Povoa de Varzim : Profile

Location

Lying 10 nm N of Leixoes and only 18km from Porto airport, Povoa is a useful port. It is however not a particularly attractive one and although the town is over 100 years old, it has been taken over by high rise flats and hotels for tourists attracted by the long sandy beach.

A convenient stopover in the summer, but be aware that most of Portugal has fiestas in the summer and particularly in August the revelry can go on into the early hours.

Position 41° 22.2' N,8° 45.6'W.

Clearance

Clearance can be completed at the marina office. All yachts, whether from another Portuguese port or not, must present passports and ships papers at the office.

Last updated March 2010.

Docking

Approach
When entering, the northern breakwater should be given a wide berth as there is often breaking water at its extremity. In addition, there is an isolated rock close to the inside of the northern breakwater. After entering between the two breakwaters, turn to starboard passing around a row of unlit green buoys which mark shallow water near the breakwater.

Also, be aware that the entrance can be rough when there is a heavy swell running and on occasions, the harbour may be closed.

Moorings
The fishing boats use the northern part of the harbour and the marina lies in the southern section.

This marina provides an economical longer-term berth for cruising yachts. As with the majority of ports on this coast however, care should be taken if deciding to winter your boat here in the water, due to the surge that develops during southerly winter storms. Improvements to the breakwater during 2009 have helped dampen the swell somewhat. The marina reports that there are no more works planned on the breakwaters for 2010.

However, care should be taken with tying up your boat correctly to allow for surge, in particular in the winter and if leaving your boat for any length of time.

The marina has hard standing for approx. 100 yachts, ideal for winter storage although not as a place for winter repairs as electricity usage is limited. Hard standing should be booked in advance (see boatyards for further details).

Local contractors can be sourced via the marina, however there is very little available in the town in the way of boat parts.

Anchoring
Anchoring in the harbour is permitted provided that neither the marina entrance is impeded nor the fishing vessels using the northern breakwater. The NE corner of the harbour (in 3m) is a possible spot.

Last updated June 2011.

Marina da Povoa
Rua da Ponte no.2, 4490 Povoa de Varzim, Portugal
Tel:+351 252688121, Fax:+351 252688123, VHF Channel 09, 12, 16
http://www.marinadapovoa.com/, marinadapovoa@mail.telepac.pt
All facilities, now including fuel. 270 berths. There are about 50 berths for yachts of 10m or more with depth of at least 2.4m and 4 berths for yachts of up to 18m with depth of at least 3m.
On arrival, berth on the short hammerhead by the marina office and report to the office with passports and ship's paper. Water, gas (by arrangement) and fuel available from fishing dock. Some repairs possible. Bank, post office and train station close by (with links to Porto and airport). 35 ton travelift. Internet terminal in marina office.

Yacht Clubs

The Clube Naval Povoense
Rua da Ponte, nº 2 - apartado 24, 4490-523 Póvoa de Varzim
Tel:+351 252 622791 / +351 252 688121, Fax:+351 252 622791
www.clubenavalpovoense.com, clubenavalpovoense@mail.telepac.pt
Large premises overlooking south breakwater. Visiting yachts made welcome. Bar and restaurant. Wi-fi available. The restaurant does excellent, cheap daily lunch menus.

Page Sponsor

Marina de Lagos is the premier marina on Portugal's Algarve coast, located on the Bay of Lagos, among the best beaches in the Algarve. It is distinguished with the Euromarina Anchor Award, the European Blue Flag and the 5 Gold Anchor Award, and is proud of the comfort and safety of the facilities it offers.

www.marinadelagos.pt