Our investigative journey to discover the best Italian ports takes us to the berths in Liguria, in Genoa, home to Italy’s most important Boat Show. During last September’s international event, the TuttoBarche editorial team’s boat moored at Marina Porto Antico, located in the heart of the Ligurian regional capital. Our review is therefore based on the direct experience we gained while moored at these berths in Liguria.
A fascinating aspect of the marina is its location, ideal for admiring the beauty of the city and for attending the Boat Show in September. The tourist harbor, and therefore its berths, are located in Genoa’s Porto Antico, next to the Aquarium. The area is therefore well connected to public transport, close to a metro station and bus stop.
The marina is also easily accessible from the mainland, as it is located just 5 kilometers from Genoa International Airport and a 10-minute walk from the Ligurian capital’s train station.
Marina Porto Antico has 270 berths and can accommodate vessels from 10 to 75 meters. An inner basin accommodates vessels from 5 to 7 meters, including Ligurian gozzi and Genoese leudi maintained by local owners.
The breakwater of the Port of Genoa shelters the marina from rough seas and wind. Mooring is monitored by staff 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Access from the mainland is only allowed through an electric gate, which opens with keys provided by the staff upon arrival.
Within the complex, boat owners can find a supermarket, laundry, and various establishments such as bars, restaurants, and pizzerias. Recently, Eataly opened its own restaurant in the nearby Millo building, becoming a reference point for those passing through the Genoese port. One of Porto Antico’s most appreciable qualities is its vitality even in the off-season, due to its proximity to the city’s key points.
Naturally, the marina provides boat owners using its berths with various services: Wi-Fi included in the mooring cost, luggage transport, weather service, pier cleaning, and waste collection on the quay. For hauling, launching, and maintenance operations, you just need to look around – we’re in the vital center of Genoa’s port, and the choice is practically endless.
Key characteristics for the survey on berths in Liguria
After the general review of the tourist port in Genoa, the analysis continues on specific aspects of management, as done when evaluating other berths in Liguria.
The Staff
Upon our arrival, we contacted a dockhand via VHF channel 74. We were immediately and cordially directed to the position of the berth that had been reserved for us, located on a dock near the restaurant. After passing us the fenders and mooring lines, the staff ensured that every operation was conducted correctly before leaving to return with our bathroom and electric gate keys. The Marina Porto Antico team provided us with all the information necessary for our stay and was also very kind in answering our questions throughout our stay, competent and efficient.
Berths and Quays
The quays are made of concrete, with wooden fenders, equipped with columns for water and electricity supply up to 400 A. Founded on piles, they are not affected by the phenomenon of undertow. The staff cleans them daily. All berths have two mooring lines.
Approaching the Berths
Arriving from the west, we pass the Lanterna and turn left to enter the large port of Genoa. Access is through the Bocca di Levante, then we approach starboard passing the Cotton Warehouses building. The maximum speed is 6 knots up to this point, then 3. There are no shallows that could endanger the approach to the mooring. The depths at the quay range from 4 to 7 meters.
Berths and Maneuvering Spaces
At the mooring, maneuvering spaces are ample, despite the position in the heart of Genoa.
Mooring
Mooring is stern-to with a mooring buoy at the bow.
Showers and Toilets
They are accessible with the key provided by the staff upon arrival and are located in various areas, so as to be close to the different piers. The cleanliness of the facilities is worthy of the beauty of the location.
Waste collection
Porto Antico has several waste collection points. Among the services guaranteed by the marina, the disposal of batteries and used oils and waste collection on the quay stand out.
Technical Sheet – Link to Online Port Guide
Service Evaluation
| FIELD | Value assigned if present | Presence | Score | Rating 0-5 |
| Quality of reception | 5 | |||
| VHF assistance | 5 | |||
| Dockside mooring assistance | 5 | |||
| Dinghy mooring assistance | 5 | |||
| Bathrooms | 5 | |||
| Showers | 5 | |||
| Fuel | YES=5 | yes | 5 | |
| 24h Mooring Assistance | YES=4 | yes | 4 | |
| Parking | Yes=4 | yes | 4 | |
| Waste collection points | 5 | |||
| Emergency Dock | YES=3 | no | 0 | |
| Supermarket within walking distance | YES=3 | yes | 3 | |
| Luggage carts | YES=4 | yes | 4 | |
| Port divers | YES=3 | yes | 3 | |
| Luggage transport assistance | YES=2 | yes | 2 | |
| Weather Service | YES=3 | yes | 3 | |
| Wi-Fi | YES=3 | yes | 3 | |
| Night surveillance with personnel | YES=3 | yes | 3 | |
| 24h video surveillance | YES=2 | yes | 2 | |
| Disabled accessibility | YES=5 | yes | 5 | |
| Dock for works and repairs | YES=3 | no | 0 | |
| Black and grey water pump-out service | YES=3 | yes | 3 | |
| Launching ramp | Yes=2 | no | 0 | |
| Children’s Area | YES=2 | yes | 2 | |
| Bicycles available | YES=2 | no | 0 | |
| Coin-operated laundry | YES=1 | yes | 1 | |
| 5t Lifting Crane | YES=1 | no | 0 | |
| 25t lifting crane | YES=3 | no | 0 | |
| 50t lifting crane | YES=3 | no | 0 | |
| Ice Factory | YES=1 | yes | 1 | |
| Electric car charging stations | YES=1 | no | 0 | |
| Webcam | YES=1 | yes | 1 | |
| Concierge service for hotel/restaurant/rental bookings | YES=2 | yes | 2 | |
| Scooter and car rental | YES=2 | no | 0 | |
| Totals | 56 | 30 | ||
| The International Yachting Media total score | 86 | |||
| Daily mooring for 12 meters in high season | 60,00 | |||
| Representative index of value for money | 1,433 |