The harbour has occupied Genoa's waterfront since 1996
Marina Porto Antico was inaugurated on 10 October 1996 and will celebrate thirty years of operation on Saturday 10 October 2026. The anniversary marks a period during which Genoa's old port has become an increasingly established place for visiting leisure craft, alongside the city's historic maritime and cultural attractions.
The organisers have planned a private gathering for longstanding marina customers at NH Marina Hotel. The celebration is not described as a public boat show or the opening of a newly built berthing facility, and the anniversary announcement does not provide a new total of available berths.
The early waterfront was still a building site
When the marina opened, pontoons and quays existed but parts of the landward development remained unfinished. The original account recalls crossing a large excavation near Calata Salumi by a temporary stairway to reach the moorings, while the harbour management team worked from a prefabricated office.
That history illustrates the complexity of developing a marina within a city-centre waterfront that is changing around it. Berthing provision is only part of the equation; pedestrian access, shore services and connections with neighbouring businesses all influence whether a harbour becomes an attractive destination for cruising yachts.
An urban location changes the owner experience
For owners of 12–23.99-metre motor yachts and sailing yachts, a marina close to the centre of Genoa can offer a different stopover from a remote resort harbour. Restaurants, transport links and the city's historic streets are part of the appeal, although actual walking distances and shore access depend on berth position and port arrangements.
Cruisers should still confirm practical details directly, including maximum vessel size, water depth, shore power, fuel access and seasonal reservation policies. None of these technical specifications can be inferred from an anniversary celebration, and they can determine whether a particular yacht can safely use the harbour.
Customer relationships are part of the anniversary
The marina's decision to celebrate with customers who have shared its history emphasises the role of returning owners and long-standing berth holders. Marinas operate as service businesses where familiarity with local procedures and responsiveness to owners' changing needs can matter as much as infrastructure.
Three decades of operations also coincide with changes in recreational boating, onboard power requirements and expectations for shore facilities. A marina that began amid temporary construction arrangements must continually adapt to vessels and visitors that make different demands from those of the 1990s.
Official sources: www.pressmare.it.
