Algarve Marinas

[Graham376]

We live on a mooring but have visited all the Algarve marinas numerous times over the years and I think my preference in Portugal would be Albufeira for safety and a bit better winter weather than Lagos. The further west you go, the windier and wetter in winter. Portimao is open to bad weather and I wouldn't want to be in the north basin in a winter storm after the destruction we saw a few years ago. As said, Vila Real is an accident waiting to happen with river flowing through berths. Vilamoura is best avoided. Ayamonte (Spain) is cheaper than any Algarve marina, chandler close by and a good base for sailing east or west or, up the Guadiana. Easy to get there from Faro or Saville airports.

Another option if stuck with 90/180 visits, would be to dry sail out of Bruce's yard (Nave Pegos) in Faro, 10 mins from airport.

 

[webcraft]

Thanks webcraft wasn‘t aware of the RYA discount will look into that. Went to the marina at Ayamonte, dead and miles from anywhere!

Ayamonte marina is right in the middle of town. If you think it is dead and miles from anywhere then Vilamoura is probably right up your street.

- W

 

[Farleigh]

Thank you all for your helpful responses.

 

[Farleigh]

Ayamonte marina is right in the middle of town. If you think it is dead and miles from anywhere then Vilamoura is probably right up your street.

- W

Just to clarify, we mistook the reference to Ayamonte marina to be Isla Canela, which is where we went. Apologies for the misunderstanding. Vilamoura is definitely not for us.

 

[webcraft]

Just to let you all know - I got the monthly invoice from Lagos today and the price is up 7% from last month.

Have Albufeira and Portimao also put their prices up by a similar amount?

- W

 

[greeny]

Just to let you all know - I got the monthly invoice from Lagos today and the price is up 7% from last month.

Have Albufeira and Portimao also put their prices up by a similar amount?

- W

Not certain as i'm in the boatyard at the moment. The boatyard is closely linked to the marina and my monthly charge has gone up by bout 7% though so probably the marina is up as well. I'll be down there later so I'll pop in and get this years brochure and have a look.

 

[shan]

Ayamonte is €3,200 per annum (you pay for the full year for the discount) for an 11m berth.

 

[Buck Turgidson]

Anyone used Porto Recreio de Olhäo? I'm thinking of moving from Valencia to the Algarve this year so looking at all options.

 

[Kelpie]

We spent last winter in Portimao and it suited us well. CA discount, good facilities, town an easy bike ride away and Ferrogudo just over the river for beaches etc. We also spent a fair bit of time at anchor with no difficulties other than fishing boat wash.
There is definitely some surge in the north basin, other than a bit of squeaking it didn't affect us.
Ayamonte is good too but watch your depth, going out to sea at low water may not be advisable. Facilities not in great condition but functional. Good chandlers.

 

[sailingmartin]

Anyone used Porto Recreio de Olhäo? I'm thinking of moving from Valencia to the Algarve this year so looking at all options.

I was there two or three times this summer to pick up/drop off people at Faro airport. Very noisy bar until 2am next to the place where they tend to put visitors. Was told that there was a long waiting list for long-term berths. Olhao is a lovely town and the marina facilities are good, but a decent walk from the pontoons.

 

[shan]

Anyone used Porto Recreio de Olhäo? I'm thinking of moving from Valencia to the Algarve this year so looking at all options.

I tried to get into Olhao but the waiting list makes it impossible.

 

[webcraft]

I tried to get into Olhao but the waiting list makes it impossible.

We were in for five days in September last year - probably won't ever do it again, the staff are a bit strange.

The guy with the MoBo in the berth next to us bought the boat that was i the berth then sold it - it was the only way he could get one.

- W

 

[webcraft]

We spent last winter in Portimao and it suited us well. CA discount, good facilities, town an easy bike ride away and Ferrogudo just over the river for beaches etc. We also spent a fair bit of time at anchor with no difficulties other than fishing boat wash.
There is definitely some surge in the north basin, other than a bit of squeaking it didn't affect us.
Ayamonte is good too but watch your depth, going out to sea at low water may not be advisable. Facilities not in great condition but functional. Good chandlers.

We liked Ayamonte and will be back for a visit this year. There are constant rumours of new facilities!

- W

 

[shan]

We liked Ayamonte and will be back for a visit this year. There are constant rumours of new facilities!

- W

The current facilities are somewhat lacking. I particularly don't like the fact that the outer door intermittently doesn't work and the door for the ladies facilities can be accessed by just about anyone, especially when the outer door is not working... and when it is, it can still be accessed by males walking past for their facilities.

 

[webcraft]

The current facilities are somewhat lacking. I particularly don't like the fact that the outer door intermittently doesn't work and the door for the ladies facilities can be accessed by just about anyone, especially when the outer door is not working... and when it is, it can still be accessed by males walking past for their facilities.

I agree. Probably more worrying for women than men.

- W