We have been to four
marinas along the Straits of
Gibraltar: Marina Smir,
Morocco; Queensway,
Gibraltar; Estepona (Deportiva)
Spain; Bajadilla (Marbella)
Spain.
Of these we find Smir the least expensive and
haul out facilities at the marina itself. The quality of
work is good on
wood and having to be watched on engines, but hospitable and a good, safe place to stay. We were there over five months restoring our
ketch and enjoyed the workers, being invited to tea constantly but wanting
beer, as it is a Moslem country. Smir is isolated, so you have to consider that and during the Summer months is full of jet skiers and crowds from the other
parts of
Morocco because the climate is better around this area than a very hot Morocco.
Queensway is a good stopping off place but we were disappointed at the lack of
marine materials on hand to do small jobs and the lack of
marine reading materials. But, Morrisons is there for our
English tastes and for a while or a moment that makes up for it. We were there more than a week because of the
weather and found the marina staff helpful and friendly, mostly from
Canada...
Estepona was our first taste of Spanish
marinas and we were lucky enough to stay at the checking in
dock for about a week, meaning we could side tie and with a 3 year old aboard it is just a lot easier to go on and off the
boat. The staff was helpful and volunteered information about the town and the surroundings. The marina was a bit too glitzy for our tastes but we were able to get things at the small
chandlery that we were not in Gibraltar and we ate well at the variety of restaurants at the marina. The fishermen across the way were a fine sight and only left for the
fishing grounds late in the morning.
Marina Bajadilla at Marbella is the best one of the bunch. Though Marbella is not a
cheap place to visit the marina is. We were surprized at the low rate during the start of the high season. The marina is accepting bids on a massive
renovation and the rates will rise I am sure, but if you are thinking of passing it by or stopping before, it would be a good one to consider. The transportation is right at the marina entrance and shops are right there also, including two supermarkets within three city blocks. The facilities are good and clean and the staff very hospitable. There are
hardware and
wood sales stores within walking distance, and nobody hassles you. The people on the streets are amiable and give good directions, and surprizingly a lot of people speak
English better than a lot of English speakers. It is centrally located both in terms of the town itself and the attractions along the coast and in the mountains. Marbella surprized us and we did think it was going to be gross but turned out to be comfortable.
We are staying here, in Marbella, now to sell Domingo and to acquaint her new owners with what we think is the best place along the Costa del Sol.
Ross