New Marinas Overseas

New yachting marinas are a rarity in Spain these days, but in 2008, a new development is planned in the small seaside town of Carles de la Rapita, 150 km south of Barcelona. The town is situated in one of the most beautiful and ecoligically important areas of Spain, as it sits at the mouth of the river Ebra, Spain’s second largest river which has formed the area into a vast wetland delta. The town is sheltered from the open sea by the National Park, known as the Punta de la Banya.

The whole area provides a spectacular natural harbour, which is ideal for those wanting to learn to sail in sheltered waters. As with all of Spain, the climate is ideal, although it can become unbearbaly hot in the summer months, the best times being October through to early June, before temperatures rise. The area is a reknowned “foody” paradise, with some of the finest prawns and baby eels being caught locally in the Ebra delta.

Getting there is very easy with direct flights to Barcelona International airport which is just over 100 miles ( 160km ) from Sant Carles, and with good road links the journey normally only takes around an hour and a half. Alternatively the other international airport at Valencia is also available, with a similiar travelling time. There is a smaller regional airport at Reus, which is only 50 miles ( 80 km ) away, so it is much closer but this tends to be served by more of the internal local flights, rather than as a main hub for Europe, although this is gradually changing with more low cost airlines using the airport.

The company developing the marina is offering a 4 year berthing package for boat owners. In effect you are renting your boat berth at a fixed price for the period, and the company also offers the option for arranging transport of your vessel if required. The coast is ideal for short and longer cruises and is only 140 km from the Balearic Islands, which provide some of the best sailing and cruising grounds in the Mediterranean. As part of the package, a courtesy shuttle service is also provided, so there is no need to rent a car, unless you want to explore and travel on your own. The company is not providing any property development within the marina, but there are plenty of new apartments and villas being built locally, so if you would like details please just get in touch with me using the comments box.

If you are looking for something slightly different in Spain, and away from the Costa del Sol, then this could be for you. The area is unique both in culture and in geography, with the area surrounded by a vast National Park, rich in wildlife. Nowhere else in Spain could you find orchards and vinyards, mingling with paddy fields of rice. With an all year round climate, perfect sailing both inshore and offshore, wonderful food and plenty of golf, this could provide a perfect base for you and your boat for the next four years!