Navegaria
Navegaria25+ years of sailing

Navegaria · Practical guide

Sailing in Altea: what to expect and how to plan your day

Thinking about a sailing day in Altea? This is what it actually looks like: where the boat leaves from, how long each trip lasts, what to bring, and what the coast is like between Altea and the Peñón de Ifach in Calpe.

Summary

In Altea you can join a private skippered sailing trip along a particularly scenic stretch of the Spanish Mediterranean. Trips leave from Puerto Marina Greenwich (Campomanes) and run from 2.5 hours (sunset) to 7-8 hours (full day). You can book on the booking page or first see the options on rent a boat in Altea.

What sailing in Altea is actually like

Altea sits between Sierra Helada to the south and the Peñón de Ifach to the north. From the water you see white houses climbing toward the church dome, steep cliffs and clear coves with turquoise patches where the seabed turns sandy.

A sailing day in Altea with Navegaria is private: the boat is only for your group, with a professional skipper throughout. You choose the rhythm and the skipper adapts to wind and sea.

Where the boat leaves from

Boats leave from Puerto Marina Greenwich (Campomanes), around 5 minutes south of Altea old town by car. The marina has parking, cafés and direct access to the pontoons.

Approximate driving times:

  • From central Altea: 5-10 minutes.
  • From Albir or La Nucía: 10-15 minutes.
  • From Benidorm: 15-20 minutes.
  • From Calpe: 15-20 minutes.
  • From Alicante airport: about 1 hour.

Typical routes: Altea, Calpe and the Sierra Helada

There is no fixed route when you go sailing in Altea. The skipper chooses the most comfortable and safe direction based on weather conditions.

  • North toward Calpe: Mascarat, Morro de Toix and views of the Peñón de Ifach.
  • South along Sierra Helada: Albir and Benidorm coastline, often better sheltered on windy days.

When to go: best months and conditions

The practical season runs from April to the end of October, with warm water and stable weather for most trips. We also sail on calm winter days.

You can check the official forecast on AEMET for Altea. If conditions are unsuitable, we offer rescheduling or refund.

What to bring and what’s on board

On board you have shade, a swim ladder, life jackets for adults and children, and space to relax.

  • Swimsuit, towel, hat or cap, and high-protection sunscreen.
  • Flat, soft-soled shoes.
  • A light sweater or windbreaker for sunset trips.
  • Water and any snacks or drinks you want.

If you’d like to learn sailing, not just ride

If you want training in addition to the experience, visit our sailing school for courses and Spanish nautical qualifications.

Some background on Altea

For a neutral overview of the town, history and coastline, see Altea on Wikipedia.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need any experience to go sailing in Altea?
Not at all. Most people who come sailing with us have never been on a sailboat before. Our skipper handles the navigation, maneuvers, and safety. You just enjoy the day, swim in a cove, and ask as many questions as you like.
How long are the sailing trips?
The three standard options are sunset (2.5 hours, evenings), half-day (4 hours, morning or afternoon) and full-day (7-8 hours). All of them are private: the boat is just for your group, with a professional skipper on board.
What is the best time of year to go sailing in Altea?
From late April to mid-October the weather is generally warm and the water is pleasant for swimming. July and August are the busiest months; May, June and September often give you the best balance of warm water, long daylight and calm crowds. We sail year-round when conditions allow.
Where does the boat leave from?
We depart from Puerto Marina Greenwich in Altea (also known as Campomanes), about 5 minutes south of Altea’s old town by car. It is a well-equipped marina with parking, cafés and bathrooms, and the pontoon is only a short walk from the car park.
Will we see dolphins?
Dolphins are often seen along this stretch of coast, especially on longer trips and with calm seas, but sightings cannot be guaranteed. Our skipper knows the areas where pods are commonly spotted and will adjust the route when the conditions are right.