Sailing on a catamaran in Barcelona
Barcelona is a bustling city on the Costa Brava, known for its rich and fascinating cultural heritage, obviously Gaudi and the relaxed atmosphere. A catamaran cruise around Barcelona allows you to explore the city from a completely different perspective and to head out to other stunning locations around the Costa Brava.
The pros of renting a catamaran in Barcelona
Catamarans are known for their stability due to the two hulls they are standing on. This makes them less prone to rocking and rolling in the water - this is also the case when the wind picks up. This stability provides a comfortable sailing experience you won’t find on any other type of boat and is especially nice for those prone to seasickness. After all, you would want your catamaran trip in Barcelona to go as smoothly as possible.
Catamarans are generally more spacious than monohull sailboats. They offer ample deck space, both on the upper deck and in the cockpit, providing plenty of room for sunbathing, lounging, and socializing with friends and family. This is also true for the cabins and bathrooms. Therefore a catamaran rental in Barcelona might even feel more comfortable than many hotel rooms - and the stunning sea views you get when waking up just in time for the sunrise are absolutely worth it.
A catamaran tour around Barcelona also comes with quite a bit of flexibility. As catamarans are equipped with a sail as well as an engine, you can decide how you want to move your catamaran at sea. And should the wind suddenly stop blowing, you won’t be stuck at sea, having to patiently wait for the wind to pick up again. You can simply turn on the engine and you’re good to go.
There are plenty of beautiful, but sometimes rather secluded beaches to explore along the Costa Brava and the best way to access them is by boat. A catamaran rental in Barcelona allows you to explore them all, including Platja de Aiguablava and Platja de Tamariu, which you can find when sailing north of Barcelona.
The cons of renting a catamaran in Barcelona
Catamarans are in high demand, especially during peak seasons. This means that securing a catamaran rental in Barcelona may require advanced booking and planning. Availability can be limited, particularly for last-minute rentals, but by renting a catamaran in Barcelona with Borrow A Boat you ensure that you always get the best deals.
With a catamaran charter in Barcelona you also need to keep in mind that finding a spot for mooring might be challenging - especially during peak season. Catamarans are quite big in size and not that easy to navigate in narrow spaces. You will probably also pay extra for your mooring spot, because of that.
Catamarans are also lighter than other types of boats, meaning that it could slow you down.
Charter a private luxury catamaran in Barcelona
Barcelona might not necessarily have the same reputation as a luxury holiday destination in the Mediterranean when you compare it to Nice, Cannes, Ibiza or Mykonos, but you can find great luxury if you aspire to do so.
Charter a luxury catamaran in Barcelona for the most relaxing vacation you can imagine. All the amenities on board you need, all the luxuries you could ask for and plenty of staff to take care of your every need while on board, including a captain or skipper who is going to take you safely from beach to beach and port to port.
How many people can go on a catamaran in Barcelona?
A catamaran in Barcelona has the perfect size for a family vacation or a fun adventure with a group of friends. Generally, catamarans in Barcelona have enough space on board for 4-10 people, which could even make them the perfect water vehicles for a couple or two, depending how much privacy you would want to have.
When is the best time to sail on a catamaran in Barcelona?
Sailing season in Barcelona starts in May and lasts all through October, however the busiest months of the year are July and August. This is also the time of year when it’s hottest with water temperatures averaging at 28 degrees and most tourists flocking into the city. A catamaran trip in Barcelona might therefore be the perfect thing to do - escape the masses and find the peace and tranquility on the water you might be missing in the city.
How much does it cost to rent a catamaran in Barcelona?
On average a catamaran charter in Spain costs 111 EUR per person per day, but might be slightly more expensive in the city. You can rent a catamaran in Barcelona during high season for 5.400 or 8.700 EUR per week. Having enough space for 8 to 10 people on board, means that you can split the cost. This comes down to 675 EUR or 870 EUR per person per week, averaging around 100 EUR per night. This doesn’t sound like an expensive and unattainable luxury anymore, does it?
What kind of boat license do I need when renting a catamaran in Barcelona?
Anyone who wants to hire a catamaran in Barcelona needs to be in possession of a valid boat license or book the catamaran with a captain/skipper in addition to the bareboat charter. Choosing the latter also means that you can lean back, relax and enjoy your vacation while someone else takes care of navigating and operating your catamaran.
The best routes for catamarans in Barcelona
Starting your catamaran cruise in Barcelona allows you to sail either south or north along the Spanish coast. Both directions are inviting you to explore the most beautiful beaches, vibrant and historical towns and stunning views of the rather mountainous landscapes. If you decide to sail north, you could also visit Lloret de Mar, which is a popular budget-friendly party destination.
Day 1 - Sail from Barcelona to Sitges: Start your catamaran sailing adventure in Barcelona and head south towards the charming town of Sitges. Enjoy the lively atmosphere, explore the narrow streets, and relax on the beautiful beaches, such as Platja de l'Home Mort and Sitges Beach. The little quaint town is also known for its interesting historical buildings, including the Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla de Sitges, overlooking the sea.
Day 2 - Sail from Sitges to Tarragona: Make your way to the picturesque town of Tarragona. Anchor in the bay and take a stroll through the medieval old town. Visit the historic Cathedral Square, and soak up the sun on Llarga Beach.
Day 3 - Sail from Tarragona to Blanes: Sail north to the town of Blanes, known for its nice trails and picturesque coastline. Hike up to Castell de Mas Carbó, explore the stunning botanical gardens named Jardí Botànic Marimurtra or visit Parc polivalent Francesc Macià.
Day 4 - Sail from Blanes to Lloret de Mar: Time to sail north towards Lloret de Mar. Sail along the stunning coastline to the popular resort town of Lloret de Mar. Explore the vibrant town, indulge in water sports activities, and relax on the sandy beaches, including Cala Treumal and Trons Bay, which are not directly located in the city, but the scenic views definitely make it worth a visit. If you are in the mood for a big and crazy party, you have definitely come to the right place as Lloret de Mar is going stronger every year with tourists from all over the world flocking into the town to dance and drink their nights away.
Day 5 - Sail from Lloret de Mar to Tossa de Mar: Time to sail to Tossa de Mar, which is going to blow you away with the Muralles de Tossa de Mar, a stunning historical landmark greeting you when coming closer to the town. Visit the Museu de la Dona, hike up one of the stunning hiking trails for some stunnings views or relax on one of the pristine beaches easily accessible by catamaran. Platja Mar Menuda or Cala Pola are great choices that also provide protected anchorage.
Day 6 - Sail from Tossa de Mar to Calella de Palafrugell: Head north along the Costa Brava to the charming fishing village of Calella de Palafrugell. Discover the picturesque coves and beaches, such as Cala El Golfet and Playa El Castell (a little bit further south), and savor delicious seafood in one of the local restaurants.
Day 7 - Sail from Calella de Palafrugell to Barcelona: Conclude your catamaran sailing journey by sailing back to Barcelona. Enjoy the scenic coastal views, plan a stop at any hidden coves or beaches along the way, and take in the breathtaking views of the Barcelona skyline as you approach the city. Before heading to the airport and home, you should make sure to visit some of the landmarks that were designed by Gaudi and give the city its distinctive look and feel. The Sagrada Familia is just one of them.
