Sailing the Atlantic Coast to The Mediterranean (Spain & Portugal) - Digital Cruising Guide

Our honest, place-by-place cruising guide to 39 marinas and anchorages along the Atlantic coast of Spain and Portugal and on into the Mediterranean – from Gijón on the Bay of Biscay to Cartagena. ⛵️

This is the coast we sailed ourselves aboard our previous boat, a Bavaria 37, with our dachshund Nora as crew. Every stop is written from our own experience – the good, the bad and the rolly – so you know what to expect before you arrive: what it costs, how it felt to come in, and where to get a good coffee once you're tied up.

What each entry includes

• Quick facts: price per night (with boat size and season), or free for anchorages, depth, protection, berthing, assistance, fuel, facilities, Wi-Fi and provisioning.
• Dog-friendliness: walks, beaches and how easy it was to get ashore with a dog.
• Docking or anchoring: the approach, shelter and holding, and what to watch out for.
• Our experience & good to know: honest tips – what we liked, what we didn't, and what we wish we'd known.
• Food & surroundings: restaurants, bars and cafés we can (and can't) recommend, plus things to see ashore.
• An overall score out of 5 and a link to our YouTube video from the area.

The 39 places, north to south

• Northern Spain – Asturias & Galicia: Gijón, Cudillero, Punta del Hórreo (anchorage), Ribadeo, Viveiro, A Coruña, Camariñas, Muros, Cangas.
• Portugal: Viana do Castelo, Leixões (Porto), Nazaré, Peniche, Cascais, Sesimbra, Sines, Portimão (marina and anchorage), Culatra (anchorage), Olhão.
• Southern Spain – Atlantic coast: Guadiana River (anchorage), Ayamonte, Mazagón, Puerto Sherry, Cádiz, Barbate.
• Gibraltar & the Spanish Mediterranean: La Línea (anchorage), Alcaidesa, Sotogrande, Marbella, Fuengirola, Motril, Cala La Rijana, La Rábita, Almerimar, Cala de San Pedro, Bahía de Levante, La Azohía, Cartagena.

Format & delivery

• Format: Two versions of the guide, both included: an interactive Google My Maps guide and the full PDF guide (89 pages). The map is best on a laptop or tablet, and it also works on your phone.
• Instant delivery: Right after purchase you get an email and a download page with (1) the link to the interactive map and (2) the full PDF guide. Nothing is shipped.
• Interactive map: Opens in any web browser – no Google account needed. To use it in the Google Maps app, sign in with any Google account (you can create one with any email address). The map needs an internet connection.
• PDF guide: 89 pages covering all 39 places. Download it to your phone, tablet or laptop – it works offline and can be printed.
• Language: English.

Sustainability

Zero Paper for Cleaner Oceans 🌊
By choosing a digital guide over a heavy paper book, we save trees, eliminate shipping emissions, and keep unnecessary waste out of our oceans. Thank you for making a thoughtful, eco-friendly choice for your ship's library!

FAQ

Do I need a Google account?
No. The map link opens in any web browser without signing in, and the PDF needs no account at all. A Google account (free, can be created with any email address) is only needed if you want to use the map inside the Google Maps app.

How do I open it on my phone?
Simply open the map link in your phone's browser. Or, to use the Google Maps app: sign in with a Google account, open the map link once, and you'll then find the guide in the app under You (Saved) → Maps.

Does it work offline?
The PDF guide works fully offline. The interactive map needs an internet connection.

When do I get it?
Instantly – right after purchase, by email and on the download page.

Is it for navigation?
No. The guide is a planning companion based on our own experience. Always use official charts, pilot books and local notices for navigation.

Questions?
Email us at sailanddoxie@gmail.com – we're happy to help.