Vilamoura, 25 November 2024 – Marina de Vilamoura, the largest and most renowned marina in Portugal, celebrated a historic milestone on the 23rd of November, marking 50 years of existence. The occasion was highlighted by a special ceremony attended by various government officials and other national and international dignitaries, where the Nova Marina was also officially launched, revolutionising this sector in Portugal.
The Nova Marina features three new pontoons with 68 berths, specifically designed for large boats ranging from 20 to 40 metres, 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 began in 1974 as a bold vision of Artur Cupertino de Miranda has evolved into internationally awarded and the largest and most prestigious marina in Portugal. Over the years, Marina de Vilamoura has adapted to the reality of the nautical market, expanding from its initial 612 berths to 1000, and adjusting to the current market for large boats with 825 berths, becoming a global tourist reference. “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.
With numerous accolades and distinctions, it has consecutively been awarded the title of “Best Marina in Portugal” and has secured multiple international awards. Most recently, the Marina also received the 5 Gold Anchor Platinum certification from The Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA) due to the quality of its infrastructure and services offered – only 11 marinas worldwide have achieved this certification.
The launch of the Nova Marina represents a must-stop for the nautical community, offering 68 unprecedented berths in Portugal for large vessels passing along the coast. This new structure meets a significant market need, creating a premium maritime hub that will attract high-quality nautical traffic and further establish the Algarve as a destination of excellence.
Over the past three years, funds managed by Arrow Global, have helped drive growth and development in the region and other parts of the country.
