Portugal - Facts

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  • From the cruising point of view, mainland Portugal divides into two distinct areas, the west and the south. The ports on the west coast are situated mostly in estuaries or rivers often with bars at the entrance. Among them, the most interesting landfalls are the capital Lisbon set on the River Tagus, which can be navigated right up into the centre of the city and the new marina on the river Douro in the beautiful city of Oporto.
  • The Algarve coast in the south has better weather and easier approaches to its small picturesque ports. In recent years several new marinas have opened on both west and south coasts, which has greatly improved cruising the Portuguese coast.
  • An interesting cruising ground is the River Guadiana, which forms the border between Portugal and Spain. The river is navigable for some 20 miles as far as Pomarao, and the scenery, as well as the wildlife, are worth the detour. The bridge linking the two banks is reported to have an overhead clearance of at least 20 metres.
  • When transiting the coast of Portugal (and into Galicia, NW Spain), be sure to keep a good way offshore (at least 10NM) as lobster pots are everywhere on this coast, particularly in the approaches to harbours. Many are unmarked and those that are marked have no lights and are not easily seen.
  • The best repair facilities are concentrated in the three areas which have a local boating community: the capital Lisbon, Oporto on the west coast, Vilamoura marina and Lagos marina on the Algarve coast.
  • If heading into Portugal from Spain, be sure to top up your tanks before departure as diesel is cheaper in Spain than in Portugal. Note also that diesel is even cheaper in Gibraltar, and cheaper still in Morocco.

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  1. June 16, 2023 at 3:34 PM
    profile photo
    Sue Richards says:

    May 2023: Sines Marina (Porto de Recreio de Sines) is closed to visitors due to safety concerns raised on a survey this spring. https://www.noonsite.com/place/portugal/atlantic-coast-portugal/sines/

  2. July 14, 2022 at 12:27 PM
    pol says:

    AZORES ISLANDS,, WE WERE CHARGED HALF PRICE OF MARINA FEE PLUS ANOTHER 50% FOR BE A TRIMARAN ON MOST OF THE ANCHORAGES INSIDE HARBOUR(HORTA) AND ALSO OUTSIDE HARBOUR(ST JORGE) AZORIENS ARE GETTING GREEDY??’SO WAS 27 EUROS DAY OUTSIDE THE HARBOUR IN OPEN SEA , AND ON ANCHOR, MOST EXPENSIVE ANCHORAGE AROUND THE ATLANTIC,,,

  3. July 1, 2022 at 8:37 AM
    profile photo
    perry51 says:

    Trying to find the alleged Ramarine service folk in Sao Miguel, Ponto Delgada. Broken Autopilot, Terciera. Seems ridiculously difficult to find them. Anyone have a contact number

  4. January 25, 2022 at 9:00 PM
    profile photo
    sue-richards says:

    Orca Encounter Cascais, Portugal
    https://www.facebook.com/groups/588408531341472/
    From the Med Sailing FB page 21st January, 2022:
    We have just taken an Orca attack about 3 miles west of Cascais. Be aware they are currently here.
    We have rudder damage and are heading back to Cascais port. The attack lasted around 30 minutes. We shut off the engine and electronics but were advised my the MRCC to put the engine on and use reverse. It seemed to have worked. I counted 4 orcas and we are a Dufour 56 on engine at the time of the attack.

  5. December 8, 2021 at 5:45 AM
    jovita says:

    In Portimao we did a complete refit of our sailboat . We did use Rosa Cabral & Soares shipyard : great people very helpful .
    We did use DM Yacht to change our rigging : it was a disaster, very incompétent people who brought to us a lot of problems ( 7 months to finaly get our new rigging in good shape ) Thanks to Pete’s keeping who did fix all the mistakes done by DM Yacht .
    My email address is ” [email protected] ” If you need more infos about these people .and Portimao ..

  6. September 23, 2021 at 9:33 PM
    profile photo
    sue-richards says:

    Attention sailors apparently there was one interacting group of orcas in Peniche, and another one in Sines yesterday. Check out maps to plan your trips.
    From https://www.facebook.com/OrcaIberica/

  7. July 21, 2021 at 5:02 PM
    captnv says:

    Hey Guys,

    anyone knows where I can Launch my boat (MacGregor26x) into the water for cheap money in Portugal?
    Can’t wait to be on the water!

  8. February 8, 2021 at 7:10 PM
    carraig says:

    Hi all
    Ive purchased a 36ft Beneteau thats currently in the Lagos marina, the 6K a year is a little pricey for me, Ive just retired, does anyone know a more reasonably priced marina along the Algarve ?

    1. April 14, 2021 at 2:58 PM
      andyt says:

      Vila Real is the cheapest in Algarve but difficult to access with exposure to tide and wind. Cross the river into Ayamonte, Spain and an annual contract is about 1/2 the price of Lagos.

  9. July 13, 2020 at 12:52 PM
    nigel says:

    Bridge Height Rio Guadiana
    There is some discrepancy with the height of the suspension bridge on the Rio Guadiana – Noonsite suggests 20 metres but the Royal Cruising Club Imray Publication ‘Atlantic Spain and Portugal’ on page 273
    advises that the Portuguese charts show 18 metres. (referenced to Mean Sea Level)
    The Navionics Chart for the River also indicates 18 m.
    Clarification ?

    1. February 23, 2021 at 4:29 PM
      nfernandes says:

      H=18m

  10. July 9, 2020 at 10:09 AM
    kirsteen says:

    As bars and restaurants open up we are concerned about what happens if a member of the crew gets covid 19 on board. Does anyone have any information

    1. July 10, 2020 at 12:55 PM
      profile photo
      Sue Richards says:

      Some web links that you will find useful:
      https://covid19.min-saude.pt/ponto-de-situacao-atual-em-portugal/
      Users with suspected COVID-19 should contact the SNS24 line – https://www.sns24.gov.pt/
      It goes without saying that if visiting bars and restaurants, only pick establishments that have proper social distancing between the tables, have hand sanitizer with you and wear a mask when not sitting at your table eating etc. Follow the protocols in place in Portugal.

  11. March 20, 2020 at 4:02 PM
    Andromeda says:

    Portugal has declared a State of Emergency and as a consequence most marinas between Faro and Lisbon appear to be closed and crew are not being allowed to disembark.
    Making way to Lisbon to see if mornings can be found found and crew can catch flights out of Lisbon Airport!

  12. January 13, 2020 at 9:42 PM
    jamus10 says:

    Hi-ya
    Looking for a haulout yard where I can liveaboard and work on boat myself for a few weeks on the algarve or S. Spain
    11m Macwester bilge keeler
    Ta

    1. January 23, 2020 at 1:43 PM
      profile photo
      sue-richards says:

      I know you can at Sopromar in Lagos – https://www.noonsite.com/place/portugal/south-coast-algarve/lagos/repair-facilities/. Good place to work on boat as active winter community there.

  13. December 23, 2019 at 6:38 PM
    Toroa says:

    Hello,

    We have look for a chandelier on Madeira and we just find a great store today and the have a lot of products for motor our sailing boats.
    The address is

    Nautica Madeira Chacin
    Estrada do Garajau
    Sitio da Quinta

    You can reach it by Bus 113 SAM
    Our by car

  14. October 28, 2019 at 9:56 PM
    lopito says:

    Hi All,
    We are planning to have our 53’ sailboat interior re-varnished in Portugal. Does anyone has a yard to recommand for this ?

    Thanks.

  15. August 8, 2019 at 12:41 PM
    klausmarco3 says:

    how often in august fog on the
    west coast ?

    1. August 17, 2019 at 4:05 PM
      profile photo
      sue-richards says:

      July and August are the worst months for fog on the west coast of Portugal (much less prevalent on the SW coast). In Galicia it can last days sometimes, but in Portugal you might get one day a week with fog.

  16. July 13, 2019 at 1:41 PM
    BonAccord says:

    We spent the winter 18/19 in Portimao,which gave us time to visit the other marinas on the Algarve. Our boat is 54’on deck and 62′ LOA, full length keel.
    Lagos is very popular but cramped, we would not have had fun manoeuvring in there. Supermarket just across the road. Most expensive offer for a 9 months stay.
    Portimao, outside of town,bus service, not so many live aboards. Facilities good, plenty of space as well as sufficient water for the boats.Boatyard on other side of river, several english speaking. Middle price offer.
    Vilamora, rather shallow harbour, manoeuvring space on the small side, but good marineros. Lots of rather expensive restaurants and bars along the quays, tourists only, no traditional town or even supermarket.( 10 km to closest one). Hotels and golf courses galore. Expensive for a one night stop but cheapest winter offer.

  17. June 14, 2019 at 8:22 AM
    lagosnavigator says:

    The Lagos Navigators now have an active Facebook group. Please visit:
    https://www.facebook.com/groups/lagosnavigators/
    to join the group. There is lots of useful information about local services, activities and more……

  18. May 13, 2019 at 10:14 AM
    kjempe says:

    ‘Lights’ Tax: Renewed ours recently. Authorities now charge 70 euros/6-months. (was 2 euros/6 months)

    Kjempe.

    1. January 13, 2020 at 10:12 PM
      davehen says:

      Terceira in Azores asking for Engine Tax as well as Lights tax.50hp rates at €100

  19. November 23, 2018 at 10:02 PM
    Lynda Lim says:

    DND: Lack of product support, Integrity and Overpriced.
    I ordered an Osculatti holding tank with DND for my sailboat which was the original tank manufacturer installed. (The valve, tank, waste sensor and mascerator pump were all defective).
    Despite repeatedly indicating they would rectify the selling of poor quality equipment to me, DND has not stood by their word.
    Thus began what has turned into a 4+ month long struggle to attain a reasonable resolution. DND has for the most part taken the tack of complete lack of communication.
    I have spent an additional 500 Euros due to the poor quality of this Osculati tank, in an effort to have it function, and it still does not work. Katia, the owner (of DND), has promised me multiple times to take back the tank and refund my money. Katia now does not take my phone calls, I am assuming, she hopes this will just go away. On November 16th, I finally got (an email promising a refund) – yet still no refund.
    Additionally, DND, charged me €550 for the holding tank alone. I now have the original boat manufacturer providing a new tank AND installed for €520.
    My experience warrants a warning to reconsider using DND for any serious purchase which would require support.

  20. November 14, 2018 at 7:05 AM
    Data Entry5 says:

    On 12 NOV 2018 “Kleen Breeze”, the 20-m HarryProa schooner built by Robin Warde, was found missing from the anchorage at Culatra.

    A diver was seen on 13 NOV trying to recover her anchor. Apparently, the chain had been cut. Case has been reported to the Maritime Police.

    Please contact the authorities in case the boat is seen somewhere in Portugal, Spain or Morocco.

  21. November 3, 2017 at 7:04 AM
    Data Entry5 says:

    Warning re “Hot Marinas” on the Algarve coast. This summer there have been major corrosion issues on yachts in Villamoura and Lagos.

    Make sure you have a galvanic isolator fitted to the earth cable on your shore power connection before leaving your boat there. Do not leave the power connected for long periods when you are not on board.

    Six boats severely damaged in Villamoura with loss of expensive aluminium stern drives etc. Similar on F dock at lagos. Major anode loss on steel hull in a short period.

  22. October 16, 2015 at 7:04 AM
    Data Entry5 says:

    For cruisers who are passing through Lagos on the Algarve, there is a very active visitors/liveaboard group called the Lagos Navigators.

    They have a website (http://lagosnavigators.net) which maintains up to date cruising and local information and organize various activities. From September to June a twice-weekly VHF Net is broadcast at 09:30, Mondays and Fridays on Ch09.

  23. September 25, 2014 at 12:03 PM
    Data Entry5 says:

    As posted by Roelof Crevecoeur:

    You can get 20% discount if you ask for a voucher at the marina of Viano do Castelo. Douro Marina can give a voucher with 20% discount on the marina’s Oeiras, Troia, Lagos, Porto Santo and Quita do Lorde (Madeira), but you have to ask for it.

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