Sailing In Spain: The Best 10 Destinations 2025
Looking for the best sailing trips in Spain?
With crystal clear waters, a stunning coastline, and some of the best islands in Europe, sailing in Spain is simply magical.
Having lived aboard our sailboat for four years now, and sailed some of the best cruising grounds in Europe, Spain is still one of those must-see places.
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If you have a holiday planned here and you’re looking for the best things to do, then taking a sailing trip should be your number one priority. Each destination has its own unique charm, from the bustling city of Barcelona to the quiet fishing villages on the Costa Brava.
A sailing trip will take you to some of the more off-the-beaten-track locations that would be hard to reach by car.
Read on to find out more and book your sailing excursion today!
Table of contents
- Barcelona
- Marbella
- La Graciosa
- Fuerteventura
- Ibiza
- Palma
- Lanzarote
- Malaga
- Tenerife
- Valencia
- What to bring on a Spanish sailing trip
Sailing In Spain: The Best 10 Destinations
Spain is a great place to sail, with its many waterways and sheltered bays. Here are seven of the best destinations for sailing in Spain, along with some of the best-rated companies to take you there!
#1 Sunset Sailing In Barcelona
Barcelona’s coastline is one of the most beautiful in the world, and there’s no better way to experience it than on a sunset sailboat cruise. This is one of the best sunset sailing tours in the whole of Spain, so make sure you book in advance!
You’ll join your professional skipper and fellow passengers in the city’s luxurious port, casting off just as the sun begins to set.
As you sail, you’ll enjoy unobstructed views of the city, coastline, and the picture-perfect sunset. Snacks and beverages are included, and what better place to enjoy them?
This is a romantic experience perfect for couples looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for an evening. Enquire about private hire to have the boat all to yourselves for the evening.
Note: Make sure you bring some form of ID with you for this trip.
✅ Find out more about sunset sailing in Barcelona here
#2 Dolphin Watching In Marbella
Marbella might be known as one of Spain’s top places to party, but this trip offers a relaxing alternative to the big cruise boats that you’ll see leaving the harbour.
Set sail with a small group to enjoy the beautiful panoramic views of Marbella’s coastline and mountains.
This is a dolphin-watching tour, and while they can’t guarantee you’ll spot them, they will do everything they can to find them on your sail.
If the dolphins aren’t out to play then you can enjoy water activities, such as snorkeling or stand-up paddle boarding instead (equipment included).
✅ Find out more about dolphin watching in Marbella here
#3 Island Sailing To La Graciosa
This luxury catamaran tour gives you the chance to sail to the pristine island of La Graciosa on a full-day excursion from Lanzarote. Relax on the trampolines in the sunshine as you sail and spend the afternoon swimming, or kayaking along the coast.
The scenery on the island of La Graciosa is incredible, with its volcanic mountains and beautiful sandy beaches. This is the perfect sailing destination in Spain and will be a true holiday highlight.
Lunch is provided, there’s an open bar and you can even enjoy a champagne toast on board. On arrival, you’ll have time to explore the island village of Caleta del Sebo.
✅ Find out more about island sailing to La Graciosa here
#4 Sailing With Dolphins In Fuerteventura
This is a small group sailing trip that departs from the busy port of Puerto Morro Jable with the aim of finding you some tranquility!
Keep a look out for dolphins that are frequently spotted off the Spanish coast, and you might even be in with a chance of seeing whales if you keep your eyes peeled.
On this sailing trip in Spain you’ll have the chance to steer the boat yourself if you’d like to experience sailing under the close eye of an experienced skipper.
Tapas and drinks will be served on board, and the sailboat will stop in some beautiful scenic spots so that you have the chance to swim or snorkel off the boat. You might even spot a turtle here, though be sure to keep a sensible distance so you don’t alarm these shy creatures.
✅ Find out more about sailing with dolphins here
#5 Ibiza
What better way to explore Ibiza than from a beautiful sailing yacht?
This sailing trip will take you along the Ibiza coastline to the beautiful island of Formentera aboard a classic sailing boat. There will be no more than 6 people on board, so it’s pretty much a private charter. Especially if you round up a few friends to take with you!
This gives you a totally different experience to some of the bigger sailing tours. You will be able to relax on the bow of the boat, or sip wine in the cockpit with just the sound of the sea and the wind in the sails. It’s honestly the best feeling!
There are several stops along the way, the first is at scenic Espalmador Island and the second is on the fantastic beach of Ses Illetes. You’ll have time to explore on shore if you wish, or use the paddleboard and explore the coastline instead.
This is a truly unique way to explore a beautiful part of Europe, and one you certainly won’t forget.
✅ Find out more about sailing Ibiza here
#6 Mallorca
This isn’t a quiet sailing ride but it will be a fun one! Set sail with an awesome group of people on a huge catamaran, to discover some of Mallorca’s most beautiful coves and anchorages.
You can choose between a daytime sailing trip, where you can swim in Spain’s beautiful waters and take in Mallorca’s incredible mountain scenery, or a sunset cruise past the Aucanada lighthouse in the glow of the evening light.
There will be several different stops on either tour, all of which are hard to reach in anything other than a boat, so you’ll be getting a truly unique experience. A BBQ lunch or dinner will be provided which you can enjoy in fabulous surroundings.
✅ Find out more about sailing Mallorca here
#7 Lanzarote
This is a really special experience for anyone wanting that little bit extra when sailing in Spain.
Head off on a private catamaran (you can book for a group of up to 12) and enjoy the coast of Lanzarote from the water. The catamaran is fully staffed, so all you have to worry about is getting the best spot to relax in!
The crew will help you choose the best spots to drop anchor, where you can swim or snorkel and chill on board.
As there isn’t a set route on this trip you can simply sail where the wind blows you, instead of perhaps having to motor like some of the more organised boat trips on this list. The experienced captain will be able to help you decide which direction to head!
✅ Find out more about the private catamaran sailing trip here
#8 Malaga
If you’re looking for the perfect way to spend an evening in Malaga then this trip sailing on a catamaran is highly recommended.
Sail along the Spanish coastline with a glass of bubbly in hand, as you watch the colours slowly turn golden and the sun eventually disappear from the horizon.
Malaga’s coastline is even more impressive at night, with the lights from shore making an impressive backdrop for your sail.
This is the ideal trip to take as a couple. It’s about as romantic as it gets, and there are some great photo opportunities too.
✅ Find out more about sunset sailing in Malaga here
#9 Whale Watching Sailing Trip In Tenerife
If you’re keen on spotting some local wildlife then this Spanish sailing trip is the one for you.
Set sail from Los Gigantes and keep a look out for the pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins that call this cruising area their home. You might also spot turtles and other sea creatures if you get lucky!
If you don’t manage to spot these elusive creatures (sometimes the animals don’t get the memo!) then you’ll still have a fantastic time on board. Capture impressive photos of the Teide volcano, stop for a swim in a beautiful cove or simply switch off as you drift along the coastline.
✅ Find out more about whale watching in Tenerife here
#10 Valencia
This catamaran sailing experience is the perfect way to end a holiday in Spain. Set sail from Port Valencia with a glass of sparkling wine in hand and watch the sunset at sea.
The staff on this trip are friendly and welcoming, and will do everything they can to ensure your comfort on board. Although this trip can get busy, especially in high season, there is plenty of room for everyone (though you might want to get there early to get the best seats!)
We would recommend you book this sailing trip for the end of your holidays, as it’s definitely something to look forward to.
✅ Find out more about sailing Valencia here
What To Bring On A Spanish Sailing Trip
If you’ve never been sailing before then there are a few things you might want to bring with you for your time aboard.
- A jumper. The sea breeze can be surprisingly chilly, especially if you’re on a sunset cruise.
- A waterproof bag. Keep your valuables safe and dry. You never know when it’s going to get choppy and the spray can cause all sorts of havoc with electronics.
- Suncream. This one is obvious!
- Sunglasses. Glare from the sea makes these even more important.
- Seasickness tablets. If you don’t know whether you get seasick it’s worth taking some just in case. Seasickness can really ruin a sailing adventure.
- Your passport or some form of ID.
We’ve got a full list of what to wear sailing if you’re unsure of the best outfit to wear!
Top Tips For Your Spanish Sailing Trip
Be prepared for your sailing trip in Spain with these top tips.
- Get travel insurance. Make sure you find a policy that includes sailing and any watersports you might do while abroad. You can get a quote from Safety Wing here.
- Book a well-reviewed tour. The suggestions we’ve provided have been tried by many others who have loved it just as much as you will! It’s a good indicator that the company is safe and reliable, and that the boat is in good condition.
- Get there early. Some of these tours get busy so get there early to secure the best seats!
- Tell the company in advance if you’re sailing with kids. They will be able to ensure there are enough small life jackets on board.
- Book in advance. The best sailing trips in Spain sell out quickly.
Conclusion: Sailing In Spain
If you’re looking for a vacation that involves plenty of relaxation and stunning ocean views, sailing in Spain is the perfect option. With its many ports and sheltered bays, there are plenty of destinations to choose from when planning your trip.
If you’re worried about seasickness but still eager to get out on the water, then check out the best places to kayak in Spain instead.
And don’t forget to enjoy some delicious Spanish food while you’re there!
