Your guide to the Barcelona Boat Show

Published 11 juillet 2023

The 61st Barcelona International Boat Show will be held 11-15 October 2023. Learn what to expect from the event with the Burgess guide.

The Barcelona International Boat Show is the largest event of its kind in Spain. The show promises once again to deliver a fantastic showcase of vessels. Comprising sailing boats, yachts, fishing vessels, catamarans, inflatables, and many more, the maritime event features the largest and most comprehensive commercial offering of sport and recreational vessels on the water.

What is the Barcelona Boat Show?

If you’re on the lookout for a spectacular boat but are unsure on the size, type or category, the Barcelona Boat Show is the place to be. From world-renowned Oyster sailing yachts to smaller first-time exhibitors, the event, organised by Fira de Barcelona, provides an idyllic setting in which to become acquainted with all things nautical. With more than 40,000 visitors and 240 exhibitors flying in from around the globe, all bases are covered.

Admire the boats and watertoys as you take a stroll down the marina

When is the Barcelona Boat Show?

Set in the gorgeous city marina that is Port Vell Barcelona, the Barcelona International Boat Show takes place every year in mid-October. Just steps from the Catalan capital’s Gothic quarter and surrounded by the top tier bars, restaurants, boutiques and museums, the event is as well-placed to experience sea trials on the water as it is to enjoy authentic tapas for lunch. Pairing rich culture with a varied selection of exhibitors, it provides the perfect blend of leisure and business.

Marina Port Vell, the backdrop for the Barcelona International Boat Show

Event overview: Planning your trip to Barcelona

Marina Port Vell is located just 40 minutes from Barcelona airport, with a well-serviced train station just a stone’s throw from the water’s edge. Depending on your area of interest, the show is divided into four distinct zones for experienced sailors and novices alike. The areas incorporate in-water exhibits – both boats and the latest watertoys – and an innovation hub for new start-ups, from new fishing gear to offshore sailing.

Come for the boats but don't forget to explore into the beautiful city of Barcelona

What else can I do in Barcelona?

When in Barcelona, you’re spoilt for choice. The city is home to the largest number of Michelin-starred eateries in Europe. Take a trip to the world-famous football club Camp Nou, home to FC Barcelona, or visit the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, where the Spanish Grand Prix, one of the oldest races in the world, is hotly contested. In the colder climes, a few hours’ drive will deliver you to the Pyrenees where you’ll find some of the best powder skiing around.

A trip to Barcelona is never complete without experiencing the tastes and smells of Catalan cuisine

Charter a private helicopter

One of the best ways to discover a city is by air. A private helicopter charter will fly you high into the sky, delivering a mesmerising bird’s eye view of Gaudi’s famed Park Güell, with its brightly mosaiced sculptures and landscaped gardens. Soar past the starchitect’s famously unfinished cathedral, the Sagrada Familia, and drink in the lattice-like streets of the Gothic quarter, all from the comfort of your privately chartered chopper.

Discover Barcelona from a different perspective

Try a wine tasting tour

Positioned just 35km southwest of Barcelona, the coastal town of Sitges makes for a convenient bolt-on to your attendance at the show. Flanked by the mountainous Parc Natural del Garraf and golden sandy beaches, it’s a popular weekend escape. A stay at Hotel Montserrat in the city centre will locate you just moments from the sea and lively night life. For something a little more adventurous, oenophiles should team it with a 30-minute train ride to enjoy a Montserrat wine tour or visit the serene Montserrat Monastery.

Drive a supercar

If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into the shoes of a Formula One racer, then a supercar driving experience might just be the ticket. Enjoy an exclusive experience at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya at the wheel of a high-performance GT, or perhaps a signature red Ferrari is more your style. Feel the force as you negotiate tight chicanes, brace yourself for adrenaline-pumping turns and live the ultimate supercar experience for a day.