Today’s adventure was a mesmerizing journey along the gorgeous coastline from Lisbon to Sesimbra. We decided to hug the shore to hopefully avoid any encounters with orcas, which made for a lovely voyage as we enjoyed close-up views of the rocky cliffs dotted with hidden beaches. Arriving in Sesimbra, a very active beach location...
Ever had that experience on a rollercoaster where you feel like your butt is leaving the seat as you accelerate down a hill? I felt that thrilling rush today as we headed out to the sea, sailing from Nazaré to Lisbon. After a late night out, I decided to sleep in, leaving Doug and...
We greatly enjoyed our visit to Nazaré, a charming and traditional town along Portugal’s beautiful Silver Coast. Historically a fishing center, Nazaré is now world-renowned for its colossal 30-metre waves that attract daredevil surfers from around the globe. Walking through the town, we were captivated by the Portuguese pavement, known as ‘calçada portuguesa,’ with...
We had a brief but delightful stop in the beautiful seaside resort town of Figueira da Foz—just enough time for laundry and another lovely dinner. Our walk around the town was a treat, highlighted by a stroll past the Coliseu Figueirense na Figueira da Foz, but unfortunately missed seeing an exhibit of the Portuguese...
Embarking on a Traditional Portuguese Food Tour in Porto turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip. Led by the charming and knowledgeable Harold, our group included fellow food enthusiasts from Coffs Harbour and Perth in Australia, England, and Florida. Together, we embarked on a culinary journey to explore Portuguese cuisine’s...
Our adventure in Porto began with a train ride into the heart of the city, where we spent the day meandering through its charming streets. Porto is famously linked to J.K. Rowling, who lived in the city for two years in the early 1990s while working as an English teacher, and it’s believed that...
We set sail for Porto on a relatively short day at sea, with the wind blowing a steady 10 knots at 60 degrees off the bow. Perfect conditions to pull out the gennaker, allowing us to cruise at an impressive 7 knots over ground. The most complicated part of the day, however, turned out...
Our journey took us to the delightful waterfront city of Viana do Castelo in northern Portugal, a hidden gem rich in history and culture and surrounded by breathtaking scenery. From the moment we arrived, we were embraced by the friendliness of the locals. Most spoke excellent English, a testament to the city’s cultural openness—evidenced...
For our last stop in Spain, we found ourselves in Vigo, a city nestled on the stunning northwest coast of Spain and known for its bustling port and rich maritime history. Needing to get some routine engine maintenance taken care of, we settled into a marina in the commercial district and then headed off...
Our journey from Muxía to Sanxenxo was blessed with a gorgeous sunny sky and temperatures hovering in the low 20s°C (70s°F). The winds did not pick up quite as much as predicted in PredictWind, resulting in an easy but long 11-hour sail. Still, we relished in the tranquil beauty of the sea. Sanxenxo, known...
