Cruising northern Spain

[Boat441]

We are thinking about cruising northern Spain next year for the summer.

I've met one couple who have, they gave me the idea, but I would very much welcome views and experiences from others who have done similar.

Much appreciated
Adj

(YBW forum member years ago and just coming back to it)

 

[duncan99210]

Do you mean the Altantic Coast? If so, I can't help other than saying go round the corner to the Rias, which are a brilliant cruising ground. If you're talking about the Med, then have a look at our blogs for 2012 which cover our summer in that part of the world.

 

[TonyMS]

We've cruised the N coast 4 times, in 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2009. The first and last cruises are written up on my web site. We visited lots of small ports, and hardly a marina, and enjoyed it greatly. Particular jewels, from W to E, are Castropol in the Ria de Ribadeo, Luarca, Ribadesella, Avilles and Lekeitio.

We found few people who spoke English, and enrolled in Spanish classes after the first cruise.

Enjoy

 

[GrahamM376]

We've twice sailed the coast from Gijon to Portuguese border but still haven't seen everywhere. Well worth the trip, lots to see, friendly natives and plenty of anchorages.

 

[Fascadale]

I took my boat to Galicia in 2013, brought her home in 2014, but am going back there this year. Its wonderful

 

[LadyInBed]

I also wandered round Galicia in 2013, write up here: http://montymariner.co.uk/destination-galicia/

 

[Neil_Y]

Few years ago now, cruised from Coruna to Gijon then back up to La Rochelle on our way back from Azores, really lovely interesting towns, anchorages and some nice sheltered harbours. Great food, people and not over run with tourists. I plan to go back some day.

 

[jimbaerselman]

N Spain & Biscay

N Spain and Biscay, and most of the useful habours around, are described and compared on http://www.jimbsail.info/tidal-europe/biscay/n-spain

It's been kept up to date by lots of forum members who have joined the site and added comments (and many thanks to those forumites!) so that should be a good starting point. Related pages cover French Biscay and Gaiicia.

If you want face to face time with a lot of people who have been there and done it, The Cruising Association (CA) are running an all day Biscay Seminar on Sunday 18th Jan - 10:00 til the bar opens - at CA house, on Limehouse Basin, London DLR access, £45 with Coffee, Lunch and tea included. See www.cruising.org.uk/node/25654 for details.

 

[Boat441]

Thank you all for your responses. I've had a very quick look at the blogs/websites and they look great; will certainly give me something to read through this winter; if we don't get blown away before hand !!!

Cheers

 

[pyrojames]

I have had brief cruises through the Rias on my way north/south in the past. I would love to go back and have a month there instead of a week!

 

[Peroo]

I have had brief cruises through the Rias on my way north/south in the past. I would love to go back and have a month there instead of a week!

Agreed - wonderful places, just wish we had more time to explore more........