Tim McNulty
KNOWN as the ‘little Venice of the Mediterranean,’ Sotogrande’s famous marina is home to an armada of mega yachts.
Bluer than blue and complete with tree-lined canals and bridges, it is a port of call for many members of European high society.
“Around two years ago, residents started to see more and more superyachts getting parked by the port,” explains estate agent Brian Nelson
“The beauty is you can sail in and berth the yacht outside right outside your house, the port is becoming full there and are people coming from everywhere now,” he continued.
Despite not forming part of the resort’s original development the marina now boasts a total of 1,382 berths and some of the steepest mooring costs in Europe.
Elegant apartments and multicoloured townhouses cluster around the marina while the quayside promenade features high end gastronomic dining and fashionable boutique shopping.
The floating palaces parked up here have included ones owned by Top Gear co-host Eddie Jordan, Santander Bank president Emilio Botin and Bourbon prince Louis Alphonse.
Come summer time, and everyone from princes William and Harry to Mariah Carey can be spotted as A-listers seek to avoid the crowds further down the coast.
As much as the locations it is seclusion and lack of gawkers that sees celebrities have their skippers set a course for Sotogrande
Located at the eastern entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar, this ‘millionaire’s playground’ has become a mandatory stop for any vessel starting its stay in the Mediterranean.
Included in this number is know soto fan Rod Stewart, the singer was recently snapped in St Tropez on the luxury yacht Emotion 2 which costs a sweet €139,000 to charter.
But those without the wallet to match, there are other ways to enjoy the tranquil paradise with water taxis available for a quick trip around the puerto.
Just don’t going embarking on any a european city cruise in one ?.
