Malaga megayacht marina at maximum capacity thanks to Holy Week fame

Malaga is establishing itself as a top Mediterranean destination for high-spending tourists. Holy Week has become a new attraction that wealthy individuals from around the world are eager to experience.

These days, the IGY marina facilities, between dock one and part of dock two, are experiencing a high volume of activity. This is not the first time it has happened. What is truly remarkable in this case is that the vessels haven't come for a routine technical stop.

According to sources in the nautical sector, several of these luxury yachts have their owners along with family and guests on board. They have come to Malaga specifically to witness the phenomenon of the Holy Week processions.

While the utmost discretion is the golden rule among captains, crews and shipping agents, SUR has learned that at least two of the large yachts have arrived with their owners, but the exact identity of these illustrious tourists has not been revealed.

The largest yacht currently moored in Malaga is the Odyssey, measuring just over 78 metres in length (13 metres in beam). Manufactured in 2024 at the renowned German shipyard Lürssen, this vessel features a steel hull and aluminum superstructure. Its vertical bow design improves sailing efficiency.

Regarding the Odyssey's ownership, SUR has only been able to ascertain that it belongs to a billionaire linked to a long-established family business in the US, but there is great secrecy surrounding their exact identity.

The ship features a fully glazed design with panoramic views, allowing natural light to flood the interior. It can comfortably accommodate 14 guests in seven cabins, while the crew consists of 24 professionals.

Among its most distinctive features is the so-called Beach House - a glass-enclosed lounge on the main deck that opens up and connects directly to the pool area. It also features a sports court on the foredeck, designed for basketball, pickleball, yoga and Pilates. Its exterior decks are designed to quickly adapt from relaxation areas to social entertainment spaces.

The list of large recreational vessels currently in Malaga's marina includes the Solinda (50 metres), the sailing yacht Espíritu del Xarey (43), the Jackie O (35) and the Sirena (34).

The new season has just begun and IGY Málaga Marina expects the facilities to be fully booked again in April and May. Sources have also confirmed that several of the world's most luxurious yachts will be among the visitors.

To understand why the Odyssey or the Solinda choose Malaga at this time of year, one must understand that the Costa del Sol capital is establishing itself as a benchmark for nautical luxury in the Strait of Gibraltar. The transformation of docks one and part of dock two into the IGY Málaga Marina has been the catalyst for this paradigm shift.

The marina is the result of a partnership between IGY Marinas (the world's largest operator of luxury marinas, with headquarters in the US) and the Spanish company Ocean Capital Partners, under a concession from the Port Authority of Malaga. The marina has 31 berths, equipped with high-power electrical hook-ups.

It marina can accommodate vessels ranging from 30 to 180 metres in length, making it one of the few harbours capable of holding the largest megayachts in the world. The marina is strategically located at the crossroads of two of the most popular global shipping routes: the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. The dock is increasingly becoming too small to meet the high demand it handles.