Why choose Spain?
Spain offers great sailing weather that persists throughout the year and some of the best nightlife in the world that can easily satisfy needs of every adventurer. But these things come at a price, because it often gets very crowded which results in high prices in some of the more sought-after locations. Considering all these things, the best way to experience Spain would be by chartering a boat, either bareboat or skippered, few months in advanced.
What to do and see on your yacht charter in Spain?
The most popular places to charter yachts would be around the Mediterranean coast, in Catalonia and Valencia, followed by Andalusia and Murcia. The popularity comes with a toll, when crowds of tourists flock to the abovementioned places during the peak of the summer season, especially to Costa de la Luz and Costa del Sol. For that reason, seafarers seeking solitude would find no better place than Cadiz, Almeria, Galicia or Cantabria. The most convenient way to start your sailing vacation in Spain would be to arrive in Barcelona by air and then go straight to the marina. From there it is just a short sail away to Costa Brava, famous for its towering cliffs and tiny bays. Two archipelagos should be on any sailing itinerary: The Canary Islands in the Atlantic and the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean. The Balearic Islands, consisting of Formentera, Ibiza, Mallorca and Menorca, are favourites among the international sailing community, due to beautiful panoramas, clean sea and sunny days all year long. For the best nightlife in the world, visitors do not have to look further than Ibiza and Formentera, the most exciting party spots in Spain. Menorca and the Cabrera National park offer peace and quiet with beautiful scenery, whilst Mallorca has historic architecture and beautiful nature. The Canary Islands are made up of Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, Tenerife, La Palma, Gomera and Hierro, as well as several other smaller isles. These volcanic islands feel more Caribbean than European and are the stepping stone for cross Atlantic voyages. The Canarys are characterized by subtropical climate, making them a perfect destination for a sailing vacation all year round.
Sailing season - When to charter in Spain?
It is a good idea to plan your sailing trip in advance. Sailing season in Spain starts in May and lasts until October. In the peak of the summer season, between July and August, it is necessary to book a berth and charter at least six months in advance, to have a guaranteed dock and a boat of your choice. The dominant climatologically elements in this region are pleasant, with warm temperatures and mild winds. Spain has one of the longest coastlines of all European state, meaning nearly 7000 kilometres of shore to explore, including the mainland and the surrounding islands. The best time to visit Spain by boat would be spring, because air temperatures are between 23 and 26 degrees Celsius and the wind is predominantly stable. During summer, air and sea temperatures climb and there is a lot more traffic around popular charter destinations. Sailing around mainland Spain, the Mediterranean climate allows for sailing conditions to be no less perfect than in the Balearic or Canary Islands, meaning dry summers with high air and sea temperatures and mild northerly winds. On top of that, mainland Spain has excellent maritime infrastructure.