For yacht owners and charter guests alike, marinas aren’t just about berthing—they’re lifestyle hubs offering safety, convenience, and a front-row seat to some of the world’s most beautiful coastlines. In this guide, we take you through how marinas work, how to secure a berth, and highlight some of the most sought-after yachting destinations across the Mediterranean, starting with Malta.
Malta Marinas: Small Island, Big Appeal
Located at the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta has become a favourite for yacht owners and charterers alike. Its rich history, strategic location, and growing yachting infrastructure make it an ideal homeport or cruising stop.
🛥 Grand Harbour Marina (Vittoriosa)
Nestled in a UNESCO World Heritage site, this superyacht-capable marina offers deep-water berths, 24/7 security, customs clearance services, and access to restaurants, boutiques, and cultural landmarks. It’s a prestigious base for both private yachts and charters, offering stunning views of Valletta’s bastions.
🛥 Portomaso Marina (St Julian’s)
Located in a vibrant lifestyle development, Portomaso is a luxury yacht marina with excellent access to Malta’s nightlife, fine dining, and five-star hotels. Ideal for smaller and mid-sized yachts, it’s popular with locals and visitors alike for short-term stays and charters.
🛥 Marina di Valletta (Pietà)
One of the island’s newest marinas, Marina di Valletta combines high-tech infrastructure with traditional Maltese charm. Offering full-service berths for yachts up to 50m, this marina provides beautiful views of the capital and modern facilities including private parking and yacht concierge services.
🛥 Gardens Marina (Ta’ Xbiex)
Set in a peaceful, sheltered creek, Gardens Marina is a practical option for both long-term and short stays. Known for its friendly atmosphere, it’s close to Malta’s yacht service providers, embassies, and a variety of cafes and restaurants lining the promenade.
Top Mediterranean Yacht Marinas by Country
Here’s an expanded look at the most iconic and luxurious yacht marinas across the Mediterranean, with insights into what makes each location special.
Italy
🛥 Porto Cervo Marina (Sardinia)
A playground for the global elite, this marina boasts premium berths for superyachts and top-tier facilities. Located along the Emerald Coast, Porto Cervo is also home to high-profile regattas, designer boutiques, and exclusive beach clubs.
🛥 Marina di Portofino
Set in a quaint fishing village surrounded by lush cliffs, this boutique marina accommodates only a handful of yachts—making it ultra-exclusive and immensely scenic. Dining and art galleries are just steps away.
🛥 Marina di Stabia (Naples)
Located near Pompeii and Capri, Marina di Stabia is known for its top-end shipyard, private beach club, and extensive berthing capacity for yachts up to 100m. Great for combining cruising with culture.
France
🛥 Port de Saint-Tropez
The epitome of the Riviera lifestyle, this marina hosts a summer scene of superyachts, classic wooden sailboats, and beach parties. It’s a glamorous stop for those who want to see and be seen.
🛥 Port Vauban (Antibes)
Europe’s largest yacht marina by capacity, Port Vauban features the "Billionaires’ Quay" and proximity to shipyards and technical services, making it a preferred base for superyachts wintering in the Med.
🛥 Port Camille Rayon (Golfe-Juan)
Less hectic than its Riviera neighbours but equally stylish, this modern marina is located between Cannes and Antibes. Known for its calm waters and excellent restaurants.
Spain
🛥 Marina Ibiza
A lively marina in the Balearics with a mix of nightlife, fashion boutiques, and five-star dining. Its proximity to Formentera makes it a must-visit for island hoppers.
🛥 Port Adriano (Mallorca)
Designed by Philippe Starck, this futuristic marina hosts some of the most advanced nautical infrastructure in Spain. It’s clean, calm, and full of luxury lifestyle services.
🛥 Puerto Banús (Marbella)
This iconic marina is more than just a berthing location—it’s a social scene, with supercars, designer brands, and waterfront dining attracting the jet set every summer.
Greece
🛥 Marina Zeas (Athens)
Located in Piraeus, this marina offers quick access to Athens' cultural highlights and the nearby Cycladic islands. Its deep berths and modern security make it a charter hub.
🛥 Gouvia Marina (Corfu)
Popular among Ionian Sea cruisers, Gouvia is ideal for provisioning and repairs. It has a lively social scene and a scenic location close to Venetian fortresses.
🛥 Alimos Marina (Athens Riviera)
One of the busiest marinas in Greece and a top starting point for chartering the Aegean, offering hundreds of berths and extensive on-shore services.
Croatia
🛥 ACI Marina Split
A full-service marina near the heart of Split, this is a launchpad to islands like Hvar and Vis. Popular with bareboat and crewed charters alike.
🛥 Marina Kaštela
Modern and extremely well-protected, Kaštela is favoured by yacht owners for winter berthing and seasonal storage. It’s near a major airport and has a full-service shipyard.
🛥 ACI Marina Dubrovnik
Set against the backdrop of medieval Dubrovnik, this marina blends historic charm with reliable infrastructure and excellent security.
What Is a Yacht Marina and How Does It Work?
A yacht marina is a purpose-built facility that accommodates leisure vessels, offering safe berthing, utilities, and a host of amenities. While harbours may host both commercial and leisure craft, and moorings are often simple offshore tie-points, marinas provide dedicated services for yachts and superyachts.
⚓ Marina vs. Harbour vs. Mooring:
Marina: Built for recreational vessels with full-service amenities.
Harbour: Can include commercial and naval traffic.
Mooring: Offshore tie-points, often without infrastructure.
⛵ Berthing Options
Stern-to: A Mediterranean standard, where yachts reverse into their berth.
Alongside: Yachts dock parallel to the quay—ideal for ease of access.
Mooring Buoys: Common in natural anchorages where dock space is limited.
🗓 Seasonal vs. Transient Berths:
Seasonal: Reserved for extended stays.
Transient: Short-term stopovers during cruising.
How Marinas Are Managed
Marinas operate with dedicated harbourmasters and professional staff, offering fuel stations, provisioning, dock maintenance, and more. Some allow advance bookings, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis—especially in less touristy regions.
Amenities and Services Offered by Modern Yacht Marinas
Today’s marinas are equipped to cater to every yachting need—whether for a weekend stop or a full-season stay:
Freshwater, electricity, and fuel docks
Waste disposal, grey water, and oil recycling stations
24/7 security, controlled access, and surveillance
High-speed Wi-Fi and shore-based communication support
On-site facilities: laundry, showers, restaurants, shops, chandlery
Technical services: engine repair, dry docking, lifting equipment
Customs clearance and immigration assistance for international yachts
Booking a Berth: Platforms and Insider Tips
Booking marina space has become more streamlined thanks to digital innovation. Here are the most common ways to secure your spot:
Online Platforms: Navily, Dockwa, and MarinaReservation.com
Direct Contact: Email, VHF radio, and even WhatsApp
Real-Time Apps: Some apps allow users to see berth availability live
Yacht Agents & Concierges: Ideal for larger yachts or during peak periods
🗓️ Peak Season Tip: From June to September, book in advance—especially in the French Riviera, Balearics, and Croatian coastlines where berths fill quickly.
Choosing the Right Marina for Your Yacht
When planning your journey or selecting a home port, consider:
Yacht Dimensions: Ensure draft and beam are suitable for the marina’s infrastructure
Shelter & Safety: Natural protection from wind and swell is key
Accessibility: Distance from airports, attractions, and repair yards
Reviews & Reputation: Check skipper feedback and service ratings
Pricing: Compare seasonal vs. transient rates, and confirm what’s included
Set Sail with UNICO Yachting
At UNICO Yachting, we go beyond charter. Our expert team offers full marina support, berth booking assistance, and on-the-ground coordination for your Med voyage.
📍 Based in Malta, with connections across Italy, France, Spain, Greece, and Croatia, we ensure every moment on water is smooth, seamless, and unforgettable.
👉 Plan your Mediterranean journey now with UNICO Yachting
