Spain has long been a summertime playground for visitors, including yacht owners and charter guests. A group of hospitality and yachting companies believe Ibiza is particularly well suited to becoming a year-round destination. They’ve received a concession for the IGY Ibiza Marina redevelopment in an effort to make it happen.
The marina, which became IGY Marinas’ 24th property in 2022, currently accommodates yachts to 361 feet (110 meters). The IGY Ibiza Marina redevelopment will expand dockage, creating berths for megayachts to 459 feet (140 meters). Overall, the marina is among the few in the Balearics with quayside dockage for large yachts. Remaining unchanged are the smallest boats that can dock, about 66 feet (20 meters).
The concession for the renovations comes from the Port of Ibiza, which owns the property. Joining IGY Marinas in the project are Ocean Capital Partners and and Grupo Empresas Matutes. Ocean Capital Partners specializes in consulting, management, and investment in ports and the maritime industry. Grupo Empresas Matutes is a Spain-based hospitality group. Together, the trio will ensure superyacht shorepower access improves, as will fiber optic broadband, and crew facilities. Security camera monitoring will increase, too, and more modern service buildings will be on site as well.
“Extending the stay season for these vessels and breaking the seasonality associated with this marina is an ambitious goal that won’t be achieved overnight,” notes José Luis Almazán, CEO of Ocean Capital Partners. “But we are confident that with the effort and collaboration of all, we will turn this project into a model of port-city integration.”
He and the other partners are confident because the marina is minutes from the airport and walking distance to many of Ibiza’s renowned attractions. Although the city has a reputation as a nightlife destination, its Old Town has UNESCO World Heritage Site status. History buffs will appreciate the original city walls still standing after upwards of 300 years. Abundant other architectural sites like the famed fortress and cathedrals are ideal for exploring. Of course, restaurants and bars are abundant, as are shops to search for the latest fashions.
Although Ibiza’s summer months are the most popular, its year-round climate is mild. In fact, the average daytime high temperature in January is about 61 degrees F (16 degrees C). January is further the coolest month on average.
“Ibiza is a true yachting paradise, fitting perfectly with our goal of connecting the world’s most iconic nautical destinations,” says Steve English, IGY Marinas’ president. He further thanks the Port Authority for the concession, “to enhance and promote this incredible superyacht destination to the global market.”
