A Boater’s Guide to Sailing in Barcelona

Barcelona is one of the most visited cities in Europe. Its modernist architecture, Mediterranean climate and cosmopolitan atmosphere attract millions of tourists from all over the world. Many choose to sail in Barcelona to admire the city’s most iconic landmarks from the sea.

Port Vell

For most visitors, a sailing trip in Gaudi’s city starts from the old port in the Barceloneta district. There are plenty of luxury yachts at Port Vell. The city has become a major boating destination for those who love to sail in Barcelona and Costa Brava. The port’s landmark is the Clock Tower, next to the Montjuïc cable car. Built in 1772, it was turned into a clock at the beginning of the 20th century. It was here that the French astronomer Pierre Méchain made some of the calculations that would later give us the meter as a basic unit of measurement.

Another major attraction here is Rambla del Mar. It’s a walkway with futuristic steel bars hanging over it, linking the port to La Rambla. Passing by this piece of art, you will enjoy a wonderful view of Barri Gòtic, Barcelona’s most picturesque neighbourhood. The walkway stretches from Moll de la Fusta to Moll d’Espanya. The equally splendid Maremagnum shopping centre is in the background, full of restaurants and shops. In a way, it is an extension of La Rambla on the water.

Opposite Rambla del Mar is another landmark of the city, the famous Sideroploide. Located along the Moll dels Pescadors (Fishermen’s Wharf), it’s a sculpture made from irons recovered from the sea. Made by Salvador Aulèstia, it commemorates the achievements and predicaments of valiant seafarers.

The impressive sail-shaped Hotel W Barcelona is close by, cutting a futuristic figure at the edge of a thin slice of land. You will then pass the Moll de Llevant, where you can admire some of the world’s most luxurious yachts.

Montjuïc and the Olympic port

Out of the port and sailing southwards, you’ll admire the magnificent view of the Montjuïc hill on your left, with the splendid castle towering over the hill.  Then turn north to admire the modernist buildings along Passeig Colom. Just behind the Olympic port, are two modernist skyscrapers, Torre Mapfre and Torre Marenostrum. On your way, you might encounter Golodrinas, a type of local traditional boat – think of it as a Catalan gondola.

Further up north is Parc del Forum, a waterfront complex with modern facilities for concerts and sports. Its multi-shaped buildings epitomise the combination of Barcelona’s long history and state-of-the-art, modern architecture. From there you can sail the extra mile to the small city of Badalona, equally appealing to sailing aficionados.

Sail in Barcelona to explore Catalonia and the Balearic

You can also continue your trip along the northwest coast of Spain up to the French border. Cap de Creus, a rugged peninsula just 25km from the French coast, is worth a visit. It famously inspired the surrealist painter Salvador Dalí. Here, you’ll find several peaceful coves and beautiful fishing villages. Dock in Cadaques or Sa Tuna for a few hours or a couple of days.

If you opt to head south, you can sail to the city of Tarragona, a UNESCO World Heritage city. It is famous among other things for being home to the ruins of a Roman circus with a chariot-racing track. The city is surrounded by the famous Costa Dorada (Golden Coast), full of sandy beaches and hidden calas to explore. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Cambrils, a small town with one of Spain’s most beautiful beaches: Platja de la Llosa. And further south, we highly recommend a stopover in L’Ametlla de Mar and El Perelló, both picturesque fishing villages. The first one has a spacious harbour where even fairly large yachts can dock.

Your other option is to sail from Barcelona or Tarragona to the Balearic Islands: Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera. The biggest one, Mallorca, is 133 nautical miles from Barcelona. It’s an ideal destination for a boat trip if you charter a motorboat or a catamaran in Barcelona. The marina in Palma de Mallorca has recently been refurbished and is equipped with 200 berths, taking up yachts of up to 50 meters.