Spectacular scenery, luxe amenities, legendary casinos and a lavish lifestyle have long been Monaco’s drawing cards. In addition, the prestigious principality on the Mediterranean Sea is also known as a premier destination for the world’s most luxurious superyachts. The city-state is home to the legendary port of Monaco, Port Hercules, Port Fontvieille, as well as a new port in Ventimiglia and the soon-to-be-completed Mareterra.
A Guide to the Ports of Monaco
Port Hercules
Thousands of international yacht owners and industry executives make it a point to attend the annual Monaco Yacht Show, the world’s premier superyacht exhibition at Port Hercules, the largest port of Monaco. More than 100 superyachts are featured, along with some 600 vendors throughout 42,000 square metres of exhibition space. For those arriving by yacht, whether for the show or as part of a luxury Mediterranean yacht charter, sailing into this famed Monaco port is an event in itself.
The port, just west of the new Mareterra (formerly Portier Cove) marina is one of the few deepwater ports on the French Riviera and serves as the gateway for yachts to the principality. The natural bay is at the foot of the majestic Rock of Monaco, which towers 62-metres above the sea and is the ancestral monolith of the princes of Monaco. Improvements to the port in recent years include a new sea wall, offering protection from eastern swells and providing the perfect berthing location for large pleasure craft.
Port Fontvieille
Further south is the modern harbour of Port Fontvieille, which was built from reclaimed land in 1966. The Monaco port has berthing space for some 160 vessels up to 30-metres in length and with a maximum draft of three-meters. Port Fontvieille offers a selection of amenities, including restaurants and shops, while its location is within striking distance of Monaco’s famed attractions. Adding extra convenience, this port of Monaco is also just a stone’s throw away from the Monaco heliport.
Monaco Port Ventimiglia
Meanwhile, with the increasing lure of luxury sailing, Monaco has recently expanded its ability to host yachts with the opening of the port in Ventimiglia, just 79 nautical miles (15 to 20 minutes) from its sister marinas at the ports of Hercules and Fontvielle. From Cala Del Forte Ventimiglia, yacht owners and guests will have easy and exclusive access to Monaco, where they are welcome to enjoy all that the principality has to offer.
The port in Ventimiglia hailed the arrival on Oct. 15 of the much-loved sailing yacht TUIGA, the flagship of the Yacht Club of Monaco. The marina’s official inauguration is scheduled for mid-2021, when construction work on land is completed. Meanwhile the waterfront is open, and the state-of-the-art marina is already taking berth reservations.
A New Port at Mareterra
Additional berthing space will also be available at Monaco’s future marina at Mareterra, a port made possible by an ambitious eco-friendly $2.3 billion land reclamation project. The luxury development is scheduled for completion in 2025.
The new marina will be able to accommodate more than a dozen vessels of up to 18-metres, and will feature a host of restaurants and shops, ensuring plenty of opportunities for lively and entertaining outings. Overall, the 6-hectare eco-development will encompass luxury residences, expansive gardens, a promenade and recreational space.
Cruising to the welcoming ports of Monaco, whether it be Monaco’s port in Ventimiglia, Port Fontvieille, or famed Port Hercules is always a grand event.
Image courtesy of Cala del Forte
Article by Judith Isacoff
