New Marinas Overseas

For decades Spain has been the mecca for boat owners looking for an all year round climate, good food, and excellent facilities, all within a reasonable flying time from Europe and the UK. Marinas along the Costa del Sol have been packed in high season as more Europeans head to Spain to base their boats in the full service marinas, which are increasingly becoming packed in high season. This flood of expats has now become a torrent with most Spanish marinas unable to cope with the increasing demand for berths and moorage.

In the last few years, the southern Italian island of Sicily has started to stir from its slumber as the poor relation to it’s mainland cousin. Afloat in the Meditterranean it sits between mainland Italy and Cap Bon in Tunisia. As a meeting point for all four points of the compass, Sicily has been involved in virutally every major Meditteranean war, and its culture and history have been moulded by it’s various African, European and Asian rulers. It is an island full of art, archeology, history, folklore, breathtaking scenery, and ofcourse some of the finest food in the world.

Now it has added a new marina at Licata, located on the Southern most side of the island. The development includes moorings from 8 metres up to a maximum of 70 metres, and is based on the Far East model of a self contained marina vilage. The on site facilities incude, restaurants, a health club, tennis courts, a sailing school and a private beach, all for the exclusive use of members and guests. The properties available are either one or two bed luxury apartments which are a stones throw from the marina itself - it really is a minutes walk to your boat or yacht!! Prices for apartments start at around 320,000 euros for a one bedroom apartment, with a 12 metre mooring included in the price.

Personally, whilst I feel the above would be both an excellent investment and also a wonderful place to live ( both as a second home or full time ), the main issue I have is that of getting there. There are direct flights to both Palermo and Catania, but both these airports are a considerable distance from Licata, and on mountaneous roads the journey could take 3 or 4 hours, almost as long as the flying time to get to the Island itself. In addition, some of these flights are severly reduced in winter, at a time when you may be looking for a weekend break in the sun. However, with a long sailing season, wonderful climate, even better food, and more culture than you can shake a stick at - perhaps it is worth the effort!! If you would like further details please just contact me via the comments box.