A meal by the marina is an idyllic way to spend time aboard, but where might you find the best spots to visit when it comes to dining alfresco and watching the boats go by?

The yachting experts at SuperYachtsMonaco have explored some of the best destination marinas to visit around the world, and where you might find a reasonably priced bite to eat too!

The top 20 marina destinations have been ranked based on a number of different factors such as, search volumes, Instagram hashtag popularity, TripAdvisor reviews, and the average cost of a meal for two in the area.

Among the most highly rated marinas is Yalıkavak Marina in Turkey, where the average price of a three-course meal for two is just £25, followed closely by Porto Montenegro in the town of Tivat, where a meal is likely to set you back around £51.

The top three marinas in the world:

Yalıkavak Marina, Turkey
Turkey tops the list of best marinas to visit and that’s down to its award-winning marina,Yalıkavak. The marina oozes luxury and a vibrant energy, along with breathtaking surrounding scenery - perfect for a bite to eat overlooking the Aegean Sea. Known for its exclusive beach clubs and restaurants, meals can get pricey, but there are plenty of spots that are very reasonably priced according to TripAdvisor. It also boasts the lowest average cost per meal out of all the marinas listed. 

Porto Montenegro, Montenegro
Thanks to its glistening waters, pristine paths, and luminous skies, Porto Montenegro is often ranked among the best marinas in the world to visit. With almost 200,000 Instagram hashtags, it seems to be one of the most popular marinas for taking snaps too. The Mediterranean superyacht hotspot is bound to have its pick of expensive eateries, but there are also more casual dining options available.

Puerto Banús, Marbella
A marina that can’t be missed and comes in third on the list, is the beautiful Puerto Banús in Marbella. It’s here where you’ll find a mix of extremely high-end boutiques, hotels, apartments, and cafes. The level of luxury you choose to indulge in is entirely up to you. There are a great mix of dining options ranging from casual meals, to the ultimate fine dining experiences overlooking the marina. According to the research, a meal in Puerto Banús on average will cost around £38.

The Top 20 Marinas in the World:
1. Yalıkavak Marina, Turkey
2. Porto Montenegro, Montenegro
3. Puerto Banús, Marbella
4. Vilamoura Marina, Portugal
5. Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi
6. Dubai Marina, Dubai
7. Port Vell, Barcelona
8. Port de Saint Tropez, France
9. Port Vauban, Antibes
10. Marina Grande, Capri
11. Marina di Portofino, Genoa
12. Limassol Marina, Cyprus
13. Port Hercule, Monaco
14. Port Tarraco, Spain
15. Yacht Club Port de Plaisance, St Maarten
16. Ibiza Magna Marina, Ibiza
17. Port Mirabello, Italy
18. Marina di Porto Cervo, Sardinia
19. Grand Harbour Marina, Valletta
20. Port de Gustavia Saint Barths, Saint Barths

Georgia Hutchinson, Brokerage and Marketing Manager at SuperYachtsMonaco, commented:
“Our research has helped to highlight some of the most popular destinations around the world when it comes to marinas, encouraging travellers to soak up the marina lifestyle, even if they’re not planning to do any sailing, or of course, charter a yacht.

“We hope our research continues to put marina holidays firmly on the map and eases the decision making process when it comes to choosing where to visit to observe the beauty of the ocean and its incredible vessels.”