Spain is one of the most popular sailing destinations in the world. It is tough to beat the diversity of a country surrounded by an ocean, two different seas, and many different cultures, climates, and landscapes.
Why vacation on a sailing yacht in Spain is beyond compare
If you are looking for hot summers, mild winters and rough sea conditions, Spain is the right place.
The Spanish coastline has a length of almost 6,000 kilometres, spread over the heartland of the Iberian Peninsula, the Balearic Islands – located on the Mediterranean coast – and the Canary Islands, which lie 100 kilometres west of Morocco.
The Balearic Islands: Four stunning islands
The four main islands of the Balearic Islands are Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera. Each island offers a unique experience.
Palma, the capital of Mallorca, is rich in culture and has some of the best shopping and restaurants in the Mediterranean. To the west of the island, you’ll find a rocky coastline with an abundance of towns and coves perfect for anchoring. Find secluded restaurants accessible only by boat, or spend the day swimming in the crystal clear waters.
Ibiza’s reputation is known worldwide. This small island is home to some of the best nightclubs and DJs and is easily accessible from your anchorage. However, don’t be discouraged if you are looking for a quieter experience. When you explore Ibiza on a sailing yacht, you’ll discover quiet, unspoiled coves and a beautiful old town area.
Sailors looking for a peaceful atmosphere with historical sites, beautiful beaches and fortresses built (and then left behind) by the conquerors should he
ad to Menorca. The red beaches, caves and cliff jumping offer a great family experience for those who want a quieter vacation. The smallest island is Formentera, known as Ibiza’s quiet little sister.
Vacation in Spain: With the sailing yacht around the Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are the top experience in Europe if you want to spend your sailing vacation in a tropical destination without travelling far away. Discovering the Canary Islands on a sailing yacht will seem like a dream. These seven islands offer a little bit of everything for everyone and are an authentic piece of paradise.
Tenerife is the largest island of the Canary archipelago, and apart from the beaches and nightlife, it is also home to the highest mountain in Spain. With its 3,718 meters, Mount Teide has declared a World Heritage Site in 2007.
Heading north from the island’s capital, you will come across Antequera Bay, a dry sandy beach surrounded by cliffs, perfect for anchoring as it is protected from all winds except the southerly ones.
Gran Canaria offers the same mix of beaches, mountains and nightlife as Tenerife. Las Palmas, the largest city on the island, is also the most important city in the archipelago.
Fuerteventura and Lanzarote are the environmental jewels of the Canary Islands. The first was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2009 and is a top destination for water sports enthusiasts thanks to strong winds, powerful waves and a diverse underwater world. On the other hand, Lanzarote is a stunning volcanic island with black beaches and a beautiful park – Timanfaya Park, which is made entirely of volcanic soil.
The Mediterranean coast: The classic for vacations in Spain
The Mediterranean coast offers sailors the opportunity to get to know the Spanish culture at its best in regions such as Andalusia, Valencia, Catalonia and the Balearic Islands, spending some time in the picturesque and bohemian towns and villages of the region: Sitges, Cadaqués, Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante, Peñíscola, etc.
The pristine north coast
Last but not least, the pristine north coast is known for the best culinary offerings in southern Europe and for its untouched green coastal landscapes in Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria and the Basque Country, which can only be compared to the landscapes of much colder places like Ireland and Scotland.
The Atlantic Ocean surrounds a 1,498-kilometer coastline of Galicia full of bays, capes, and islands. After crossing Portugal, the Atlantic Ocean meets southern Spain again in western Andalusia and the Canary Islands – an archipelago of seven islands and many other islets.
Tips for pleasant weather during a sailing vacation in Spain
The Canary Islands are where to go if you want to escape the cold European winter without leaving Europe. Canary cities like Tenerife offer almost perfect weather: nights are rarely colder than 15ºC, and daytime maximum temperatures do not exceed 30ºC.
Moreover, besides the excellent weather in Spain, the good winds provide perfect sailing conditions for sailors. In Spain, the trade winds dominate the weather system all year round, being strongest during the warmest hours of the day, from May to the end of July. The wind speed is usually not more than 50 km/h but can be a little faster in the wind zones (WAZ).