The Premier Nautical and Lifestyle Marina in Mallorca: Interview with Corinna Graf, CEO of Puerto Portals

Inaugurated in 1986, Puerto Portals quickly became the nerve center of social life in Mallorca. Today, under the leadership of Corinna Graf, daughter of the late founder Klaus Graf and CEO since 2013, Puerto Portals continues to thrive as an emblematic marina, a destination not only for sea lovers, but also for those who embrace the Mediterranean lifestyle. The marina is home to renowned restaurants, exclusive fashion boutiques, and essential services that create a vibrant community both on the water and on land. 

Puerto Portals was created by your late father in the 1980s. How has the marina managed to maintain its founding values while also evolving with the times?

Indeed, Puerto Portals was born from a vision shared by both my father and mother. Together they decided to create something more than just a parking area for boats: a place that offers much more, where the sea, gastronomy and lifestyle come together. That essence remains intact: authenticity, community and Mediterranean elegance. 

Over the years, we have evolved and adapted to market trends, new technologies, sustainability and an increasingly international and demanding clientele, without ever losing sight of our roots. 

The port recently underwent a full refurbishment. What does this renewal represent for you personally and for Puerto Portals’ future?

On a personal level, it has been quite a challenge. You could say it is a tribute to my parents’ legacy and to all those who believed in Puerto Portals from the very beginning.It is a real challenge to carry out such a large-scale project without closing for a single day, without interrupting the port’s activity and without stopping for one moment. Another challenge arises whenever you invest in long-term infrastructure: it is built in the present, but it must remain modern and up to date for decades to come. Looking ahead, it represents our commitment to maintaining the marina as a benchmark in the Mediterranean by focusing on the visitor’s experience: top-quality services, cutting-edge offerings and a Mediterranean lifestyle. 

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Puerto Portals attracts both international visitors and Mallorcan residents. What has been the key to creating such a diverse community?

I believe the secret lies in the authenticity of our offering and services. We are not just a tourist destination but a meeting point where both Mallorcans and international visitors feel at home. We are proud to see different nationalities, cultures and beliefs coexisting in our marina, not only in the shopping area or on the pontoons, but also at all the events we organise. Over the years, this has created a very diverse community that is very loyal to Puerto Portals and fits in perfectly with our values and our way of respecting others and our environment. 

How do you balance the port’s nautical activity with its role as a social and lifestyle hub?

In reality, it is about finding a natural balance. For us, nautical activities and the social component do not compete, but rather complement each other. They form a symbiosis that feeds off each other and together offer the lifestyle our clients are looking for. Yachting is our essence, our starting point, and around it we have created an ecosystem of restaurants, boutiques and events that give Puerto Portals its unique personality. The sea is what attracts people, but it is the lifestyle that invites them to stay.  

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Puerto Portals is home to some of the island’s top restaurants and high-end shopping boutiques. How do you select the businesses that join the marina, and what makes them the right fit? Approximately how many restaurants are in Puerto Portals as of 2025?

We are looking for business who share our values: quality, creativity, honesty and Mediterranean spirit. Each business must bring something unique to the whole and therefore fit into an ecosystem that, after so many years, is very well established. Puerto Portals currently has around 16 restaurants, each offering a different culinary experience, from haute cuisine to informal family meals, always maintaining high quality. 

As CEO of Puerto Portals since 2013, how do you personally define luxury today?

For me, true luxury has to do with time and experiences and, above all, with our ability to make the most of these and enjoy themIt’s not just about exclusivity, but about enjoying authentic moments that truly bring us happiness, whether it’s dinner with friends, an afternoon with family, or simply strolling through a place you feel connected to. Nowadays, luxury has more to do with emotions and memories than with money. 

Summer is the high season in Mallorca, yet Puerto Portals remains active throughout the year. How do you keep the marina vibrant during the quieter winter months?

Fortunately, in Mallorca we enjoy a mild climate for most of the year, which is already an advantage. But beyond the weather, the key lies in the quality and variety of what the port has to offer, which is capable of building visitor loyalty in any season. Added to this is a calendar of events that keeps the place buzzing all year round: from classic car rallies and a Winter Series of regattas to Christmas markets, cultural, sporting and family activities. Thanks to this combination, Puerto Portals has established itself as a vibrant destination not only in summer but also in winter, when it becomes a lively meeting place suitable for all audiences.  

Have you seen a rise in visitors who first came as holidaymakers but now live in Mallorca full time? How has this trend of international residents impacted Puerto Portals?

Yes, definitely. In recent years, many visitors have decided to settle permanently in Mallorca, attracted by its high quality of life. This has enriched Puerto Portals with a more international and permanent community, bringing us stability and diversity.  

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Puerto Portals sits at the heart of Calvià, one of the island’s most sought-after real estate areas. How does the marina contribute to the appeal of living and investing here?

Puerto Portals adds value to your lifestyle. Living near a marina that combines nautical excellence with fine dining, shopping and events is a major attraction. It enhances the prestige of the area and creates an environment where both residents and visitors enjoy a high quality of life.  

Looking ahead, how do you envision the future of Mallorca’s tourism industry?

I believe that Mallorca’s future lies in sustainable, high-quality tourism. Today’s visitors are looking for authenticity, sustainability and meaningful experiences. Mallorca has all the ingredients to lead the way in this model, and Puerto Portals is committed to being part of that evolution. 

Since taking the helm of Puerto Portals, what achievement are you most proud of?

I am proud to have continued my parents’ legacy and, at the same time, to have prepared Puerto Portals for the future. I am also delighted to have been able to embed sustainability in the marina by creating Blue Marina, a movement that transforms the way people interact with their environment. What began as a passion, born out of a love for the sea and nature, has resulted in tangible progress, supported by three pillars: the marina’s internal culture, its infrastructure and our community, which we can always count on. We have managed to turn an idea based on love into reality, and it is beginning to take on a dynamic of its own. The redevelopment of the port, the expansion of our events, and the shaping of our community make me feel that we are on the right track. 

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Puerto Portals is often described as a bridge between the sea and the land. How do you see this connection shaping the identity of the marina?

That description is perfect and defines Puerto Portals very well. We like to think that Puerto Portals is open to the sea and the land, to experiences, to sustainability, to sport, to life, and to all sea lovers. Puerto Portals is not just a marina, it is a place where sailors gather with their families, where gastronomy meets the sea, and where international visitors meet the locals. This connection is what gives us our identity as a vibrant and dynamic community.  

What is your favorite Sunday plan in Mallorca?

A relaxing morning sailing with friends or family, followed by a long lunch at one of our restaurants overlooking the harbor. And if I have time, a walk on the beach or a paddle surf outing to enjoy the Mediterranean light: that’s the greatest luxury. 

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Interview by Juanita Casanas and Drew Aaron

President and Chairman of Lionsgate Capital

Their goal at Lionsgate Capital is to create unparalleled solutions for the most demanding clients and create value through service, making Lionsgate Capital the major player for financing in the Balearic Islands and mainland Spain.