When the Mediterranean season winds down at the end of the summer, superyachts typically face one of three paths: head into refit, cross the Atlantic in search of winter sun or return to a trusted home port. For those who stay closer to home, Marina Port Vell in Barcelona stands out as a year-round hub for both owners and crew. Thanks to a recent multi-million-euro transformation, the marina has reimagined what a winter base can be. Its world-class infrastructure and vibrant sense of community make it a popular home port of choice in the off-season. BOAT takes a closer look at what’s on offer…
A port designed for the big league
Following a major €20 million transformation completed in mid-2024, Marina Port Vell is now set up to cater to large vessels more than ever. The renovation introduced 23 new berths for yachts up to 70 metres, bringing the total to 73, and the marina features the longest dock in the Med, measuring a staggering 400 metres. With berths available for rent or purchase, the entire layout was reimagined to optimise flow and functionality, while a comprehensive landscaping project now better integrates the marina with the city around it.
The result is a calm, efficient and sophisticated environment that feels less like a fuel stop and more like a carefully curated superyacht village. "We are very pleased with the new water sheet layout – it allows us to attract larger yachts and deliver a higher level of service," says Ignacio Erroz, CEO of Marina Port Vell. "This spring, we have nearly reached full occupancy, which clearly shows the value and logic behind our investment. Additionally, the landscaping project has enabled us to offer a much more pleasant and welcoming infrastructure."
Fuel up for less
For captains crunching winter budgets and westbound routes, Marina Port Vell’s fuel services have also improved. Not only is the marina one of the few in the region offering HVO eco-fuel, but it also provides significant cost benefits – up to 20 per cent savings compared to France or Italy, where fuelling is no longer tax-exempt.
Quality fuel is guaranteed, thanks to partnerships and connections to global suppliers. There is also a smart credit system through Termopetroli, available in other key ports like Antigua, Livorno and Viareggio. Thanks to the marina’s 510-metre pipeline, yachts can refuel directly at berth.
More than a marina
You may be imagining a sleepy port where yachts hibernate in isolation until spring, but with an extensive list of on-site events and facilities, Marina Port Vell is buzzing all year round. The "Crew Life" programme is a big part of this, which includes weekly yoga sessions and networking drinks to professional training and wellness activities. There’s a tangible sense of community here and a welcome boost to crew morale during the off-season.
With ISPS-compliant security and dedicated concierge services, life at the marina runs smoothly for both owners and crew. And for any maintenance works during the off-season, Marina Port Vell sits right next door to one of Europe’s foremost refit specialists.
The marina has also emerged as one of the Med’s most in-demand venues for international events, with nearly 100 hosted in 2024 alone. Among other events, in recent years it has hosted the MYBA Charter Show, the Barcelona International Boat Show and the 37th America’s Cup, of which Marina Port Vell was designated the ‘Preferred Superyacht Marina’.
A city that needs no selling
Barcelona offers a winter base where cosmopolitan culture meets Mediterranean charm. Just five kilometres from El Prat airport, with direct connections to over 190 international destinations, owners can step off the passerelle and straight into one of Europe’s most desirable cities. For those keen to explore further afield, the nearby Costa Brava, or "wild coast", is dotted with beautiful anchorages and hidden gems like Begur, Palamós, Calella de Palafrugell and Cadaqués.
As of the 2025 Michelin Guide, the city holds 29 starred restaurants, and the wider Catalonia region claims five establishments with the coveted three-star rating. You can also find world-class shopping on Passeig de Gracia, legendary architecture like La Pedrera or Casa Batlló, and sun-drenched boulevards. For crew, the city’s services, transport links and vibrant lifestyle bring a quality of life few other ports can match.
A marina with a mission
Marina Port Vell recently renewed its Biosphere Certification for the second year running, alongside maintaining ISO 14001 and EMAS environmental certifications. What's more, the marina’s ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) strategy is directly aligned with the UN’s 2030 Agenda and focused on protecting the Mediterranean.
From EV charging points and electric bikes to an expanded wastewater collection network and a best-practice environmental manual, the marina continues to set benchmarks for responsible operations within the industry.
Book a berth or find out more information on the Marina Port Vell website.
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