🇵🇹 Portugal marinas

Portugal's mainland coast runs from the northern ports near Spain to the Algarve. It combines open sandy shores, river estuaries, city harbours, and more sheltered bays in the south. Madeira and the Azores are far from the mainland and need separate route planning. 

The main season runs from April to October. The coast is usually dry and windy in summer. Atmospheric fronts are more frequent in spring and autumn. Ocean swell can remain at exposed harbour entrances and capes after the wind has dropped. 

Tides, currents, and sea state affect many harbour entrances. Watch fishing gear, traffic near Lisbon and commercial ports, and long stretches with few sheltered stops. Crossings to Madeira and the Azores should only be made with a stable weather forecast. 

Services are available along the whole coast. The largest choice of repairs, provisioning, and crew-change logistics is in the north, Lisbon area, and Algarve. The islands have important marinas and ports, but services are usually more limited than on the mainland. Book popular berths early in high season.