This sailing trip takes us from Alicante along the southern Costa Blanca. On the way back, we head north again and end our journey where it began: in the heart of Alicante. 

Along the way, we experience very different aspects of the Spanish Mediterranean coast. We anchor off small islands and sheltered bays, visit historic port cities, sail along unspoilt stretches of coastline, and always have time for a dip in the Mediterranean. 

With around 200 nautical miles, this trip offers plenty of time for proper sailing. Those who wish can actively participate, take the helm, assist with sailing manoeuvres, and gain experience. Sailing knowledge is welcome but not a prerequisite. We are on the move every day and experience an astonishingly varied coastline over a relatively short distance.

Route & Highlights:

Alicante – our journey begins

The meeting point is the LILLI at the Real Club de Regatas de Alicante. You will check into your cabin, get to know the ship and crew, and receive a detailed safety briefing.

We will spend the first night in the harbour. This allows time to explore Alicante together, discover the palm-lined Explanada and the old town, and toast to the coming week with tapas and a glass of wine.

The next morning, it’s time to cast off.

Tabarca – a small island in the middle of the Mediterranean

Our first destination is the island of Tabarca off the coast of Santa Pola. It is the only permanently inhabited island in the Valencian Community and, with its historic town centre and the surrounding marine reserve, it is a special first stop on our journey.

If the weather and sea conditions are right, we will anchor off the island. The clear water invites us for our first swim directly from the ship, and with the dinghy, we can go ashore for a walk or lunch.

Afterwards, we will sail on towards Santa Pola or look for a suitable spot for the night, depending on the conditions.

Along the Costa Blanca heading south

Now begins one of our longer sailing legs. We follow the coast southwards, gradually leaving the well-known holiday resorts behind.

Here, the character of this journey is particularly evident: we are not on a day trip boat, but on a classic sailing yacht. Wind and weather determine our daily routine and our speed.

Anyone who wishes can now actively participate: steering, setting and trimming sails, observing navigation, or simply sitting on deck and enjoying the passing coastline.

Our main destination in the south is Cartagena.

Cartagena – 2,000 years of history right at the harbour.

Cartagena is one of the highlights of this trip and one of the most interesting port cities in Spain.

Even the entrance with the fortifications on both sides of the natural harbour is impressive. The strategic location made Cartagena an important port in the Mediterranean for millennia.

Today, Roman history, historical military installations, elegant Art Nouveau facades, and modern Mediterranean city life come together here. Particularly worth seeing are the Roman theatre and the historic city centre, which is just a few minutes from the harbour.

We are planning enough time to experience Cartagena on land as well – for a city stroll, a good restaurant, and a relaxed evening away from the daily routine on board.

Costa Cálida – unspoilt coast and quiet coves.

From Cartagena, we will continue sailing along the Costa Cálida. This section is markedly different from the more tourist-developed areas around Alicante.

Rocky coasts, smaller coves, and long stretches without large hotel complexes characterise the landscape. Here, we will look for a sheltered anchorage for the night, weather permitting.

When evening falls in the bay and the sun disappears behind the mountains, the Mediterranean shows itself from one of its most beautiful sides.

Breakfast in the cockpit, a jump into the water, and then setting sail again – this is exactly why we are making this trip.

Mazarrón – our southernmost point

The bay of Mazarrón forms the southernmost area of our journey. The coastal landscape with its mountains, rocks, and sheltered bays offers a strong contrast to the large holiday resorts of the Costa Blanca.

Depending on the conditions, we decide where to anchor or spend the night.

From here, we turn the bow back north. Several sailing days lie ahead of us back towards Alicante.

Torrevieja – salt, sea, and harbour life

On our way north, we reach the Costa Blanca again. Torrevieja is closely linked to the sea and salt production. The famous salt lagoons shape the landscape around the city and have given the region a unique character.

For us, Torrevieja is also a good stopover on the way back to Alicante.

Depending on the weather and the course of the journey, we can spend the night here in the harbour, go ashore for a meal, or continue our journey directly along the coast.

Back to Alicante

The final leg takes us along the Costa Blanca back to Alicante.

Once again, we set sail, pass the coast, and enjoy the last hours at sea. Finally, the Santa Bárbara castle appears above the city, and we return to our home port.

We spend the last night on board at the Real Club de Regatas de Alicante. In the evening, there is time for a shared meal and a reflection on around 200 nautical miles of the Mediterranean.

No journey according to schedule

A sailing trip thrives on wind and weather. Therefore, we understand the described route as our planned course of travel – not as a rigid timetable.

Our skippers decide daily based on the weather and wind conditions which route we will sail, which bay is suitable for anchoring, and which harbour we will visit.

As a result, the order of individual stops may change. In good conditions, we can sail longer, and at particularly beautiful anchorages, we might stay longer.

The goal remains the same: to sail as much as possible while experiencing the most beautiful aspects of this coast.

Sailing profile

• Around 200 nautical miles along the Costa Blanca and Costa Cálida
• Daily sailing and coastal stages
• Active participation in sailing is possible and explicitly encouraged
• Suitable for beginners and experienced sailors
• Overnight stays in harbours and – if conditions permit – at anchor
• Swimming and land stops along the way
• ✔ Confirmation of nautical miles on request
• Small crew with a maximum of 5 guests
• Two experienced skippers on board

Life on board the LILLI

A week on a classic 19-metre sailing yacht means leaving everyday life behind for a few days.

In the morning, we have breakfast in the cockpit, after which the sails are set. Along the way, there is time for swimming, reading, relaxing, and of course, for active sailing.

In the evening, we either dock in a harbour and explore restaurants and old town alleys – or we anchor in a sheltered bay, cook together on board, and enjoy an evening under the open sky.

With a maximum of five guests, there is plenty of space on board and enough room for personal attention from our crew.

Who is this trip suitable for?

This journey is ideal for anyone whoCombining sailing and holidayis what we would like.

Beginners can gain their first experiences on a large sailing yacht without performance pressure. Experienced sailors can actively participate, collect sea miles, and discover a varied coastal route.

At the same time, there is plenty of time for what makes a Mediterranean holiday: swimming, good food, interesting cities, small harbours, and evenings at anchor.