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The New Yacht Hot Spots

Discover the new Mediterranean marinas capturing the attention of the superyacht set

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Barcelona's OneOcean Port Vell, launched in 2014, offers patrons more than just berths for their mobile mansions.

OneOcean
Barcelona's OneOcean Port Vell, launched in 2014, offers patrons more than just berths for their mobile mansions.
OneOcean

Elite superyacht marinas in the Mediterranean from Porto Cervo in Sardinia to Port Hercules in Monaco have long enticed the world’s ultra-rich with their glitz and glam. But with the number of superyachts on the rise, a number of marinas are emerging as new challengers to the established set of destinations, with some offering steep tax incentives to attract the floating mansions. Here are some of the new hot ports of call in Europe:

Malta

Camper & Nicholsons Grand Harbour Marina

Located in the centre of the Mediterranean, Malta is the perfect jumping off point for cruising the Mediterranean with Spain and the French Riviera to the west, and Turkey, Greece and Cyprus to the east. With its clear blue Mediterranean waters, Malta’s Grand Harbor Marina is set against the scenic background of a Unesco World Heritage site, and among historic waterfront buildings and offers berths for super-yachts up to 135 meters. The Malta Environment & Planning Authority has several new marina projects on its books that are awaiting planning permission.

Bodrum, Turkey

Ragip Candan/Getty Images

Aiming to attract high-net-worth individuals, Turkey’s Bodrum Peninsula has developed at a rapid rate over the past few years, according to Heike Tanbay, the owner of Engel & Völkers, Bodrum. The Yalikavak Palmarina, which opened in 2013, has expanded to host yachts of 80 meters and has added shopping options. The marina provides more than 70 berths for super-yachts measuring 50 meters and above. It is situated along the Turkish Riviera (also known as the Turquoise Coast), known for its beaches.

Cyprus

Limassol Marina/span>

Cyprus’s Limassol Marina has caught the attention of yacht owners from Europe and the Middle East since opening in 2014. With 650 berths, Limassol marina can accommodate motorboats and yachts up to 115 meters. The development is Cyprus’s first superyacht marina and offers luxury residential properties and state-of-the-art-marina facilities with a diverse mix of restaurants and cafes. According to Yiorgos Georghiou, sales director at Limassol Marina, the citizenship program for property investment in Cyprus has also attracted Latin Americans and South Africans.

Croatia

ACI Archive

With towering mountains and Mediterranean waters, Croatia has quickly developed into a popular destination for superyachts. The ACI Marina Split, in particular, offers yacht owners much to explore: quaint cobbled streets, striking architecture, the Diocletian’s castle and a vibrant nightlife are all part of the draw. Offering over 350 berths for superyachts up to 90 meters, the marina also includes shops, restaurants, fuel and repair services, among other amenities.

Montenegro

Zoran Radonjic/Porto Montenegro

The tiny coastal nation of Montenegro has unveiled luxury marinas and yacht-friendly developments. Montenegro’s spectacular landscape amid historic architecture has increasingly attracted international attention from developers and buyers. Home of the Porto Montenegro, a luxury marina and resort village that began in 2008 with 85 berths and one building, now has 450 berths and plans to reach up to 800 berths. The luxury project, one of several underway in this Balkan state, has unveiled 188 units across six residential complexes so far.

Marina di Scarlino, Tuscany, Italy

Marina di Scarlino

The marinas of Capri and Portofino in Italy have long held elite status in the world of yachting. The new kid on the block, the Marina di Scarlino, affiliated with famed fashion house Salvatore Ferragamo, unveiled in an unexpected yet revered location in 2013: Tuscany. Offering 950 berths and 42 apartments, the project is the brainchild of Leonardo Ferragamo. Its floating piers are equipped with a plethora of services and the marina also has a large boatyard offering a comprehensive service to its guests and boat owners. The Tuscan coastline, although lesser known than other traditional destinations for the world of yachts, is a place of rare beauty, says Massimiliano Perversi, ‎General manager of Marina di Scarlino, and offers proximity to Florence, Siena and Pisa. The second phase of the project will see the construction of another 36 residences directly overlooking the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago and will commence in 2016.

Barcelona

OneOcean

Opened in 2009, the Vilanova Grand Marina offers berths for yachts up to 120 meters. Located just outside of Barcelona, it offers restaurants, luxury shops, and stunning architecture with stunning views. OneOcean Port Vell launched in 2014 and is capable of berthing vessels up to 190 meters. The 148-berth marina offers members of its private club top-of-the-line amenities and services.

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