LIVING THE DREAM

How often have you been on holiday and ended up gazing into estate agent windows dreaming of making it your home. Bethany Hemsley, from The Luxury Property Show, gives her recommendations for the best places in the world to live for yacht lovers.

The yacht industry has boomed in recent years, turning over almost £700m in the UK alone. As more and more people take to the seas, many are looking for the perfect land-based property to complement their yachting adventures. But where are the best places in the world to live for yacht lovers?

Monaco

We cannot write about the most beautiful locations for yachting without mentioning Monaco. This glamorous spot on the French Riviera is the epitome of sophistication, so do not be surprised if you bump into a few A-listers.

Hercules Port is the main marina in Monaco and is one of the best in the world. Set in a breath-taking position at the foot of the idyllic Monaco hills and lined with Michelin-starred restaurants, high-end boutiques and flashy casinos, it really is something special.

The marina is right in the action for some of the biggest calendar events of the year too, such as the Monaco Yacht Show (27 – 30 September) and the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix (28 May), when even more celebrities descend on the area. What is more, once you have enjoyed the wonders of Monaco, you are only a short distance away from some of Europe’s other moststylish resorts; these include Cannes, Saint Tropez and Portofino.

Mallorca

The crystal-clear azure waters of the Mediterranean have long attracted yacht enthusiasts to the island of Mallorca. Known as the ‘crown jewel of the Balearic Islands’, Mallorca offer some of the most beautiful yachting in the world, with soft sandy beaches, tucked away coves, quaint fishing villages and lush green mountains.

Port Adriano sits just nine kilometres from the capital city of Palma de Mallorca. It is a fantastic base to explore Mallorca, as well as her sister islands of Ibiza and Menorca. The marina has a very large capacity, holding up to 487 moorings, and offers a whole host of facilities and amenities making it ideal for families. Once moored, you can try your hand at everything from sailing and paddleboarding to jet skiing and kayaking. There is even a kids’ area at the marina to keep the little ones entertained.

Greece

With glistening blue water, pictureperfect islands and an enviable climate, you will never get bored of yachting around Greece. The Ionian Islands in particular are perfect for that bucket-list Greek islandhopping experience.

For your basecamp, look to Lefkas Marina on the island of Lefkada. This modern marina has top-notch facilities including a reception office in a control tower, ensuring your boat and belongings remain safe and secure.

The island itself is stunning with colourful towns and villages that create a stark contrast against the lush green countryside behind. You would have ample opportunity to leave behind the tourist trail and enjoy rustic Greece with its friendly locals and delicious local cuisine.

Croatia

The Croatian coast is extremely wellequipped for yachting with a network of more than 50 marinas, stretching from Umag to Dubrovnik. Explore Croatia’s endless islands with their spectacular historical ruins and get to know the locals in the many coastal towns and villages. The islands are relatively close together too, making for a safe sail – combine this with the calm winds and you really do have the perfect conditions for yachting.

Each of Croatia’s marinas have something different to offer, but ACI Marina Dubrovnik is a favourite. Situated in Dubrovnik, it is a brilliant base to explore this charming and alluring city or to venture further along the beautiful Dalmatian Coast. You would even be close enough to hop over to Italy if you wish.

Italy

Italy’s coastline is truly exquisite, filled with colourful towns teetering on cliff edges, vast sandy beaches and dreamy turquoise waters. It is safe to say you are spoilt for choice when it comes to yachting destinations.

The picturesque villages of Cinque Terre first spring to mind, a string of five old fishing villages perched high on the Italian Riviera. To hike along this scenic coastline is the best way to explore the villages: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso.

However, there are plenty of alternatives that are equally as beautiful. One such spot is Capri. Nestled within a pretty and sheltered cove on the northern part of the island, the impressive Marina Grande is a fabulous place to moor up. With a backdrop of quaint, bright-coloured houses and magnificent luxury villas, the port offers a peaceful escape from the bustle of the town of Capri up above. Nevertheless, you would only ever be four minutes from the action thanks to a handy funicular cable car.

What To Consider When Buying A Property Near A Marina

Wherever you choose to buy, there are several things to consider and questions to ask yourself.

Firstly, how close to the marina do you want to be? Are you looking for a waterfront home or would you be happy living further out, perhaps in the nearby town/city?

Unsurprisingly, the closer you get to the water, the more expensive it gets. Nonetheless, these types of properties are incredibly desirable, creating huge potential for rentals as well as a great long-term investment.

Once you have decided on a location, you will also need to consider how often you plan to spend in your marina home. Are you moving there permanently or just using it for a holiday? If it is a permanent move, ensure that you are near the required amenities, such as shops and transport links. If the property is purely somewhere to sleep after a long day of boating, then you may be happier with a smaller place that is further from the amenities.

Most importantly, though, your chosen location should put you in a prime spot to start your dream yacht adventure. As mentioned, Marina Dubrovnik presents the opportunity to explore both the Croatian coast and the Italian coast, while marinas on the Greek islands are fantastic for island hopping.