Povoa de Varzim - Docking
Approach
When entering, the northern breakwater should be given a wide berth as there is often breaking water at its extremity. In addition, there is an isolated rock close to the inside of the northern breakwater. After entering between the two breakwaters, turn to starboard passing around a row of unlit green buoys which mark shallow water near the breakwater.
Also, be aware that the entrance can be rough when there is a heavy swell running and on occasions, the harbour may be closed.
Moorings
The fishing boats use the northern part of the harbour and the marina lies in the southern section.
The marina here (photo courtesy of Kieran Higgs) provides an economical longer-term berth for cruising yachts. As with the majority of ports on this coast, however, care should be taken in deciding to winter your boat here in the water, due to the surge that develops during southerly winter storms. Improvements to the breakwater have helped dampen the swell somewhat. However, care should be taken with tying up your boat correctly to allow for surge, in particular in the winter and if leaving your boat for any length of time.
The new security gates installed at Povoa Marina do also operate with traditional magnetic cards, which are available for those visitors who would rather not register biometric data (fingerprinting) with the marina.
The marina has hard standing for approx. 100 yachts, ideal for winter storage although not as a place for winter repairs as electricity usage is limited. Hardstanding should be booked in advance (see boatyards for further details).
Local contractors can be sourced via the marina, however, there is very little available in the town in the way of boat parts.
Anchoring
Anchoring is not permitted in the bay.
Last updated: September 2018
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Related to following destinations: Atlantic Coast (Portugal), Portugal, Povoa de Varzim
Port Navigation
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Breaking waves over the sea wall with a 3m westerly swell and high spring tides made this a very uncomfortable marina for some. Larger yachts on the hammerheads suffered badly during our stay and the harbour was closed for a time.
We anchored on arrival. During customs check in we were told by marina staff that anchoring was not permitted, but then the marina manager negotiated permission from HM for us to stay on anchor for several days, due to conditions as above.
Great base from which to visit Porto – about an hour by Metro, plus a 15 minute walk to the station.
We anchored in the NE corner of the harbour for one night with no problem. The lifeboat passed and waved. Later, in the marina, we were informed that anchoring is not permitted in the bay and we would have been visited by the police at some point.
2 recent visits resulting in 3 and 2 days stay. Very welcoming. Very cheap versus other marinas. Up to 12 meters, 18€ Per night !!! All services included. Lots of room, very good showers and all.
Best price yet for laundry. Porto Metro station less than 1km from marina; easy walk. Maybe noisy, with partying across the harbour.
Best place to leave the boat to visit Porto or a trip up the Douro by train for a couple day. Drawback: regular wash/surge in the harbour, got to work your lines to minimize discomfort.