Catamarans Rising Trend in Spain’s Boating Summer

Catamarans have become one of the defining features of boating holidays for Spanish consumers. The expansion of the charter market, combined with their ease of handling and their reputation for comfort, stability and efficiency, is positioning them as an increasingly enticing alternative to traditional holiday accommodation.

Between January and June 2026, Spain registered 3,105 new recreational boat registrations, up 11.2% compared with the same period in 2025. Of these, 1,041 were registered for charter operations, compared with 905 in the first half of the previous year, representing a 15% increase, according to figures released by the Spanish National Marine Industry Association (ANEN).

Spain’s charter market continues to expand, particularly across the Balearic Islands, Catalonia and Andalusia. While motor yachts remain one of the most popular charter choices, catamarans are increasingly outperforming conventional monohull sailing yachts for family cruising and extended holidays.

Catamarans, the latest trend
Along these lines, catamarans are rapidly becoming the vessel of choice for yacht charter and experience-led tourism. Their greatest advantage lies in their exceptional stability, significantly reducing heel and motion at sea, while their configuration provides considerably more living space than comparable monohulls. These qualities have broadened the appeal of sailing to a wider audience seeking memorable holidays with family or friends.

The onboard experience is largely defined by generous accommodation, spacious communal areas, private cabins and comfortable lounging spaces. Their shallow draft also allows access to secluded coves and anchorages that are often beyond the reach of deeper-draught vessels, opening more exclusive cruising grounds.

Energy efficiency is another factor underpinning the segment’s growth. Catamarans generally consume less fuel than comparable monohulls and are increasingly designed to accommodate hybrid and fully electric propulsion systems.

According to Josep Antoni Llopart, Director of the Barcelona International Boat Show, this growing popularity reflects “a profound shift in the way people experience boating and the sea, with a stronger emphasis on accessible, experience-driven navigation for a broader audience.”

Catamaran or Holiday Apartment?
The economic case for chartering a catamaran is becoming increasingly persuasive. In 2025, weekly holiday apartment rentals in the Balearic Islands ranged from around €1,250 in the most affordable areas to approximately €3,700 in premium destinations such as Ibiza and Puerto Banús. Prices rose by as much as 12% year-on-year in Mediterranean provinces including Cádiz and Málaga.

By comparison, chartering a catamaran in Spain starts at around €2,490 per week during the low season and from €4,440 during peak season, according to Nautal. The price gap narrows considerably when taking into account that a typical catamaran accommodates between eight and twelve guests, offers fully equipped onboard galley facilities, allows guests to cruise between multiple destinations and provides complete privacy—an overall value proposition that is difficult for conventional holiday accommodation to match on a per-person basis.

Alongside the traditional charter model, another concept is gaining momentum: boating membership clubs, which allow members unlimited access to yachts through a recurring subscription, eliminating the costs and responsibilities associated with ownership.

Star at the Barcelona International Boat Show
According to GM Insights, the global catamaran market was valued at US$4.5 billion in 2025 and is forecast to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.1% through 2035, driven by continued growth in marine tourism and increasing demand for leisure craft.

Leading manufacturers in the segment include Lagoon, Fountaine Pajot, Bali Catamarans, Excess Catamarans, Sunreef Yachts and Leopard, all recognised for combining generous onboard living spaces with strong sailing performance. These brands will once again feature prominently at the Barcelona International Boat Show.

Organised by Fira de Barcelona in collaboration with ANEN, the event will take place from 14 to 18 October at Port Vell, reaffirming its status as one of Europe’s leading marine industry exhibitions. The 2026 edition will once again showcase an extensive selection of catamarans. With more than 30 catamarans typically displayed afloat at each edition, the Barcelona International Boat Show offers the largest on-water catamaran showcase of any boat show in Europe.

Barcelona, 14 July 2026

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