Sailing on the Costa Tropical de Granada

Popular sailing destinations include the Costa Brava and the Balearic Islands. North Africa is also within sailing distance for more experienced sailors (from Tarifa, the most southerly town on the Spanish mainland, it is just 13km/8 miles to the North African coast). Moorings in Ceuta harbour, in Spanish Morocco, are comfortable and have good facilities, including bars and restaurants.
In recent years Spain’s Mediterranean coast has seen tremendous improvements in yachting facilities, with new marinas being built everywhere, so that these days no boat is ever more than a few hours’ sail away from the nearest harbour.

The two main sailing marinas on the Costa Tropical are Motril Nautical Club and Marina del Este (pictured at top of page). Sailing boats and other facilities and services can be hired at both these locations. Find our full information at our Marina del Este page.

Chartering in the South of Spain
There are several marinas and numerous private operators offering chartering services in the Costa Tropical area. Prices depend on a number of factors, including the size of the yacht, the duration of the charter and whether or not you require a sailing crew. Unlike in some other countries, it is possible to charter sailing yachts in Spain without a captain and crew, provided that the charterer can show a Certificate of Competence. The off-season cost of chartering a 31-foot sailing yacht with two cabins and six berths can be as little as €600 per week, which means that two couples sharing could afford their own sailboat for just €20-25 per person per day. In high season (mid-July to early September) you can expect to pay upwards of €1,000 per week for the same boat.

Certificate of Competence
All skippers of yachts sailing in Spanish waters are required to hold a suitable Certificate of Competence, issued by a national authority, to show to the maritime authorities in the base port prior to departure. The certificate must confirm that the charterer has completed sailing courses to the bareboat qualification level. A RYA Yacht Master Certification or International Certificate of Competence will normally be enough, unless you are from the USA, in which case you will need a US Coast Guard License.

Sailing lessons in Spain
Sailing lessons in Spain are usually organised by the local port club. Tuition covers all the tasks involved in working as an active member of crew on board a sailing vessel, including operating the sails. Sailing lessons in Spain are usually provided as part of an intensive course of between 40 and 60 hours.

Prevailing weather conditions
The Spanish Mediterranean has high levels of sunshine, from 6 hours per day during winter to 12 hours per day in the summer months. Winters are mild – comparable to nice spring weather in the UK. Rain is rare from June to August. The Costa Tropical area is characterized by light, cool offshore breezes which minimise the harsh effects of the hot wind coming up from North Africa, keeping the temperature down.