Figueira do Foz
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Figueira do Foz, Portugal
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Figueira do Foz is a coastal resort and harbour at the mouth of the River Mondego, 65 miles south of Leixoes and 45 miles north of Nazare. It is the closest port to the historic Portuguese former capital of Coimbra 40 kilometers inland. An important centre of shipbuilding and manufacturing during the 18th and 19th centuries, the city (as it became in 1882) developed into a popular tourist destination during the 1920s and 30s and its two mile long sandy beach and renowned casino still attract legions of tourists today. In addition to accommodating a thriving fishing fleet, the port handles several thousand tonnes a year of woodpulp, paper and glass products for locally based manufacturers. Upriver of the port on the north bank in the heart of the town is a small marina which can accommodate yachts of up to 25 metres. Shelter in the river is good, but the entrance can be dangerous in strong onshore winds. With a very high swell, the port is closed altogether.
Charts
British Admiralty 3634; 3635; 3253 Portuguese 23202; 24202; 26404 Imray C19
Radio Nets
Also see World Cruiser's Nets
Local Weather
The prevailing winds along this coast are the northerly trade winds, which blow at force 4/5 most days during the summer. Occasional Atlantic depressions (thankfully rare during the summer) can bring strong onshore winds and heavy seas, in which case it would be unwise to attempt the entrance.
Sources for Weather forecasts:
From the north, the entrance to the river, protected by two breakwaters, will be encountered about 2.5 miles after clearing Cabo Mondego. The suspension bridge upriver above the marina is conspicuous. From the south, the coniferous forests along the shore give way to the outlying suburbs of the city about a mile before the river entrance. Enter between the breakwaters on a course of 083°. The entrance is dredged to a minimum depth of 7.0 metres, but a swell builds up here in any onshore winds. Very strong onshore winds cause the swell to pile up in huge standing waves, making the entrance dangerous. Such situations are mercifully not encountered very often in summer, but it is not unusual for the harbour to be closed altogether during strong winter gales. Ideally, try to arrive at the entrance during the last two hours of a rising tide, when the river current will be largely counteracted by the tidal current. The marina entrance is about 750 metres upriver on the port side. If arriving on the ebb tide, beware of strong cross-currents which can cause eddies in the marina entrance. Note: during 2009 work was in progress to extend the northern breakwater to improve shelter in the river (update needed).
Check-in facilities (for Customs and Immigration)
Call Marina de Figueira do Foz on channel 09 or telephone: +351 233 402 910. Alternatively, there is an arrivals pontoon immediately inside the entrance. Tie up on arrival and report to the marina office.
Offshore Islands and Groups
None.
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
- Marina de Figueira do Foz has a total of 330 berths on finger pontoons. The maximum length that can be accommodated is around 16 metres. Maximum draft 5.0 metres. Water and electricity at all berths. Toilets and showers. Fuel berth. Laundry.
- The small yacht club of Clube Nautico de Figueira do Foz is adjacent to the marina. Bar and restaurant. Telephone: +351 233 428019.
Anchorages
None.
Yacht Repairs and Services
Marine Stores
Submit addresses and contact details of marine related businesses that are of interest to cruisers.
Repairs/Yards
Some repairs can be organized through the marina office.
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
Fuel station in the marina. Water and electricity at all berths.
Tourism and Things to do Ashore
Tourism
The town of Figueira do Foz is quite pleasant for a tourist resort and has one of the hugest beaches you are ever likely to see, but (unless you fancy a spin at the casino) is unlikely to take more than a morning of your time. The best day trip from Figueira is the ancient town of Coimbra, the former Portuguese capital, which can be reached via a regular train service. Coimbra is a maze of picturesque and steep streets, with lots of old Manueline houses in the old part of town. The university is one of the oldest in Europe, having been founded in 1290, and its architectural jewels include a sumptuous gilded library, a mediaeval chapel covered with azulejo tiles and a beautiful ceremonial hall. Don’t miss the impressive view from the gallery of the hall out over the River Mondego. Also worth a visit in Coimbra is the 16th century Monastery de Santa Cruz with its magnificent Manueline chapel and sacristy, with some more excellent examples of 17th century azulejo tiles.
 The 13th century Coimbra University |
 Belltower, Coimbra University |
 Coimbra old town |
 Monastery of Santa Cruz, Coimbra |
Grocery & Supply Stores
- Supermarket and shops close to marina.
Eateries
Internet/WiFi
Available?
Laundry
Motorbike & Car Rentals
Garbage Disposal
?
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 18:44, 22 March 2010 (UTC)
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
- We entered Figueira do Foz in a SW 4/5 and it was a bit of a sleigh-ride (exciting but not dangerous). I wouldn’t want to do it in anything above force 5/6 unless it was from due north OR unless the breakwater extension has really made a difference - s/y Athene of Lymington.
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