Vilamoura Marina Celebrates 50 Years and Inaugurates New Marina
The largest and most renowned marina in Portugal celebrated a historic milestone on 23 November, when it marked its 50th year in operation. The moment was marked by a special ceremony attended by several government officials, among other national and international personalities, and which also saw the official inauguration of the New Marina, which will revolutionise this sector in Portugal.
The New Marina has three new pontoons with 68 berths, specifically designed for large vessels between 20 and 40 metres, strategically positioning Vilamoura at the forefront of the nautical sector. Each mooring 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 in the interests of sustainability.
‘We have transformed a visionary concept into an attractive destination that represents innovation, sophistication and a deep commitment to nautical excellence. From the outset, we realised that a marina is not just about boats and moorings, but also about an experience that brings people and the sea together, fostering relationships and a broader vision of nautical culture,’ says Isolete Correia, CEO of Vilamoura Marina and CEO of Vilamoura.
From Visionary Concept to Nautical Reference
What began in 1974 as a bold vision by Artur Cupertino de Miranda has evolved into Portugal’s largest and most prestigious marina. Over the years, Vilamoura Marina has adapted to the reality of the nautical market, expanding its initial 612 berths to 1,000 and adjusting to the current large boat market with 825 berths, becoming a worldwide tourist reference. ‘Over these 50 years, our trajectory has symbolised much more than a simple nautical infrastructure. Above all, we are creating a legacy that will define nautical excellence for generations to come,’ adds Isolete Correia.
With several mentions and honours, it has been consecutively awarded the title of ‘Best Marina in Portugal’ and has secured multiple international awards. More recently, the Marina was also awarded the 5 Gold Anchor Platinum certification by The Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA) due to the quality of its infrastructure and services offered—only 11 marinas worldwide have obtained this certification.
The opening of the New Marina will be a must for the boating community. It will offer an unprecedented 68 berths in Portugal for large vessels passing off the coast. This new structure responds to 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 last three years, the funds managed by Arrow Global have promoted the growth and development of the region and others in the country. ‘I’m very proud to say that Arrow has been, in a way, almost rebuilding Cupertino de Miranda’s original vision, regrouping assets that have been dispersed over the years,’ explains João Bugalho, CEO of Arrow Global Portugal.
ABOUT VILAMOURA
*Vilamoura is developing various plans and projects that will make it an even more attractive place to visit, live and invest. From new sports and leisure complexes to tourist and residential developments of various types, sizes and values, there will be a host of new amenities to complement the destination’s offer. An award-winning marina, golden sandy beaches and clear waters, five renowned golf courses, world-renowned sports facilities, 4- and 5-star hotels, and excellent educational and health institutions are just some of the features that only *Vilamoura can offer.
*Vilamoura is the birthplace of leading companies whose history is intertwined with that of the destination itself, focussed on improving the experience of those who visit and the lifestyle of those who stay.
Vilamoura Lusotur SIC, Imobiliaria Fechada S.A., is managed by Norfin SGOIC, S.A., is the destination’s master planner, responsible for property development, and owner of the more than 400,000 m2 of land in Vilamoura, which includes commercial, tourist, and residential products. Vilamoura Properties is responsible for developing the property assets.
