Every spring, as the Mediterranean begins to warm up and the ports come back to life, Palma de Mallorca becomes the starting point for the international boating season. The Palma International Boat Show (PIBS)—which in 2026 will be held from April 29 to May 2 at Moll Vell—is not just a trade show: it is the event that marks the start of a global calendar where the sea, innovation, and luxury sail in the same direction.
Located at the foot of Palma Cathedral, in a prime location overlooking the waters of the western Mediterranean, the venue combines a spectacular setting with a concept that blends business, lifestyle, and trends. Its open-air format sets it apart from other major events in the industry and reinforces its experiential nature.
The premier showcase for the international boating industry
With an expected attendance of around 38,000 visitors and the participation of nearly 270 companies, the Palma International Boat Show has established itself as one of the key events for industry professionals and enthusiasts. More than 250 vessels—ranging from day boats to superyachts—are on display both in the water and on land, creating an exhibition that offers a snapshot of the industry.
The event, which has a history spanning more than four decades (dating back to the 1980s), has evolved into a strategic hub where shipyards, designers, brokers, engineers, startups, and major companies in the maritime sector come together.
Superyachts, Innovation, and the Future of the Sea
One of the main attractions is once again the Superyacht Village, the area dedicated to vessels over 24 meters in length. This is where the show’s most exclusive segment is concentrated: large yachts, cutting-edge design, and technological solutions tailored to luxury at sea.
But PIBS isn’t just about luxury. At the same time, the show is reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and innovation with dedicated areas such as the Sustainability Hub and Superyacht Square, where startups and new companies showcase solutions related to energy efficiency, new materials, and clean propulsion.
Added to this is the Refit & Repair zone, which highlights one of the Balearic Islands’ greatest assets: its international leadership in boat maintenance and repair. Palma has become one of Europe’s leading centers in this field, and this area reflects the industrial strength that underpins the sector.
More Than Just Boats: Economy, Territory, and Lifestyle
The impact of the Palma International Boat Show extends far beyond the exhibition itself. The boating industry is one of the economic drivers of the Balearic Islands, generating thousands of jobs and establishing the islands as an international benchmark.
The event also serves as a meeting place where business and lifestyle intersect: food courts, networking areas, and an atmosphere that brings together professionals and the general public. Tickets, starting at around 13.20 euros, make this world accessible to a wide audience, with free admission for children under six.
Palma, the nautical capital of the Mediterranean
Held at Marina Moll Vell, overlooking the Bay of Palma and sheltered by the Sierra de Tramuntana mountains, the boat show doesn’t just showcase boats—it showcases a region. A place where the sea sets the pace and where nautical culture is part of the local identity.
Against the backdrop of an industry in transformation—marked by sustainability, digitalization, and new consumption patterns—the Palma International Boat Show has established itself as a barometer of the industry’s future direction.
Because if one thing is clear every year in Palma, it’s that the season doesn’t begin when the boats set sail, but when the Mediterranean comes together again in its harbor.
