Overwintering in Valencia?

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dinwood

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Does anyone have any experience of liveaboard overwintering in Valencia? We've been offered an economical space in the Americas Cup marina, but never having visited there, we'd appreciate any experience anyone has to offer.
Our alternative is Cartegena, which is cheaper and further south, but a bit out of the way for exploring inland we thought.

Cheers,
David Inwood
 
dinwood said:
Does anyone have any experience of liveaboard overwintering in Valencia? We've been offered an economical space in the Americas Cup marina, but never having visited there, we'd appreciate any experience anyone has to offer.
Our alternative is Cartagena, which is cheaper and further south, but a bit out of the way for exploring inland we thought.

Cheers,
David Inwood
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Of those two, my choice would be Cartagena. I worked out how to use the local busses when we were there for a couple of weeks recently. Easy when you know how, impossible when you don't. Let me know if you would like details.

At least in Cartagena you have the town on your doorstep (or busstep) but it is a real drag in Valencia without a car. Cartagena has train connections to Murcia and from there to Madrid and Barcelona. Not brilliant connections but OK. There is a local airport as well. Valencia airport charge a zillion pounds a day to park a car, so don't do that.

The new marina in Cartagena is haggle-able. I got them down 25% without trying, you might do better, but don't settle for less than 25%. The Internet WiFi is pants. Long stay includes a 'free' connection but in any case if you have a decent antenna find the 'linksys' unsecured access point which you will find is free and the same system as the pay system. That AP is actually in the small office by the exit gate and is intended for people who take their laptops over but you can pick it up from your boat. I used Happy Movil (The Phone House) with a USB dongle most of the time for €5 per 100MB. Not brilliant but usable and runs on the Orange network better than Orange's own 3G dongle system which is seriously pants (in Spain).
 
There's no competition. We passed through both in 2007, being in the AC marina about 3 weeks after the Cup. Tired already, having been built in a tremendous rush, a long way from town and a drag of a bus ride. Plus Valencia has some strong points but it's not what we experienced as a friendly city (though it has a fab market).

cartagena is right on the marina doorstep, including some of the best ice-cream in Spain just a couple of hundred metres away from the water front. Friendly and sweet. We went to Grenada from there and found the connections pretty good.

So - our vote is pretty obvious.
 
caroldevon said:
So who do you speak to to negotiate discount at Cartagena? Or is this after you have arrived? This is one of our options for overwintering - in a couple of months time.
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I discussed it on arrival. I don't know the individuals so can't suggest who to speak to. The published tariff says that for the monthly deals you have to pay in advance. Have a look at the other thread running re Almerimar vs Cartagena etc. While I would certainly prefer Cartagena over Valencia, I prefer Almerimar to Cartagena for an over winter, if you want to be along that coast. Personal choice thing though not everyone would agree.
 
Cartagena over Valencia anytime.Have not wintered at either but the marina in Valencia is miles from anywhere whereas the marina in Cartagena is handy for the city centre.Did a recce on Almerimar and it is a tad isolated IMHO.

Edit

Just remembered - met Scots couple in Sete who wintered there 04/05 and they reported swell as a problem.
 
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Sant Carles

The new Sant Carles Marina (MDL) is now open and if you look on the web then you can see how its getting on. Its between Valencia and Barcalona. We spent last winter there and would have no problem doing so again. If you want any info and how to find a better deal than MDL give me a e-mail.
 
AC Marina in winter. Cold, desolate, remote, concrete jungle, and an unbelievable wind. I'd be surprised if there are more than a handful of boats in there.

Cartegena, 2 marinas - I assume the marina on the far side of the harbour. Good community and as others have pointed out it's close (walkable) to all amenties.
 
Hi people!
I'm new to the forum.

It's a shame if the marina in Valencia is not comfortable. In my opinion Valencia is a great city with friendly people(like Spain in general). A was there for a week a couple of years ago and enjoyed the nightlife. Others I know who have been there recently loved it as well.

I don't know anything about Cartagena though.
 
operculate said:
Hi people!
It's a shame if the marina in Valencia is not comfortable.
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OP asked about the Americas Cup Marina; no question asked about the other Valencia marina; Real Club Nautico de Valencia; so no information given!

Below is picture of Seraph in Americas Cup Marina for Act 12 in 2007; empty!

P6300043Medium.jpg
 
We're in Americas Cup at the moment (now called Real Juan Carlos I Marina). It does feel a bit out on a limb and soul-less, now that the Americas Cup has gone it seems to be a bit of a white elephant, and the wind!! When it blows, it really blows! However, the city of Valencia is nice, v bike-friendly and the transport systems are v good & cheap. Only 10 min walk to the metro and from there a direct link to the airport for only 1.90.

Our visit to Cartagena was much briefer, we were in the older marina and, even with not much wind, the boats were bouncing around quite a bit, I think it may have been down to the construction of the pontoons. I prefer Valencia as a city to Cartagena with more to do and see. That's my tuppenceworth!
 
Lurob;

so with a 440 boat you are probably in the starboard side marina (as you enter the marina). How many boats are on a sort of permanent basis in your side and how many (smaller boats) on the port side?

Agree with you about the wind! it can be a real bugger!!! and without the assistance of the marina ribs virtually imposssible to berth successfully.
 
caroldevon said:
So who do you speak to to negotiate discount at Cartagena? Or is this after you have arrived? This is one of our options for overwintering - in a couple of months time.
Click to expand...

when you get there come to the tarmac in the marina turn right walk to the end of the marina. there is a office with a big glass window go in talk to them they are always helpful. but don't leave until you have a discount.

Kind Regards

Lee
 
Over-wintering in Valencia

steve_clayton said:
Lurob;

so with a 440 boat you are probably in the starboard side marina (as you enter the marina). How many boats are on a sort of permanent basis in your side and how many (smaller boats) on the port side?

Agree with you about the wind! it can be a real bugger!!! and without the assistance of the marina ribs virtually imposssible to berth successfully.
Click to expand...

We decided on Valencia in the end. Yes, the marina is a bit bleak, but they put us (12m sloop) in the Daresena Norte (stb on entry) which is about 2/3rds full (with several live-aboards around us) and only a few mins walk to the bus & metro into the centre. There is a great beach 0.5 mile away, with bars & restaurants. We've had some serious blows (42kts in the marina) & heavy rain since we arrived, but we are well tucked in and have been very comfortable. Valencia is a very exciting place to be, with lots to do & see. So far, very happy with our choice. Only worry now is matriculation tax...
 
If your interested in politics Valencia is the terremoto thatmay cause the tidal wa ve that rids Spain of the corrupt right wing PP PARTY,If your not enjoy the gota fria!!!
 
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