I navigate in Portugal

Introduction

Navigating in Portugal means exploring a long coastline facing the Atlantic Ocean, from the Spanish border to the Algarve, with very different nautical environments: rocky shores, cliffs, beaches, exposed headlands, estuaries, lagoons, commercial ports and marinas. Portugal is also an important stage for sailing between Europe, Madeira, the Azores, the Canary Islands, Cape Verde and North Africa.

Portuguese navigation includes both coastal cruising and offshore passages. Atlantic swell, prevailing winds, local effects of coastal relief, currents, tides and changes in depth make appropriate nautical documentation essential for each area.

A nautical chart of Portugal should be selected according to the area being sailed and the stage of navigation: a general chart for planning a route along the coast, a coastal chart for coastal cruising, an approach chart for reaching a port and a detailed harbour plan for port entrances or complex areas.

Navigating along the northern coast of Portugal

In the north, the Portuguese coast naturally continues the sailing route from Spanish Galicia. This part of the Atlantic includes Viana do Castelo, the mouth of the Douro, Porto and Leixões.

Viana do Castelo is an important stopover for sailors heading south from Galicia. Further south, approaching Porto requires particular attention to the mouth of the Douro and to sea conditions, which can become difficult near the river bar.

The port of Leixões is one of the main maritime gateways to the Porto region. Nautical charts make it possible to identify depths, hazards, buoyage systems, port areas and approaches.

For navigation between Galicia and Porto, Imray charts provide coverage of the coast between A Coruña and Porto, including plans of Viana do Castelo, Leixões and the mouth of the Douro.

Navigating between Porto and Lisbon

The central Portuguese coastline offers a succession of ports, beaches, headlands and coastal areas exposed to the Atlantic.

Areas to consider include Aveiro, Figueira da Foz, Nazaré, Peniche, the Berlengas Islands, Cascais and Lisbon.

Figueira da Foz is located near the mouth of the Mondego River. Nazaré and Peniche are also prominent points along the Portuguese coast. The Berlengas Islands, offshore from Peniche, require particular attention when planning navigation around the archipelago.

As Lisbon is approached, navigation becomes closely associated with the Tagus estuary. The area includes Cascais, the entrance to the Tagus, the approaches to Lisbon and several port areas.

A detailed nautical chart provides a better understanding of approaches, depths, channels and buoyage. The Portuguese Hydrographic Institute publishes charts covering the approaches to Cascais, the Tagus bars and the approaches to the port of Lisbon.

Lisbon, Cascais and Cape Roca

Lisbon is a strategic point for Portuguese navigation. Located at the head of the Tagus estuary, the Portuguese capital is connected to the Atlantic Ocean by a large maritime area including Cascais and Cape Roca.

Cascais is a major stopover for sailors passing along the Portuguese coast. Cape Roca, one of the most prominent points on the western European coastline, is also located in an area particularly exposed to Atlantic conditions.

Navigation in this area requires charts providing sufficient detail concerning approaches, depths, hazards and navigational aids.

Portuguese nautical charts are therefore used both to prepare an arrival in Lisbon and to continue south towards Sines and the Algarve.

Navigating along the Alentejo coast

Between Lisbon and the Algarve lies a coastline largely exposed to the Atlantic Ocean. Sines is one of the principal ports along this section of the Portuguese coast.

Navigation around Sines requires consideration of major port infrastructure and potentially significant ocean conditions. Further south, the coastline gradually becomes more rugged, particularly when approaching Cape São Vicente.

A nautical chart covering the Alentejo coast makes it possible to prepare a passage between Lisbon, Setúbal and Sines before continuing towards the Algarve.

Imray provides coverage of the coastline between the Ria de Aveiro and Sines, including plans of Figueira da Foz, Nazaré, Peniche, Cascais, Lisbon, Setúbal and Sines.

Navigating in the Algarve

The Algarve is a very popular sailing area, with a southern coastline facing the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Cádiz.

Major ports and nautical areas include Lagos, Portimão, Albufeira, Vilamoura, Faro and Vila Real de Santo António.

Lagos and Portimão are important stopovers for sailors following the southern coast. Vilamoura is also a major marina. To the east, Faro and the Ria Formosa offer a different nautical environment, characterized by islands, sandbanks, channels and shallow-water areas.

Navigation in the Ria Formosa therefore requires sufficiently detailed charting and particular attention to depths, channels and tidal conditions.

At the eastern end of the Algarve, Vila Real de Santo António lies on the Guadiana River, close to the Spanish border. Its location makes it an interesting stopover for sailors continuing towards Andalusia and the Strait of Gibraltar.

Cape São Vicente and southwestern Portugal

Cape São Vicente is a major geographical landmark on the southwestern coast of Portugal. Located at the western end of the Algarve, it marks a transition between the western coastline and the southern coast.

The area is directly exposed to the Atlantic Ocean. Swell, wind and weather conditions must therefore be incorporated into route planning.

For sailors travelling south from Lisbon towards Lagos, Portimão or Gibraltar, charting should make it possible to plan the passage around the cape and the approaches to the various ports.

Portugal and the major Atlantic routes

Portugal occupies a strategic position for offshore sailing. One route can connect France with the Iberian Peninsula before following the Portuguese coast towards Madeira and the Canary Islands. Another can reach the Azores from mainland Portugal before continuing towards northern Europe or North America.

General or ocean charts allow these routes to be planned at a small scale. They provide an overall view of the Atlantic and make it possible to position Portugal in relation to Spain, Madeira, the Azores, the Canary Islands and North Africa.

Coastal charts then provide the appropriate level of detail for navigation along the Portuguese coastline.

This distinction between ocean chart, coastal chart, approach chart and harbour plan is essential for having the appropriate level of detail at each stage of a voyage.

Portuguese nautical chart publishers

Several hydrographic services and publishers provide coverage of Portugal.

The Portuguese Hydrographic Institute, Instituto Hidrográfico, produces official nautical charts for Portugal in both paper and electronic ENC formats. Its charts represent depths, underwater hazards, seabed characteristics, landmarks and navigational aids.

The Admiralty, published by the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office, also provides extensive coverage of the western coast of the Iberian Peninsula. Admiralty Sailing Directions covering the western coasts of Spain and Portugal complement the charts with detailed nautical information.

Imray is particularly well established in recreational and cruising charting. Its charts C48, C49 and C50 cover areas between A Coruña, Porto, Aveiro, Sines, Gibraltar and the Strait of Gibraltar.

NV Charts also provides atlases covering the Atlantic coastline between Vigo and Gibraltar, suitable for recreational sailing along the Iberian Peninsula.

Paper charts and electronic charts

Paper charts remain particularly useful for planning coastal or offshore navigation. They provide an overview of an area, allow routes to be plotted and distances calculated, and provide a navigation resource independent of electronic equipment.

Electronic navigational charts, or ENC, are produced according to international hydrographic standards. In Portugal, the Instituto Hidrográfico produces ENCs according to the S-57 standard, with a progressive transition towards the S-101 standard.

For recreational sailing, digital charting systems such as Navionics and C-MAP can also be used when compatible with the onboard chartplotter or navigation software.

Additional nautical documentation

Navigation in Portugal does not rely solely on the nautical chart. Depending on the voyage, it can be supplemented by Sailing Directions, harbour guides, lists of lights, tide tables, weather information and regulatory publications.

The Portuguese Hydrographic Institute publishes Sailing Directions containing information on climatology, regulations applicable in Portuguese ports, hazards, port facilities and maritime features. It also publishes tide tables and meteorological information for the relevant maritime areas.

For an international voyage, it is also important to ensure continuity of documentation between Portugal, Spain, Madeira, the Azores, the Canary Islands and, where applicable, Morocco.

Main ports and sailing areas in Portugal

The main ports and sailing areas to consider include:

• Viana do Castelo;

• Porto and the mouth of the Douro;

• Leixões;

• Aveiro;

• Figueira da Foz;

• Nazaré;

• Peniche and the Berlengas;

• Cascais;

• Lisbon and the Tagus estuary;

• Setúbal and the mouth of the Sado;

• Sines;

• Lagos;

• Portimão;

• Albufeira;

• Vilamoura;

• Faro and the Ria Formosa;

• Vila Real de Santo António.

This succession of ports covers a large part of Portuguese coastal navigation, from the Spanish border to the Guadiana River.

Conclusion

Navigating in Portugal means sailing along a coastline directly exposed to the Atlantic Ocean, with very different conditions between the north, central coast, Alentejo and Algarve. Navigation may be coastal, offshore, harbour-based or transatlantic, resulting in different charting requirements.

A nautical chart of Portugal should therefore be selected according to the area, scale and intended voyage. A general chart is suitable for planning a long-distance route, while a coastal chart, approach chart or harbour plan becomes necessary as the vessel approaches the coastline.

The Instituto Hidrográfico, Admiralty, Imray, NV Charts and the various producers of digital charting provide coverage for the main navigation requirements between Galicia, Portugal, Madeira, the Azores, the Canary Islands, the Algarve and the Strait of Gibraltar.

FAQ – Navigating in Portugal

Which nautical chart should I choose for sailing in Portugal?

The choice depends on the area and type of navigation. A general or coastal chart is suitable for a passage along the coastline, while a larger-scale chart is preferable for port approaches, estuaries and areas such as the Ria Formosa.

Which chart should I use between Galicia and Portugal?

A chart covering the Atlantic coast between Galicia and Portugal allows the overall route to be planned. More detailed charts can then be used for approaches to Viana do Castelo, Porto, Leixões and other ports.

What are the main nautical charts of Portugal?

Official nautical charting is produced by the Portuguese Hydrographic Institute. Other publishers such as Admiralty, Imray and NV Charts also provide charts covering all or part of the Portuguese coastline.

Which chart should I use for sailing around Lisbon?

A detailed chart of the Tagus estuary and approaches to Lisbon is particularly appropriate. It allows navigation to be planned between Cascais, the entrance to the Tagus and the port of Lisbon.

Which chart should I choose for sailing in the Algarve?

A chart covering the southern coast of Portugal allows navigation to be planned between Lagos, Portimão, Albufeira, Vilamoura and Faro. More detailed charting is particularly useful in the Ria Formosa.

Is navigation in the Ria Formosa different?

Yes. The Ria Formosa contains islands, sandbanks, channels and shallow-water areas. Tidal conditions and changes in channels must be taken into account using up-to-date nautical documentation.

What are the main ports in Portugal?

The main ports and stopovers include Viana do Castelo, Porto, Leixões, Figueira da Foz, Peniche, Cascais, Lisbon, Setúbal, Sines, Lagos, Portimão, Vilamoura, Faro and Vila Real de Santo António.

What is the best route down the Portuguese coast?

The route depends on the vessel, season, weather and desired stopovers. A passage may connect Galicia with Viana do Castelo, Porto, Figueira da Foz, Peniche, Lisbon, Sines and the Algarve before continuing towards Spain and the Strait of Gibraltar.

Is Portugal exposed to heavy swell?

The western coast is directly exposed to the Atlantic Ocean and can experience significant swell, particularly during adverse weather conditions. Cape and river-mouth approaches require particular attention to sea conditions.

What additional documents should be used with a nautical chart of Portugal?

Depending on the voyage, it can be useful to have Sailing Directions, lists of lights, harbour guides, tide information, weather data and regulatory information applicable to the areas being visited.