Rio Guadiana

[hughdon]

We are originally from Fla with cruising experience in the Bahamas/Carribean.
We recently returned from the Portuguese 'Algarve' (east/west coast of Atlantic Portugal) and are returning to stay permanently. We particularly like the Rio Guadiana separating Portugal and Spain. This international boarder-river has numerous cruisers/liveaboards, most about 20 NM up river at Alcoutim (Portuguese side) and Sanlucar (Spanish side).
Good views can be found on Goolge Earth.

[PCP]

Another nice and protected places along the South coast of Portugal are Tavira, Olhão, Portimão and Alvor. In all you can stand on anchor protected. For Tavira and Alvor you need a draft not bigger than 1,8m. On Olhão the last time I saw it was not expensive to be on a sort of marina they have. You can stay also on anchor near by.

On the North Coast there are very few anchorages. You can try S. Jacinto (near Aveiro) and most of all Vila nova de Mil fontes. For this one you really need to have a decent tide and flat sea to enter, but once inside is a beautiful and sheltered place.

You have also not expensive marinas on Nazaré, Figueira da Foz e Viana do Castelo. You have more but these are the nicest places, near town. The three towns are nice but very different, being Figueira da Foz and Viana bigger towns.

Have a nice stay

[hughdon]

Thanks for your additions
Alvor
Tavira
Olhao
Culatra
Music to our ears
You are making us 'homesick'.
While it is not this subject thread, I want to add that Faro (near Olhao) is the best boat yard we have ever used.
Some cruisers who swallowed their hook live on the hard there.
Has there ever been a thread on 'best boat yards'?