It was good to be back at sea and enjoying little flocks of Cory’s shearwater and tiny petrels. I remembered from last year the 63 mile long beach of golden sand backing onto high dunes and then one of the most extensive pine forests in Europe.

 

It was a long day and we arrived quite late. The security guard apologised for not meeting us and then took 37.50 Euros for one night’s stay. We then left his pontoon and motored to our allotted mooring a few metres away. To get back to the office by foot required a long walk back through the marina, along the quay at the end and then all the way back up the same distance again. A pedestrian bridge was promised but then we heard that last year. I think it more likely pigs will be seen flying around here. They were being somewhat naive to think that everyone would be prepared to walk that distance to use the facilities.

 

The marina was half empty, there were few people around and there was no evidence to suggest this was a well used and enjoyed place to stay, as we had seen elsewhere. We were told firmly to bring our card back or we would lose the 10 Euro deposit. Inside his clinical office the walls were bare, no evidence of club or sailing activities. He told us it was only a mile or so to walk to the bars in town. When I asked if there was anywhere to anchor out side the marina, having seen a couple of out of the way ideal spots on the way in, he replied anchoring was not allowed. I wondered how it was that fishermen could anchor but not us. It must be a local council policy as everywhere else we have visited in Portugal this global right to anchor has been well respected.

 

It seems the less a marina has to offer, the cooler the welcome, and the more spaces the higher the prices. A Catch 22 situation. Offer more, treat visitors well, set a sensible price and the revenue will roll in.