On 23 November, Marina de Vilamoura, Portugal’s largest marina, celebrated a historic 50-year milestone.
The event featured a special ceremony attended by government officials and national and international guests. The occasion also marked the official launch of the Nova Marina, “revolutionising the marine sector in Portugal”.
The Nova Marina features three new pontoons with 68 berths, specifically designed for large boats ranging from 20 – 40m, strategically positioning Vilamoura at the forefront of the nautical sector. Each berth includes advanced technology, with individual pump-out systems, remote management services for water and electricity consumption, dedicated charging points for electric boats, state-of-the-art desalination systems and photovoltaic energy generation for sustainability.
“We have transformed a visionary concept into an attractive destination that represents innovation, sophistication, and a profound commitment to nautical excellence. From the beginning, we understood that a marina is not just about boats and berths, but also about an experience that connects people with the sea, fostering relationships and offering a broader vision of nautical culture,” says Isolete Correia, CEO of Marina de Vilamoura and CEO of *Vilamoura.
From Visionary Concept to Nautical Reference
What started in 1974 as the ambitious vision of Artur Cupertino de Miranda, has grown into Portugal’s largest and most prestigious marina, recognised with numerous international awards. Over the years, Marina de Vilamoura has evolved alongside the nautical market, growing from its original 612 berths to 1,000 at its peak. Today, it accommodates 825 berths, catering to the demand for larger vessels and establishing itself as a renowned global tourist destination.
“Over these 50 years, our journey symbolises much more than a mere nautical infrastructure. Above all, we are creating a legacy that will define nautical excellence for future generations,” adds Isolete Correia.
Marina de Vilamoura has earned widespread recognition, consistently receiving the title of “Best Marina in Portugal” alongside numerous international awards. Most notably, it was recently honoured with the prestigious 5 Gold Anchor Platinum certification from The Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA), a distinction held by only 11 marinas worldwide, reflecting the exceptional quality of its infrastructure and services.
The unveiling of the Nova Marina marks a pivotal addition for the nautical community, providing 68 exclusive berths in Portugal designed for large vessels navigating the coastline. Addressing a key market demand, this state-of-the-art facility creates a premier maritime hub, poised to attract high-end nautical traffic and solidify the Algarve’s reputation as a top-tier destination.
