Modern-day marina developments are some of the most desirable places to own a property – and who doesn’t enjoy gazing at gently bobbing yachts as the sun is setting? Could one, or more, of these four float your boat?

Ayia Napa, Cyprus
Hotly anticipated in Cyprus, the sparkling new marina in Ayia Napa became fully operational in June 2020. The next stage of the project is the completion of 220 luxury apartments distributed across two striking towers, 35 luxury waterfront villas and a selection of shops and restaurants to serve residents and visitors. The apartments come with 24-hour reception and a full management service and are designed so that all living spaces, including bedrooms, are oriented towards the water and beaches.

The marina is on course to becoming a maritime hub in the Eastern Mediterranean. It has a 600-berth capacity and can accommodate yachts of up to 65 metres, while a four-level dry stack storage facility is available for vessels of up to 10 metres.

Portomaso, Malta
One of the most desirable addresses in Malta is the marina development of Portomaso, completed in 1999 and located in the island’s upmarket business and leisure district, St Julian’s. The three-basin, 110-berth marina offers 1.6 kilometres of landscaped water frontage, complete with a tree-lined promenade and home to more than 400 luxury residences.

Properties, most of which have views of the marina and sea, include top-floor penthouses with private pools and spacious duplexes with sea views and garden terraces.

Complementing the marina development are a 5-star Hilton hotel, casino, beach club, health and leisure centre, an office tower, a conference centre and selection of shops and restaurants.

Dubai Creek Harbour, UAE
One flagship development in popular Dubai right now is Dubai Creek Harbour, a significant, mixed-use waterfront development by Emaar, located along the emirate’s historic creek. Scheduled to be finished in 2021, highlights will include the Creek Marina and yacht club, the iconic cable-tied Dubai Creek Tower, expected to be higher than Burj Khalifa, and a huge commercial area called Dubai Square, offering world-class retail and leisure amenities. Sustainability features throughout the community, which will also have an integrated transport system.

Properties are spread across a number of developments and tower blocks, but those directly overlooking the marina include Creek Residences and Vida Harbour Point.

Sotogrande, Spain
The jewel of the Costa del Sol with some of Spain’s most exclusive homes, owned by high profile residents that include royalty and celebrities, Sotogrande is one of the largest and most luxurious leisure and residential communities in Europe. Amenities there are second to none and include championship golf courses, including famous Valderrama, an equestrian centre and polo club, beach clubs and of course top-notch dining.

The hub of the community is undoubtedly its world-class marina, where you can stroll and spend time in the boutiques, cafés, restaurants, tapas bars, antique stores and ship chandlers. Overlooking the boats are low-rise and elegantly designed apartment blocks.

Another popular Costa del Sol option is the award-winning Puerto Marina in Benalmádena (main picture). Overlooked by apartments and penthouses, it’s packed with restaurants and leisure attractions, and even includes an aquarium and beach area.