Varazze is a charming little coastal town that lies 15 nautical miles west of
Genoa and 30 nautical miles west of
Portofino. It has been a popular retreat and sea resort for generations, along the
Ligurian coast, very popular with the inhabitants of
Genoa and the northern Italian towns of
Turin, and
Milan, due to its proximity. In Varazze, you will find the town has a typical Riviera layout, stretching between the hills and a 2 kilometre long beach with its promenade. The marina is situated south of the beach.
Though yachting and the joys of the beach are what makes Varazze’s fame today, the town has long been a nautical centre, since the Middle Ages, when Varazze’s shipyards were coveted strategic assets in controlling this region of the Mediterranean.
Marina di Varazze, as it is today, is the result of an extensive redevelopment and rejuvenation project that was carried out by the
Azimut-Benetti Group, one of Italy’s leading shipyards, boat and yacht manufacturer and exporter. It has been a long term project. Obtaining all the required authorisations from authorities required almost 30 years. In the end, Varazze now has a modern marina, with a new lease of life, which harmoniously fits in with the town.
Part of Marina di Varazze’s redevelopment was the construction or reconstruction of the marina’s current waterfront, with elegant timber buildings covered by copper-green roofs which provide luxurious apartments, boutiques, cafés and offices.
The marina’s layout has a quarter-disk shape, with a 600 m long waterfront and promenade, sheltered from the East by two breakwaters. Marina di Varazze has a capacity of
800 berths for boats and yachts up to 40 metres in length overall. Most of the moorings are located on 3 quays (“Pontiles” A, B, and C) that are extended by pontoons. The larger yachts are moored at the tip of each quay, where there is of course more space and 6 metres depth. Pontile C, in the middle, marks the division between the sailing yachts’ (moored to the north) area and the motor yachts’ area (south) of the marina.
Marina di Varazze is part of large luxury yachting group, and this is something you feel when using the harbour’s facilities. You may for instance notice that many yachts staying in the marina were manufactured by the marina’s concession holder. Whether they are Azimut-Benetti branded or not, you will rarely see a boat or yacht in neglected condition in Marina di Varazze. The harbour’s management prides itself in nurturing and giving an
all-inclusive service to its users, which makes you feel part of an exclusive club or like a VIP guest in a hotel: Water, electricity, access to clean shower rooms and toilets, concierge service, 24/7 mooring assistance, as well as bicycles, luggage trolleys, webcam monitoring are all included as part of the service, whether you are staying overnight or you are a resident yacht.