Marina di Porto Rafael

The history of the Marina is closely intertwined with the story of the birth of Porto Rafael and the history of the Pincioni family.

In the 1960s, the promontory was still a place waiting to be discovered, with its wild nature and only a few dwellings. In those same years, in Paris, Count Rafael Neville had a dream: a small beach with a handful of fishermen's houses and extraordinary vegetation, a blue sea with views opening onto other wonderful islands. So he set off in search of that marvellous land, arriving in what would later become Porto Rafael.
Into this setting also came the young Ottavio Pincioni, who at just over ten years old began working as a servant at the Kuczynski house in "Villa Wasa", walking every morning from Palau. Thanks to his talents and determination, he was soon noticed by Baron Mario Gallotti, who took him on to work with him. Where the Marina now stands, there was only a blockhouse with an observation tower for military purposes, granted in concession to Baron Gallotti himself, who renovated it and turned it into a bar-restaurant. Here the few local inhabitants came to drink and eat the meals that Ottavio prepared, which were announced with the ringing of a bell.
Those were years of ferment, in which construction began, the little square was created and the English press turned its attention to this stretch of coast, until then unknown. Many foreigners and figures of high society arrived, giving rise to a carefree and festive atmosphere. During this period the "Piccolo Baretta Yacht Club" also began to change. At first, next to the restaurant, there was only a wooden jetty for small boats, until by the end of the 1960s it had become a 35-metre quay.
In 1977 Baron Gallotti left the harbour and Ottavio took over the concession. With the help of his brother Mario, he began to develop it over the years, extending the pontoons and increasing the mooring points, so as to be able to welcome larger and more modern vessels too. Ottavio became the true backbone of the harbour and a point of reference for the community and passers-by. Every evening he organised dinners on the quay where he hosted all the crews, in a carefree and family atmosphere.
He welcomed people of every kind, from politicians to crowned heads, from industrialists to film stars, from all over the world. Over the years Porto Rafael too changed and evolved, and the fate of Count Rafael Neville sadly turned towards a sad ending. Ottavio, ever a faithful friend, stayed by his side until his death.
Discover Porto Rafael
In recent years tourism has changed, as have the size of boats and their needs, and the Marina has evolved with new facilities and new services. Its spirit, however, always remains the same: Marina di Porto Rafael is still a pearl perfectly integrated into a natural corner of paradise, a welcoming place full of every comfort, but where everyone can be themselves and fully and freely enjoy their time.
Discover Porto Rafael