There are many good berthing facilities in Spain. These include Marina Port Vell and Vilanova Grand Marina in Barcelona, Club de Mar in Palma de Mallorca, Yacht Port Cartagena, and Marina Ibiza. Intercruises Spain is a global agency providing comprehensive services to yachts. These include itinerary planning, berth reservations, and VIP concierge services. Susana Fornieles, yacht manager at Intercruises Spain, has more than 17 years’ experience working with superyachts. She leads a team of maritime professionals across all Spanish ports. She spoke to our media partner Yachting Pages about the best places to visit when chartering Spanish waters.
Spain is home to some of the world’s most famous yachting destinations, such as the Balearic Islands of Ibiza and Mallorca. However, not many know of the smaller Balearic island of Menorca and its unrivalled natural beauty. Known as “the Island of Calmness,” Menorca boasts a 124-mile (200-km) coastline of untouched beaches, coves and ravines, and the flawless white sands of the award-winning Macarella Bay.
Spain’s southern coast is equally stunning. Destinations such as Marbella are famed for their chic culture, fantastic food, and great weather. Temperatures reach 86°F (30°C) in the summer months. It is also home to one of the county’s most historically significant cities, Málaga (above). Málaga has a wealth of must-see attractions. These include the impressive bull-fighting ring, the Plaza del Torros, andn the gastronomic and shopping delights of Calle Marques de Larios. Additionally, the Port of Málaga is set to become one of Spain’s most modern ports. A new commercial marina is under construction that will accommodate up to 24 superyachts.
Spain’s delights extend further south to Tenerife. It’s the jewel of the Canary Islands and home to some of the most idyllic coastlines in the world. It’s also home to two UNESCO cultural natural sites: Mount Teide and the Garajonay National Park. Tenerife’s great climate and calm waters offer terrific diving opportunities, while the craggy landscape of Mount Teide National Park provides hikers with truly unique trails. An annual average temperature of 73°F (23°C) and a welcoming Spanish atmosphere make Tenerife perfect for a relaxing stay or an action-packed adventure.
Berthing
Port authorities and local governments are increasing superyacht-berthing availability through continuous investments in marina facilities. Currently, there are approximately 100 superyacht marinas throughout the country. Furthermore, operations have become more efficient, and today berthing for superyachts can often be organized with less than 24 hours’ notice.
Sailing Conditions
There are 300 days of sunshine a year, minimal tides of about eight to 24 inches (20 to 60 centimeters), and light sailing conditions in the Balearic region from May through the end of September. The Spanish government is reforming matriculation tax laws to make the waters even more accessible for commercial, non-Spanish-flagged yachts. It has already abolished the matriculation tax on charter yachts.
Here’s a suggested seven-day itinerary.
Day 1: Barcelona
Embark on a private tour through Barcelona (above), the jewel of Cataluña. Meet your personal shopper on Passeig de Gracia, the famous shopping mile of Barcelona, before a private, expert-led tour through Sagrada Familia and Gaudi’s other masterpieces. Then relax and savor the culinary delights of the bodegas of Barcelona’s oldest district, the Gothic Quarter. Conclude the tour in a private executive box at the world-famous Nou Camp, and enjoy the best views of the stadium as you watch one of the greatest football (soccer) teams on the planet, FC Barcelona.
Day 2: Mahon, Menorca
Explore Ciutadella de Menorca and its Arabic heritage before relaxing on the island’s beautiful beaches. Macarella Bay (below) is just one of the stunning sites. In the evening enjoy a fantastic seafood dinner at one of the many excellent restaurants on Mahon’s waterfront.
Day 3: Palma de Mallorca
Shop till you drop at the exclusive boutiques in Passeig d’es Born. Or, journey to Passeig de Mallorca to take in the city’s amazing views.
Day 4: Ibiza
Visit one of Spain’s most polarizing destinations. Enjoy VIP tables at the famous cabarets shows, discotheques, and beach clubs. Alternately, travel to the calm, sun-kissed isle of Formentera to unwind in luxurious surroundings.
Day 5: Cartagena
Revel in ancient history as you embark on a full-day, private tour of the Roman city of Cartagena. Visit the city’s finest museum, the Museo Teatro Romano, and the recently restored Roman theater, dating to the 1st century BC.
Day 6: Málaga
Soak up the atmosphere of Spain’s bull-fighting past on an exclusive tour of the colossal “La Malagueta” bull ring and the city’s renowned shopping district, Calle Marqués de Larios. Enjoy a chauffeured drive to the neighbouring city of Granada, and gaze upon the grandeur of the Alhambra during sunset. Built in the 889, this fortress is a testament to Spain’s Arabic past.
Day 7: Sevilla
Experience the unique atmosphere of Sevilla on a private tour. Visit the Alcázar de Seville, the Giralda bell tower, and the Catedral de Santa María de la Sede, the world’s largest Gothic Cathedral. End your trip with one of the world-famous Flamenco shows during a private dinner in Barrio de Santa Cruz.
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