The Best Luxury Marinas in Europe for Glamorous Mediterranean Sailing
From the glittering shores of Monaco to the chic harbors of Sardinia and Marbella, these world-class Mediterranean ports offer five-star amenities, stunning scenery, and exclusive service.
Choosing the right marina for your yacht is essential. In the Mediterranean, the sky is the limit when it comes to high-end anchoring experiences. After all, places like Monaco, the South of France, and Costa del Sol are among the most popular chartering destinations in the world. Luxurious living is the philosophy here, with a diverse infrastructure to cater to your every need. Marinas such as Port Hercules in Monaco, Puerto Banús in Marbella, and Porto Cervo in Sardinia are well-known for providing the most exclusive service. Also, it’s all about the setting—most of the Mediterranean’s top marinas are surrounded by gorgeous scenery. Luxurious chartering feels great here. Keep reading to discover the most renowned high-end, luxury marinas in Europe.
Port Hercules, Monaco
There’s nothing like Monaco when it comes to absolute luxury. The world’s second-smallest state is a top destination for self-indulging. Port Hercules is a fitting marina for the wealthy (since ancient times), and it has long been a welcoming haven for yachts of all sizes. Thanks to its deep-water position and constant renovation efforts, this marina can accommodate a wide variety of vessels. There are 760 berths, two careening areas and two shipyards. But the location really is an advantage here. Port Hercules is the center of the Principality’s upscale action. Step out of the yacht, and you’re close to everything Monaco is famous for. The harborside is filled with vibrant brasseries and high-end restaurants, and the ultra-exclusive Monte Carlo neighborhood is just steps away. The historic Le Rocher district, which is home to the Palace and the Old Town, is nearby.
Photos Courtesy of Pavlo Fedykovych
Puerto Banús, Marbella, Spain
One of Europe’s most luxurious marinas, Puerto Banús is located outside the resort city of Marbella, on the spectacular Costa del Sol. Salvador Dalí’s Rhinoceros statue greets visitors, the gorgeous Pico de la Concha mountain towers over and well-known brands abound in the shopping quarter. Puerto Banús started welcoming yachts in 1970 and has always been a favorite stop for the world’s jet-setting crowd. Today, it’s not only a top-notch marina but a luxurious shopping complex. There are upscale boutiques, nightclubs and restaurants steps away from the berths. Puerto Banús is also huge—the marina can accommodate 915 vessels and has every possible service you’d expect. Conveniently, there’s a gorgeous fine sand beach right alongside the port.
Porto Cervo, Italy
There are towns with marinas, but Porto Cervo is a marina with a town, purposefully built to complement the yachting experience. Set among the striking mountain scenery of northern Sardinia, it was inaugurated in the 1960s, becoming the focal point of Costa Smeralda (or the Emerald Coast). Porto Cervo Marina (divided into East and West piers) has 700 berths (with 100 for megayachts) and can provide docking for vessels of up to 120 meters. In other words, it’s a haven for the biggest boats. Step onto the shore to find an exclusive resort town with some of Europe’s most expensive properties, a kaleidoscope of luxurious stores, 13 Michelin restaurants in the area and, of course, famed Sardinian blue water beaches.
Marina di Portofino, Italy
Portofino’s romantic allure is unmatched. Pastel-colored harbor houses, picturesque green hills, old streets filled with cafes and a 16th-century castle overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. For hundreds of years, this Ligurian town has beckoned writers, painters, and royalty. That’s why it’s no wonder that the local marina is among Europe’s most spellbinding. Although small, it is suited for superyachts (14 berths), and megayachts (an additional two berths in Cannone Bay). The limited harbor space adds to exclusivity, so be sure to book the spot in advance. Docking here gives you a chance to admire the timeless beauty of Portofino and immerse yourself in the Ligurian lifestyle.
Photos from Various Sources
Port Vauban, Antibes, France
A gateway to the French Riviera, Antibes Port Vauban isn’t only a well-developed marina, but also the largest yacht harbor in Europe. With a whopping 1,500 berth capacity, it’s a vast playground for yachting enthusiasts. A star-shaped Fort Carré overlooks the gargantuan marina, giving it an even more epic appearance. The port is the number one destination for superyachts and megayachts cruising the marvelous coast of the South of France. But it’s also about Antibes, the town. It charms you with cozy cobblestone streets, a traditional Provençal market, flavorful local cuisine, and superb beaches like Gravette and Ponteil. And no yachting journey to Antibes is complete without anchoring at the magnificent Bay of Billionaires: a stunning corner of Cap d’Antibes with turquoise water.
Port de Saint-Tropez, France
Saint-Tropez is a yachting icon. In 1956, the Brigitte Bardot-led film “And God Created Woman” instantly turned the sleepy picturesque Provençal village into an international hedonist sensation. Then, “The Troops of St. Tropez” comedic series with Louis de Funès cemented the silver screen fame. The harbor here is spectacular—you’re right in the center of the elegant beach town with ochre-colored old houses, exclusive restaurants, glitzy beach clubs, and luxurious boutiques. There are 729 berths, two basins, and a members-only Saint-Tropez Lounge Club. The Saint-Tropez coast is also famous for white-sand beaches: the iconic naturist Tahiti, the long Pampelonne, and scenic Port Grimaud.
Photos Courtesy of Pavlo Fedykovych
Flisvos Marina, Greece
With only 310 berths, Flisvos Marina in Athens is quite a boutique harbor. But it’s the best for superyachts in the Greek capital. Quieter and less crowded than Piraeus marinas, Flisvos is ideal for a refined yachting experience. The UNESCO-protected marvels of Athens—the striking Acropolis, the neo-classical Plaka neighborhood and the Temple of Olympian Zeus—are just a short drive away. Flisvos isn’t only about mooring your boat, as there’s a gastronomic gallery with Greek restaurants, hip bars, coffee shops, and ice cream spots. This marina is a great starting point for cruises to the famed Greek islands, such as Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, and Milos.
Portomaso Marina, Malta
If you enjoy things on a smaller, more intimate scale (with a turnkey integrated luxury experience), Portomaso in Malta is the one. Located in gorgeous St. Julian’s Bay, it’s part of a private, multifunctional development. Basically, this means that mooring here allows you to be in the epicenter of the sumptuous action, where all the restaurants, bars, nightclubs, cafes, and apartments are close by. Portomaso serves as an island of luxury in Paceville, aka the nightlife hub of Malta. The neighbors are the five-star Hilton Malta and the skyscraper-located Portomaso Casino. Portomaso is conveniently sheltered from winds and offers 110 fully serviced berths in three basins. It’s a perfect luxury base for exploring many of Malta’s coastal gems. Be sure to sail to Blue Grotto, take a dip in the Comino’s Blue Lagoon, see the capital-stronghold Valletta from the sea, and visit the red sand Ramla Beach.
Marina Menton – Garavan, France
Set right at the French-Italian border, Menton-Garavan is among the best marinas in the Côte d’Azure. The location makes it an ideal port for sailing to both Rivieras. With 770 berths, it’s also one of the largest in the region. On the shore, you’ve got a superb selection of fine dining restaurants, casual Mediterranean eateries, elegant brunch cafes, and even wine bars. And then there’s gorgeous Menton, charming you with its cascading colored houses, hilltop Baroque Basilique Saint-Michel, and romantic narrow streets. Marina is very close to the stunning Plage des Sablettes, which is one of the most scenic beaches on the French Riviera. Sandy and wide, it is located right in front of the Old Town and features a breathtaking view of the French Prealps.
Photos Courtesy of Pavlo Fedykovych
Yalıkavak Marina, Bodrum, Turkey
Although not geographically in Europe, Yalıkavak in Bodrum is the best luxurious marina in the Aegean Sea. Here, location is strategic. Apart from the marvelous coves of the Bodrum coast, you’re also very close to the spectacular Greek Dodecanese islands such as Kos, Symi, Rhodes, Nisyros, and Kalymnos. There’s a 620-berth capacity (superyacht-ready), an exclusive hotel on the premises, a duty-free shop, a spa and fitness center, a supermarket, and a beach club. It’s just a complete high-end experience in the middle of the magnificent Turkish Turquoise Coast. Yalıkavak is also a foodie destination. You have over 30 dining and drinking establishments, including Turkish haute cuisine restaurants, casual Italian pizzerias, and well-known brands like Starbucks, Café Nero, and Godiva.
Port Adriano, Spain
Spanish marinas are on a higher level of quayside leisure. Much like Marbella’s Puerto Banús, Port Adriano in Mallorca combines high-class mooring service with a superb luxury entertainment proposition on the shore. There is a total of 404 berths for yachts of up to 60 meters. But this marina is also a kind of all-in-one luxurious playground. You’ve got over 50 businesses operating quayside, including 11 restaurants with Mediterranean and Asian flavors, and a gallery of local upscale boutiques. Moreover, the marina has a busy events schedule, inviting artists such as Boney M, Bonnie Tyler, Tom Jones, and UB40 to perform for the harbor’s patrons. There’s also a water sports center, if you’re feeling adventurous.