Marinas: mooring your boat close to home

If you own a boat — or dream of owning one — the Costa Blanca is hard to beat. Over 15 marinas along 200 km of coast, with berths for vessels from 6 to 30+ metres, full services and a sea that invites you out practically 12 months a year. This article maps the main ports, their prices and what you need to sail from the Costa Blanca.

The main ports, north to south

Marina de Dénia

One of the largest and best-equipped on the northern coast. 628 berths for vessels up to 35 metres. Full services: fuel station, boatyard with 65-tonne travel lift, electricity, water, WiFi, showers, laundry, port restaurants. The Ibiza and Mallorca ferry connection (Baleària) departs from here — the perfect starting point for Balearic sailing.

Annual berth price: €3 000-8 000 by length (8-15 metres). Long-term berths are sought after — waiting lists can be months.

Club Náutico de Jávea

347 berths for vessels up to 25 m. Established club atmosphere, sailing school, restaurant with terrace. Direct access to the northern coast's most beautiful coves (Granadella, Portitxol, Ambolo are 15-20 minutes' sailing). Annual berth: €2 500-7 000.

Club Náutico de Calpe

Port at the foot of the Peñón de Ifach. 270 berths, well sheltered from northerly winds. Services: fuel, boatyard, sailing school, restaurant. Annual berth: €2 000-6 000.

Club Náutico de Altea

297 berths in a charming port next to the old town. Quieter atmosphere. Sailing school, kayak and SUP. Restaurant with views.

Real Club de Regatas de Alicante

The city's most prestigious yacht club, in the centre of Alicante port. 800+ berths. Former Volvo Ocean Race host. Premium services: boatyard, fuel, restaurant, pool, gym, social area. Annual berth: €3 500-12 000.

Marina Deportiva de Alicante

Next to the Real Club but more accessible in price. 750 berths for vessels up to 25 m. Public management (Generalitat Valenciana). Annual berth: €2 500-8 000.

Marina Miramar (Santa Pola)

234 berths in a modern port by the beach. Perfect base for sailing to Tabarca island (20 minutes). Annual berth: competitive.

Puerto Deportivo de Torrevieja

700+ berths in one of the southern coast's largest marinas. Full services: 50-tonne travel lift, fuel, workshops, restaurants. Active international nautical community with regular regattas. Annual berth: €2 000-6 000 — among the coast's most competitive.

How much does keeping a boat cost?

Annual cost breakdown for an 8-10 metre vessel (popular mid-size):

• Annual berth: €2 500-5 000
• Insurance: €400-1 200/year
• Maintenance: antifouling, anodes, engine service, hull cleaning: €1 000-3 000/year
• Fuel: variable. A half-day outing with a 150 HP outboard burns 40-80 litres (€60-120). Sailboats use much less.
• Registration tax (ITP): 12 % of value (one-off at purchase). No annual vessel property tax. Port fee included in berth.
• Technical inspection (ITB): every 5 years. Cost: €200-500.

Estimated annual total (excl. fuel): €4 000-9 000. Significant, but comparable to or below northern European ports (where berths cost €5 000-15 000/year).

Navigation licences

• Navigation Licence (LN): vessels up to 6 m, up to 4 nautical miles. 4-6 hour course + practical. €150-250. No expiry.
• Recreational Vessel Skipper (PER): vessels up to 15 m, up to 12 miles. Theory + exam + mandatory practicals. €400-700. The most popular recreational licence.
• Yacht Skipper (PY): vessels up to 24 m, unlimited range. €500-800.
• Yacht Captain (CY): no length or distance restriction. Maximum recreational title.

Costa Blanca nautical schools offer all levels in Spanish and often English.

What you can do with a boat here

• Land-inaccessible coves: Cala Llebeig, Portitxol, Benissa coves — only reachable by boat or tough hiking trails. The Costa Blanca's jewels, and with a boat they are yours.
• Tabarca island: 20 minutes from Santa Pola. Marine reserve, crystal waters. One of the Spanish Mediterranean's best anchorages.
• Ibiza and Formentera: from Dénia or Jávea, Ibiza is 3-4 hours' sailing. A weekend anchored off Formentera's Ses Illetes is unforgettable.
• Sport fishing: bonito, sea bream, sea bass, dentex, amberjack and (in season) bluefin tuna. Recreational fishing licence available from maritime authorities (~€25).
• Sailing: Costa Blanca winds are moderate and predictable (land breeze in the morning, sea breeze in the afternoon). Ideal for learning and relaxed cruising. Yacht clubs organise social regattas open to all levels.

Frequently asked questions

Can I buy a berth or only rent?

It depends on the port. In some, berths are concessions that can be bought/sold (like property). In others, they are renewable annual rentals. Concession berths are more expensive to acquire (€10 000-50 000 for 8-12 m) but secure the space long-term. Check each port's specific management.

Is it easy to find a berth?

In the most demanded ports (Dénia, Jávea, Real Club de Regatas), there may be waiting lists for annual berths. In ports with more capacity (Torrevieja, Marina Deportiva), availability is greater. Transit berths (days or weeks) are usually available everywhere.

Can I bring my boat from abroad?

Yes. EU-registered boats must be registered in Spain within 30 days if you establish residence. Non-EU boats require import VAT (21 %) and Spanish registration. The paperwork is complex — a nautical broker or gestor can help.

How much does marine fuel cost?

Costa Blanca marine fuel stations sell diesel at ~€1.30-1.50/litre and petrol at ~€1.50-1.70/litre (indicative 2025 prices). Slightly more expensive than road fuel but includes port taxes.

Can I live on my boat?

Technically, Spanish regulation does not allow using a vessel as a permanent primary residence in a marina. In practice, some ports tolerate extended stays if port rules are followed and the berth is paid. Not a basis for planning — but as a temporary or seasonal lifestyle, some do it.

If sailing is part of your Mediterranean dream, explore our available properties near the ports or contact us for a personalised consultation.