Portugal and Atlantic Coast of Spain - places to stay

[SouthPark]

We're sailing back from the med in small stages over the next few years. We've just started - sailing from Ibiza to Almerimar last week. I'm trying to decide where the next stop should be. I've seen photos of the coast of Purtugal which make it look like it's worth some cruising time. Does anyone have any experience? I'm looking at the next week or two of cruising - from Almerimar on for 200-300 miles (that's 50-150 beyond Gibralter if I've measured accurately). Any places we really must stop? Any good marinas where we can leave the boat for a couple of months?

Many thanks,

SouthPark

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[migel]

im told by the spanish that"PUNTA UMBRIA" (HUELVA)is beautiful although i have not personaly been there. Lat 37 10 51.1N Lon 6 57 17.2W

or perhaps "AYAMONTE" (HUELVA) Lat 37 11 24N Lon 7 20 13W
if you want Tfno Nos or email addresses i have them of all the Andalucia
PUERTOS DEPORTIVOS/MARINASl


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[Sunnyseeker]

Didn't do much of the Portuguese coast, but the marina farthest from Lisbon is very nice for a long stay, Cascais, and an easy train trip into Lisbon, great shops, food etc.
Then must stops ( as far as we were concerned) Bayona, best yacht club in the world, then leave two weeks if the weathers good for the rias between Bayona and Finisterre, there is a new marina hiding up one ria in the North, ask at Bayona Yacht club.
Then round the corner Camarinas...lovely yoou have to stop, great yacht club easy fuel access, small, friendly, and there was a guy there who spoke perfect English from the yacht club.
Then once round the corner try and make it to Cediera another must stop!
Be carefull on the Portuguese coast if there is a large swell, the authorities close some harbours and wont answer on the VHF when you call to ask (as the operator rarely speaks good english) then if you go in not only can it be dangerous but you stand a good chance of getting your boat impounded, and a lengthy un planned stay. It happened to some friends we met, so check before you leave on the harbours up the coast with someone who speaks spanish. Its the ones between Lisbon and Bayona that are subject to swell in the entrances.
Whish I was there..

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[iangrant]

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.manorhouses.com/ports/geninfo.htm>http://www.manorhouses.com/ports/geninfo.htm</A> Gives a pretty good overview, I'd suggest investing in a pilot book!

Ian

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[tcm]

not sure only 300 will get you to the nicest bits, but go carefully towards gib this time of year the nasty gales start up - all the bang crash on an atlantic crossing seems to actually happen around here well before the actual crossing from tenerife. The headland around tarifa is jam packed with wind generators, tons of them, and hardly believing that a f4 20miles up the road at sotogrande cd be f8+ just a little way along at the straits (tarifa the narrowest point of straits) I rented a car and went and had a look and twas so windy i had too abandon a walk on the beach as my legs were getting ow ow whipped by the sand, aargh.

Anyway, to dump the boat 150miles further on from gib, vilamoura is obvious choice, near Faro airport. Not picturesque but big and protected, with brits (some of who may be posters hereabouts) who cd keep an eye on it.

I am told that it's good to visit seville, not down it meself tho.

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[cynthia]

Spent last winter in Portimao. Good place to leave the boat, very sheltered, good security. Whilst there very sociable community, good facilities. Excellent shops a short bike ride away. Sensible prices too. Some interesting places to explore. Some livaboards stay anchored off at Alvor.

New marina open at Olhao - v. close to Faro airport. Don't know how secure that would be or if the facilities have been finished. We were there in summer, super spot, but minimal facilities.

Climate much better on s. coast than Portuguese Atlantic, but if not a problem try Nazare. You'll get excellent service from Mike and Sally who provide secure, safe berthing.



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[snowleopard]

get 'Atlantic Spain & Portugal' pilot book. tells you all you need to know. would vote for lagos to leave the boat for a while in preference to villamoura.

bear in mind that the prevailing wind on the atlantic coast is northerly and can get very strong in autumn so allow lots of time.

we stopped at the following:

lagos (good)
sedes (fair)
lisbon (excellent & free)
sangenjo (good)
muros (anchor only)
la coruna (town moorings OK, ria anchorages great)

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