There are many marinas in Europe with a variety of different facilities and services. From large to small marinas, you will be able to find somewhere to visit and a berth to suit your requirements. Here is a rundown of the 10 best marinas in Europe, with a description of some of their facilities and areas of interest.
Quinta Do Lorde Marina
Quinta Do Lorde Marina on the Portuguese island of Madeira has been in operation since 2002. The marina actually forms part of the resort at Quinta Do Lorde, so there are really good facilities for yachts and their owners or hirers.
It is a popular rest and refuels stop for boats heading from Europe to the Caribbean. For a meal with a difference, you can dine at the lighthouse.
There is a scuba diving center, The Azul, located in the marina that runs courses for beginners to advanced but can also accommodate snorkeling guests.
For access, note that the maximum draft is 4.5m, and the length is 25m. Facilities include water, gas bottle refills, electricity, Internet access, plus a supermarket, a launderette, showers, and toilets.
Kos Marina
Kos Marina is a 250-berth marina on the Greek island of Kos catering for yachts up to 50m in length. Regular facilities include water, electricity, satellite TV, telephone, an ATM, fuel station, and full-service chandlery and boatyard for any maintenance requirements.
Take a night off cooking and enjoy the local restaurants before topping up provisions from the supermarket and fresh fruit market. There is a car hire office on the site should you wish to venture away from the marina on a day trip exploring more of the island.
Marina Davila
The Marina Davila is located in the northwest of Spain, just north of the Portuguese border.
With over 200 berths and a good average depth throughout the marina of over 12m and in most areas up to 25m, the marina caters well to the mega-yachts.
Electricity and water are provided to all berths, and diesel and petrol are both available with facilities for large volumes when necessary.
There is a dry dock available, as well as sail repair. A restaurant will keep you well-fed with delicious local cuisine. There are shower and launderette facilities for your convenience.
Port de Plaisance De La Rochelle
Port de Plaisance De La Rochelle is the largest of all European marinas with an astonishing 5000+ berths – note only 400 are reserved for visitors!
The marina office is staffed 24 hours, 7 days a week, for the convenience of marina users. Nine fuel pumps work hard to keep all the yachts fuelled up and ready for exploring.
With a 1000-year-old history of the area, there is much to explore while in port, from lighthouses to chateaux. Why not make use of the free bicycles available to sailors to explore outside the marina facilities?
Perros-Guirec Marina
Perros-Guirec marina has over 700 berths along the Brittany coast (northern France) and is fully catered for all visitors. With restaurants, cafes, shops, supermarkets, and chandlery all available in the vicinity.
Marina visitors can expect easy access to petrol, diesel, electricity, and water, as well as Internet access. Hire a bike and explore the area when on land.
The marina is a great departure point for exploring the Seven Islands Nature Reserve. The marina is a sheltered port for overnight visits or longer stays over winter.
Cowes Yacht Haven
The Cowes Yacht Haven Marina is in the heart of Cowes on the Isle of Wight. You have access to pubs, shops, and restaurants within just a few minutes of walking from your berth. 260 berths are serviced by engineers, electricians, and boat repairers.
Facilities include internet access, laundry, shower, and toilet facilities as boat owners would expect. The Isle of Wight has a sunny climate which is just perfect for visiting the numerous beaches around the island. There are plenty of entertainment options for festivals and events all year round.
Port de Loctudy
The Loctudy Marina consists of 585 pontoon berths that are well sheltered along with 80 swing moorings. Situated at the mouth of the river Pont L’Abbe this French Marina has excellent facilities.
From here, you can explore the islands and inlets along the coastline in this northern area of the Bay of Biscay. There is no shortage of facilities with ATM’s, restaurants, bars, shops, and supermarkets all close by.
Marina berths have access to internet, electricity, and water, while petrol and diesel are easily accessible. Showers, toilets and rubbish collection help make your marina visit more enjoyable.
Port de Plaisance de Herel
The Port de Plaisance de Herel on the north coast of France near Mont Saint Michel boasts over 1000 berths, but only 150 are made available to visitors.
However, the facilities are excellent with Internet, electricity, and water, plus fuel. There are showers, toilets, and two launderettes. The marina is a short 10-minute walk from beaches, shops, and museums. Alternatively, you can use public transport to visit the local area.
Marina Punat
Marina Punat is located in Croatia and is the oldest marina, having been founded in 1964. The marina is located in a sheltered bay, protected from winds, and has the capacity for over 800 berths catering for vessels up to 45m in length.
Electricity, water, and the internet are standard. Additional facilities include parking, an internet cafe, showers, toilets, laundry, cafes, a children’s playground, tennis courts, a hotel, shops, and a supermarket. Additional storage is available for around 500 boats on dry docks.
Port de Fecamp
Port de Fecamp is an extensive 800-berth marina in France just two hours from Paris in the Channel between Le Havre and Dieppe. WiFi, Internet, electricity, and water are standard, along with facilities for showers, toilets, and laundry. Fuel stops are catered for with diesel and petrol.
Conclusion
There are numerous marinas to plan a trip around Europe to visit. Some marinas are large, while others have less than 200 berths. All provide facilities with basic showers, toilets, and laundry blocks. The Internet is becoming more common and is often free at many marinas. Services common to many marinas include a restaurant and supermarket. Marinas tend to attract boat service suppliers such as chandlers and repairers. Hotels and shops are often located in the marina, if not nearby.
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Do you know other marinas in Europe? Feel free to share them below!
Daniella has been passionate about travel, the sea, and nature for many years. As a child, she frequently traveled throughout the Mediterranean and continued with her journeys throughout her adult life.
Her experiences have created the desire within her to share her love for traveling with other passionate and adventurers who want to discover beautiful horizons and new cultures.
Very timely article for me to find, I’ve been considering an investment in a motor yacht and reading this just makes me want to do it more! I’m a huge lover of travel anyway, but not a huge fan of the flying. Which of course makes the whole travel thing a bit of a pain.
The thinking behind that was that a yacht would help to make the whole experience more enjoyable, and a bit different.
If I may be so bold as to suggest another possible for your list, Penarth Marina is an excellent facility I’m told and has the bonus of access to the greatest country on earth… that being Wales of course. Not that I’m biased or anything 😀
Anyway, thanks again for the great article. I’ll be following the blog with interest as I start on my yachting journey.
Hi Kevin,
It depends from what you suffer on the plane, if it’s from motion sickness, then I am afraid that you will experience the same on a boat. Fortunately, there are many natural remedies to decrease this bad malaise. Recently, I wrote a useful article about seasickness “How not to be sick on a boat” I am sure it will help you solve this problem:)
I have never heard of the Penarth Marina, I’ve Googled it, and it seems to be a fantastic starting point for sailors who wish to begin their sailing trip from the UK.
Thank you very much for sharing this marina, I am sure it will be very helpful!
Thank you very much for this excellent comment and wish you a fantastic day!
Hi Daniella,
No, it’s not motion sickness I suffer from, I’m lucky like that. I just don’t like flying in general. It’s the whole procedure; I just find it a pain in my behind and so tiresome.
Only ever been seasick once. We all used to go out on my Uncles boat when he was alive, and we’d go in all kinds of weathers: Bizarrely though the only time I was ever seasick was when it was completely flat out; it was like a millpond.
Thanks for the reply, I’ll pass that great article about sea sickness to the better half; as I’m sure she’ll suffer at some point if I do buy that boat.
Looking forward to your future posts 🙂
Hi Kevin,
Good to see you again:)
Some friends of mine have the same problem with planes and one of them take pills to sleep whilst the fly. You are lucky you don’t suffer from fears:)
Thank you for the comment and seen you soon!
Have a wonderful day!
How very fortunate you have been, to have had the opportunity to sail around like that, even as a child. I’ve never been to Europe to see the beautiful seas there. I’ve been on yachts here in the US oceans, and have been on a couple of cruises. But I can imagine how the Mediterranean has a beauty and charm all it’s own. though I haven’t been there, thank you for bringing it to me.
Hi Jim,
Indeed, and I am still very fortunate to travel around beautiful places in the Mediterranean, I did sail as well in the Caribbean though:) Next time you sail, try the Mediterranean, you’ll enjoy your trip!
Thank you for the comment and wish you to sail soon!
Hey Daniella,
Thanks a lot for sharing this post.
Actually really, I need this because we plan for a holiday trip, but we all are very confused because we have lots of options. And didn’t understand what to be good for us in which place. But your post is going to be very
helpful for us. Now we clearly decide about Kos Marina and hope we have a fantastic trip.
Thank you so much Daniella.
Keep up the good work.
Warm Regards
David M. Jackson.
Hi David,
I am glad you have found this post useful:)
Indeed, I agree with you. There are so many excellent marinas to stop over that it makes it harder to choose. Kos Marina is without a doubt one of the best marinas in Europe. They have fantastic services, and the place is beautiful and warm! I would recommend this place to anyone who plans to sail in Greece!
If you need any help with something, please let me know, I’ll be more than happy to help.
Thank you very much for the comment!
Have a wonderful sailing trip in Kos:)
I was just wondering did you visit all marinas in Croatia and then you decided for Punat or? thank you
Hi Zrina,
Yes, we have been to many marinas in Croatia and Punat was one of the best. Great Marina and the food is delicious! Highly recommend it!
Are you planning a sailing trip to Croatia soon?
Thank you for the comment and wish you a lovely day!