The Cheapest Mooring Fees in Europe (9 Surprising Places)
From charming fishing villages to bustling port cities, there are hidden gems throughout Europe that offer affordable mooring fees without sacrificing quality or experience. In some parts of Europe, you can even moor your boat for as little as €6 per night. To testify, here's a list of nine unexpected places with the cheapest mooring fees on this continent.
The cheapest mooring fees in Europe are in Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Italy, Mallorca, Corfu, Portugal, Turkey, and the inland waterways of the UK, such as the Limehouse Cut and Grand Union Canal. They offer mooring rates for as low as €6 to up to €160+ ($72 to $192) per night.
If you're willing to forgo the amenities of a marina or port, consider mooring your boat on waterways, as they are often cheaper than marinas or ports, and you can still enjoy the beauty of the water. Let's look at other cost-saving tips that will help you save money on mooring fees without compromising quality.
Summary
- Mooring fees in Europe can range from €10–€160+ per night for a 10-meter boat, depending on the location and season.
- Mooring on inland waterways in the UK is the cheapest option, with rates ranging only from £6–£15 per night for a 10-meter boat.
- Next to the waterways, marinas and ports in Bulgaria and Turkey offer the cheapest mooring rates, around €10–€20 per night.
- If you want to cop the cheapest mooring deals, look for areas that are less popular or less convenient, and avoid prime locations.
On this page:
Cheapest Mooring Locations In Europe
Here are nine surprising places in Europe with the cheapest mooring fees:
| Location | Mooring fees (per night for a 10-meter boat) |
|---|---|
| Bulgaria | €10-€20 |
| Croatia | €60 (low season) - €160+ (high season) |
| Greece | €20-€50 |
| Italy | €30-€100 |
| Mallorca | €30-€90 |
| Corfu | €20-€50 |
| Inland waterways of the UK | £6-£15 |
| Portugal | €20-€50 |
| Turkey | €10-€20 |
Bulgaria
Bulgaria is a hidden gem in Europe that's often overlooked by tourists. The marinas in Bulgaria charge around €10-€20 per night for a 10-meter boat. Some of the popular marinas in Bulgaria include:
- Marina Dinevi
- Marina Nessebar
- Marina Sozopol
- Marina Balchik
- Marina Pomorie
- Marina Burgas
These marinas have modern facilities such as electricity, water, fuel, and showers, making them ideal for long-term stays.
Apart from cheap mooring fees, this country also boasts of a stunning coastline that stretches over 354 km along the Black Sea. The country has several marinas, ports, and harbors that provide safe and secure mooring facilities to boaters.
Boaters can also explore the Bulgarian coastline and visit some of the beautiful seaside towns and villages. Some of the popular destinations include the historic town of Nessebar, the beach resort of Sunny Beach, and the picturesque town of Sozopol.
Croatia
Croatia is considered to be one of the best sailing destinations around the Med Sea. The mooring fees in Croatia range from €60 per night for a smaller yacht in low season to €160+ per night for a larger yacht in high season.
Croatia has a well-developed marina infrastructure with over 50 marinas located along the coast and on the islands. The marinas offer a range of facilities, including fuel stations, water and electricity hook-ups, showers, restaurants, and shops. Many of the marinas also offer repair and maintenance services, as well as boat rental and charter services.
In addition to marinas, Croatia also has many anchorages and mooring buoys available, which are often free or very affordable. These options are ideal for those who prefer to anchor out in the open sea or want to explore more secluded areas.
Greece
Greece is another popular destination for boaters, and it's also one of the cheapest. The mooring fees in Greece range from €20-€50 per night for a 10-meter boat. Some of the popular marinas in Greece include Marina Alimos, Marina Gouvia, and Marina Zeas.
In addition to marinas, Greece also has many anchorages where boaters can moor for free. However, some of these anchorages may have limited facilities and services, so you might want to do some research and plan ahead before choosing to anchor.
When it comes to regulations, boaters in Greece are required to have a valid sailing license or certificate and a radio license. It's also required to have all necessary safety equipment on board, including life jackets, flares, and fire extinguishers. They also require a few things when chartering a bareboat sailboat.
The summer months in Greece can bring strong winds, especially in the Aegean Sea, so you might want to stay up to date on weather forecasts and plan accordingly.
Italy
Italy is known for its stunning coastline and beautiful islands, but it's also known for its high prices. However, there are still some affordable mooring options in Italy, with some ranging from €30-€100 per night for a 10-meter boat.
When mooring in Italy, you might need to be aware of the local regulations and customs regarding speed limits, noise levels, and waste disposal. Additionally, you ought to be respectful of other boaters and local residents, as well as the natural environment.
Some of the popular marinas in Italy include Marina di Ragusa, Marina di Portisco, and Marina di Scarlino.
Mallorca
Mallorca is a popular destination for tourists, but it's also a great place for boaters. The mooring fees in Mallorca range from €30-€90 per night for a 10-meter boat. Some of the popular marinas in Mallorca include Puerto Portals, Port Adriano, and Club de Mar.
In addition to being a popular destination for tourists, Mallorca is also a well-known destination for boaters due to its beautiful coastline and crystal-clear waters. The island has a variety of marinas and ports that offer mooring services for boats of all sizes such as the following:
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Puerto Portals is one of the most famous marinas in Mallorca, located in the southwest of the island. It has 639 moorings for boats up to 60 meters long, and offers a wide range of services including restaurants, shops, and luxury boutiques.
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Port Adriano is another popular marina located on the southwest coast of Mallorca, which has 488 moorings for boats up to 80 meters long. It is known for its modern design and world-class facilities, including a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops.
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Club de Mar is located in the heart of Palma de Mallorca, and has 575 moorings for boats up to 30 meters long. It offers a range of services including a swimming pool, gym, and tennis court, as well as restaurants and bars.
Corfu
Corfu is a beautiful island in Greece that's known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning beaches. The mooring fees in Corfu range from €20-€50 per night for a 10-meter boat.
One of the most popular marinas in Corfu is the Gouvia Marina, which is located on the east coast of the island. It has over 1,000 berths for boats up to 80 meters in length, and offers a range of services including fuel, water, electricity, and Wi-Fi. The marina is also close to the town of Gouvia, which has a range of restaurants, bars, and shops.
Another popular marina in Corfu is the Marina Corfu, which is located on the west coast of the island. It has 380 berths for boats up to 40 meters in length, and offers a range of services including fuel, water, electricity, and Wi-Fi. The marina is also close to the town of Corfu, which has a range of restaurants, bars, and shops.
If you prefer to anchor your boat, there are several anchorages around the island that are popular with boaters. Some of the most popular anchorages include Paleokastritsa Bay, Agni Bay, and Kassiopi Bay. These anchorages offer beautiful views and clear waters, and are a great place to relax and enjoy the island.
Inland waterways of the UK
If you're looking for a unique boating experience, you might want to consider cruising the inland waterways of the UK. The Canal & River Trust manages over 2,000 miles of waterways in England and Wales, and the mooring fees are very affordable.
The fees range from £6-£15 per night for a 10-meter boat. Some of the popular waterways in the UK include the Limehouse Cut, Grand Union Canal, and Kennet and Avon Canal. The Grand Union Canal offers annual mooring fees for only £1,000 to £5,000 or more.
You can see other areas in UK with cheap mooring fees in this article.
Mooring in these waterways, however, is subject to different regulations and rules, but there are some general guidelines that apply to all of them such as the following:
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Mooring on the inland waterways of the UK requires a valid permit or license. These can be obtained from the Canal and River Trust, which manages most of the inland waterways in the UK.
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There are designated mooring spots along the canals and rivers, which are marked with signs. These are usually located near facilities such as water points, waste disposal areas, and toilets.
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If you're planning to moor for more than 14 days in one location, you'll need to apply for a long-term mooring permit from the Canal and River Trust.
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Try to be considerate of other boaters and follow the "Golden Rules" of mooring, which include leaving enough space for other boats to pass, not blocking access to facilities, and not mooring in areas designated for other uses such as fishing or wildlife habitats.
Note that there are areas in Europe that have canals which can only accommodate a certain sailboat size. Find out more about the average canal lock size in different European countries in this article.
Portugal
Portugal is a popular destination for boaters, and it offers some affordable mooring options ranging from €20-€50 per night for a 10-meter boat. Some of the popular marinas in Portugal include Marina de Lagos, Vilamoura Marina, and Portimão Marina.
In addition to marinas, there are also many anchorages available for boaters in Portugal. However, some of these anchorages may have restrictions or require permits, so it is always a good idea to check with local authorities before dropping anchor.
If you need guide on how to properly anchor a boat, here's an article you might find helpful.
The country also experiences both Mediterranean and Atlantic weather patterns, and conditions can vary greatly depending on the time of year and location, so you might need to check weather forecasts and plan accordingly to ensure a safe and enjoyable boating experience.
Turkey
Turkey is a great destination for boaters who want to explore the Mediterranean.The mooring fees in Turkey range from €10-€20 per night for a 10-meter boat.
Some of the popular marinas in Turkey include Gocek Marina, Marmaris Yacht Marina, and Setur Antalya Marina. Additionally, there are also many anchorages and bays where you can moor for free or for a small fee.
However, you might want to note that during the peak season, which is usually from June to September, prices may be higher. It's always a good idea to do some research and compare prices before choosing a marina or anchorage in Turkey.
Tips For Finding The Cheapest Mooring Options Around Europe
Here are some suggestions to help you save money on your mooring fees when sailing around Europe:
Look for waiting lists
Some marinas and ports have waiting lists for mooring spots. While it may not be ideal, getting on a waiting list can be a great way to save money on your mooring fees. Waiting lists are often cheaper than regular mooring fees, and you can still enjoy the benefits of being in a marina or port.
Consider waterways
If you're willing to forgo the amenities of a marina or port, consider mooring your boat on a waterway. Waterways are often cheaper than marinas or ports, and you can still enjoy the beauty of the water. Just make sure you follow any regulations and guidelines for mooring on waterways.
Look for cheaper capitals
If you're willing to moor your boat outside of a capital city, you can often find cheaper mooring options. Capital cities tend to have higher land prices, which can translate to higher mooring fees. Look for smaller cities or towns near the capital to find cheaper mooring options.
Consider land prices
The price of land can have a big impact on mooring fees. If you're willing to moor your boat in an area with lower land prices, you can often find cheaper mooring options. Look for areas that are less developed or have lower property values to find cheaper mooring options.
Avoid prime locations
Mooring in prime locations can be expensive. If you're willing to moor your boat in a less desirable location, you can often find cheaper mooring options. Look for areas that are less popular or less convenient to find cheaper mooring options.
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