Spring in Europe Means Annual Yacht Charter Shows: Barcelona 2023

Spring in Europe is our time to attend the annual yacht charter shows and this year beautiful Barcelona hosted the 2023 MYBA Yacht Charter Show. Barcelona will also host the 2024 America’s Cup Challenge so the buzz here is electric.

Our job is to visit travel destinations where you have been or you may want to go. Someone has to be your eyes, ears, nose, and tastebuds “at sea” and “on the ground” and we work hard to be your best resource.

Gothic cathedral and skyline from rooftop pool in Barcelona, Spain photo©carolkent.com

Last Spring in 2022, I attended the Mediterranean Charter Show in Nafplion, Greece hosted this excellent event that included more than 90 Greek-flagged yachts. Then on to Gocek, Turkey for the Turkish Yachting & Brokers Association (TYBA) yacht charter show in May 2022 which was also a great success.

This year, 2023, I attended the MYBA (The Worldwide Yachting Association) Charter Show in Spain. Showcasing the “super yachts” that ply the Western Mediterranean in the summers, it was held at the Marina Port Vell Barcelona.

Water pitcher and glasses on tray at Port Vell Barcelona marina photo©carolkent.com

After the charter show, I will be traveling to the most desirable Italian islands; Sicily, Sardinia, and Corsica and then sailing in Croatia. Later in this post are itineraries for these destinations that we think you’ll enjoy.

SPAIN

Barcelona is a gorgeous, thriving historical city. She will be hosting the 37th America’s Cup Challenge in 2024!

The incredible Costa de Sol coastline is where I stayed for cruising and for its short flights from Barcelona to The Balearics. The 33rd MYBA (Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association) Charter Show put on a fabulous week of meeting crews, gaining insights into itineraries, and overall getting to know our partners.

America's Cup competitor in 2016 Bermuda race

Lounges chairs in Aeolian Islands looking at Mt Etna in Sicily

SICILY and the AEOLIAN ISLANDS, ITALY

From Barcelona to Palermo is only a 2-hour flight.

Sicily may be on your radar after all the fuss about the show WHITE LOTUS on HBO. Filming took place in Palermo, Sicily’s capital, the San Domenico Palace (a Four Seasons Hotel) in Taormina, and La Cambusa, a ristorante in Giardini Naxos.

Popular ports are Palermo, Capo d’ Orlando, Milazzo, a jumping-off point to the Aeolian islands (also known as the Lipari Islands) including volcanic Stromboli.

There are seven volcanic islands, Lipari being the largest. I will be staying on Salina, one of the most serene and peaceful of this island cluster. Ferry-hopping will be an adventure.

Returning to the mainland, traveling east of the island, Taormina is one of the most popular ports with Mt. Etna in view. It is perched on a rocky headland high above the sea.

Sample Itinerary for Sicily and the Aeolian Islands

People on tender floating out of cave on turquoise blue water around Sardinia, Italy

Sardinia and Corsica

SARDINIA, Italy – Flights out of Catania are easy for a short jaunt to Olbia, Sardinia. Unlike her sister Sicily, she is much more of a “high-end” tourist area, especially with ports of call such as Porto Cervo, Porto Rotundo (where I will be staying), and the protected La Maddalena Archipelago National Park islands. Porto Teresa Gallura is an easy ferry transport to Bonifacio, Corsica.

CORSICA, France – Coming from Sardinia through the Straits of Bonifacio Harbor, this city is situated on the cliffs. The beauty is natural and boasts Romanesque, Gothic or neo-Byzantine architecture.

Sample Itinerary for Sardinia and Corsica

Trogir, Croatia esplanade with palm trees, buildings and boats

CROATIA

The 150′ Motor Sail Yacht OMNIA will host us charter professionals sailing out of Split from May 10-14. She is based in Croatia and accommodates up to 12 guests with 2 Kings, 2 Queens, and 2 Twins (which can convert into Queens) all with ensuite bathrooms. Her toys are extensive: Tenders & Toys: 2 x Tenders: 6m (20ft) with 130hp outboard motor / 5 m (16ft) dinghy with 35hp outboard motor, 2 x Seadoo Spark Trixx Jetskis 90hp (2 people), 2 x F5 Seabobs, 2 x Stand up paddle boards, 2 x Inflatable kayaks (2 people), 1 x Wakeboard, adult, 1 x Water skis, adult, 1 x Water skis, children, 1 x Towable Jobe tube (1 person), 1 x Towable Soinera tube (3 people), 12 x Snorkelling equipment, (8 adults, 4 children), Water shoes (all sizes), Fishing equipment (2 spin fishing rods, jigs for fish, octopus, squids, etc.).