Great marinas of the world

The largest marinas in the world
Empuriabrava on the Costa Brava is considered to be the world's largest marina. The harbour's extensive waterways (said to be more numerous than those of Venice) cover more than 503 hectares. The marina is also home to the biggest used boat sales in the world, where nautically-minded bargain hunters can pick up anything from a small fishing boat to a sumptuous yacht.

There are a number of marinas competing for the crown of world's largest manmade marina; at present Marina del Ray in Los Angeles, California, is considered to be the world's largest, but a number of marinas—particularly in the Middle East—look set to take the title.

Upon completion, the Dubai Marina will be home to hundreds of boats and will be bordered by luxurious waterfront properties and some of the tallest skyscrapers in the world, including the 330 m (1,083 ft) Infinity Tower and the 345 m (1,132 ft) Marina Torch tower.

The most glamorous marinas in the world
Some of the world's most expensive and glamorous marinas vie for the affections and cash of the boat-loving super-rich (jokingly referred to as "the wet set"). Foremost among these gilt-edged super marinas are:

Port America's Cup in Valencia, Spain
Berths at the Port America's Cup marina cost as much as $2 million, but the price tag doesn't put off the marina's exclusive clientele, which includes Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone and Norway's King Harald V.

Monaco harbour
The tiny city-state of Monaco is home to more millionaires per capita than any other place in the world. Not surprisingly this fact is reflected by the luxurious super yachts moored in the pint-sized country's opulent marina. If you want to rub Gucci-clad shoulders with the Monaco millionaires head to the landmark Roccoco Casino, hangout of the super-rich.

So there you have it—the world's biggest and best marinas. All you need now is the super-yacht!