Porto
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Revision as of 12:36, 20 March 2013
Porto, Portugal
 (Click links for more information)
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 | 41°08.35′N, 08°39.02′W |
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 | Photo gallery |
 | Local chartlet |
The historic city of Porto (also known as Oporto) is the second largest in Portugal after Lisbon. Situated on the west coast at the mouth of the river Douro, the city’s wealth of attractions and beautiful setting won it World Heritage Site status in 1996. Porto’s most famous export is the fortified wine produced from the vineyards lining the upper reaches of the river, which takes its name, port, from the place of production and bottling. Many of the famous port lodges still survive on the south bank of the river in the suburb of Vila Nova de Gaia. Until 2012 visiting yachts had the option of mooring in the grimy harbour of Leixoes on the coast five miles NW of the city centre or taking their chances alongside in the river. With the opening of the new Douro Marina at the mouth of the river, however, a visit to Porto is now much easier and more secure.
Click for larger view
Local Weather
See Portugal.
Charts
- British Admiralty charts
- 3633
- 3634
- 3254
- Portuguese charts
- 23201
- 24201
- 26401
- Imray chart
- C19
Radio Nets
Also see World Cruiser's Nets
Click for larger view
Coming from the north, the huge oil refinery of Petrogal Refinaria do Norte is conspicuous, two miles before the harbour of Leixoes. The entrance to the Douro river is a further two miles SSE, protected on the N side by a long breakwater the end of which is marked with a light structure with red and white bands. From the south, a yacht will pass along a detached breakwater protecting the river entrance from W (staying at least 100 metres off until arriving at the entrance) before turning to starboard past the end of the N breakwater. From the entrance there is a channel marked with four buoys and with average depths of 5.0 metres up to the entrance to Douro Marina on the S bank.
As with most harbours along this coast, there can be an uncomfortable swell at the entrance in strong winds and the breakwaters should be given a wide berth.
Check-in facilities (for Customs and Immigration)
Porto is a port of entry (details needed).
Berthing options
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
- Douro Marina - see separate Wiki entry
Anchorages
It may be possible to find a berth on the N side of the river past the road bridge; however, anchoring in the river is inadvisable (and possibly forbidden).
Yacht Repairs and Services
Marine Stores
See entry for Douro Marina
Repairs/Yards
See entry for Douro Marina
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
See entry for Douro Marina
Things to do Ashore
Tourism
The city of Porto is the second largest in Portugal and one of the country's most historic, a status which won it recognition in 1996 as a World Heritage Site. Among its numerous attractions are the old fishermen's quarter of Ribeira on the north bank of the Douro river, a maze of narrow streets and old houses with colourful facades. From here one can walk across the Dom Luis I bridge (which has fabulous views over the river) to the district of Vila Nova De Gaia, renowned as the centre of the port wine industry. Several of the port houses here do regular tours for visitors, for which advance booking might be required at busy periods. Some of the well-known port houses still maintain their traditional barcos rabelos boats, which were once used to transport wine down the Douro river to their cellars. Among the city's architectural attractions are the magnificent Baroque church of Sao Francisco, with its amazingly ornate gilded wood interior, and the almost equally impressive Renaissance church of Santa Clara near Porto's monumental 12th century cathedral (also worth a visit). To relax after a day's frantic sightseeing, walked up through the old town to the gardens of the Palacio Cristal, which is a lovely and peaceful spot to enjoy the evening sun. Hidden at one corner of the gardens is the delightful Solar do Vinho do Porto, a tasting centre with over 100 different ports to sample. Try a glass or three of the delicious Fonseca Scirocco Extra Dry on its sunlit terrace.
 Ribeira district, Porto |
 Traditional barco rabelo at Vila Nova da Gaia |
 Flower among the flowers, Porto |
Grocery & Supply Stores
Eateries
Internet/WiFi
See entry for Douro Marina
Laundry
Motorbike & Car Rentals
Numerous rental outlets in the city.
Garbage Disposal
Bins in the marina.
Transportation
- Airport of Francisco de Sá Carneiro (15 km to the NW)
- Trains to local and international destinations
- Metro system
- Bus and tram network
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.
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)
Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:
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Names: Haiqu, Athene of Lymington |
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| | HOMEPAGE | Wiki Contents | Western Europe | Portugal | Porto | |
