COVID-19 Update: Cruising Spain this Summer

Sunday June 21 will see the end of the state of emergency in Spain, three months after it began. Catalonia has announced this morning that it has officially lifted the restrictions and has entered the ‘new normal’ today. This means that movement within Spanish territory will be unrestricted and borders will be open to other EU/Schengen countries (Portugal will be delayed until July 1 and visitors from the UK may still be obliged to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival). Exact measures for these openings are yet to be officially published.

The government has announced that non-EU passport holders will be able to enter Spain in July, but are pending exact dates and if any nationalities may have restrictions due to the health situation in their country.

All yachts can arrive with crew on board in Spain, and as of June 21, yachts should also be able to arrive with guests on board from EU countries. Exact procedures for tourist arrivals are still pending confirmation and may differ in each port, so we highly recommend checking with local offices first. 

General measures in place:

 • The use of masks is compulsory in the street and all public places (indoors or outdoors) if the compulsory social distance of 1.5m cannot be met. 

• Shops, hotels, restaurants and bars and tourist sites are open and operational, following strict health measures and respecting the 1.5m social distance.

Xisco Notario, Evolution Yachting’s Operations Manager in Spain, Portugal Gibraltar and Algiers, was born in Palma de Mallorca and lived in Germany for a couple of years. Xisco started his career in aviation before moving into yachting in 2010, where he joined Evolution. Here he discusses the top hotspots to visit. 

Ibiza & Formentera

Although Ibiza is known more for the buzz and glamour of the nightlife, this island has a charming alternative side for those seeking a different kind of buzz. Its jagged shoreline offering countless bays and beaches morph into green rolling hills at the island´s centre. Enjoy beach yoga or a stand-up paddle session at sunrise, hike the magical Es Vedra after breakfast then explore the winding and wild roads on a private motorbike tour inland, stop for a spot of lunch at the restaurant CALMA in Ibiza town before returning to the yacht for a well-deserved siesta! 

And if you still need to take it down a notch, Formentera is the perfect place to drop anchor and laze and languish for a while, with its white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and promise of the ultimate opportunity to disconnect.

Mallorca

There is always something new to discover and fall in love with in Mallorca, the island offers a little sumptuous bit of everything and always satisfies. The Tramuntana mountains harbour rich forest ready to be explored on foot whilst the Sa Dragonera Natural Park is home to many species of flora, fauna and birdlife and of course the pristine beaches with their seductive waters await all visitors.

If your adrenaline levels need a boost, try rock climbing, caving, cycling and cliff jumping, or tantalise your taste buds with an exclusive visit to a local vineyard or allow us bring a Michelin starred Chef onboard and prepare a sunset tapas freshly prepared with local produce.

Costa Brava

This hidden gem of the Western Med is an area we love to shout about! It's dramatic rocky coastline, sculptured by the Tramuntana winds, was home to and inspiration for Salvador Dali but gives way every now and again to many isolated bays and coves and even some beautiful beaches. Not so commercialised by the tourist market, many small fishing ports and villages offer a glimpse of authentic Catalan life, culture and gastronomy.  

The Illes Medes offer great diving and the many coastal coves and nooks are great to explore by kayak. Sample the famous, succulent giant red prawns of Palamos (paella, anyone?) then anchor off Cadaques for a wonderful view of the clustered white buildings built into the peninsula, famous for it's many famous artist inhabitants. Just around the corner of the Cap de Creu, you can cross the French border into Port Vendres, a marina welcoming all vessels of all sizes and only a stone´s throw from the famous village of Collioure.

For information and advice on cruising in Spain this summer please contact Xisco here.