Sailing in Spain: Sightseeing on the Move

We may earn income from links in this post. Please read this Disclosure for details.

It’s very common to associate sailing with navigation expertise and a certain proficiency that one must have in order to sail on holiday, but this is simply not true!

Travelling the world and exploring by boat could not be easier with companies such as Nautal who help you to find the ideal boat rental and also offer sailing with a skipper or even an entire crew. 

So if you’re not particularly interested in the navigation part of sailing, put your feet up, enjoy the view and soak up the sea air as you cruise in paradise.

Options for Sailing in Spain

There are a large variety of boat rentals available in Spain, ranging from catamarans ideal for family vacations as well as yachts and motorboats for luxurious adventures or jet skis and RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boat) which sailing enthusiasts can hire to explore a specific island for a day. 

Alternatively, if you want to improve your sailing techniques, you can still sail with a skipper and learn the ropes a little more.

But before you go stock up on the proper sailing gear including boating jackets, scarfs, phone cases and gear for sailors and boaters of all experience levels.

Also think about boat snacks to take for a day on the water.

If you do happen to be an experienced sailor, there’s no need for you to sail with a skipper (unless you’re feeling lazy!).

Sailing the Balearic Islands

In recent years, the Balearic Islands have been a hit amongst travelers, mostly due to the diversity of its heavenly islands.

Ibiza is renowned as one of the world’s most famous party islands where it’s all the rage to host your own boat party.

Another top place to enjoy boating is Menorca. With its old towns, cathedrals and charming harbours, there’s a  wealth of things to do in Menorca. 

Or, you can opt to simply spend the day cruising the warm summer waters, treating the Balearic Sea as your own exclusive swimming pool and losing yourself in its vibrant nightlife later in the evening.

Naturally, you don’t have to be a party animal to visit this magnificent island and enjoy its sensational stretches of golden sand on the coast. Take a stroll in the old town, Dalt Vila, and absorb the historic ambience of the fortified city.

Formentera, Spain and its bohemian vibes are also a top choice among holiday goers wishing to unwind in paradise.

This island has wonderful markets and little towns where you can dine in cozy restaurants and spend your mornings drinking coffee in cute cafes as the sun starts to warm up the day.

Sailing the Costa Brava, Costa Dorada and Canary Islands

Though the Balearic Islands may be a popular destination on the travel checklist, other coastal locations such as the Costa Brava, Costa Dorada and Canary Islands are also a hit.

These regions all benefit from fabulous summer weather, where you can almost always be guaranteed a blue-sky holiday fantasy.

If you do plan to visit the Canary Islands and love to bask in the sun, don’t miss exploring the beaches of Fuerteventura. There are more than 150 beaches on this island so there will surely be one to suit your mood and personality.

It’s also possible (and highly recommended!)  to go scuba diving on Gran Canaria due to wealth of caves and other fascinating underwater features to explore.

Another must-do when sailing the Canary Islands is to go whale watching in Tenerife.  Tenerife is a Whale Heritage Site and one of the world’s most outstanding places to see whales and dolphins.

Depending on the season, you can expect to see pilot, humpback, blue, fin and sperm whales.

Sailing in Northern Spain

When sailing in Spain, the north of the country is regarded as slightly more choppy and changeable in terms of weather, but locations such as Santander are notable for their addictive surf and attract many a surfer in the summertime.

If you’re sailing with the family and looking to add on a few nights at an all-inclusive resort either pre-or post trip, check out this awesome guide to all-inclusive family resorts with two bedroom suites in Europe.

Whale-watching in Spain

The Bay of Biscay is also a top destination for those who wish to sight the dolphins and whales who inhabit in the waters here.

Whale watching is not often thought of as a touristic activity in Spain, yet while sailing in Spain you can spot dolphins and whales in various coastal areas of this celebrated Mediterranean country.

For example, near the Gibraltar Strait, the Alboran Sea is the perfect spot for renting a boat in a summer hotspot such as Marbella, and venturing out to spot marine life in its natural habitat.

Sightseeing in Spain

Another option for sightseeing in Spain is to enjoy both worlds.

Spot marine life while sailing and then spend time onshore enjoying the beach lifestyle, soaking up history and exploring destinations such as Torremolinos, located on the western shore of Malaga on the Costa del Sol. 

Malaga also happens to be the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, so it’s worth factoring in time to visit the museum of his art works. 

So, whether it’s the most convenient form of keeping all your things in one place and travelling via your own form of transport where you can sunbathe while on the move, or because the idea of a boat party is on your wish list, sightseeing on the move is a relaxing and pleasurable experience!