ICYRA Sailing and Yachts

It doesn’t take long for a novice sailing enthusiast to realize the value of a good marina. Basically a fancy parking spot for leisure watercraft, a marina can offer much more than docking space: boaters now look for good scenery, mild weather, and even the best coffee and sandwiches. Of course, we all have our priorities, so there’s no single scale for finding the best spot for your boat. Here’s a list of some of the favourite spots of well-traveled boaters.

For the views: If you like a good panoramic view, you’ll probably be attracted to pristine waters close to the mountains and lush greenery. Fortunately there are a lot of them around—most marinas offer at least a passable view. But for something really breathtaking, try traveling to Sardinia, off the coast of Italy, for a dip in Porto Cervo. The seaside resort and marina offers a picture-perfect view of the Mediterranean almost year-round, with unforgettable sunsets and excellent seafood to boot. Yas Marinain in Abu Dhabi and Port Hercule in Monaco are close runner-ups.

For tourism: Sight-seeing and restaurant-hopping are part of a good sailing holiday. Luxury marinas tend to attract good tourism infrastructure, so you’ll have a lot of choice no matter what you’re looking for. Capri, another Italian island, is a good choice for nature and culture enthusiasts. Among the dozens of sites to visit are the Blue Grotto, a world-famous sea cave; Monte Solaro, the highest peak on the island and home to unique rock formations and a variety of birds; and the Casa Rossa (Pink House), a mixture of architectural styles that’s sure to catch the eye of art appreciators. St-Tropez in Côte d’Azur, France is also a popular choice; its landscapes and architecture have been depicted by dozens of artists including Renoir, Matisse, and Cézanne.

For facilities: Some of us like to stay practical and choose spots where it’s safest or most comfortable. If that sounds like you, you’re probably after the best docking facilities and maintenance services. These marinas are especially ideal for seafaring vessels, which face a harsher dose of the elements. Port de Cannes in Côte d’Azur tops the list of most avid boaters, with its high focus on environmental protection and vessel security. Port de Gustavia in Guadeloupe is also known for efficient management and top-rated service. All this may cost you a premium, but arriving in low seasons can help you get discounts.

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