Marina Port Vell, Barcelona

The Mediterranean is gaining popularity as a winter destination, and of all the cities that make for an amazing winter visit, Barcelona is one of the best, with Marina Port Vell having become the preferred port for Superyachts. With many events and activities to do during the winter, Barcelona should be on every Captain and crew’s radar. It’s particularly good for those that want to escape the winter cold and reside in a location with good weather, all year round.  Read on to discover everything Barcelona, one of the most desirable places to visit, has to offer during the winter months, and find out more about Marina Port Vell’s winter berths.

Why Should You Consider Marina Port Vell Winter Berths for 2022/2023?

The perfect base to experience Barcelona

Marina Port Vell boasts an amazing location right in the heart of the ever-bustling Barcelona. With Barcelona being the 2nd most luxurious city destination, it makes the Marina a must-visit for any Superyachts travelling in the Mediterranean. As a city with a rich culture, crew can immerse themselves in the array of fine art, culture, and food available. You can always find something exciting to see and do in Barcelona, thanks to attractions such as the iconic Sagrada Familia and Park Guell.

When Captains and crew have time off, we recommend venturing beyond the reaches of the city and discovering a world of natural beauty. National parks, coastal and countryside trails, and wild tracks are perfect for any adventure-seeking yachties that are passionate about hiking, cycling, and exploring. Barcelona is a doorway to a range of environments, from Costa Brava’s 200km sun-soaked coastline to the Pyrenees, which offer cool climates and exciting winter activities like skiing.

Marina Port Vell’s prime location lets yacht crew step off the dock and into the heart of Barcelona and all the beauty there is to be found in the bustling city.

A strong sense of community

Due to many yachts returning every year, Marina Port Vell has fostered a family-like community of Captains, crew, and marina staff. These interpersonal relationships are very important for both personal and professional reasons.

Crew wellbeing is another key part of the Marina. There are many elements that aid in the well-being and development of crew at the marina, including yoga classes, crew training sessions, and a variety of fun crew social events to help yachties unwind and build lifelong friendships with one another.

Networking and maintaining strong relationships with others in the industry is one of the most wonderful parts of being a yachtie, and Marina Port Vell is ensuring they have a space where building such connections is possible.

Find out the dates for the 2023 MYBA Charter show here

Facilities for Captains and crew:

Reception

Visitors can stop by the reception to get assistance from a team of multilingual staff. They can help with everything from restaurant and entertainment bookings to car hires and transfers. Other services include Wi-Fi and a laundrette.

Business Hub

Marina Port Vell’s Business Hub is a great place to knuckle down and get work done during off-time. With offices to rent, event and meeting spaces and a boardroom with video and IT facilities, it provides an amazing space for yacht crew busy working on their side hustle.

Gymnasium

For those who use exercise to unwind or just love to keep in shape, the on-site fully-equipped gym is a must-visit. Also, with treatment rooms and a pilates and yoga room, it’s sure to make you feel your best.

Gastronomy

Enjoy a superb gastronomic selection that focuses on regional, seasonal foods and seafood specialities in a chic setting.

Fully gated marina with 24-hour security

High-tech security includes controlled access through three guarded entrances. The marina is monitored from a vantage point with over 50 CCTV cameras with thermo-graphics. International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) compliant. Rest assured, you and the rest of the people aboard your yacht are safe as can be.

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Read about Marina Port Vell’s new award-winning gallery here

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Winter Activities To Attend In Barcelona

1. See Barcelona’s most famous sights

Barcelona is one the best destinations for escaping the winter cold, with its pleasant weather throughout the entire year making it a winter hot spot. Take a leisurely stroll through Park Güell or witness the magnificent Sagrada Familia – which is still in the process of being built. 

2. Take a gastronomic tour – From Tapa Bars to Michelin Star restaurants

Barcelona is home to over 30 Michelin star restaurants, with some of the best chefs in the world calling the city home. For this reason, going on a gastronomic tour of the city is a great way to invest your time.

Barcelona hosts an array of gastronomic tours that entice crew when porting at Marina Port Vell, including those offered by Secret Food Tours. With unbeatable fine dining experiences and some of the world’s most exquisite wine tours on offer, there is something for everyone. Marina Port Vell are experts in helping guests pick the right tour for both themselves and other crew members. Relax this winter with friends and experience the delicious local food and drink that Barcelona has to offer.

3. Attend the Sitges Carnival

Similar to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Sitges Carnival is an exciting festival that takes place every year near the end of winter not far from Barcelona. You may expect exhilarating parades, flamboyant costumes, and never-ending entertainment.

4. Enjoy Barcelona’s vibrant social agenda

Barcelona has an incredibly vibrant social agenda with events that bring millions to the city. Here are some of Barcelona’s top events:

• The Moto GP: Motorcycle aficionados don’t need an introduction to the Barcelona-Catalunya region, which captures the interest of millions of fans worldwide. The always-anticipated MotoGP usually takes place in June.
• F1 Spanish Grand Prix: The amazing Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is now the site of the Spanish Grand Prix, a Formula One race. The race, which is among the oldest in the world and is continuously run, turned 100 years old in 2013.
• Football events: Undoubtedly one of the busiest stadiums in Europe is the home of FC Barcelona. When there is a game, you can feel the excitement in the air, and since it is an integral part of the city, you won’t want to miss it.
• World-renowned music festivals: Barcelona is a destination for many of the world’s top artists, with many of them playing at Barcelona’s festivals. With music festivals like Sónar and Primavera Sound, there is something here to satisfy even the most avid music fans.

5. Head out of the city for some skiing

Due to its close proximity to mountainous regions, Barcelona is a great base to go skiing. La Molina and Masella are the ideal destinations for a day excursion for yacht crew. These popular ski resorts are located two hours from Barcelona. It is easily accessible by bus and costs about 40 euros per person. The resort offers ski equipment for rent, so visitors can travel light.

Another of the most popular ski resorts in Spain is Baqueira Beret. Located in Valle De Aran, Baqueira boasts one of the biggest and top-rated ski areas in the Pyrenees. The ski season typically starts in November and lasts until the end of April because of the location’s consistent snowfall. With 160 km of slopes and 5 km of ski routes available, it is a great option for thrill-seeking yachties looking for an adrenaline rush during the off-time. For those wishing to stay overnight, there is accommodation in the village of Baqueira.

6. Enjoy a day out in Montserrat

In Catalan, Montserrat translates to “jagged mountains.” The most well-known mountainside is where the renowned Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey is located. Visitors have to ride the cable car to get to the monastery, which offers beautiful sunset views from the mountain’s summit. In the off-season, this is one of the most tranquil places for hikers to visit, making it perfect for yacht crew docked at Marina Port Vell. Every hour, a train leaves from Placa d’Espanya station for Montserrat, making travel simple. The 50km travel from Barcelona takes roughly one hour.

More information on Marina Port Vell winter berths and specifications:

Click here to see Marina Port Vells’ technical plan.

Marine Port Vell is one of the few marinas in Europe with a TPA permit, enabling non-EU Superyachts undergoing repairs and maintenance to benefit from tax exemptions. All the berths are fully prepared and offer all the facilities vessels and crew may need upon arrival. Barcelona’s leading marina is an ISPS port facility and has the ISO14001 y EMAS environmental certifications. All of Marina Port Vell’s winter berths include shorepower, potable water, sewage discharge and fibre-optic internet connection.

Note -Vessels with masts equal to or higher than 53 meters must inform the marina staff when making a reservation as entry beneath the cable car line across the marina will need to be arranged in advance.

Yacht services include:

• Safe, secure, and sheltered berthing up to 190m
• Alongside and stern-to berths
• Power to each berth up to 1000 amps/400 volts
• Single and three-phase powers with multiple socket outlets
• Fibre optic internet to each yacht
• Potable water for each berth
• Collection of hazardous waste (MARPOL)
• Fuel bunkering services and fuel station
• Floating work platforms

Shoreside services include:

• 24-hour mooring assistance
• Electric golf cart transport available and delivery service
• Car parking
• Storage facilities adjacent to berths
• Recycling facilities
• Container áreas
• Crew facilities
• Electric car chargers and Tesla car chargers

For inquiries regarding Marina Port Vell winter berths, and reservations, please email bookings@marinaportvell.com or visit Marina Port Vell.