There are several top criteria for enjoying a meal out while on holiday and they include the views, the opportunity to people watch, standard of cuisine and cost. Dining alfresco by a marina, while watching the boats go by, often hits the high spot for idyllic way to spend time abroad. But where are the best marinas for dining and with the cheapest comparable prices?
Yachting experts at SuperYachtsMonaco have compiled their top 20 marina destinations based on a number of different factors such as search volumes, Instagram hashtag popularity, TripAdvisor reviews and the average cost of a meal for two in the area.
World’s top 5 marinas for eating out
Yalıkavak Marina, Turkey
Turkey tops the list of best marinas to visit and that’s thanks to the marina, Yalıkavak. The town is on Turkey’s Bodrum Peninsula, on the Aegean Sea.
The marina oozes luxury and has a vibrant atmosphere. It also offers breathtaking scenery – and is perfect for a bite to eat overlooking a spectacular, sparkling sea.
Known for its exclusive beach clubs and restaurants, meals can get pricey, but there are plenty of spots that are very reasonably priced according to TripAdvisor. It also boasts the lowest average cost per meal out of all the marinas listed. Surprisingly, the average price of a three-course meal for two is €30.
Porto Montenegro, Montenegro
Thanks to its glistening waters, pristine paths and luminous skies, Porto Montenegro in Tivat is often ranked among the best marinas in the world to visit.
With almost 200,000 Instagram hashtags, it seems to be one of the most popular marinas for taking photographs, too. The Mediterranean superyacht hotspot is bound to have its pick of expensive eateries, but there are also more casual dining options available. Research reveals a meal for two in Tivat is likely to cost you around €60.
Puerto Banús, Marbella
A marina that shouldn’t be missed is the beautiful Puerto Banús in Marbella. It sits in third place in the top marinas list.
Marbella boasts many high-end boutiques, hotels, apartments and cafes. There is also a great mix of dining options ranging from casual meals, to the ultimate fine dining experiences overlooking the marina. According to the research, a meal in Puerto Banús on average will cost around €45.
Vilamoura Marina, Portugal
Modern, lively and sophisticated, Vilamoura town has developed around the marina to become one of the largest leisure resorts in Europe.
There is a wide range of top hotels, tourist villages and restauranta ot enjoy. The Algarve is also famed for its internationally acclaimed golf courses.
The marina is Portugal’s largest and offers a hub of entertainment, not only for those who arrive by boat, but for everyone on holiday in the area.
The choice of places to dine is vast but research shows it is possible to dine for €43.76.
Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi
An impressive marina by anyone’s standards, Yas is a must-visit. The marina is situated on Yas Island, and has licensed restaurants and a cafe to suit a range of budgets.
The waterside eateries provide stunning views and, as the sun sets, the family-friendly destination transforms into a buzzing scene of dining.
Research reveals it shoudl be possible to enjoy a three-course meal for two for €66.65.
Georgia Hutchinson, Brokerage and Marketing Manager at SuperYachtsMonaco, said: “Our research has helped to highlight some of the most popular destinations around the world when it comes to marinas, encouraging travellers to soak up the marina lifestyle, even if they’re not planning to do any sailing, or of course, charter a yacht.
“We hope our research continues to put marina holidays firmly on the map and eases the decision making process when it comes to choosing where to visit to observe the beauty of the ocean and its incredible vessels.”
Top 20 marinas and eating out costs
- Sources include Numbeo, Yachting Pages and The Marina Reservation. Factors were all weighted to create an overall scoring for each marina. Cities with incomplete data were removed, and the UK was not included in the Index.