Sailing in Spain
Complete Guide 2026
Spain offers Balearic Islands sailing with turquoise calas, Canary Islands winter escapes, and Costa Brava weekend charters. Charter from €2,000/week. Mallorca's 50+ calas are the highlight.
Sailing regions
Balearics, Canaries, Costa Brava
Charter season
May – Oct (Balearics), Year-round (Canaries)
Main base
Palma de Mallorca
Charter from
€2,000/week
Water temp (summer)
25-28°C
Highlight
50+ calas on Mallorca's east coast
Licence required
ICC or PER required
Flights
Direct from all European cities
overview
Spain's sailing divides into three regions. The Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, Formentera) offer turquoise calas, reliable summer winds, and European-standard infrastructure — the closest thing to Caribbean water in the Mediterranean. The Canary Islands provide year-round Atlantic sailing with trade winds, ideal for winter escapes. The Costa Brava offers weekend charters from Barcelona.
Mallorca is the main charter hub, with Palma as the base. The east coast calas — fifty-plus small bays between pine-covered cliffs — are the highlight. Menorca is quieter, greener, and a designated Biosphere Reserve. Ibiza combines party reputation with a surprisingly beautiful quiet western coast.
Charter prices are comparable to Croatia (from €2,000/week). Marina costs in Palma are premium (€80-150/night), but calas and anchorages are free. ICC or Spanish PER licence required for bareboat.
best routes
when to go
| May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air | 20-25°C | 25-30°C | 28-33°C | 28-34°C | 25-29°C | 20-24°C |
| Water | 18-20°C | 22-24°C | 25-27°C | 26-28°C | 25-27°C | 22-24°C |
| Wind | F2-4 | F2-4 | F3-5 | F3-5 | F2-4 | F2-4 |
| Crowds | Low | Medium | High | Very high | Medium | Low |
| Rating |
costs
Beer Draft
€3 – 5
Yacht42ft Cat
€3,800 – 6,500
Skipper /Day
€170 – 220
Yacht36ft Mono
€2,000 – 3,200
Yacht40ft Mono
€2,500 – 4,000
Diesel /Litre
€1.55 – 1.75
Marina /Night
€60 – 150
Dinner /Person
€12 – 25
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frequently asked questions
Can you sail around Mallorca in a week?
Yes. The full circumnavigation is roughly 180NM, which breaks down into daily legs of 20 to 30NM over 6 sailing days plus a rest day in Palma. In settled summer weather (May to September), the route is manageable for intermediate sailors. Build in at least one buffer day in case the north coast is too rough to round.
Is Mallorca good for sailing?
Mallorca is one of the best sailing grounds in the western Mediterranean. Summer winds are typically Force 3 to 4 from the south to southeast, the east coast has dozens of sheltered calas, and Palma is a major charter hub with excellent marine services. The north coast adds a genuine challenge for those who want it.
When is the best time to sail around Mallorca?
June and September offer the best combination of reliable wind (Force 3 to 5), warm water (23 to 25°C), and fewer crowds. July and August are calmest but busiest, with mooring buoys at Cabrera and popular calas filling by early afternoon. May is viable but water temperatures hover around 19 to 21°C.
Do I need a licence to charter a yacht in Mallorca?
Yes. Spain requires an ICC (International Certificate of Competence) or an equivalent national boating licence for bareboat charters. RYA Day Skipper or IYT Bareboat Skipper certificate holders can apply for an ICC through their national sailing authority. Alternatively, you can hire a professional skipper for EUR 180 to 220 per day.
How much does it cost to sail around Mallorca for a week?
A 40ft monohull charter from Palma costs EUR 2,200 to EUR 4,500 per week depending on the month. Add EUR 600 to 900 for marina fees, fuel, and provisioning. A catamaran runs EUR 3,500 to EUR 6,500 per week. A skipper, if needed, adds EUR 180 to 220 per day. Total for a crewed monohull in June: roughly EUR 4,500 to EUR 6,500.
Is Mallorca good for sailing?
Yes. Mallorca is one of the best sailing bases in the western Mediterranean. Palma has over 4,000 marina berths, reliable thermal winds of 10 to 18 knots from May to October, and dozens of cliff-backed calas you can only reach by boat. Charters start around €2,000 per week for a 36 to 40-ft monohull.
Do I need a licence to charter a yacht in Spain?
Yes. Spain requires a valid sailing licence for bareboat charter. The ICC (International Certificate of Competence) is accepted, as is the Spanish PER licence. If you do not hold a licence, you can hire a professional skipper for around €150 to €200 per day.
Which Balearic island is best for sailing?
Mallorca is best for convenience, with the most charter bases and marinas. Menorca is best for quieter anchorages and unspoiled coastline. Formentera has the most stunning water colour. Most sailors start in Palma, Mallorca, and add Menorca or Ibiza/Formentera depending on trip length.