Spain, Catalonia
The Costa Brava is mainland Spain's cruising ground: from Palamós, 40 minutes from Girona airport, the Medes Islands, Cadaqués and Cap de Creus are 15 to 30 NM away, between pine-backed coves, with the Tramuntana as the wind to respect; Barcelona and Sitges add a city start.
YACHT TYPES
Sailing yachts of about 38 ft and catamarans of 41 to 42 ft make up most of the bookable fleet; a monohull handles the Tramuntana and the crossing of the Gulf of Roses better.
A typical week from Palamós
Saturday to Saturday, north along the Costa Brava to Cap de Creus and back, with the crossing of the Gulf of Roses planned around the Tramuntana forecast.
Day 1, Palamós to Llafranc (4 NM). A short first leg to the coves of Llafranc and Calella de Palafrugell; day buoys at the Formigues islets and Cala Pedrosa protect the seagrass.
Day 2, to L'Estartit and the Medes Islands (11 NM). The Medes are a marine reserve: anchoring is banned, boats moor on paid day buoys from sunrise to 2 pm or from 2 pm to sunset, and the night is in the marina at L'Estartit.
Day 3, to Cadaqués (16 NM). Across the Gulf of Roses to the white village of Cadaqués, with Dalí's house at Portlligat in the next bay, where the buoys are booked by phone.
Day 4, round Cap de Creus to Port de la Selva (9 NM). The natural park's partial reserves at the cape forbid buoy mooring and overnight anchoring, and motor boats are limited to 12 knots; go round only on a day without Tramuntana.
Day 5, back to Roses (16 NM). Round the cape again to the long bay of Roses, with Port Roses or one of its buoy fields, booked by app, for the night.
Day 6, to L'Estartit (13 NM). South across the bay with a swim stop on the way, and a second chance at the Medes if the buoys were full.
Day 7, to Palamós (15 NM). Down the cliffs of the Montgrí coast and past the coves of Begur, back by Friday afternoon.
From Barcelona or Sitges, Palamós is about 50 NM up the coast, a long day each way: a city start suits a one-way or a two-week charter. Mallorca and Menorca are 100 to 115 NM from Barcelona, an overnight crossing.
Practical points for a Costa Brava charter
Licences and park rules
Spanish rules apply: a licence from your EEA country of nationality or residence, or a title on the Spanish list such as the ICC, within the limits printed on it, or the RYA Coastal Skipper; most operators also ask for a VHF certificate. In the Medes reserve anchoring is banned and moorings are paid day buoys; in the Cap de Creus park, rules in force since August 2025 close the partial reserves to buoy mooring and overnight anchoring.
Wind and sea
The Tramuntana, a north to north-west wind, blows about 70 days a year, mostly from November to March, and is strongest on the north side of Cap de Creus; in summer it still comes through for a day or two and makes the Gulf of Roses rough. On normal summer days a sea breeze fills in from mid-morning. The sea averages about 20 °C in June and 22 to 23 °C from July to September.
Moorings and fees
Since April 2026 a national decree bans anchoring on Posidonia and other seagrass meadows across Spain: drop the anchor on sand or use the buoy fields. In July and August a 12 to 14 m yacht pays about 95 to 110 euros a night at Port Roses, 110 to 150 euros at Marina Palamós and 90 to 115 euros at L'Estartit; Port Roses buoys cost 62.50 euros a day or a night for 10 to 15 m in July and August, and less than half that in May, June, September and October.
Getting there
Girona airport is about 40 minutes from Palamós and 50 from Roses; Barcelona airport is about 1 h 30 from Palamós and 20 minutes from Port Olímpic. Provisioning: supermarkets in Palamós and Roses.
Can we start in Barcelona?
Yes, from Port Olímpic or Sitges, but the Costa Brava is about 50 NM north, so a Barcelona week spends two days on passage. A one-way to Palamós, if the operator offers it, or two weeks, make the most of it.
What is the Tramuntana?
The north wind of the Empordà, which can blow hard for a day or more round Cap de Creus and across the Gulf of Roses. When it is forecast, keep to the southern Costa Brava and leave the cape for another day.
Can we sail to Mallorca or Menorca?
Only as a two-week plan: from Barcelona it is 100 to 115 NM, an overnight crossing that needs a crew with offshore experience and the operator's agreement.
What does Seeksail need to advise us?
Dates, cabins, licence held, skipper or not, Costa Brava or Barcelona start, and we shortlist three yachts from Palamós, Roses or Barcelona with a recommendation.
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