Sailing Spain

Spain's Balearic Sea and Mediterranean coast offer some of Europe's most varied sailing. The Balearic Islands, with Mallorca at the centre, draw most charterers. The island's largest hub is Marina Port de Mallorca in Palma, a full-service base with easy access to the south coast's anchorages and the island's many clubs. From here you can head east to Club Nàutic de Porto Cristo or north to Port de Pollença, each with its own character and shelter.

The mainland coast, from Catalonia down to Alicante, is a different kind of sailing. The Costa Brava in the north has rocky headlands and clear water, with Port de Roses and Port de Palamós as well-placed stops. Further south, around Valencia and Alicante, the coast opens up. Marina Alicante is a convenient base for exploring the coves and beaches of the Costa Blanca, with Club Náutico de Jávea and Club Náutico de Moraira offering quieter alternatives.

For a longer cruise, the Balearic Sea connects Mallorca with Ibiza and Formentera. Marina Ibiza and Marina Botafoch sit at the heart of Ibiza's social scene, while Formentera Mar and Marina de Formentera give access to the sandbars and shallow anchorages of the island's north and west coasts. The crossing from Mallorca to Ibiza is about 80 nautical miles, so plan for an overnight or a stop at one of the smaller islands along the way.

The best months for sailing here are May through October. The summer meltemi-like winds, locally called the levante and poniente, can build in the afternoon, especially in the channels between islands. The Balearic Sea is busy in July and August, so book berths ahead if you want a marina berth rather than anchoring. Outside the high season, the anchorages and ports are quieter, and the weather is still warm enough for swimming well into October.