Landmark: Herzliya Marina
City: Herzliya
Country: Israel
Continent: Asia
Herzliya Marina, Herzliya, Israel, Asia
The Herzliya Marina is the largest and most modern marina in Israel, located on the Mediterranean coast of Herzliya. It serves as a major hub for international yachting, maritime commerce, and seaside leisure.
Visual Characteristics
The marina features a vast basin protected by two massive concrete breakwaters, with docking space for over 800 vessels ranging from small sailboats to luxury megayachts. The surrounding architecture is characterized by modern Mediterranean design, including high-end residential apartments, luxury hotels, and a large commercial mall. The boardwalk is paved with stone and wood, offering a contemporary aesthetic that contrasts with the blue coastal waters.
Location & Access Logistics
Situated in the Herzliya Pituach district, the marina is approximately 15 kilometers north of Tel Aviv. It is accessible via Route 2 (the Coastal Highway), exiting at the Seven Stars or Kfar Shmaryahu interchanges. Public transport options include bus line 29 from the Herzliya train station and several Egged lines connecting to central Tel Aviv. Ample underground and surface parking is available at the adjacent mall and surrounding lots.
Historical & Ecological Origin
Construction of the marina began in the late 1980s and it was officially inaugurated in 1995. It was built to meet the demand for maritime infrastructure in central Israel and to revitalize the coastal strip of Herzliya. Ecologically, the construction of the breakwaters altered the local sand movement along the coast, leading to the creation of wider sandy beaches in the immediate vicinity.
Key Highlights & Activities
The main promenade is a destination for walking and dining. Visitors can rent yachts or join organized sailing tours departing daily. Local clubs provide water sports equipment and instruction for surfing and diving. During the summer, the marina hosts outdoor festivals, concerts, and craft markets along the water's edge.
Infrastructure & Amenities
The facility offers comprehensive maritime services, including fuel stations, electricity, and water hookups for docked vessels. For visitors, the adjacent mall provides public restrooms, pharmacies, and dozens of food vendors. The entire area is equipped with 5G cellular signal and is designed to be fully wheelchair accessible via flat ramps and elevators.
Best Time to Visit
Photography is best during the "golden hour" just before sunset, as the sun sets directly over the masts of the sailboats in the basin. The months of April through October provide the most consistent weather for sailing and outdoor activities. The marina is most active on Friday afternoons and Saturday evenings.
Facts & Legends
A unique operational detail is that the marina serves as an official border crossing for the State of Israel, equipped with a permanent naval police station and customs office for international sailors. Local sailors often reference the significant height of the northern breakwater, which is designed to withstand severe Mediterranean winter storms.
Nearby Landmarks
Herzliya Beach – 0.4km North
Arena Mall – 0.1km East
Sidna Ali Mosque – 2.5km North
The Stars Beach – 0.7km South