Spain, Canary and Balearic Islands

The most attractive cruising areas of Spain are the north-west Atlantic coast and the Balearics on the Mediterranean side. These islands are one of the Mediterranean's prime yachting centres.

In recent years Spain's Mediterranean coast and islands have seen a tremendous development in yachting facilities with new marinas being built everywhere, so that one is never more than a few hours' sail away from the next harbour. The prime yachting centre is Palma de Mallorca, and facilities in the Balearics generally are probably the best to be found anywhere in Spain. Consequently, there is a dense concentration of crewed charter yachts around Mallorca.
The Balearic Islands are renowned among the most beautiful and varied sailing waters in Europe and the world. There are four main islands, Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera. In addition, there are over 50 small islands, mostly uninhabited. What makes these waters especially attractive for a yachting holiday are the numerous deep inlets or "calas" with secluded sandy beaches and crystal clear water. They provide ideal anchorages in the summer season. Each of the islands has its own charm and character, which is best discovered from the sea. The rough coast of Menorca, the mountain ranges of Mallorca towering above the sea, quietly idling Ibiza, the left-aside Formentera with its beaches matched only by the Caribbean.

The Spanish mainland on Mediterranean side has also seen an increasing number of ports and marina's. Facilities are very good in Barcelona and the surrounding area, as well as along the Costa del Sol. Valencia is getting a lot of attention out of the upcoming America's Cup.

The climate varies greatly from the Atlantic north coast to the Mediterranean south and east : from wet and cool to very hot summers and mild winters. The winds are just as varied. Along the south-western coast during summer winds are northerly, while the rest of the year, winds are either easterly or westerly. Alternating sea and land breezes are also characteristic of the Mediterranean coast. The eastern coast and Balearics are occasionally affected by the mistral, a N or NW wind which can rapidly reach gale force. Severe conditions are very rare, so the Balearic Islands are justly considered one of the few year-round sailing paradises in Europe.