, Cala Tarida, Punta Sabinar, Cala Pujol, Ibiza, Portinax, and back to San Antonio. This itinerary offers a great balance of exploring the party scene of Ibiza and discovering its natural beauty and history.

Yacht Itinerary on the Island of Tenerife from Radazul

Description: A seven-day sailing route that follows the coast of Tenerife from Radazul.

Distance: 152 nautical miles

Stops: Radazul – Santa Cruz – San Miguel – Costa Adeje – San Sebastian – Las Galletas – Guimar – Radazul

Although the Canary Islands belong to Spain historically, they are geographically part of the volcanic island group that includes the Azores, the Cape Verde Islands, and Madeira. Tenerife, believed to have formed about 12 million years ago due to powerful volcanic eruptions, has been known in Western Europe since ancient times. In Greek mythology, the islands were referred to as “the abode of the blessed and the garden of the Hesperides”. Later, geographers speculated that these islands were all that remained of Atlantis, the continent described by Plato that sank to the bottom of the sea. The Canary Islands were inhabited long before the arrival of the first European sailors, and Tenerife was inhabited by tall, blond, and light-skinned people called Guanches, whose origins are lost in legend. Some historians still believe that they came from the real Atlantis. The modern population of Tenerife dates back to the end of the 15th century, during the conquest of the island by the Spaniards. Tenerife proved to be a “tough nut” for the conquistadors, despite the Guanches’ lack of iron; the Spaniards faced a significant challenge from the wooden and stone weapons of the natives. Eventually, after long battles, weakened by plague and tribal strife, the Guanches of Tenerife “surrendered” the island and fell into slavery under the conquerors.