As both lifelong cruisers and marina marketing specialists, we've been lucky enough to sail much of the Mediterranean—dropping anchor in tucked-away coves, riding out mistrals in friendly ports, and stumbling into places that somehow haven’t made the “top 10” lists (yet).

These are some of our favorite marinas in the Med—not just because they’re beautiful, but because they’ve got that rare mix of charm, service, protection, and a bit of soul.

1. Saint Feliu de Guíxols – Costa Brava, Spain

Tucked between rugged red cliffs and golden beaches, Port de Sant Feliu is one of the most welcoming marinas on the Costa Brava. It's walkable to town, protected from swells, and run by a team that genuinely seems to care.

There's a family-run feel here that keeps cruisers coming back, and it’s got just enough room for larger yachts without losing its small-port vibe. Bonus: there's excellent food and a vibrant local market steps from the dock.

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Saint Feliu de Guíxols – Costa Brava, Spain — **Saint Feliu de Guíxols**

2. Bormes-les-Mimosas – French Riviera, France

This one feels like a secret that locals try to keep for themselves. While nearby Saint-Tropez and Toulon are overrun in summer, Port de Bormes offers serenity, spotless facilities, and some of the clearest water on the coast.

The town itself is perched above the marina, full of stone staircases, flowering balconies, and almost no tourist traps. From a sailor’s perspective, the port is well-run, well-protected, and feels distinctly French—in the best way.

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Bormes-les-Mimosas – French Riviera, France — **Bormes-les-Mimosas**

3. Port de la Figueirette – Théoule-sur-Mer, France

If you’ve ever dreamed of mooring in a postcard, this is the place. Just west of Cannes, Port de la Figueirette is a small, red-rock-framed harbor with unbeatable views and a peaceful atmosphere that’s hard to find in this part of the Riviera.

It's not flashy or overbuilt—just calm waters, a friendly team, and a view that feels a bit surreal at sunset. Perfect for a quiet overnight or a romantic stop on your passage.

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Port de la Figueirette – Théoule-sur-Mer, France — **Port de la Figueirette**

4. Vieux Port de Menton – France/Italy Border

Menton’s old port sits right at the edge of France and Italy, and it has the best of both. Lemon trees, gelato, pétanque… and a backdrop of pastel-colored buildings that climb the hillside like a movie set.

It’s often overlooked for Monaco and Nice, but that’s exactly the point. The marina is functional, the city is alive, and everything’s walkable. It’s an ideal place to recharge—and an easy place to stay longer than planned.

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Vieux Port de Menton – France/Italy Border — **Vieux Port de Menton**

5. Porto Azzurro – Elba, Italy

Sailing into Porto Azzurro feels like arriving in a protected amphitheater of hills and pastel buildings. The port is surprisingly well-equipped for a smaller island marina, and the harbor is deep, calm, and easy to approach.

Elba is known for crystal-clear water, and Porto Azzurro delivers it in full. The village is charming without being commercial, and the port staff are helpful and laid-back. You could spend a week here and not get bored—or just use it as a rest stop on your way south.

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Porto Azzurro – Elba, Italy — **Porto Azzurro**

6. Marina Isola Rossa – Sardinia, Italy

This Sardinian gem feels like a private escape. Isola Rossa isn’t flashy—but it is authentic. The marina sits between rocky headlands, with a long sandy beach just a few steps from your mooring.

There’s a relaxed fishing-town vibe here, great local food, and access to the kind of unspoiled coastline that makes Sardinia a must-sail. For cruisers who prefer natural beauty over glitz, it’s close to perfect.

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Marina Isola Rossa – Sardinia, Italy — **Marina Isola Rossa**

Why These Marinas Stand Out

They’re not just pretty—they’re functional, friendly, and authentic. In many cases, they’ve also quietly built great reputations through real, verified reviews and strong word-of-mouth.

For marinas, that’s the key to long-term bookings. It’s not about having the biggest fuel dock or the flashiest facilities—it’s about being known, trusted, and talked about (in the right way).

We help marinas across the Med improve visibility, gather honest reviews from real boaters, and show up where it counts—on Google, Navily, and across the digital sea.