Northern Spain

[Guest]

We are doing the Brixham /Santander Race in the middle of July and it would be nice if anyone out there knows the area. Seeing as how we have no need to rush back a few days on the N. Spanish coast looks inviting. The question is where is best? Ideally a bit of day sailing from Santander before we head up to S. Brittany would be perfect. Any input gratefully received.

 

[Guest]

Northern Spain is a gorgeous and unspoilt cruising area. It gets better the futher west you go, and I prefer to avoid the big ports of Bibao, Santander and Gijon. If possible start to the west of Gijon, and cruise towards Corunna visiting as many of the fishing ports as possible. Those in Galicia are better than those in Asturias. Many are very like steep-sided Cornish villages. It is a popular tourist area with the Spanish, and there are few foreigners. Some harbours need care to enter, but do not be too discouraged by the pilot guides. The weather is rather changeable in summer, and fog is quite common.