Your guide for a sailing holiday in Spain

Sailing holidays in Spain: A guide for your nautical adventure

Spain is simply full of amazing destinations for your sailing holiday, with a long and varied coastline and multiple island groups. Maybe you want to sail the sparkling seas around the Balearic islands, or maybe you want to explore the Canary Islands’ volcanic terrain. Each region has a plethora of reasons why you should visit, from the breathtaking beaches to the stunning landscapes. Here, we’ve gathered all the information necessary for you to really make the most of your cruise in a catamaran or sailboat.

Get ready to make some memories with family and friends

We can promise that you will have fun on a sailing holiday in Spain, and who better to share it with than your family and friends? You will find something for everyone in Spain, from the breathtaking beaches to the idyllic islands. If you want a cruise in a catamaran or sailboat that is full of parties, you should set sail for Ibiza in the Balearic Islands. Although known for its party atmosphere, Ibiza actually has so much more to offer, with vast areas of unspoilt natural beauty just begging to be explored.

You can plan your voyage to visit a range of different landscapes in Spain, from the dreamy coves to the captivating coastal cities, and even the plethora of natural parks. Swim in the sparkling seas surrounding the Balearic Islands or go surfing in the wavy waters of Galicia. From bathing in the calm waters of the Mediterranean Sea to dolphin and whale watching in the Atlantic Ocean, there is bound to be a nautical based activity to interest everyone.

Set sail with a skipper and crew for the ultimate relaxation

There are lots of different options available for your cruise in a sailboat or catamaran. If you have the appropriate licence, you have the option of hiring a bareboat. However, even if you don’t have any sailing experience, this isn’t a problem. You can just hire a boat with a skipper. If you want a really relaxing voyage, though, you should hire with a skipper and crew who will make sure that you want for nothing during your nautical adventure.

At Click&Boat, we encourage setting sail in Spain with a skipper and crew for the ultimate relaxation. Even if you have a lot of sailing experience and the appropriate licence, there is a lot that you can learn from a skipper, who will have an intimate knowledge of the area where you’re sailing. They will know all the best-hidden coves to guide you to, while the crew takes care of all your nutritional needs.

If you want to further increase the luxury factor of your cruise in a catamaran or sailboat, you should opt for a crewed sailing holiday in Spain. A crew typically consists of between 4 and 6 members but can be bigger depending on the size of the boat. With the crew, there will usually be a hostess, a cook, and a couple of deckhands. They will be there to attend to your needs throughout your trip and ensure that you really don’t have to do anything other than sit back and relax.

With regards to bareboat charters, you will definitely need the appropriate licence. Even if you have one, it may still not be possible, so you need to check with the boat owner whether you’re allowed to hire without a skipper before making a booking.

Sailing holidays in Spain: Should you cruise in a catamaran or a sailboat?

When considering a sailing holiday in Spain, it can be difficult to decide if you should cruise in a sailboat or catamaran. Both are fantastic boats on which you are bound to have a fantastic trip, but they are also better suited to different types of experiences. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of both boats so that you can decide which boat type best accommodates your needs.

You should go on a cruise in a sailboat if you want a truly authentic sailing experience. Sailboats are typically faster and more manoeuvrable than catamarans. Coupled with a strong breeze and vast landscapes to explore, you are definitely in for an exciting voyage on a sailboat. However, the single-hull structure means that it isn’t as spacious and there is more risk that you will suffer from seasickness.

A cruise in a catamaran, on the other hand, is synonymous with luxury. The spaciousness on board really allows you to live in complete comfort during your stay. The double hull structure of the catamaran leads to more stability, which in turn reduces the risk of seasickness. This type of trip is perfect for large family groups, especially those with small children, as there is more space to move around onboard while carrying out different tasks such as cooking and cleaning. The boat is also able to get into shallower waters, which allows increased accessibility to more areas. However, catamarans are also slower, more difficult to manoeuver, and more expensive not just in terms of fuel, but also because they require more docking space in the marinas.

Beautiful areas to explore during your sailing holiday in Spain

There are a plethora of beautiful areas to enjoy when you go for a cruise in a sailboat or catamaran. Here are some of our favourite island groups and coastal areas to explore during your nautical adventure.

The Balearic Islands

This is by far one of the best places to embark on a sailing holiday in Spain. You can either start your voyage in Barcelona and sail there, or go directly to either Palma or Ibiza to pick up your boat hire. The beautiful natural landscapes of the Balearics are a great way to escape everyday life without having to travel too far. Located just off the coast of the Iberian Peninsula, this archipelago welcomes sailors from all over the globe. Each island has a completely different feel, so you will never get bored here. You can simply sail around the four different islands of Formentera, Ibiza, Mallorca and Mallorca, taking in all the wonders on offer.

Barcelona and the Costa Brava

The epic skylines of Barcelona combined with the natural expanses of the Costa Brava are truly a sight to behold and make for a fantastic nautical adventure. You can stop off in the charming coastal villages or bathe in a multitude of hidden bays and coves, some of which are unreachable except by boat. A sailing holiday along this exciting expanse allows you to take full advantage of this captivating coastline, from its breathtaking natural beauty to its rich history and mouth-watering gastronomy, before retreating to a private paradise to sleep.

Valencia and the Costa Blanca

If you want to head south of Barcelona, you will find Valencia and Costa Blanca. Valencia is home to one of the largest marinas for yacht hire in Spain. You can start a sailing holiday here and either take your cruise in a catamaran or sailboat to the Balearic Islands or discover all the wonders of Costa Blanca, from the stunning beaches to the sumptuous local food, before setting sail for Costa Brava. Whether you’re attracted to the wonderful weather, the delicious paella, or the bustling atmosphere of the parties, you will love exploring this area by boat.

The Canary Islands

The Canary Islands is an idyllic group of 8 islands situated in the Atlantic Ocean. Among these islands, you will find popular sailing destinations such as Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Tenerife. Their geographical location means that these islands experience sunny weather and temperatures ranging from around 19°C to around 21.5°C all year round. The black sand beaches, which are a result of the volcanic landscape, are enough to entice anyone and the views are truly spectacular. All this combined with the fantastic sailing conditions, make a sailing excursion in the Canary Islands a full package.

Other sailing areas in Spain

If none of these places appeal to you, there are plenty of other regions perfect for a boating holiday in Barcelona. In the north of Spain, for example, you are more likely to find cheaper boat hire options for your cruise in a sailboat or catamaran. In this area, you should start from Galicia and sail around San Sebastian in the Basque country. If you want, you can even head further south to Murcia and Andalusia and go sailing around Malaga and Gibraltar. Explore all this and more during your sailing holiday in Spain.

How much does a week-long sailing holiday in Spain cost?

There are many different factors that can affect the price of a sailing holiday in Spain. The size, capacity, and make of the boat all influence the cost, as well as the season and whether or not you want to rent with a skipper and/or crew. The price will also be affected based on whether you want to rent a catamaran or a sailboat.

As a rough guide, a cruise in a sailboat will cost at least £846 per week, while a cruise in a catamaran can cost anywhere from around £2116 per week in low season, or £4401 per week in high season.

What different holiday experiences can you have during a cruise on a catamaran or sailboat in Spain?

As already mentioned, there are plenty of opportunities for exploration when you set sail in Spain, with a plethora of different areas and destinations at your disposal. However, there are also many different activities you can take part in without even leaving the boat.

During sailing holidays in Spain, you will have the option of adding different water sports equipment to your charter and these can ensure a holiday that is not just relaxing, but also full of adventure. If you’re travelling with young children, the inflatable water toys are surely a great option. You can also try out sports such as sea kayaking, surfing, water skiing, windsurfing, and bodyboarding among others. Depending on the size of the boat, you may even be able to rent with a jet ski! Many boats also offer the option of adding scuba diving or snorkelling equipment, which will allow you to dive down into an underwater world you’ve only dreamt of, marvelling at shipwrecks and the wealth of marine life just beneath the surface.

If you’re setting sail for the Spanish coast for a romantic getaway and you have opted for a crewed cruise in a sailboat or catamaran, you can also enjoy a romantic dinner for two onboard, while watching the sunset.

As you can see, there is plenty to do, no matter who you’re travelling with and your voyage in Spain is sure to be a treat!