Barcelona is an excellent charter base if you want to combine a vibrant Mediterranean city atmosphere with a week of coastal cruising along Catalonia’s diverse shoreline. From here, you can plan easy nearshore legs or build a more dynamic route with longer daily passages, attractive beaches, historic towns, and well-equipped marinas. The area is especially appealing for crews who want to mix sailing with gastronomy, sightseeing, and relaxed evenings ashore. The route ideas below help you decide which 7-day plan best fits your crew’s pace and experience level.
This article gives you an overview of the following topics:
- Which month is best for sailing in Barcelona?
- Ports around Barcelona
- Sail in Barcelona! Barcelona sailing tours:
- Marine gas near Barcelona, boat gas stations around Costa Brava
Which month is best for sailing in Barcelona?
In Barcelona, the best sailing season generally runs from May to September, with many yacht charter crews finding May, June and September the most rewarding months of all.
Spring: In spring, Barcelona feels bright, fresh and especially inviting from the water. From March to May, daytime temperatures usually range between 16 and 23 °C, while the sea remains cooler at around 13–17 °C. Visibility is often excellent, and local sea breezes become more reliable as the season advances. Afternoon winds commonly build to around 10–18 knots, creating enjoyable and moderately lively sailing conditions without the intensity of rougher seasons. The sea is usually slight to moderate, and the marinas and waterfront are still relatively relaxed, making spring a wonderful time for crews who want Mediterranean atmosphere without peak-season crowds.
Summer: Summer is when Barcelona delivers its most iconic charter mood. From June through August, air temperatures are typically 26–30 °C, and the sea warms gradually to around 21–26 °C, making swimming stops and lazy anchorage breaks far more tempting. Mornings are often calmer, followed by thermal sea breezes in the afternoon, usually around 8–15 knots and at times closer to 18 knots. This pattern creates comfortable, predictable coastal sailing for charter itineraries. The Mediterranean is mostly calm or gently rippled, although open stretches can develop short choppier waves later in the day. This is also the busiest period, with marinas, beaches and popular coastal spots full of life, giving Barcelona its most vibrant and social sailing atmosphere.
Autumn: Many experienced sailors consider autumn one of Barcelona’s finest sailing seasons. From September to November, temperatures ease from late-summer warmth around 27 °C to softer days in the 15–20 °C range, while the sea often stays pleasantly warm well into early autumn, commonly around 20–24 °C in September and early October. Wind conditions become more variable, with many excellent 10–18 knot days but also occasional stronger westerly or northerly flows linked to passing systems. When those arrive, the sea can become more energetic and noticeably rougher. Early autumn still feels comfortable and elegant on the water, yet the city gradually becomes less crowded, so marinas, restaurants and promenades shift into a calmer and more refined rhythm.
Winter: Winter in Barcelona is mild by European standards, but from a sailor’s perspective it is much more dynamic. From December to February, daytime temperatures are generally around 10–15 °C, and the sea sits near 13–15 °C. Calm sunny days can quickly give way to frontal passages, and westerly or northerly winds may freshen significantly, sometimes rising beyond 15–25 knots. Sea conditions are more changeable, with rougher surfaces and more frequent wave action even close to the coast. This is not the classic swim-and-sun charter season, but it has its own appeal for sailors who enjoy sharper air, quieter waters and a more authentic winter Mediterranean mood. Crowds are at their lowest, and the city skyline feels strikingly serene when viewed from the sea.
Ports around Barcelona
Port Vell (Barcelona)
Barcelona is one of the most important port cities in the Mediterranean. The Port Vell can accommodate 148 vessels up to 190 metres long yachts. Drinking water, electricity and cable TV are available. Rent a boat in Barcelona and experience what it feels like when everything is perfectly timed – the sunset, the sea, and freedom.
Port de Blanes (Blanes)
The port is run by Blanes Sailing Club. It provides 309 berths for yachts up to 24 metres in size. The club has a café, a restaurant and a sailing school, too. The port combines recreational sailing with commercial fishing activities. Blanes sailing, boat rental Blanes
Club Nautic Cambrils (Cambrils)
Thanks to the reforms implemented in recent years, the club has two parts. It can accommodate up to 426 yachts between 8 metres and 25 metres in size. Moreover, eight premises cover various yacht maintenance and repair services. There is a 24-hour crew service. You can also find a bar and a restaurant here, and of course, there is free Wi-Fi-access available. Cambrils sailing
Club Nàutic Estartit (L’Estartit)
This port is located in the L’Estartit resort. It has 643 berths for yachts up to 32 metres in size. The port has a depth of 2.3 metres. There are a number of excellent services available. There is also a bar and a restaurant. L’Estartit sailing
Sail in Barcelona! Barcelona sailing tours:
One-week long sailing trip in Barcelona (North)
A balanced 1-week coastal itinerary from Barcelona with shorter daily legs and several easy stops, making it ideal for a relaxed summer charter. It’s worth planning ahead for busier marinas and timing the longer final day carefully. Recommended level: beginner Open sea passages: no
Day 1: Barcelona – El Masnou (10.2 nm – Sailing time*: about 2 hours)
We are going to dock at the beautiful El Masnou, located between Montgat and Premià de Mar. Its wonderful beach offers many services. Do you have plenty of time to spend here? Explore the centre of the resort with its many interesting buildings.
Day 2: El Masnou – Mataró (7.5 nm – Sailing time*: about 2 hours)
Mataró can be found between Cabrera de Mar and Sant Andreu de Llavaneres. If you would like to see historic sights, this is one of the best places. This is the birthplace of architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch, who designed several buildings in town. Info about what to do in El Masnou, El Masnou sailing, or boat rental in El Masnou
Day 3: Mataró – Calella (11.1 nm – Sailing time*: about 2 hours)
If you dock at Calella, you can choose from many restaurants, bars and sports opportunities. Would you like to have fun? Even though there are some clubs in the city, it does not have the same buzzing nightlife as Lloret de Mar does. Explore its main sight, the lighthouse, which provides a wonderful view. Spend the night in the port of the town.
Days 5: Calella – Santa Susanna (3.1 nm – Sailing time*: about 1 hour)
Santa Susanna is located between Pineda de Mar and Malgrat de Mar. If you like peace and calm, it is a perfect choice with no buzzing nightlife. It has a sandy-rocky beach with rapidly deepening waters, so we should be careful. Although the resort is perfect for sunbathing and swimming, there are no historical sights here.
Days 5: Santa Susanna – Malgrat de Mar (1.5 nm – Sailing time*: about 1 hour)
Similarly to the other beaches in the area, Malgrat de Mar is sandy and rocky. We recommend this town to families and couples; there are some great bars here. Families with small children will love the Parc Francesc Macia, which is a great park and playground. In the periphery of the town, in Palafolls you can find an aqua park called Marineland. It will be an exciting experience both for adults and kids.
Days 6: Santa Susanna – Blanes (3.5 nm – Sailing time*: about 1 hour)
Blanes is lined with heavenly beaches. If you love nature, visit the Marimurtra or the Pinya de Rosa botanical gardens. The latter is renowned for its cacti. Are you after some jaw-dropping views? Visit Castillo de San Juan, from where, in favourable weather conditions, you can even see the silhouette of the Montjuic Mountain. Info about what to do in Blanes, Blanes sailing, or yacht charter in Blanes
Day 7: Blanes – Lloret de Mar – Barcelona (37.9 nm – Sailing time*: about 6 hours)
Our next stop is Lloret de Mar, the centre of nightlife in Costa Brava, crammed with discos and clubs. As compared to its impressive 0.8 nm length, the town’s beach still counts quite crowded. If you are a nature lover, visit the Santa Clotilde Gardens and immerse yourself in the breathtaking vistas. The town is also home to some superb restaurants and wine bars. After Lloret de Mar, we return to our first stop, Barcelona. The city is equipped well; there is golden sand on the beaches, the most famous of which is Barceloneta. Nova Icaria and Marbella are much quieter; the latter is an ideal place for kayaking and surfing. Nature enthusiasts must definitely see the Parc del Laberint d’Horta, which is the oldest park in town. If you would like to have a gastronomic experience as well, you should visit the place called Born and try the local dish, tapas. Explore the famous market, Mercat de la Boqueria, where you can get the widest variety of fresh products in Europe.
* – an average 43 ft sailing yacht, with average weather conditions, sails around 6-7 knots per hour.
7 days Barcelona sailing itinerary (South)
A varied 7-day route heading south from Barcelona, combining shorter stages with a few longer sailing days along more open coastal sections. It works well for crews who want to link several ports in one week and are comfortable with more attentive passage planning. Recommended level: intermediate Open sea passages: yes
Day 1: Barcelona – Castelldefels (16.4 nm – Sailing time*: about 3 hours), Day 2: Castelldefels – Sitges (5.3 nm – Sailing time*: about 1 hour), Day 3: Sitges – Vilanova i la Geltrú (5.2 nm – Sailing time*: about 1 hour), Day 4: Vilanova i la Geltrú – Tarragona (26 nm – Sailing time*: about 4 hours), Day 5: Tarragona – Cambrils (9.2 nm – Sailing time*: about 1.5 hours), Day 6: Cambrils – Coma-ruga (23.8 nm – Sailing time*: about 4 hours), Day 7: Coma-ruga – Garraf – Barcelona (34.4 nm – Sailing time*: about 5.5 hours)
* – an average 43 ft sailing yacht, with average weather conditions, sails around 6-7 knots per hour.
How to choose a Barcelona sailing route?
- If you want a relaxed and easy-going charter week: choose the 1-week itinerary with shorter legs and more frequent stops.
- If you want to cover more coastal towns and include longer passages: the 7-day Barcelona sailing route is the better option.
- If your crew is less experienced or includes family sailors: stay with the more coastal, easier-to-adjust itinerary.
- If you want to combine sailing with beaches and city visits: pick a plan that leaves enough time each day for onshore experiences.
Marine gas near Barcelona, boat gas stations around Costa Brava
- BARCELONA: Depth: 6 m, Working time: 0-24 depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival) depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival), GPS Coordinates: 41.3888, 2.159
- BARCELONA: Depth: 6.00m, Working time: 8–22, GPS Coordinates: 41° 23.1128, 2° 12.0265
- BLANES: Depth: 1, 8-7m, Working time: 0-24 depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival) depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival), GPS Coordinates: 41.6742, 2.7904
- CAMBRILS: Depth: 8 m, Working time: 9-19, GPS Coordinates: 41.06477355957031, 1.0590695142745972
- EL MASNOU: Depth: 3 m, Working time: 0-24 depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival) depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival), GPS Coordinates: 41º 28′ 30″, 02º 18′ 47″
- L ESTARITIT: Depth:4 m, Working time: 8-21, GPS Coordinates: 42.0540057, 3.2013105
- LLORET DE MAR: Depth:2-4m, Working time: 0-24 depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival) depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival), GPS Coordinates: 41.70706558227539, 2.8809142112731934
- PALAMOS: Depth:7m, Working time: 6-23, GPS Coordinates: 41º 50, 4 N i 03º 08, 1 E
- ROSES: Depth:3-5, Working time: 0-24 depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival) depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival), GPS Coordinates: 42.2632018, 3.1755328
- SANT CARLES DE LA RAPITA: Depth:4, 5-5, Working time: 9-19, GPS Coordinates: 40.61808395385742, 0.5952594876289368
- SITGES: Depth:3, Working time: 9-19, GPS Coordinates: 41.11667, 1.25
- TARRAGONA: Depth:6, Working time: 6-22, GPS Coordinates: 041º06’20”001º15’08”
If you love the sea, visiting the city and the neighbourhood can be the experience of a lifetime. Regardless of where you dock, you can relax on beautiful beaches and have diverse culinary experiences. Read more about Costa Brava sailing routes, or about boat rental in Costa Brava.
Request a quote for a Barcelona charter and we’ll help match the route to your crew, yacht type, and travel style. Set off well prepared and enjoy the best stops of the Catalan coast without unnecessary stress.
