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Sailing in
the Costa del Sol, Spain
Spain is part of the European Union and
all EU and American nationals can visit the country for a period of no
longer than 90 days solely with a passport. EU national can apply for
a residency permit if they wish to extend their stay. Non EU nationals
can apply for a further 90 day extension. These regulations do not appear
to be enforced as far as the yachtsman living aboard is concerned. It
is advisable to clear customs if entering Spain for the first time. The
vessel's registration papers and the passports of crew members will be
required. A certificate of competence, evidence of the boat's VAT status,
a crew list with passport details, the radio license and a certificate
of insurance may also be required. A VAT (Value Added Tax) paid or exempt
yacht can apply for a "permiso aduanero" . This allows for an indefinite
stay in the country and can be helpful when importing yacht spares from
other EU countries. Boats registered outside the EU on which VAT has not
been paid may be imported into the EU for a period not exceeding six months
in any twelve, after that VAT becomes due. This period can often be extended
by prior arrangement with the local custom authorities. There is a legal
requirement for foreign vessels to fly their own national maritime flag
together with the courtesy flag of Spain.
It is worth considering the following equipment
when cruising this area. An SSB radio is useful for obtaining weather
forecasts. It is very hot in the summer and ventilation is important.
It may be worth fitting extra hatches and a wind scoop over the fore hatch
will help a lot. An awning or biminy, covering the cockpit, to provide
shelter from the sun is a must. A cockpit table is useful as eating outside
during the summer months is one of the pleasures of cruising. Mosquitoes
can be a problem and many boats screen all openings while others rely
on mosquito coils, insecticides and repellents. Sunburn is the other hazard
cruisers should be aware of, the sun can be deceptively strong while the
boat is underway, plenty of cream and a hat will go along way to avoid
the misery of sunstroke.
There is a constant east going current
of between 1 and 2 knots flowing through the straight of Gibraltar and
between the Costa del Sol and the north African coast. There is some tide
to be considered at the western end of the region, Gibraltar sees 1 metre
at most. This diminishes the further east traveled. The weather is affected
by several systems and is consequently difficult to predict. There is
an old saying that in the summer months nine days of light winds will
be followed by a full blown gale that is inaccurate. A wind from the northwest
is known as the "tramotana". It can be dangerous because it can arrive
and reach gale force in as little as 15 minutes. It often lasts for 3
days and can blow in excess of a week. The wind from the east, the "levante"
can also blow for several days at gale force. Annual rainfall at Gibraltar
is 760mm. The Costa del Sol will experience about 4 days a month of fog.
Summer temperatures can exceed 35 degrees C and the winter months see
around 15 degrees.
The remainder of this article looks principally
at the harbours of the Costa del Sol. There are also numerous anchorages
bbut only a few of the notable ones are mentioned here.
Marina Bay is largest of Gibraltar's
three marinas with 350 berths. Most berthing is stern/bow to. Larger yachts
can lie alongside. Water and electricity on the pontoons. Within the complex
you will find a chandlers, launderette and a good selection of restaurants
and bars. There is an indoor market less than 5 minutes walk from the
marina. Queensway Marina is much quieter than Gibraltar's other two marinas.
Security is excellent with all the pontoons being gated. Within the complex
you will find several restaurants and bars. Gibraltar itself was ceded
from the Spanish to the British in the early 18th century and for most
of it's history since that time Spain has been trying to get it back.
There is evidence of this wherever you go on the rock. The rock itself
is honeycombed with tunnels constructed at one time or another for the
purposes of adding to the defences of Gibraltar. Many of the older tunnels
are open to the public and feature exhibitions of how life was for the
soldiers of the day. Many of the tunnels are most definitely not open
to the public and there is considerable speculation as to what might be
seen in these. You can see Rosia Bay where Admiral Lord Nelson's body
was bought ashore from HMS Victory following his famous victory over a
combined French and Spanish fleet at the Battle of Trafalgar. Nelson's
body was returned to Britain for a hero's funeral but many of the seamen
who died alongside him in the battle are buried on the rock at the Trafalgar
cemetery. Take a cable car ride to the top of the rock, stunning views
of Spain and across the straights to Morocco. Up here you will also find
the famous colony of Barbary apes. Rumor has it that only when the apes
are no more will the British leave the Rock. A rumor taken seriously by
Winston Churchill, the Prime Minister of Britain during the Second World
War, who on learning of their dwindling population ordered more to be
bought to the Rock from Africa.
Puerto de Sotogrande is an attractive
marina complex surrounded by apartments, shops, bars and restaurants.
The overall design has been inspired by Portofino. There are sandy beaches
to either side of the marina and golf, riding, tennis and squash courts
nearby. One of the most expensive marinas on this part of the coast.
One of my favorites is Puerto de la Duquessa.
Not too big and not to noisy. The marina is surrounded by apartments,
shops, restaurants and bars. The marina offers free medical care to it's
users. There are sandy beaches either side of the marina. The village
of Sabinillas is 5 minutes walk to the north. Another bus will take you
to the village of Casares which clings to the side of a mountain. Marbella,
popular with the rich and famous is another bus journey away. Don't expect
to see the famous on the bus though, they are the ones in the Ferraris.
Hire a car and drive up to the picturesque town of Ronda.
Puerto de Estapona is a medium sized
marina with the usual development of restaurants and bars.
Puerto de Jose Banus, the marina of the
rich and famous and the prices reflect this. Whitewashed, Andalucian style
building surround the marina, hosting boutiques, bars, restaurants and
night clubs. There are several Yacht Charter and Yacht Brokerage operations
within the marina complex. Marbella is 15 minutes away by car or bus.
Good beach to the west of the marina which belongs to the hotel and allows
berth holders access. This can be arranged at the control tower. Many
golf courses in the area.
The small marina at Puerto de Marbella
is surrounded by tourist developments. The marina can be noisy at night
during the summer months. Wind from the east, south and southwest can
produce a heavy swell within the harbour. Be prepared to double up on
lines. Beaches on either side of the marina but these get very crowded
during the summer months. The town itself is well worth exploring. Don't
miss the famous Orange Square which can be found at the heart of the city
centre.
Puerto de Cabopino is a pleasant, small
harbour surrounded by Andalucian style houses which makes a nice change
from the normal high rise developments. Good shelter within the harbour.
Limited space for transient yachts and it is recommended that you call
ahead to confirm there is a berth available. Marina charges are on the
high side. Cabopino beach, with it's fine sand is reckoned to be one of
the best on the Costa del Sol
Good shelter can be found at Puerto de
Fuengirola. The nearby town is both noisy and very busy during the summer
months. All provisions can be obtained in the town. There are good beaches
on either side of the marina but these get very crowded during the summer
months.
Puerto de Benalmadena is a huge marina
with over 150,000 square metres of water. There is good shelter with the
only swell being experienced in a W gale. Whilst the surrounding area
is the usual overpowering high rise blacks the marina itself is quite
attractive. It was named best marina in the world in both 1995 and 1998.
There are over 200 commercial premises including boutiques, night clubs
and the usual numerous restaurants and bars. There is also a sea life
centre. There are good beaches on either side of the marina. Malaga airport
is just 8 km away.
Puerto de Malaga is the major commercial
and fishing port of the Costa del Sol. The only facilities for yachts
are at the Real Club Mediterraneo de Malaga and there is little room for
visitors. Malaga, known as the "City of Flowers" is both interesting and
charming. It can be reached on foot from the port.
The small harbour of Puerto del Candado
is found 3.5 miles E of Malaga. Suitable for vessels drawing 2m or less.
With strong winds from the W - SW considerable swell builds up and the
harbour becomes uncomfortable. Harbour charges are low
Puerto de Puerto Caleta de Velez is a
quiet fishing harbour 22 miles to east of Malaga. There are beaches on
either side of the marina.
The anchorages of Fondeadero de Neja
and Cala de Miel are both worth a visit. Cala de Miel has a fresh water
spring.
Marina del Este is a purpose built marina
set amongst a huge housing development in a beautiful area. Wind from
NE - E produces a limited amount of swell within the marina. Harbour charges
are high in the summer months. There is a small beach close to the harbour
and a pool at the yacht club. There are prehistoric caves to be seen at
Nerja. The city of Granada and the famous Alhambra can be seen in a days
trip. As can the Alpahurras valley, with it's charming villages, towered
over by the magnificent Sierra Nevada.
Once a small fishing port, Puerto de
Motril has developed into a commercial port serving the inland city of
Granada. Beaches on either side of the harbour.
The harbour of Puerto de Adra was founded
by the Phoenicians and has been in use ever since. Today it is both a
commercial and fishing port. The continual movement of the fishing boats
makes for much disturbance. Facilities are limited. Harbour charges are
high. Beaches on either side of the harbour. Adra town is small and has
little in the way of development for tourism.
Puerto de Almerimar, a very large marina
with the capacity for over 1,000 boats. Excellent shelter from everything
but strong SW winds when some swell can build up towards the entrance
of the harbour. Prices are low. Astonishingly so compared to some other
marinas on the Costa del Sol. Sandy beaches on either side of the marina.
This part of the coast is covered with plastic greenhouses, it has to
be seen to be appreciated both for the vast number of acres under cover
and it's ugliness.
Puerto de Roquetas del Mar is a small
fishing harbour. Strong winds from the SE - NE make the harbour uncomfortable.
Good shelter can be found at Puerto de
del Aguadulce except with wind from the ESE which can cause some swell
making conditions uncomfortable. The marina can cater for some 150 boats.
The complex includes a swimming pool and squash court. Sandy beaches to
the S with waters clean enough to merit a blue CE flag. Two 18 hole golf
courses.
The Puerto de Almeria is a commercial
& fishing port. Yachts use the Club de Mar del Almeria. There are several
large rusty industrial structures close by a dominating the view and giving
the place a rather grim feel. Overall the shelter is good but strong winds
from the E produce swell that makes it uncomfortable within the marina.
The Alcazaba in Almeria, a Moorish castle, is well worth a visit.
Ken Jones runs a
Sailing Site. More information about Cruising can be found
here To find other Marine Services on the Costa del Sol visit the
Marine Directory.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ken_Jones
For more information about certain sports, leisure
and entertainment, please
click the links below:
Sports,
Leisure & Entertainment - Golf
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Excursions - Kids on
the Costa
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