Viana do Castelo
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Viana do Castelo, Portugal
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 | Local chartlet |
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Viana do Castelo, some 12 miles south of the border with NW Spain, is the first Portuguese port encountered by most yachts cruising southwards down the Atlantic coast of the Spanish/Portuguese peninsula. It straddles the estuary of the River Lima and has been an important fishing and sailing harbour for nearly 700 years. Several of the expeditions of the Portuguese Age of Discovery in the 15th and 16th centuries departed from here to explore undiscovered lands such as the Congo in West Africa and the coast of Newfoundland. The town still retains many relics of its past, with a 15th century Gothic cathedral and 16th century main square, Praça da República. A small 160-berth marina 1.5 miles upriver from the entrance offers secure mooring with most facilities close to the heart of the old town.
Charts
- British Admiralty charts 3633, 3634, 3254
- Portuguese charts 23201, 24201, 26401
- Imray chart C19
Radio Nets
Also see World Cruiser's Nets
Local Weather
Local weather conditions?
Sources for Weather forecasts:
Keep outside the 20m contour when approaching from both N and S to avoid rocky ledges inshore. Once the long N-S breakwater at the entrance is identified, steer a course of 005° into the harbour. The entrance is dredged to 8.0 metres and entry is possible at all states of tide and in all weathers. In heavy weather, however, give the end of the breakwater at least 200 metres clearance. The channel is buoyed from just inside the entrance. Pass the fishing harbour to port and continue for just under a mile towards the steel bridge. The marina entrance will be seen to port just before the bridge. The rise and fall of tide here is up to 3.0 metres at springs and a combination of an ebb tide with the outflow from the River Lima can make entry to the marina quite challenging. The marina entrance is dredged to 3.0 metres.
Check-in facilities (for Customs and Immigration)
A swinging pedestrian bridge has been erected across the entrance to the marina. The bridge opens on the hour and on request (VHF channel 12). If it is closed on arrival, yachts can berth alongside on the temporary waiting pontoon just below the marina entrance. If the bridge is open, berth on the first pontoon to starboard inside the entrance. The marina office can be contacted on VHF channel 62 or telephone: +351 258 359 546. E-mail: [email protected].
Offshore Islands and Groups
List Islands
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
The Marina Viana do Castelo accommodates 160 yachts up to a maximum length of 18 metres on five pontoons. Minimum depth is the basin is 3 metres. Water and electricity on all pontoons. Toilets and showers. Fuel quay. Laundrette. Crane (56T). The marina is close to all the facilities in the town.
There are reportedly plans to construct a new marina in the fishing harbour downstream of the existing marina. It is unknown whether work has yet commenced.
Anchorages
None. Anchoring is prohibited in the river.
Yacht Repairs and Services
Marine Stores
Submit addresses and contact details of marine related businesses that are of interest to cruisers.
Repairs/Yards
Most mechanical and electrical repairs can be organized through the marina. Chandlery in the fishing harbour.
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
Fuel berth in the marina. Water and electricity on the pontoons.
Tourism and Things to do Ashore
Tourism
The marina lies close downstream of a somewhat unprepossessing steel bridge; however, the bridge’s claim to fame is that it was designed by none other then Gustav Eiffel (of Eiffel Tower, Paris fame). The old town west of the marina is very atmospheric, especially the main square of Praça da República, with its arcaded 16th century old town hall, Church of the Misericordia and Chafariz Fountain. The 15th century Gothic/Romanesque cathedral has some lovely 17th century woodcarvings inside. For those sound of wind and limb, the walk up to the impressively sited 19th century Neo-Byzantine Basilica of Santa Luzia on its eponymous hill overlooking the town is rewarded with superb views of the estuary. Wimps can take the funicular railway instead.
 The square of Praça da República |
 Street scene with Santa Luzia in the background |
 Typical Portuguese azulejo tiles |
Grocery & Supply Stores
Good Pingo Doce supermarket in the town. Daily fish and vegetable markets.
Eateries
- Os Tres Arcos in the old town is a great place for dinner.
Internet/WiFi
Available?
Laundry
Laundrette in the marina.
Motorbike & Car Rentals
Garbage Disposal
Bins at the marina.
Transportation
Transportation (local and/or international)
Routes/Passages To/From
Popular passages/routes, timing, etc.
Cruiser's Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forum Discussions
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
External Links
Links to relevant websites.
References & Publications
Publications, Guides, etc.
Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)
Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:
- April 2001 --Athene of Lymington 18:59, 22 March 2010 (UTC)
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
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| | HOMEPAGE | Wiki Contents | North Atlantic | Portugal | Viana do Castelo | |
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