Megayacht Marina Comes to Cyprus

Cyprus is on the fast track to becoming the newest megayacht port in the Mediterranean. Where previously there’d been only three marinas catering to a local boat and small yacht cruising crowd, the government’s approval in January for the construction of the new Limassol Marina will provide among the first megayacht slips on the island, as well as a host of first-class services all in a luxury lifestyle destination.
One reason that makes Cyprus ripe for an exclusive, US $430-million waterfront development is its strong tourism industry and stable economy, elements that make a secure place for investment.
Another is that Cyprus, which ranks as the third largest island in the Mediterranean, is strategically positioned; it sits at the crossroads of three continents: Europe, Asia and Africa. From here, yachts can easily reach picturesque and popular spots in Cyprian waters, as well as the cruising destinations of Lebanon, Turkey, Israel, Greece and the rest of the Mediterranean to the east.
Third, Cyprus has an excellent year-round climate for yachting and enjoys an average 340 days of sunshine annually. The summer season is long — it runs from May until the end of October — and winters are mild. Yet, there’s still excellent snow skiing available in the Troodos Mountains on the slopes of 6,404-foot-high Mt. Olympus.

The 600-slip Limassol Marina, which will berth sail and power yachts ranging from 30 to 330-feet, will be built in its namesake city of Limassol. This is the second largest city in Cyprus, boasting a population of about 230,000. The city, which borders Akrotiri Bay and is the largest transit trade seaport in the Mediterranean, has two ports, commonly referred to as the “ old port ” and the “ new port. ” The old port is small and mainly used by the local fishing fleet, while the new port sees the most commercial and passenger traffic. Depth at the new port is 36-feet.
Sophia Paraskeva, public relations officer for Limassol Marina, who was born and raised in this south coast city, said, “ Limassol Marina will be located just a short walk from the heart of Limassol, near to the old port, and has been designed to blend seamlessly with the city’s historic harbor and medieval castle. Limassol Marina essentially forms an extension of the old town, with access to charming restaurants, cafes, shops, museums, theatres, exhibition centers and art galleries. ”
This waterfront development is being built out of man-made islands. The marina and accompanying restaurants, villas (160 of the total 280 will have their own private moorings) and boutiques will be protected by a state-of-the-art, 33-foot wide breakwater that will be constructed out of concrete blocks with accropodes on the exterior-facing side.

The marina’s main docks will be made of concrete, while the finger piers will be floating pontoons. Each slip will be equipped with water and electricity, as well as IPTV, high-speed Internet, telephone and WI-FI access. Berthing prices are to be competitive with the rest of the European Union market.
There will also be haul-out facilities, with a 100-ton Travelift, a dry dock for light repairs and maintenance, and mechanical, electrical, plumbing and carpenter/upholstery facilities. Limassol Marina will also house a marine training school.
Camper & Nicholsons Marinas will operate the marina, while the company bringing the project to fruition is Limassol Marina Ltd., a group of developers, construction companies and investors.
“ Limassol is a beautiful town and has managed to retain its history, tradition and culture, yet it is the most cosmopolitan city in Cyprus, ” said Paraskeva. “ There is a wealth of entertainment opportunities to suit every taste, from concerts, theatre and opera to lively bars and clubs with international DJs. For visitors with an affinity for the arts, fashion and culture, there are exhibitions, fashion shows, plays, music gigs, wine tasting, festivals and events taking place on a daily basis. ”
Paraskeva added, “ All recreational facilities are easily accessible from the marina and reasonably priced — including diving, sailing, water-skiing, kite-surfing, golf, tennis, basketball, football, skiing, horse-riding, flying, shooting, archery and climbing. ”
The Pafos International Airport is only 30 minutes away, and the Lamaca International Airport 40 minutes away by car. Both airports are served by a number of international airlines.
The waterfront development project will be ready to welcome its first yachts by the end of 2012. The project in its entirety, including all residential units, will be completed by the end of 2014.
“ Limassol Marina is destined to become the most exclusive marina resort in the Mediterranean, ” said Paraskeva, “ and one of the finest in the world. ”