We may not all be able to afford a yacht to sail around the Med on but it’s always nice to have a stroll around marinas whilst on holiday and imagine your millionaire lifestyle aboard one of the dazzling boats that are moored up! The marinas on Spain’s Costa del Sol have lots more than just boats on offer and each one has something unique. So here’s our guide to the best Costa del Sol marinas, to help you choose the right one for you…
Benalmadena Marina – The Award Winner
Benalmadena Marina has won the title of ‘Best Marina in the World’ on several occasions. A pretty big accolade you may think but when you visit the marina you will see why. The marina is modern, clean and bursting with things to do. The Sea Life Aquarium on the marina is a firm family favourite and is great value for money if you fancy doing something a little different. The beach next to the marina has been awarded the European Blue Flag for cleanliness and there is always space to relax here.
There are endless amounts of bars and restaurants to try on the marina. With everything from American style diners to traditional Tapas bars you will be spoiled for choice. Shopping here is also good with a range of boutiques and gift shops. You can find lots to do here so get down to the marina early and make a full day of it.
View our selection of holiday homes close to Benalmaderna Marina here.
Fuengirola Marina – Watersports Galore
A visit to Fuengirola Marina is a must for all watersports lovers. You can try out anything from scuba diving, water skiing, jet skiing and parasailing; there are companies all along the marina offering these activities at reasonable prices. If you fancy trying something a little more relaxing there are also glass bottom boat trips that leave from the marina daily and you can even go dolphin spotting! Fuengirola yacht club has a great reputation on the Mediterranean and if you have always wanted to try out sailing this is a great place to start.
The marina is also lined with bars and restaurants serving anything from a full English breakfast through to traditional Spanish fayre in the evenings. You’ll know the best places to go as they are generally full of locals enjoying a leisurely drink and some freshly caught seafood.
View our holiday rentals in Fuengirola here.
Cabopino Marina – The Food Lovers Choice
Cabopino Marina is one of the prettiest ports on the coast. Situated between Fuengirola and Marbella, it is popular with locals as well as tourists who come for the fantastic sandy beach next to the marina and also the great choice of restaurants that line the port. If you are lucky enough to have a boat (or hire one) berths are available for rental at a daily rate so you can sail into the marina in style to grab a bite to eat.
The restaurants on the marina are all well established and very popular. Most places are open all day in peak season so you can get a good breakfast, lunch or evening meal at any time. For a daytime snack on the beach you can’t beat Andy’s Beach bar that serves anything from a cheeseburger and chips to paella, all served with an ice cold beer of course. There are more upmarket eateries around the marina where you can sample delicious freshly caught seafood or juicy steaks. There are also some great Italian restaurants here if you fancy pizza or pasta. You may want to book in summertime to avoid a long wait for a table.
View our holiday renatls close to Cabopino Marina here.
Puerto Banus – Shopaholics Paradise
Unless you have been living under a rock for years you will have heard all about Puerto Banus Marina. It is synonymous with the rich and famous with fast cars parked on every corner, designer shops and bars flowing with Cristal Champagne. For 90% of the population Puerto Banus is all about people watching; you can spend a whole afternoon sat in one of the bars or cafes along the marina watching people relaxing on their luxury yachts the size of the Titanic before heading off for a spot of shopping in Dior, Gucci, Versace or Dolce and Gabbana (all of which have stores on the marina.)
One thing is for sure, if you want to enjoy the luxury lifestyle that Puerto Banus has to offer you need some serious cash. Food and drink prices are all considerably higher on the marina but you can find more reasonable priced places nearby. It’s worth a trip to Puerto Banus if only to see the sights and watch how the other half live. You never know, you may even catch a glimpse of Katie Price(!)
View our holiday rentals in Marbella here.
Estepona Marina – The Place to Party
Estepona Marina is an attractive port with some impressive boats moored here. There are also some great bars and restaurants around the marina that serve food from midday until late. The fishing port is located just next to the marina and you can go along to watch local suppliers bid for the fresh fish at auction; just don’t get in the way!
The port really comes alive after midnight when the many bars and nightclubs spring into action. You can dance until dawn in many of the nightclubs and some of the favourite hotspots among locals and tourists are ‘Chico Diez’ and ‘Attico.’
View our Estepona holiday rentals here.
