Marina Port Vell Barcelona: Best Winter Spot in the Mediterranean

By Heather Collier

In recent years, the Mediterranean has gained immense popularity to visit during the winter months, alongside the classic popular summer season. Barcelona has established itself as having all the assets to provide the perfect superyacht winter destination, with Marina Port Vell being the ideal location all-year round.

Marina Port Vell is expertly run by a team of highly qualified professionals to provide exemplary service levels required for effective management of such renowned superyachts.

In September 2021, Marina Port Vell presented a new €20 million investment plan involving the remodelling of the marina to enhance its capacity and strengthen its services, creating 23 new berths for vessels with a length of up to 70 metres.

The marina will now boast 55 berths for superyachts, increasing to 65 in periods of high occupancy in winter. By doing so, the marina pledges its commitment to positioning Barcelona as a leading destination for superyachts in the Mediterranean. The plan includes the remodelling of different spaces within the marina, such as reconfiguring the marina basin, a landscaping project and installation of a new bunkering system.

With a plethora of activities for captain and crew to enjoy during all weathers and seasons, Marina Port Vell remains the heart and soul of a bustling and ever-growing city. Here lies a powerful sense of community; granting captains, crew, marina staff and yachting enthusiasts alike the opportunity to network, build strong relationships and enjoy Barcelona’s famous social scene.

Barcelona has established itself as the most important city in the Western Mediterranean. An iconic and vibrant cosmopolitan city, known for its year-round good weather, culture and gastronomy attracting talent, creativity, and innovation with an offering of an array of world leading activities and attractions within the city and on Marina Port Vell's doorstep.

Renowned for its fantastic gastronomic options, Barcelona boasts 30 plus Michelin Star restaurants and a luxurious first-rate shopping district housing iconic buildings such as La Pedrera and Casa Batlló. Barcelona also has the unique advantage of being home to the only Superyacht Marina in the Mediterranean located within a city, only being a 5-minute walk into the town centre and nearby beaches. You can also take a short drive to the stunning Costa Brava, or a 2-hour drive to Europe’s prime ski resorts in the Pyrenees mountains.

Personalised and excellent services

Facilities on site include a business hub, a gymnasium, as well as the newly renovated ‘The Gallery’, inspired by the silhouette of a superyacht, where you can take in stunning picturesque views of the marina. Visitors also have access to a reception area and information desk where any query they may have will be answered.

The Marina recognises security is essential and is ISPS (International Ship and Port Security) compliant with 24-hour gated security, patrolling guards, resident, and visitor passes, CCTV and infrared detection. There is also 24-hour mooring assistance and On-board check-in 24hour active security services.

Other services available at Marina Port Vell include concierge, diving services, electric golf cart transportation, car parking, storage, and recycling facilities.

Live Barcelona in winter

For those seeking a spot of culture and history, visitors can take in the iconic landmarks and monuments, or roam the vibrant streets of the Old Town.

If music and entertainment is what you desire, the Sitges Carnival is one of the world's top 10 carnivals and attracts more than 250,000 people to Sitges. Over the span of 7 days, this quaint coastal town comes to life every February with incredible parades, shows and parties.

For a spot of winter sports, the closest ski resort to Barcelona is the Vall de Núria in the Pyrenees mountains, just 110 km, and a 2-hour drive from the Catalan capital. The facilities offer 7 km of skiing space and 11 slopes, making it an ideal alternative for beginners and to enjoy with the family.

Advanced skiers can also access Spain’s leading ski resort Baqueira – Beret within 3 hours. Renowned for its 160km of slopes and on slope gastronomic delights. There is also a wide variety of national parks, countryside trails and coastal walks to explore.

Throughout November, December and early January, Christmas markets are scattered throughout the city centre. The Market of Saint Lucia is Barcelona's oldest Christmas market and dates back to the 18th Century, located in the plaza in front of Barcelona Cathedral.

Barcelona’s newest Christmas Market, the Fira de Nadal del Port Vell. Located in La Plaça del Portal de la Pau, near to the Columbus Monument, the Fira de Nadal del Port Vell is open daily from the 9th December until the 6th January.

In terms of dining, the province of Barcelona has over 30 Michelin star restaurants to indulge in, offering diners traditional, authentic Mediterranean dishes, as well as a range of cuisines from all around the world. Notable restaurants include Lasarte, Enigma, Caelis or Celler de Can Roca in Costa Brava; as well as 3 Michelin starred restaurant Abac and chef Jordi Cruz, or gourmet seafood aficionados favourite Estimar – all of which remain beloved hidden gems tucked away beyond cobbled streets.

Furthermore, you can enjoy an unforgettable dinner at Disfrutar, recently chosen the third best restaurant in the world by the British ranking The World’s 50 Best Restaurants.

"Marina Port Vell boasts a unique position at the heart of this bustling, year-round destination of limitless possibilities all day, every day of the year. Our marina is recognised as a key nautical hub, providing close access to some of the most pre-eminent companies and service providers in the field."

Marina Port Vell

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"Marina Port Vell boasts a unique position at the heart of this bustling, year-round destination of limitless possibilities all day, every day of the year. Our marina is recognised as a key nautical hub, providing close access to some of the most pre-eminent companies and service providers in the field."

Marina Port Vell
By Heather Collier