Spain has 15 main sailing regions, with 2,580 boats available for you to choose from for your sailing vacation. Favorite sailing destinations can be found around the Mallorca, Ibiza and Catalonia.

Mallorca is the ideal place from which to discover Platja de ses Salines Beach and Cala Comte Beach.

For exploring the sights of the Ibiza, sailors most often start their journey from Ibiza Town or San Antonio and head towards Platja de ses Salines Beach and Cala Comte Beach.

If you are planning to charter a boat in the Catalonia, the best charter vacations usually start from Barcelona or Palamós. In the surrounding area, don't leave Platja de ses Salines Beach and Cala Comte Beach off your itinerary.

You can rent a boat and start your journey from 175 marinas, the most popular being Marina Botafoch, Marina Ibiza and Club Nàutic Sant Antoni de Portmany.

When you search for a boat, you have a choice from the fleets of 670 charter companies in Spain. Sail Fast Experience and GOA Catamaran have the highest ratings from our customers.

What is the best time of year for a yacht charter in Spain?

Spain offers two distinct sailing climates. On the Mediterranean coast and in the Balearic Islands, the main season runs from April to October, with the warmest sea temperatures and the longest daylight in July–August; quieter shoulder-season weeks in May–June and late September often give reliable breezes and less crowded anchorages. The Canary Islands sit further south in the Atlantic and enjoy trade-wind sailing almost all year; summer brings stronger winds but winter temperatures remain mild, so charters operate 12 months a year.

Which sailing areas in Spain are most suitable for beginners?

For first-time or less-experienced crews, look at the Balearic Islands—particularly the south of Mallorca and the coast of Menorca—where legs are short and there are many well-protected calas (coves). Sheltered coastal routes such as the Mar Menor lagoon (Murcia) or the Costa Blanca between Dénia and Alicante also provide easy navigation and plentiful marinas. Crews should approach Atlantic destinations (e.g., the Canary Islands or Galicia) with more caution because of longer Atlantic swells and stronger prevailing winds.

What type of boat should I choose for sailing in Spain?

• Sailing monohull (30–55 ft): economical on fuel and ideal for crews who enjoy active sailing and easier access to small harbours.

• Catamaran (38–52 ft): extra beam gives more deck and cabin space plus shallow draught for anchoring over sand; charter demand is highest in the Balearics.

• Motor yacht: suits shorter distances and faster cruising along the mainland coast.

• Gulet or crewed yacht: popular for larger groups wanting full-service cruising.

How do I reach the main charter bases in Spain?

Most embarkations are 30 minutes or less from an international airport. Palma de Mallorca (PMI) is 8–10 km from the city’s marinas; taxis or shuttle buses take about 20 minutes.Valencia Marina is roughly 20 minutes by road from Valencia (VLC) airport. Other well-served hubs include Barcelona (BCN), Alicante (ALC), Málaga (AGP), Ibiza (IBZ) and, in the Canaries, Tenerife South (TFS) and Gran Canaria (LPA). Low-cost domestic flights and frequent long-distance trains make one-way itineraries between mainland bases practical.

How much should I budget for mooring and marina fees in Spain?

Prices vary by region, season and boat length. State-run “Puertos de España” charge about €0.48 per m² per night, so a 12 m yacht is roughly €30–40. Private marinas in hotspots such as Mallorca or Marbella charge more—€50–350 per day in high season for a 12 m berth. Typical nightly costs on the mainland (e.g., Port Olímpic, Barcelona) are €55–65 in summer for the same size boat. Free anchoring is legal in most sandy bays provided charts show no seagrass and local restrictions are respected.

Do I need a licence to rent a boat in Spain?

Yes for bareboat charters. Spanish law requires the skipper to hold a certificate recognised by the Spanish authorities when the vessel is over 6 m or the engine exceeds 15 hp. An International Certificate of Competence (ICC), RYA Day Skipper or higher, or an equivalent national licence is normally accepted; original documents must be on board and inspectors do carry out spot checks.

Can I charter in Spain without holding a licence?

If you do not have a suitable licence—or simply prefer a more relaxed holiday—you can book a skippered or fully-crewed charter. A professional skipper handles navigation and local formalities, and insurance requirements are covered through the charter company.

What weather and sea conditions should I expect?

Mediterranean Spain sees settled high-pressure systems in summer with afternoon sea breezes of 10–18 knots; occasional Tramontana or Mistral events bring stronger northerly winds, especially on the Costa Brava. In the Canaries, north-east trade winds average 15–25 knots and can accelerate by 10–15 knots between islands, so passage planning should note described “acceleration zones.”

What additional costs should I plan for besides the charter fee?

Common extras include: fuel (typically €150–300 per week for a 40 ft sailing yacht in the Med), end-cleaning, outboard for the dinghy, linen packages, security deposit or deposit-waiver insurance, provisioning, and any optional water-sports gear. If you hire a professional skipper, budget €180–250 per day plus meals, and berth reservation fees are payable directly to each marina.