Sailing to Catalonia

A map of the best ports and anchorages

A brief maritime history of Catalonia

Catalonia’s maritime history dates back to a time where Phoenicians, Greeks, and Carthaginians sailed these waters, drawn to the region for its strategic location and resources. The Greeks founded Empúries, one of the most important trading posts on the Iberian Peninsula. These early traders left an indelible mark on Catalonia’s maritime identity, linking its shores to the wider Mediterranean world.

By the time the Romans arrived, Catalonia was already a thriving maritime hub. The port of Tarraco (modern-day Tarragona) became one of the most significant Roman cities in the region, bustling with ships carrying grain, wine, and olive oil across the empire.

Barcelona’s maritime tradition was embodied by the construction of the Royal Shipyard, known as the Drassanes, in the 13th century. These vast gothic structures, still standing today, were where the famous Catalan galleys were built — sleek, powerful ships that allowed the Crown of Aragon to dominate the seas. It was also during this time that Catalonia developed a robust maritime legal system, known as the Consolat de Mar. This body of laws, created in the 13th century, governed maritime trade and disputes, influencing naval law across Europe.

Discussion