A Comprehensive Guide to the Mediterranean’s Best Yacht Shows

By Emily Dawkins

As destinations go, the Mediterranean is undoubtedly one of the finest. With 21 countries on its coastline, all rich in history and abundant with vibrant culture, this warm region is home to some of the best yachting waters and inevitably, some of the best yacht shows on the calendar each year. We take a look at what shows are taking place in the Mediterranean during 2022, providing your ultimate guide to the boat and yacht shows of this incredible yachting destination.

With the start of the yachting calendar thoroughly underway in the rest of the world, the iconic displays of the Mediterranean are soon to begin. Be prepared to spend a luxurious amount of time in this sunny region, as once the shows start, they don’t stop.  

MYBA Charter Show: Monday 25th - Thursday 28th April

Held in Barcelona’s iconic Marina Port Vell, the MYBA Charter Show is the perfect opportunity for both yachting enthusiasts and yachting professionals to witness some of the best offerings from the Mediterranean Yacht Broker Association. This year marks the show’s 32nd edition, celebrating its renowned history, whilst continuing to act as an incredible platform to showcase the association’s impressive commitment to maintaining high industry standards. 

Marking the beginning of the Mediterranean charter season, this professional trade show brings together leading charter specialists, brokerage firms, and an incredible display of superyachts, across four jam-packed days. Expect plenty of open-boats and entertainment, as well as seminars and award ceremonies, alongside the unmissable opportunity to meet captains and crew and network with some of the best in the industry. Not only attractive for the show, Marina Port Vell offers unrivalled facilities in front of the vibrant and culturally rich centre of Barcelona; certainly, an event that is not to be missed.   

Palma International Boat Show: Thursday 28th April - Sunday 1st May

Not far from Barcelona, on the island of Palma de Mallorca, Palma International Boat Show (PIBS) excellently decorates the city of Palma and the port of Moll Vell. Over four days, PIBS presents a spectacular display of over 600 boats and yachts every year. Set at the foot of Palma’s grand cathedral and lively old town, the show creates the perfect opportunity for clients, professionals and nautical enthusiasts to mingle in a picturesque Balearic Island destination.

This year, PIBS celebrates a new collaboration with the Palma Superyacht Show, now renamed, Palma Superyacht Village. Home to an array of brokerage and charter exhibits for yachts over 24m, as well as yacht services and refit and repair specialists, the Superyacht Village aims to immerse its visitors in all things superyachts. With exhibitors from across the world, PIBS and Palma Superyacht Village represent a variety of yachting sectors and services from hundreds of trusted companies, in a laid-back yet professional environment; proving to be a must-visit show in the Med this April. 

The Mediterranean Yacht Show: Saturday 30th April - Wednesday 4th May

Across the waters of the Med, in the Greek Nafplion Harbour, lies the aptly named Mediterranean Yacht Show (MEDYS). Following two years of cancellations, the show’s organisers, the Greek Yachting Association (GYA), are eager to welcome MEDYS back this year. Expected to be bigger and better than ever, the five-day charter show will host some of the most renowned motor and sailing yachts alongside expert yacht companies from the region. Hundreds of brokers, professionals and clients are invited to witness an outstanding Grecian yacht fleet, as well as gain a chance to speak to those at the forefront of the East Mediterranean yacht industry. 

Step onboard the perfect charter vessels available in Greece, and meet the captains and crew behind them, visit exhibitors presenting an array of nautical products and services, or attend one of the several networking functions and informative talks: a noteworthy charter show to add to your 2022 calendar.  

TYBA Yacht Charter Show: Friday 6th - Tuesday 10th May

Relocating to the magnificent site of D – Marin Göcek this year, a five-star marina and an emerging yachting hub, the TYBA Yacht Charter Show returns for its third year: welcoming trade professionals and clients alike to its luxury Turkish destination. Curated by the Turkish Yacht Broker Association, the charter show represents Turkish yachting professionals with a strong international broker network, presenting an ideal opportunity to grow global industry contacts.  

The show provides an incredible opportunity to not only view some of the best charter yachts the country has to offer, but also to meet some of the industry’s local specialists. Also at the show, learn about the breathtaking plethora of attractions that Turkey offers through various informative seminars, whilst exploring the idyllic coastline from its enticing warm waters. 

Cannes Yachting Festival: Tuesday 6th - Sunday 11th September

The legendary location of Cannes once again opens its doors to a fleet of around 700 sailing yachts, motor yachts and tenders at the Cannes Yachting Festival (CYF) this year. Taking place in the second half of the yachting calendar, the September show spreads across both Vieux Port and Porto Canto, and presents a complete immersive yachting experience. An exciting event for many yacht enthusiasts and clients, as the French festival is renowned for debuting brand new models entering the market. 

Onboard sessions and sea trials are set to take place throughout the festival's duration, with numerous auxiliary exhibits, including luxury lifestyle brands and trusted nautical equipment, available for purchase. As a destination, Cannes has become famous for its embodiment of luxury; asserting the city as the perfect place for the lavish Yachting Festival. 

Monaco Yacht Show: Wednesday 28th September - Saturday 1st October

An iconic landmark event in not only the Mediterranean yachting calendar, but the world yachting calendar, is the Monaco Yacht Show (MYS). Returning to Port Hercule for its 31st edition this year, the unmissable show boasts an incredible stage for the biggest names in the superyacht industry, alongside the world’s largest yachts and most innovative concepts.  

With leading builders and renowned designers, naval architects and refit yards set to attend, beside an array of luxury products and services on exhibit, MYS is expected to welcome another triumphant event this year. 2021 saw a new, revamped version of MYS, which was aimed at being more client-centric; a clear success, as the 2022 September show will feature the same system, allowing for a more relaxed yet professional experience for all. The Principality is a yachting paradise throughout the year, but the world-famous yacht show, in particular, is its pinnacle. A date for 2022 that is unquestionably not to be missed.

There is no doubt that the Mediterranean is not only a perfect cruising destination, but also one of the best areas for several of the largest yacht and boat shows in the world. We for one are extremely excited to see what the Mediterranean shows will bring to the industry this year.

"The Monaco Yacht Show will maintain its important and high-profile role both by showcasing the unique products shaped by the industry and also by promoting the superyacht lifestyle."

Theo Hooning, Secretary General of SYBAss, MYS 21

Expand

"The Monaco Yacht Show will maintain its important and high-profile role both by showcasing the unique products shaped by the industry and also by promoting the superyacht lifestyle."

Theo Hooning, Secretary General of SYBAss, MYS 21
By Emily Dawkins