Barcelona Yacht Charter
Iberian Escapes can organise all sorts of yacht charter in Barcelona
A rich maritime history
Today, Barcelona has one of the most exclusive super yacht marinas in Europe, the busiest cruise ship port in the Mediterranean and a host of exciting boating experiences for the visitor.
But the city’s love affair with the sea has had its ups and downs.
Historically, Catalonia’s maritime golden age reached its peak in medieval times, when Catalan sea merchants ruled the Mediterranean. A stunning reminder of this is the magnificent Museu Marítim which is housed in the original medieval shipyards – a must-see for any maritime history enthusiast.
Flash forward to the late 20th century and Barcelona’s port was very different, even non-existent.
Ironically, it was the acclaimed infrastructure that the city underwent to get ready for the 1992 Olympic Games that all but wiped out its maritime feel, replacing the old port with public walkways and a shopping centre. By then, the city’s local fishing fleet had been greatly diminished and fishermen were banished to smaller ports to the north of the city along the Maresme coast.
But the boom in tourism gradually brought back boats and yacht charter to Barcelona and put it on the international yachting map. In 2024, the city will be proud host of the America’s Cup.
Port Vell is renowned as an exclusive and incredibly secure place for billionaires to dock their super yachts – which can be viewed (at a distance) from the promenade next to the water’s edge. For everyone else, most pleasure cruises and boat hire in Barcelona leave from Port Olímpic – an extension of Barceloneta Beach.
Chartering a yacht in Barcelona
You don’t have to be a billionaire to enjoy Barcelona from the sea. Experiences organised by Iberian Escapes range from one-hour jaunts around the port to sunset cruises with champagne, to a full week’s rental where you can discover the natural beauty of the Costa Brava – the coastline that weaves from Barcelona up to the border of France.
One of our most popular packages takes place on a designer catamaran with full bar service, and lets you view important Barcelona landmarks such as the Sagrada Familia, the Port Olímpic and Montjuïc from the sea – fresh perspectives that are impossible to appreciate on land.
Sunset sailing is another popular package we offer – where you can see the sunset behind the mountain of Montjuïc with a glass of cava in hand.
While
these experiences are taken with fellow travellers (and are a great way
to meet new people), our boats, catamarans and swanky yachts are
available for private charter too.
So why not book a trip for 12 of your family or friends for a one-day Costa Brava boat trip where you will enjoy hidden turquoise bays and the best snorkelling spots before embarking for a beachside seafood lunch in the picturesque fishing village?
Sitges, the charming, archetypal coastal town south of Barcelona, is another popular day trip. While the on-board views on this trip may not be as stunning as those of the Costa Brava (the southern sailing route from Barcelona passes the commercial port and the airport) the cosy port at Sitges, where lunch is served, is totally charming.
Once there, you will discover Sitges’ atmospheric old town, its modernista (art nouveau) architecture, and the old ramparts separating the town’s loftiest point - landmarked by a beautiful church - from the sea.
Contact Iberian Escapes Concierge services about these boating experiences – and find out what else we can offer you in the beautiful city of Barcelona!
Yacht Charter Outside Barcelona
Discovering the Catalan coastline from the sea is not limited to Barcelona. There are numerous smaller marinas to both the north and the south of the city, many in popular beachside destinations that are well worth a visit or, with good train connections to Barcelona, even to base yourself in on your holiday.
In Sitges itself, you can rent a fully equipped private yacht or catamaran for larger groups with or without a captain to explore the Costa de Garraf and its numerous sites such as the gorgeous Garraf beach with its emblematic row of art deco botigas (beach boxes).
Sitges is a famous party town, particularly with the international LGBT community. Iberian Escapes offers a ‘Party Boat’ package that includes drinks, music and hotel pick-up for a three-hour yacht tour where you can hop off and swim or snorkel at Castelldefels and Villanova i la Geltrú, yet another gorgeous township along the stunning Costa de Garraf.
Mataró, the largest township on the Maresme coast north of Barcelona, also has a sizable port where you can hop on board a Beneteau Flyer 8, named the best motor boat of 2020, for a four-hour Mediterranean cruise that includes fishing spots.
But for something truly memorable, why not charter a luxurious ketch that was originally commissioned by the British Royal Family?
Built in 1962, The Southern Cross was once owned by Frank Sinatra, and can accommodate up to 62 people in high style for moored private events and parties and up to ten for sailing in the Barcelona harbour and as far as Ibiza and Mallorca.
Whether you want a captain, catering and crew or will do it yourself, Iberian Escapes can organise yacht hire and charter in Barcelona.
Contact us today for a quote or to discuss the other unique experiences we can organise for you to make your Barcelona holiday or business event truly magical.
Iberian Escapes and Algarve Lifestyle are the brand names of APCS Lda and Travel Iberica Ltd. We are a travel agency fully authorized by Turismo de Portugal RNAVT / 6867
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