The biggest
Featured in last year’s roundup, the marina of Balatonföldvár remains the biggest in the Balaton area with a total of 363 berths. According to the original plans, the marina of Balatonfenyves was supposed to have 350 parking spots, but it was opened this year with only 300, which puts it at second place in a tie with Hajógyári Marina in Balatonfüred. The BAHART marina of Balatonszemes is number three with 291 berths.
Here’s how the 11 marinas we checked out compare to each other in terms of capacity:
Seasonal fees
As the chart below suggests, seasonal prices differ considerably at the various locations, which is due to the fact that the fees depend on the size, especially the width, of the boats. Bahart marinas show the most marked price variation: you can rent a berth for the narrowest boats, up to 1.69 meters, for 112,000 forints, while the price for boats wider than five meters is 1,148,000 forints.
Fees differ to a similar extent at Fenyves’ new marina and Alsóörs Marina, but in addition to width, length is also important at these venues. Let’s take Dolfin 28, a popular touring boat around Lake Balaton, which measures 8.75 meters long and 2.95 meters wide. If you have one of these, a berth for an entire season will cost you 474,000 forints at BAHART marinas and 480,000 forints in Fenyves and Alsóörs.
Another thing to consider is whether you want the marina to store your boat for the whole year or only in the sailing season. The latter is a good option if you have a summer residence nearby where you can put your priced possession for the winter. Otherwise it’s best to rely on the services of the marina: you’ll have to pay for winter storage, but at least your boat will be safe, and you won’t need to start spring with a full-scale tune-up.
Guest berths
Guest berths are also priced along a scale instead of a fixed fee. The prices are based on size, which generally means length in this case. Parking for a night with the above-mentioned Dolfins costs 7,000 forints at the marinas of BAHART and 1% of the annual fee, that is, 4,800 forints in Fenyves and Alsóörs.
In terms of marina networks, BAHART has continued its expansion this year, opening a new marina in Alsóörs, which brings the total of BAHART marinas to twelve. Kikötőlánc has also gone through some changes: while Balatonfüred’s Hajógyári marina left the association, Fenyves Yacht Club and Alsóörs Marina are the newest additions to the network.
Keszthely Yacht Marina, aka Phoenix Marina is a bit of an odd one out because it’s a member of Kikötőlánc, but it has made a deal with BAHART: every season boats coming from BAHART marinas can spend two days here free of charge.
Accommodation, dining
When it comes to gastronomy, several of the marinas on our list have excellent eateries on site. The gastro concept of both Fenyves Yacht Club and Alsóörs Marina has been created by top Hungarian chef Viktor Segal. Paletta opened earlier this year at Keszthely Yacht Marina; the owner runs another joint with the same name at the marina of Balatonboglár, which is based on a similar concept. Those who are looking for a true and tested restaurant should drop by Kistücsök, just one kilometer from the marina of Szemes, and if you feel like exploring the wine cellars of Badacsony, the BAHART marina nearby is an ideal base for the excursion. Vonyarc Marina, which made its debut this year, is the only place where you won't find a restaurant; the grill terrace promised last year has not opened yet.
