Marina de Vilamoura turns 50: A Year to Remember
2024 has been an extraordinary year for our iconic marina. Celebrating its 50th anniversary, it has thrived as a vibrant hub for the yachting community, highlighted by a memorable celebration event and the unveiling of the brand-new Nova Marina. With a bright future ahead, let’s take a closer look at the highlights that made this year so remarkable.
Marking Marina de Vilamoura’s 50 Year Legacy
Since its inception in 1974, Marina de Vilamoura has grown from a bold idea into an internationally recognised hub for yachting enthusiasts. Conceived by Artur Cupertino de Miranda, the marina began as a modest project and has since transformed into a premier destination with a global reputation for excellence. Over the decades, it has expanded and adapted to meet evolving needs, now catering to 825 berths, including spaces for larger vessels.
Throughout its journey, Marina de Vilamoura has garnered numerous accolades, including the prestigious 5 Gold Anchor Platinum certification from The Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA), a rare honour shared by only 11 marinas worldwide. These recognitions not only highlight its commitment to superior infrastructure and exceptional service but also reflect its role as a beacon of connection between people and the sea.
This legacy of excellence was fittingly celebrated at an evening event marking the
marina’s 50th anniversary. Dignitaries and government officials gathered to witness the unveiling of commemorative plaques, paying homage to its rich history and achievements. The evening unfolded with a warm welcome reception and an inspiring exhibition, culminating in a dazzling drone show, live performances, and dancing—a true celebration of Vilamoura’s enduring maritime heritage.
Introducing Nova Marina: A Leap into the Future
The new Nova Marina was also unveiled during the 50th-anniversary celebrations – a state-of-the-art facility with 68 berths specifically designed for yachts ranging from 20 to 40 meters in length, meeting the growing demand for premium berthing solutions.
With advanced features like individual pump-out systems for efficient waste management, electric charging stations, and more, Nova Marina is more than just a docking location—but a beacon of sustainable nautical infrastructure. “Our vision with Nova Marina was to go beyond simply creating more berths; we wanted to deliver an unparalleled experience for yacht owners and their crews,” shared Isolete Correia, CEO of Marina de Vilamoura.
The Nova Marina’s inauguration is not just a milestone for Vilamoura but for Portugal’s nautical sector. It solidifies the Algarve as a leading destination for luxury maritime travel, capable of attracting high-end traffic to its pristine coastline. The facility reflects a forward-thinking approach to yachting, aligning cutting-edge technology with sustainability to set new standards in the industry.
Celebrating the Past, Embracing the Future
The 50th-anniversary celebrations highlighted Marina de Vilamoura’s journey from visionary concept to global nautical reference. Isolete Correia captured the essence of this legacy, stating, “Over these 50 years, our journey symbolizes much more than a mere nautical infrastructure. Above all, we are creating a legacy that will define nautical excellence for future generations.”
As Marina de Vilamoura embarks on its next chapter, the Nova Marina stands as a beacon of its enduring commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence, setting a high bar for the global yachting community.
