What are the best marinas for liveaboards looking for a wintering spot? After spending the entire season sailing in the Mediterranean Sea to discover unique destinations, The Octopus is in dire need of some rest! Winter is just around the corner, and you might be looking for a marina that will grant you the best wintering experience.
In this article, we will show you the best marinas for liveaboards in winter, where you will never lack anything, and where the scenery will always have something to give!
What makes a marina perfect for liveaboards?
- The marina is open all year-long
- It is safe and well-sheltered
- It is located near a dynamic city close to an airport
- There is a community of liveaboard
- The staff is welcoming and competent
- The marina has all the necessary amenities
- The sanitary facilities and showers are top-notch
- You can rent a car or a bike
- The climate is mild
- The marina is strategically located so that when the season starts again, you are close to your desired destination
The best marinas for liveaboards
- Puerto Roda de Bara (ES)
- Marina Motril (ES)
- Puerto Deportivo Almerimar (ES)
- Marina di Ragusa (ITA)
- Marina Genova (ITA)
- Porto di Pisa (ITA)
- Marina di Cala del Sole (ITA)
- Msida & Ta’ Xbiex Marina (MAL)
- Manoel Island Marina (MLT)
- Roland Marina (MLT)
- Preveza Marina (GRE)
- Messolonghi Marina (GRE)
- Porto Montenegro (MNE)
🏆 Puerto Roda de Bara
Spain
Located close to the city of Tarragona, and an hour away from Barcelona, Puerto Roda de Barà definitely stands out. It is one of the largest and most modern piers in the region, where everything is designed for your comfort. The sanitary facilities and showers are impeccable, and the overall atmosphere due to the staff and the other liveaboards is welcoming and will make you feel at home! There is also an airport nearby, the Reus Airport that will make traveling easier. One thing is for sure, you will never get bored during your stay, whether you remain at the marina or explore the region of Catalonia!
🏆 Marina Motril
Spain
Marina Motril is another perfect choice for liveaboards wintering in the Med. Located at the very south of Spain, this marina gets constantly praised for its wonderful services and for its very helpful staff. The marina has great boat repair services, and car rental is available to take you to cities like Malaga or Granada! The marina is quite small, which creates a friendly and family-like atmosphere where all liveaboards can come together and help each other out. On top of that, the climate in Andalusia this time of the year will grant you a pleasant stay!
🏆 Puerto Deportivo Almerimar
Spain
Puerto Deportivo Almerimar is more than just a safe harbor, it is the ideal location for wintering in the Mediterranean due to its attractive prices that defy all competition, and its welcoming community. The marina has 1,100 berths – each equipped with running water, electricity, and wifi and its facilities are well-maintained, with sturdy docks and excellent protection. There are also many shops and restaurants nearby, open off-season. In other words, everything at Puerto Deportivo Almerimar is made for an unforgettable stay!
🏆 Marina di Ragusa
Italy
Located in Sicily, this marina is highly recommended for wintering due to its amazing atmosphere. It also offers excellent protection from wind and swell, even in strong conditions. The marina staff are consistently praised on the Navily app for their friendliness and helpfulness, creating a supportive community atmosphere. Residents even organize dockside events like yoga sessions, creating a sense of togetherness that will make your stay more than enjoyable!
🏆 Marina Genova
Italy
Marina Genova is a lively place, with services available 24h/7 and all kinds of amenities necessary for wintering in perfect conditions. There are many bars, restaurants, and shops available nearby. Plus, the staff is more than competent to assist you with anything that you need, from mooring assistance to boating repairs. Marina Genova is also located close to Genoa – with a shuttle available to take you there. It is also conveniently located right next to the airport! From the marina, you will also have the opportunity to visit other destinations, such as Portofino or the French Riviera!
🏆 Porto di Pisa
Italy
Porto di Pisa is very well-maintained and clean, with kind and helpful staff that go out their way to help you. The marina has all kinds of amenities, except for laundry services – but there are other places available outside as well. A bus can also take you to the picturesque city of Pisa, and a train station nearby can allow you to explore other cities like Florence, for instance!
🏆 Marina di Cala del Sole - Licata
Italy
With all the services available and its attentive staff, Marina di Cala del Sole stands out as a modern, welcoming, and spacious location. The team is always available for mooring assistance and other needs, which will make you feel like you belong. The marina is located right next to Licata, a charming coastal town worth visiting, but car rental services are available as well if you want to go elsewhere! There is also a large supermarket just outside for your convenience. In short, Marina di Cala del Sole is a convenient location for wintering in the Mediterranean!
🏆 Msida & Ta’ Xbiex Marina
Malta
Malta is an idyllic location for wintering, and Msida & Ta’ Xbiex Marina will definitely ensure a memorable stay. The marina is well-sheltered, and offers all types of services – except for wifi. Plus, the sanitary facilities are very clean! There are also many shops and restaurants available within walking distance. You will have multiple transportation options: car rental, bicycles, bus and train stations, and the Malta International Airport nearby!
🏆Manoel Island Marina
Malta
Manoel Island Marina stands out as a breathtaking location, very well-protected from winds and swell. The facilities are very clean and the staff always go out of their way to make liveaboards feel welcome and at home. From the marina, you can explore the beautiful Manoel Island, and the rest of the city as well thanks to the central location of the marina. To sum it up, you cannot go wrong if you decide to spend your winter in Malta!
🏆Roland Marina
Malta
At Roland Marina, all kinds of services are available. The atmosphere is very welcoming, almost family-like – and you will feel just like home, thanks to the amazing staff and other liveaboards. On the Navily app, the crew gets constantly praised for their exceptional assistance, and it is no wonder boaters keep going back to Roland Marina every winter!
🏆Preveza Marina
Greece
Preveza Marina will simply make you never want to leave. Each berth is equipped with power, water, and wifi. The marina offers all kinds of services, and there is even a market, a cafe/bar, and a restaurant inside the marina for the best wintering experience. The shower facilities are impeccable, with about 18 spots available. Of course, the staff is always ready to assist you with anything! The marina is also located right by the town of Preveza, which is a beautiful place to visit.
🏆Messolonghi Marina
Greece
Located near Messolonghi, this marina is another Greek gem that is perfect for liveaboards. It is well-sheltered, with great staff, and a lovely community of liveaboards! Messolonghi Marina offers all kinds of services, with clean facilities. To enhance your experience even more, you can even rent a bike or a car for further exploration of the region.
🏆Porto Montenegro
Montenegro
If you are looking for a more luxurious wintering experience, this marina was made for you. Porto Montenegro is located in Tivat, Montenegro, and it is perfect for wintering as it has a large community of liveaboards. The dock staff is available 24/7, and is always available to assist you. The facilities are modern, clean, and luxurious. Of course, its location gives you access to a breathtaking region, with rich culture and food. What more could you ask?
This is the end of our article on the best marinas for liveaboards! We hope we gave you ideas regarding your next destination this winter. You can also read our other articles on wintering in Italy, Spain, and France.