Publication date: 02/03/2025
Harbour berths in the Mediterranean can be hard to come by
The Mediterranean is a well-known and much-loved boater’s paradise. Depending on their location, capacity and services, marinas are frequently overcrowded.
But what makes this sailing area such a success, and how can you find a berth in the Mediterranean to take advantage of it?
Find a Mediterranean port location to access sought-after destinations
Having a berth in the Mediterranean means being able to sail to your heart’s content! At the gateway to a fantastic playground covering 2.5 million square kilometres, the boater has easy access to some of the most beautiful sailing areas.
By motorboat or sailboat, for example, they can discover :
- In France: the Vermeille coast, the Améthyste coast, the Camargue coast, the blue coast, the French Riviera, Corsica
- In Italy : the country’s coasts, the islands facing the mainland, Sardinia and Sicily
- In Spain: the mainland and the Balearic Islands
- Further afield: Malta, Croatia, Greece, Eastern and Southern Mediterranean destinations…
Sailing conditions in the Mediterranean are ideal: the climate is almost always pleasant and the more or less accommodating winds promise comfortable outings and cruises.
In winter, spring, summer or autumn… whatever the season, the boater is sure to enjoy it!
Questions relating to obtaining a berth in the Mediterranean
In this section, we answer your questions about Mediterranean berths. What do you need to know and how do you go about finding a Mediterranean berth?
How long does it take to get a berth in the Mediterranean?
The wait for a berth in the Mediterranean varies from port to port. It depends in particular on the capacity of the ports, their popularity and the demand from boaters.
In some very popular Mediterranean ports, such as those on the French Riviera and the blue coast, the wait can extend over several years.
Other port infrastructures may have more availability, because they are located further out, because they are less well-known, because they offer a specialised reception or higher quality services.
The characteristics of the boat to be moored also influence the ability to obtain a berth quickly in the Mediterranean: the majority of boaters are looking to moor a medium-sized boat, while the owner of a small or long boat may have a better chance of finding a berth.
Please note:
Demand for a berth in the Mediterranean is not linear throughout the year. One of the tips for finding a berth in the Mediterranean is to apply for a berth in the low season, well in advance of the sailing season. It’s much easier to get a berth if you plan ahead!
Can I buy a boat with its berth?
In the Mediterranean, it is sometimes possible to buy a boat with its berth. In France, this is a very exceptional practice, which is not always financially advantageous!
In most cases, when a boat occupies a berth in the Mediterranean, it is rented. These are offered by marina managers at more or less advantageous rates, under contracts of varying lengths.
Beware of scams:
It is rare to be able to buy a boat directly with its parking space: often, at the time of the transaction, the boat loses the associated berth. The space then reverts to the next boater on the port’s waiting list.
What services are generally offered with a Mediterranean berth?
In general, access to a berth in the Mediterranean is associated with a number of services for boater owners: connection to water and electricity, port facilities for showering, washing up and laundry, access to a fuel station, etc.
The port may offer boat surveillance, technical support or, for example, lifting or repair services. When they are located in a tourist or particularly popular destination, Mediterranean marinas also frequently host shops, restaurants, hotels or private clubs.
The services offered vary greatly from one port to another! When looking for a berth in a Mediterranean port, we recommend that you find out all you can about it.
Is it better to opt for a dry or afloat berth in the Mediterranean?
There are no rules here. It all depends on your project!
- A pontoon berth gives you direct access to the sea. It’s ideal for those who want to sail very frequently, or without having to plan ahead.
- A dry storage site, on the other hand, allows you to park a boat in the Mediterranean at a lower cost and in better preservation conditions.
Think about it!
You can also alternate storage solutions in the Mediterranean: a boat mooring in the water during the high season, and a boat mooring out of the water when your boat is wintered.
Is it possible to get a cheap berth in the Mediterranean?
It is very difficult to own a berth in the Mediterranean, particularly in France. On the other hand, berths are frequently rented.
The cost of berth hire in the Mediterranean generally depends on the type of boat involved – motorboat or sailing yacht, short or long, monohull or multihull – and the length of time you wish to park.
Did you know?
When you rent a mooring, the monthly, quarterly or six-monthly price of a berth in a Mediterranean port often falls as the length of the contract increases. It’s often cheaper to park your boat for a longer period!
To reduce mooring costs, depending on how the boat is used, it may be worth considering a dry berth. Several Mediterranean operators offer boat storage spaces out of the water, often at competitive prices. The good preservation of vessels parked in the dry should not be overlooked either!
Are there any recommended marinas in the Mediterranean?
The port of Sète, Port Camargue, Marseille, La Ciotat, Port-Fréjus, Port Vauban in Antibes, Monaco… Each Mediterranean port has its qualities and faults, and offers a more or less high level of services. If you have to choose a port in the Mediterranean, we advise you to look at the quality and modernity of the port infrastructure.
Opt for a location close to nautical services: that way, you can benefit from the expertise of professionals to carry out all your boat servicing, overhaul or maintenance operations. The availability of port staff should also be a criterion in your selection.
Port Adhoc’s Mediterranean berths
The Port Adhoc group manages several port infrastructures in France, and in particular two marinas on the Mediterranean: Port Napoléon, in Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône, and the port of Leucate, in the town of the same name.
Depending on your requirements and the characteristics of your vessel, we may have a place available now… or very soon!
Boat moorings in Port Napoléon – ashore or afloat
In the Camargue, Port Napoléon offers both dry and afloat berths. Just a stone’s throw from the Mediterranean, boaters can take advantage of secure berths, the presence of qualified nautical professionals, very comfortable spaces and specialised services.
The marina’s large capacity means that it can meet a large number of requests for berths lasting from a few days to several months.
Boat moorings in Port Leucate – ashore storage
With hundreds of berths available for owners wishing to sail in the Mediterranean, the dry port of Leucate specialises in winter storage and dry storage for boats. Its modern facilities are perfectly suited to yachting. Boats are parked in excellent conditions and launched without any particular constraints.
We hope this article has answered all your questions about obtaining a berth in the Mediterranean. If you still need help, don’t hesitate to ask us!
