superyachts in tarragona

Why should a superyacht choose Tarragona?

Tarragona , a city and municipality in northwestern Spain , is a demanded tourist attraction thanks to its location on the Mediterranean ' Costa Daurada ' and its rich Roman heritage and archaeological site declared World Heritage by UNESCO .

Tarragona’s port is home to Port Tarraco , a modern private marina designed exclusively for mega yachts offering 64 berths for superyachts ranging from 30 to 160 metres in length, surrounded by a wide variety of commercial and leisure offer , including restaurants, bars, banks and nautical services and supplies.

Tarragona is very well connected, located only fifty minutes from Barcelona and three hours by car from the French border.

Boasting over 320 dry, sunny days a year, the climate is perfect for wine making . In fact, Tarragona is only 30 mins from Spain’s famous D.O Priorat and D.O Penedes wine regions.

GET TO KNOW TARRAGONA

Tarragona is a city that takes you back in time , wandering through their streets one can feel that is living in the Roman Empire , since Tarragona or Tarraco, as it was known, was one of the main Roman cities in Spain.

This city, which was declared in 2000 World Heritage side , boasts architectural wonders as the Tarragona Amphitheatre, that has an exquisite setting , carved into a steep slope between the Roman walls and the Mediterranean. It was built in the late 100s and could hold 15,000 spectators.

Most of these archaeological wonders can be found in the National Archaeological Museum, where you can find a rich assortment of Roman sculpture ceramics , clothing, coins, and everyday household items of past centuries. The museum incorporates the Roman Praetorian Tower and gives you entrance to the necropolis and circus next door.

Another mandatory stop is the Tarragona’s Romanesque and gothic Cathedral, that will let you speechless. The streets around it as Carrer de la Merceria or Carrer Major are compact alleys with traditional local amenities, antiques shops, restuarants and modern tapa bars.

Five minutes north of Tarragona, it is found Les Ferreres Aqueduct or Pont del Diable (Devils bridge), bridging a pine-wooded valley, is a 250-metre section of an aqueduct that channelled water from the Francoli river to ancient Tarraco. If you don’t mind heights you can walk along the specus, where the water used to flow.

If you prefer to escape the city just a short drive inland or further down the coast, you will find wonderful historical towns , Carthusian monasteries, perfect sandy beaches delightful mountain top villages . The province of Tarragona is rich in culture with endless quiet roads of cycling heaven! Guests and crew have adored fabulous festivals in and around the city all year round and absorbed the atmosphere of the local towns of Cambrils, Falset, Montblanc and Miravet.

For those most adventurous the biggest theme park in Europe is just 30 minutes away from Tarragona. Port Aventura is made up of 6 different worlds, filled with adrenaline roller coaster rides and awarding winning shows. Next door of it is located Ferrari Land , the unique Ferrari theme park in Europe .

Four championship world class golf courses are within stone’s throw from the port and the area hosts Ironman triathlon events and European water sport tournaments.

Vilanova town is great for local festivals including the famous Catalan “ castellers ” or human towers which take place all year round. A new full crew activities list has been complied recently to engage the spirit of fun, teambuilding and recreation. Don’t miss out on a visit to the famous vineyards of the Torres family !

BERTHING OPTIONS IN TARRAGONA

Port tarraco (tarragona).

Port Tarraco Marina is a deep-water marina in Tarragona designed to provide superyachts with the highest quality services and offers 33 berths between 45 and 160 metres with a 24-hour security service.

The marina is created and equipped to offer absolute privacy and security protocols to ensure personalized services to any kind of superyacht available on the market today, their owners, managers, captains and crews without any limitation.

A variety of specialized companies can provide services and supplies to all the superyachts that are moored in marina Port Tarraco.

Vilanova Grand Marina (Vilanova)

Conveniently positioned only 45 minutes from the centre of Barcelona and 30 minutes from the city’s international airport – Vilanova Grand Marina provides the perfect base in the heart of the Mediterranean . Designed exclusively for superyachts , they offer 48 berths for superyachts ranging between 25 and 130 metres including a 24-hour security service .

The integrated 30.000m2 shipyard is equipped with the latest technology for performing repair and maintenance works , and benefits from the addition of a Technical Service Centre following the investment by British shipyard Pendennis.

For all Tarragona and Vilanova based vessels, Jo & Rob are your main contacts to oversee a smooth arrival and successful visit .

Jo is leading concierge services for crew and guests, while Rob is the smiley face on the dock to greet you and assist you with your practical needs , from contractor support to logistical solutions .

They both are the perfect match on the ground to support all departments so look out for them in our Evolution van and give them a wave as they pass by!

If you are interested in visiting Tarragona this winter do not hesitate to get in touch with the team at [email protected].  

Evolution Yacht Agents is the leading-edge team of professionals dedicated to providing assured and quality support and services to yachts in Spanish waters.

A full range of superyacht specialized services includes: charter license & legal advice, TPA (Vat exemption), customs & logistics operations, provisions & interior supplies, deck & engineering supplies and crew & VIP services.

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Port Tarraco Meets Demand for Megayacht Berths in the Mediterranean

By Chrissie Williams

Port Tarraco, one of the Mediterranean’s deep water marinas, has restructured its berths to enable it to accommodate a greater number of large superyachts, megayachts and gigayachts. Port Tarraco’s new design provides a total of 64 berths for yachts between 30 and 160 metres LOA.

Port Tarraco was recently purchased by Qatar real estate investment company QATARI DIAR, through its subsidiary Qatari Diar Marina Tarragona (QDMT). The purchase was made from vendor International Marina Tarragona S.L., a Spanish marina operator. QDMT is a joint venture between QATARI DIAR and Marina Barcelona 92 (MB’92), a Barcelona-based operator of marinas, with 95% representation by QATARI DIAR and 5% by MB’92. Port Tarraco is now operated by MB’92.

With a shortage of available megayacht berths across the Mediterranean region, and an expected increase in demand due to the growing numbers of larger yachts being ordered, Port Tarraco’s restructure of its berthing accommodation, combined with its unrivalled deep-water basin, makes it the perfect docking destination for owners and crew of yachts from 30 to 80 metres LOA.

Marc Colls, General Manager of Port Tarraco says: “The superyacht industry has shown a significant recovery over the last 12 months. The number of superyachts delivered and afloat has increased, there are many new projects under construction, and the average length of new yachts is rising significantly. The superyacht service sector needs to prepare for this - that means being able to accommodate larger yachts of various sizes at any one time and providing the necessary facilities.

“The Mediterranean has the highest concentration of marinas in the world, but they don’t all have the capacity to accommodate larger yachts. Our new layout and support systems at Port Tarraco have been specifically structured to meet these requirements and the marina can now provide secure berthing for a variety of superyachts sizes, up to 160 metres - that’s almost any yacht in the world. Our deep-water basin is an additional benefit and clearly differentiates us from other marinas in the Mediterranean. Our aim is to position Port Tarraco as one of ‘the superyacht destinations’ in the Mediterranean.”

Under its new ownership, Port Tarraco will benefit from a fresh injection of luxury marina management, from the combined efforts of MB’92, who has a five per cent ownership stake in the megayacht marina, and Mourjan Marinas IGY, who has been commissioned to market the world-class marina internationally.

MB’92 will implement and oversee the commitment to setting new standards in customer service and world-class facilities at Port Tarraco. Its marina services will be tailor-made to fit the specific needs of yacht captains and crew, encompassing the latest technology and high security levels expected by visiting VIP vessels, in combination with MB’92’s signature concierge service, which will ensure each yacht and crew receives a warm welcome and any personal assistance they might need throughout their stay.

Additionally, from the nearby MB’92 shipyard facilities and ship repair-services, Port Tarraco is able to offer a full range of superyacht repair, refit and maintenance services, which can be carried out in the marina or at the shipyard (just 46 nautical miles from Port Tarraco).

Port Tarraco is a hidden gem in the Mediterranean, located on the doorstep of the beautiful and historic city of Tarragona, on Spain’s ‘Golden Coast’. From a chance to explore the rich local Catalonian culture, to the area’s many beaches, mountains for hiking or skiing, and the nearby cities of Barcelona and Madrid, the area is an attractive year-round destination for superyacht owners, captains and crew.  

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11 awesome things to do in tarragona: spain’s roman city by the sea.

Welcome to Tarragona, Spain where the warm waters of the Mediterranean meet rich Roman history.

Tarragona’s calling card is its clutch of first-rate Roman ruins, earning it coveted UNESCO World Heritage site status. But this vibrant port city is so much more than this.

Featuring grand plazas, narrow medieval streets and a show-stopping cathedral, its Old Town (Part Alta) is made for wandering. Throw into the mix sandy beaches that stretch for miles and fantastic places to linger over freshly grilled seafood and you have a perfect short-break destination in one of Spain’s most appealing cities .

Discover all these and more fabulous things to do in Tarragona.

Some articles on this website contain affiliate links. This means that I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases . Read the full disclosure here .

IN THIS ARTICLE

A Short History of Tarragona

One of the reasons to visit Spain is for its rich history, which is perfectly encapsulated in Tarragona.

Settled by the Iberians in the 5 th Century BC, Tarragona was captured by the Romans in 218 BC. Known as Tarraco , it was transformed into the earliest Roman stronghold in Spain.

Legend has it that St. Paul founded the Christian church in Tarraco in 60 AD, with a little help from St. Thecla.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, Tarraco was captured by the Visigoths . This Germanic tribe held the city until the Moors ’ invasion in 714 AD.

The city languished in obscurity until 1119 when it was reborn as a key city in the new Spanish kingdom of Aragon .

Best Things to Do in Tarragona, Spain

1. explore tarragona’s roman ruins.

As an ensemble, Tarragona’s ruins paint a vivid picture of the city’s grandeur as a provincial Roman capital. Follow this Roman route to discover more of the city’s past:

Model of Tarraco (Maqueta de Tàrraco)

Begin your exploration of Tarragona’s Roman past at the reconstruction of the Roman city of Tarraco.

This model shows Tarragona in its Roman heyday. Made to a scale of 1:500, and at 18m 3 in size, it is the second-largest model of the Roman world in Europe.

Tarragona’s Roman Walls (Passeig Arquelògic)

The Roman city of Tarraco was fortified by a wall around 4km in length. Just over a kilometre of this wall remains, bordering Tarragona’s Old Town.

The best-preserved section of the surviving wall is along the Passeig Arqueològic or Archaeological Promenade.

Initially made from stones, wood and earth, this was replaced by a sturdier wall of large uneven stones (megaliths) reinforced with towers . Three of these towers remain: the Archbishop, Capiscol and Minerva towers.

The Provincial Forum

The lively Plaça del Fòrum is the site of Tarraco’s Provincial Forum, the administrative nerve centre of the Roman city.

The forum was a huge rectangular space, surrounded on three sides by an intricate portico, extending beyond the current Plaça del Fòrum. Several of its inscribed pedestals and walls also survive along Carrer Merceria , and in Plaça del Pallol and the Praetorium .

Tarragona’s Roman Circus & Praetorium

Visiting the Roman Circus and Praetorium is one of the unmissable things to do in Tarragona.

This first-century Roman circus must have been quite something in its day. Measuring over 1,000 feet long, this horse-drawn chariot racing track could host around 30,000 spectators.

Although much of the site remains hidden under 19th-century buildings – a corner of the track and seating area are all that remain – Tarragona’s circus is one of the best conserved in the Western world.

Its underground tunnels, connecting the circus to the Praetorium, are impressive. The Praetorium , or Praetorian Tower, was built to house a staircase linking the lower city to the provincial forum.

Climb to the top of the tower for a 360-degree view of the city.

The Roman Amphitheatre (Amfiteatre Romà)

Whereas residents of Tarraco got their chariot racing fix at the circus, the amphitheatre was the place to go for public executions and gladiatorial fights.

Tarragona’s Roman amphitheatre was built at the turn of the 2nd Century AD and is estimated to have accommodated 12,000 bloodthirsty spectators. Its 221 AD alterations are recorded in a 140-metre inscription on its podium, the longest such inscription in the Roman Empire.

The amphitheatre is another example of the layering of the ancient with the more modern in Tarragona.

In 259 AD, the Amphitheatre was the site of the martyrdom of Saint Fructuosus and his two deacons. When the Visigoths arrived in Tarragona at the end of the 6th Century, they built a basilica to commemorate the event.  

Fast forward to the 12 th Century and the Romanesque church of Santa Maria del Miracle was built over the Visigoth basilica. In subsequent years, the site was home to other structures, including a prison and holiday apartments, before its Roman roots were laid bare.

The Local Forum (Fòrum Local Romà)

The last site on Tarragona’s Roman route is the Local Forum.

Located in the residential part of the city, Tarragona’s local forum was the hub of daily life. Originally a vast square, this was lined with shops, temples and public buildings.

Sadly, much of the forum was the victim of urban expansion in the 19th Century. Today, we can see a portion of a Roman basilica , a cistern and fine Corinthian columns .

If you plan to visit Tarragona’s core Roman sites, buy a pass at your first stop. This will gain you entry to the Walls, the Praetorium and Roman Circus, the Amphitheatre and the Local Forum.

Alternatively, pay as you go at each site. It is free to visit the Model of Roman Tarraco.

2. Wander around the Old Town of Tarragona

Tarragona’s Roman footprint is planted firmly in its Old Town. Formally known as the Upper Town ( Part Alta ), this is where the city’s entire population lived until the late-middle ages, separated from El Serrallo, Tarragona’s seafront community.

This medieval maze of narrow shaded streets of sand and ochre is made for wandering. Throw away your city map and go where your feet take you.

And when your feet are sore, stop for a meal at one of the restaurants in the Old Town’s squares.

3. Visit Tarragona Cathedral and take time out in its cloisters

Tarragona Cathedral is the latest in a series of sacred sites to be built at the highest point of the Old Town

This site was previously occupied by a temple dedicated to Augustus, around which Tarraco was developed. In 475 AD, the Visigoths built a cathedral which was demolished during the Muslim invasion in the 8 th Century. A mosque was then established on the site.

Work on the current cathedral started in the 12 th Century and it was consecrated in 1331. Tarragona Cathedral is considered to be the finest in Catalonia.

Its main façade features three superb portals and, above the lintel, there are intricate stone carvings of scenes from The Last Judgement.

Here’s what to expect from your visit.

Chapel of Saint Thecla

This Baroque chapel featuring carvings hewn from pinkish jasper and Carrara marble was built to house the reliquary containing the arm of St Thecla, to whom the cathedral is dedicated.

Chapel of Saint Mary (Tailors’ Chapel)

With its rich architectural, sculptural and pictorial detail, this was my favourite chapel in Tarragona Cathedral. It owes its popular name to it being bankrolled by the city’s Guild of Tailors in the second quarter of the 14 th Century.

Chapel of St. Olegarius

Occupying the right-hand apse bay underneath the cathedral’s bell tower, this 13 th Century chapel features expressive carvings of angels playing musical instruments.

High Altar and the main altarpiece

This magnificent white marble altar is carved with scenes depicting the life and martyrdom of St Thecla. The Gothic altarpiece features delicate alabaster carvings on a large limestone base.

Tarragona Cathedral cloister

One of the main highlights of Tarragona Cathedral is its cloister.

Completed in the early 13 th Century, this is one of the oldest parts of the cathedral. It was a place to read, stroll and meditate, today as much as in the past.

Its four galleries enclose a small garden with resident fish and tortoises.

4. Pick up a present in one of the oldest candle shops in Europe

A stone’s throw from the cathedral is Casa Corderet. This tiny candle shop is not only the oldest shop in Catalonia but also one of the oldest in Europe.

Its doors have been open for business since 1751. In addition to its waxy delights, it has a secret doorway leading to the basement and four gravestones with Roman inscriptions.

Casa Corderet is located at 17 Carrer Merceria.

5. Check out Tarragona’s street art

Make sure that you check out the street art when you are in Tarragona’s Old Town.

Start at Plaça dels Sedassos (you can also see some remains of the Roman circus here). The 24-year-old trompe-l’oeil style mural on the façade of the central building is a Tarragona must-see.

Tarragonan painter Carles Arola has created an optical illusion that the figures and objects are real; you can almost believe the figures are hanging out of the balconies.

A few minutes walk will bring you to Carrer d’en Mediona and Carrer dels Cavallers where the walls and bricked-in doors of some of the building façades have been used as canvases for brightly painted murals.

6. Walk along ‘Pilon Street’

Running parallel to Carrer d’en Mediona is Carrer del Comte , also known as Pilon Street.

This moniker is thanks to the street’s colourful array of painted parking pylons, which inject doses of vibrant colour into the muted palette of the Part Alta. On the first Saturday of July every year, organisations, groups and individuals repaint the 47 posts on the street with prizes awarded to the best.

7. Stroll along the Rambla Nova

Southwest of the Old Town is Tarragona’s answer to Barcelona’s Las Ramblas: Rambla Nova.

Linking the Balcó del Mediterrani with the Plaça Imperial Tarraco Square , this pedestrianised strip is the beating heart of Tarragona. Over a mile in length, it is home to shops, stalls and restaurants and is a popular place to hang out, particularly at night.

P.S. I prefer it to Barcelona’s busier and more touristy Las Ramblas

8. Take in the view from the Mediterranean Balcony (Balcó del Mediterrani)

At the southeastern end of Rambla Nova is the Balcó del Mediterrani.

This is another popular hangout spot for locals and tourists alike, and offers wonderful views, particularly at sunset.

9. Stop for lunch at the Central Market of Tarragona (Mercat Central)

I was tempted to skip visiting Tarragona’s Mercat Central. Thank goodness I didn’t.

Two things I love when travelling are beautiful buildings and local food, and the Central Market of Tarragona ties these up into one stunning bundle. Opened in 1915, this hallmark Modernist building , located just off Rambla Nova, is home to almost 70 food stalls.

It’s the perfect place to stop for lunch.

10. Gawp at the superyachts in Tarragona’s port

One of the most under-the-radar things to do in Tarragona is to visit its port and El Serallo district.

From the Rambla Nova, it’s a pleasant 15-minute walk along the pedestrianised promenade under the shade of palm trees. The port area is home to some of the city’s best fish restaurants and the swankiest yachts I have ever seen.

11. Chill out on Tarragona’s beaches

More chill-out time is never a bad thing. Right?

Although Tarragona has urban beaches, better ones are out of town.

The best of the bunch is Platja Llarga . Over 600 meters of fine golden sand, studded with dunes and sheltered by pine forests make this the ideal getaway from the tourist crowds.

More Things to Do in Tarragona, Spain

If I had another day in Tarragona, I would have ventured to the city’s outskirts to check out these other Roman attractions.

Visit Tarragona’s Aqueduct

Popularly known as Pont del Diable (Devil’s Bridge) , the aqueduct was built in the 1st Century AD to supply the city of Tarraco with fresh water from the nearby River Francolí.

Rivalling the magnificent Pont du Gard in Provence , this masterpiece of Roman engineering is 249 meters in length and supplied Tarragona with water until as recently as the 18th Century.

Tarragona’s aqueduct is located in a wooded park 4km north of the city. 

Visit Tarragona’s Paleochristian Necropolis

The Paleochristian Necropolis is one of the lesser-visited members of the UNESCO Archaeological Ensemble of Tarraco .

Located on the outskirts of the city, this paleo-Christian necropolis was used from the Roman era until the 7th Century. Excavations of pagan and Christian burial sites offer an insight into how Romans at the time dealt with death and the afterlife.

When to Visit Tarragona

The best time to visit Tarragona is from  May until October .   Tarragona enjoys a subtropical climate. Winters are mild and summers are hot and humid. The highest rainfall is in autumn and spring.   Visit in September to see  castells  at the city’s annual  Santa Tecla Festival . In this dramatic display of Catalan culture, people join together to build  castells , or human towers.

How Long Do You Need in Tarragona?

Although it is easy to visit Tarragona as a day trip from Barcelona , I recommend spending at least two days here. Visiting its Roman ruins merits the best part of the day, and an overnight stay will allow you to enjoy the restaurants and bars of Tarragona’s Old Town at night.

Getting from Barcelona to Tarragona by train

Tarragona is an easy train ride from Barcelona.

The journey time is from 30 minutes on a high-speed train to over an hour on a regional train. Services are frequent and one-way tickets are from €5 when booked in advance.

There are two train stations in Tarragona:

Estación de Tarragona Adif  

This centrally-located train station serves regional train services to Barcelona and Reus (amongst others) and long-distance trains to Valencia and Madrid.

From Estación de Tarragona Adif, it’s a 10-minute walk to the city centre.

Camp de Tarragona  

Located eight miles from Tarragona, this modern station serves high-speed trains. Whilst the journey time from Barcelona to Camp de Tarragona is just 30 minutes, you need to factor in getting from the train station to Tarragona.

To travel between Camp de Tarragona and the city centre, catch a taxi or the Plana service from Tarragona Bus Station at the northern end of Rambla Nova.

Buses run frequently and the journey time is 15-20 minutes. You can pay the driver.

On balance, I recommend taking one of the slower train services from Barcelona to Estación de Tarragona Adif. Check train schedules and fares here .

Getting Around

Tarragona is a small city and you will be able to walk between its main sites. The only time that you are likely to need public transport is to get to places on the outskirts of the city, including Camp de Tarragona and the aqueduct.

Where to Stay

Tarragona isn’t a big city but I recommend staying near the Old Town or Rambla Nova to be close to many of its main attractions.

Mid-range : Hostal 977

I stayed in this charming guesthouse in a perfect location on Carrer dels Cavallers in the heart of the Old Town. The room was small but well-equipped and there was a communal lounge with an honesty bar.

The owners were super helpful and the music wafting from the conservatoire next door was a bonus.

>>> CHECK RATES & BOOK A ROOM  

Splurge : H10 Imperial Tarraco

This four-star hotel facing the amphitheatre and the sea was my second choice of lodgings in Tarragona. A large modern property that offers a swimming pool.

Budget : Pigal

Located close to Tarragona’s central train station, this guesthouse offers a range of rooms with private bathrooms and has attracted excellent reviews.

>>> CHECK RATES & BOOK A ROOM 

>>>None of these places take your fancy? Discover other great accommodation choices in Tarragona here .

Is Tarragona Safe for Female Solo Travellers?

Staying safe as a solo traveller is a particular concern of women travelling alone and first-time solo travellers . Whilst you shouldn’t be complacent, you don’t have to be as concerned about petty crime in Tarragona as you would in other countries, or even in some other cities in Spain. It’s generally a safe place to walk around, even at night. Tarragona is not only one of the best solo travel destinations in Spain but also a perfect place to visit if you are travelling alone in Europe .

Enjoy exploring Tarragona’s Roman Ruins (& the rest!)

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit and thought that Tarragona was 100% worth visiting.

It gives you the best of both worlds. Tarragona is small and charming but has the historical and cultural draws of a larger city. Go there to explore its rich Roman heritage and show-stopping cathedral. Stay to soak up the laid-back vibe of its medieval core and fine sandy beaches.

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About Bridget

Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.

Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.

To get in touch, email her at [email protected] or follow her on social media.

QATARI DIAR buys Port Tarraco Marina in Tarragona, Spain

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Written by Chelsea Smith

QATARI DIAR Real Estate Investment Company, an international leader in sustainable development, announced today the purchase of the Port Tarraco Marina in North Eastern Spain through its subsidiary Qatari Diar Marina Tarragona (QDMT).

The high-end Port Tarraco Marina is located in Tarragona, Spain, approximately 95km south of Barcelona, and will be one of the few existing marinas of its kind in the  Western Mediterranean to offer deep water berthing for large sophisticated super yachts, mega yachts and giga yachts.

“We are thrilled to be investing in the western Mediterranean’s marina industry, one of the most mature in the world. With our international experience and the expertise of our world-class partners MB92, we expect the Port Tarraco Marina to become one of the top year-round marina destinations for yachts in Europe and the Mediterranean” said Eng.  Mohammed bin Ali Al Hedfa, Group CEO of QATARI DIAR.

Located on  Spain’s Costa Dorada, or “Golden Coast,” the marina offers visitors a chance to explore the rich local Catalonian culture, visit the area’s many beaches, or travel to nearby mountains for hiking or skiing. The marina is positioned in close proximity to a large capacity airfield and is centrally located for immediate access to all major cruising grounds and destinations in the Western Mediterranean. It is exclusively designed to provide large yachts with the best possible services and facilities, and boasts an array of leading amenities and excellent accessibility.

QDMT is a joint venture between QATARI DIAR and MB92, a Barcelona based operator of marinas, with 95% representation by QATARI DIAR and 5% by MB92. The purchase was made from vendor International Marina Tarragona S.L., a Spanish marina operator.

Wholly owned by the Qatar Investment Authority, QATARI DIAR Real Estate Investment Company was established in December 2005 to support Qatar’s growing economy and to coordinate the countries real-estate development priorities. QATARI DIAR is currently involved in more than 35 projects in more than 20 countries around the world

About Marina Barcelona 92 (MB92):

Marina Barcelona 92 is a company fully dedicated to the yacht industry and provides service refit,  repair and maintenance works to more than 70 superyachts per year with overall lengths from 35 up to 180 metres.

The shipyard covers a surface area of 76,000m2 with the following facilities: a 2,000 ton Syncrolift®, a 210 metres Dry dock, a 125 metres paint shed, a 150 ton Travelift, docking repair quays with the capacity to berth 8 yachts up to 110 metres in length, a berthing repair area for six yachts up to 200 metres in length, and a 4,000 ton Syncrolift® which will be operable in 2013.

MB92 has commissioned Mourjan Marinas IGY to drive the global marketing effort and work alongside MB92 to provide Port Tarraco with a fresh injection of luxury marin

About Port Tarraco Marina:

– 64 berths for boats between 30 and 160 metres LOA

– 9 metres draught

– 140m length waiting dock

– Up to 1250 amp power outlets

– Electricity supply, fresh water, Internet, satellite

– CCTV and 24-hour surveillance

– Ship chandler

– Dedicated Customer Service

Please contact CharterWorld - the luxury yacht charter specialist - for more on superyacht news item "QATARI DIAR buys Port Tarraco Marina in Tarragona, Spain".

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The Ministry of Transport has reported this afternoon of a third yacht, presumably Russian property, held in a Spanish port due to the conflict in Ukraine. This is the  Crescent  , a giant with a black hull 135 meters long and 24 meters wide, which has been temporarily immobilized by the Merchant Navy in the port of Tarragona. The Security Forces attribute its property to the Russian oligarch  Igor Ivanovich Sechin  , according to  El País  . He is the chief executive of the  Rosneft  oil company and an intimate of Vladimir Putin.

His presence in Tarragona has been causing a stir for months: a sister ship, the  Scheherazade  , is being investigated in Italy, specifically in Marina di Carrara, as the alleged property of   Putin  himself or of personnel close to the Russian head of state. The value of this type of ship, which includes two heliports and its own hangar, is between 600 and 700 million dollars.

The Crescent megayacht had requested departure from the Maritime Captaincy on the 4th, but  did not set sail  . The Government will now analyze whether it is owned by a company or a billionaire included in the package of sanctioning measures set by the European Union in the face of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Crescent is two years old and sails under  the Cayman Islands flag  . Considered one of the most luxurious yachts in the world, she had been in the Catalan port since November 2. The ship now joins the  Valerie, belonging to the oligarch Sergey Chemezov  (Rosnet), docked in Barcelona, ​​and the  Lady Anastasia  , which different sources attribute to Alexander Mijeev (Rosoboronexport), which is under investigation in Calviá (Mallorca) .

Once again, it will be the Maritime Captaincy, dependent on the General Directorate of the Merchant Marine, who will be in charge of guaranteeing the safety of the ship and its crew. And the investigations will be carried out by the State Tax Administration Agency, institutions dedicated to the prevention of money laundering and the financing of terrorism and State Security Forces and Bodies.

If it is verified that it belongs to a person or entity sanctioned by the European Council  , it will be immobilized  .

• Igor Ivanovich Sechin

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Spanish authorities have impounded a third superyacht believed to belong to a Russian oligarch, a seizure that is part of a global crackdown on those seen to support Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The Crescent, a yacht registered in the Cayman Islands, had requested to depart the Spanish Port of Tarragona on March 4, authorities said, but it did not set sail. The 443-foot yacht has an estimated value of about $600 million, according to SuperyachtFan , a website tracking luxury yachts, which cited its owner as an “unknown billionaire.”

Governments all over the world are working to identify and freeze the assets of Russian elites and their family members, including luxury apartments, money and yachts. Online sleuths are watching their moves, tweeting names, locations, ownership and the latest status of yachts owned by Russian oligarchs.

The Crescent is supersized even by global elite benchmarks — few of the world’s biggest yachts measure more than 400 feet . It was built by the German shipyard Lürssen , which constructs many of the largest yachts, and reportedly features a retractable helicopter hangar and a big glass-bottomed pool.

Schadenfreude at sea: The Internet is watching with glee as Russian oligarchs’ yachts are seized

Spain’s Transportation Ministry said it was collecting information “to confirm the real ownership” of the vessel and whether control of the ship corresponds to an individual on the list of people and entities sanctioned by the European Council over the war in Ukraine. If it turns out to belong to someone on the sanctions list, it will be “immobilized,” officials said.

Spanish authorities said that so far this week, they have seized the Valerie, in the Port of Barcelona, ​​and the Lady Anastasia in Majorca’s Port Adriano. The former is suspected to be owned by Sergey Chemezov, a longtime ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin and a subject of Western sanctions. Chemezov is the head of Rostec, a Russian industrial and military conglomerate.

The United States and its allies have said they will not fight the Russian military directly or support Ukraine’s request for a no-fly zone , which U.S. officials fear could lead to broader war with a nuclear-armed superpower. But they are waging an economic war against the Putin-connected Russian super-elite .

Russian superyachts and aircraft barred from New Zealand under new sanctions

Protesters this week broke into a white stucco mansion in central London belonging to the family of a Russian oligarch, unfurled a Ukrainian flag, and declared the property “liberated” and ready for refugees. Even countries as far as New Zealand have said Russian superyachts and aircraft would be barred from entering its waters and airspace under new sanctions legislation passed in response to the Kremlin invasion.

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Spain seizes another Russian yacht believed to belong to an oligarch.

The ship was impounded in the Spanish port of Tarragona pending an inspection to establish its exact ownership, Spain’s transport ministry said.

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By Raphael Minder and Michael Forsythe

• March 16, 2022

MADRID — Spain, which has pledged to seize the suspected superyachts of Russian oligarchs targeted for sanctions imposed following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, on Wednesday impounded the third such vessel, one of the world’s biggest superyachts, in Spanish territorial waters this week.

The ship was impounded in the Spanish port of Tarragona, pending an inspection to establish its exact ownership, Spain’s transport ministry said in a statement. The ship, called the Crescent, was registered in the Cayman Islands.

The Spanish authorities have taken similar measures against two other yachts, the Valerie, which was in a maintenance yard in Barcelona, and Lady Anastasia, a yacht that was moored in Port Adriano, on the Spanish island of Majorca.

Spain’s hunt for Russian-owned superyachts comes after Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced the seizure of the Valerie on Monday and warned that “there will be more.”

The transport ministry said on Wednesday that if the inspections confirmed that the yachts belonged to people on the sanctions list drawn up by the European Union, they would remain fully immobilized.

The Valerie is suspected of being indirectly owned by Sergei Chemezov, the head of Rostec, a Russian industrial conglomerate that also makes military technology and equipment. The vessel was one of four Russian-owned superyachts that had recently been undergoing work at MB92, a shipyard that has helped establish Barcelona as one of the main hubs for the extravagant yachts owned by the super wealthy.

The Crescent, valued by the SuperYachtFan website at $600 million, appears to be the sister ship of the slightly larger, slightly more expensive Scheherazade, a 459-foot superyacht that U.S. officials said could be associated with President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia.

Both were built at the same German shipyard, Lurssen, where the Crescent was given the project name “ Thunder ,” while the Scheherazade, put into service about two years later, was called “Lightning.” Both share the same interior and exterior designers and have been managed by a Monaco company, Imperial Yachts, which caters to Russian oligarchs.

The two yachts also share another, unusual characteristic: Photos of the Crescent taken on March 13 by a former Central Intelligence Agency officer, Alex Finley, in the Spanish port where it was impounded appear to show that the Crescent conceals its nameplate while in port, just like the Scheherazade .

Track information on the Crescent from MarineTraffic , a maritime data provider, shows that Crescent spends most of its time in the Mediterranean, cruising between Spain, Italy, France and Montenegro, a popular destination for the yachts of Russian oligarchs. The 445-foot long Crescent, one of the 20 largest superyachts , has been at the Tarragona marina since early November.

Last week Italian police said they were investigating the ownership of the Scheherazade, which is in dry dock at a port on the Tuscany coast.

The Lady Anastasia, which was impounded on the island of Mallorca, is believed to be owned by Alexander Mikheev, a Russian arms dealer. In late February, the police on Majorca detained a Ukrainian member of the yacht’s crew because he had been planning to sink the vessel, in retaliation for the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He was released on bail, pending an investigation.

In early March, the French authorities seized a yacht in a yard in La Ciotat, which they said was linked to Igor Sechin, the chief executive of the state oil company Rosneft and a former deputy prime minister of Russia. The French yard is owned by MB92, the Spanish company that owns the yard in Barcelona.

MB92 said at the time that it was cooperating with the French authorities and would respond in due course to any possible further sanctions against Russians. “We are continuously monitoring the decisions taken by the Spanish authorities, the European Union and the U.S. as they come into effect,” the company said.

Raphael Minder covers Spain and Portugal, based in Madrid. He previously worked for Bloomberg News in Switzerland and for the Financial Times in Paris, Brussels, Sydney and finally Hong Kong. More about Raphael Minder

Michael Forsythe is a reporter on the investigations team. He was previously a correspondent in Hong Kong, covering the intersection of money and politics in China. He has also worked at Bloomberg News and is a United States Navy veteran. More about Michael Forsythe

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