The Strait of Gibraltar

Course for the Costa del Sol
From Vigo through the Strait of Gibraltar to Malaga

The brig 'Eye of the Wind' now sets off with her crew on the next stage of her late-summer connection cruise from the North Sea to the Mediterranean. Starting from the Spanish port of Vigo, the sailing trip takes you along the Portuguese coast and then through the Straits of Gibraltar to Malaga on the Costa del Sol.

Vigo: National Park, beautiful beach and fishing port

The starting point of this trip is Vigo on the Atlantic Ocean. The largest city in Galicia is characterised by its harbour with its large fishing fleet. Worth seeing are the old town with its historic Berbés fishing district, the old fort Castro, and the major shopping streets in the city centre. The Ponte de Rande, a bridge across a narrow part of the Riá de Vigo, is also a nice photo opportunity at any time of the day. Nature lovers will spend the duration of their stay on the Playa de Samil, the city’s largest beach, or on one of the offshore islands such as

Monteagudo or Illa do Faro. Here you’ll find a recreational area with dreamy beaches that are considered some of the most beautiful in the world, as well as a nature reserve which provides an opportunity for bird watching.

The Ciès Islands are a national park and recreation area in the Atlantic just a few miles off the coast of Vigo. (Photos courtesy of Turismo de Vigo). 

Many international airlines connect the Peinador airport to all major Spanish cities, as well as Paris, with daily flights.

The compass points to relaxation

After a safety briefing, you'll soon hear the order "Ready to set sail!" and we'll head out to sea. Each day is completely unique: observing nature, the constant changing of wind and weather conditions, and getting to know the crew and fellow sailors provide variety and entertainment. During our journey along the western coast of the Iberian Peninsula, you can of course choose to join in operating the sails—no experience is necessary. But even if you don't want to start pulling on the ropes yourself and would prefer to enjoy the trip on the deck or in the comfortable lounge, setting and trimming the sails is always a fascinating show of skill going back to a long-past seafaring era. Enjoy your time on board and let your taste buds be spoiled by the excellent galley, which consistently receives top marks in our customer satisfaction surveys. In the cooler hours, make yourself comfortable below deck in our cosy lounge and browse through our extensive on-board library or the DVD selection.

The reward for all true sailors: “shore leave”!    

We plan at least one stopover in a harbour during this journey. Where we do go ashore depends largely on the wind and weather conditions and will be decided at short notice by the captain, taking your wishes into consideration whenever possible. This ensures that your cruise will be a pleasant mix of adventure and comfort, participation and simple enjoyment. There are various attractive options to choose from:    

Porto (Portugal) – a winemaking tradition dating back a 1000 years

The second largest city in Portugal is twinned with Vigo, our departure port. Because of its many churches, the port city at the mouth of the Douro is often referred to as a "baroque city". It is worth a visit to the Ribeira old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site whose narrow alleyways and historic buildings extend along the sloping banks of the river. The port wine that has been made in the Douro Valley region since the eleventh century is famous around the world. The old rabelo boats, which were traditionally used to transport wine barrels, can still be seen in Porto, although they are now used exclusively for tourist purposes.    

Cádiz (Spain) – the largest Atlantic port in Andalusia

This popular summer resort on the coast of Andalusia used to be the port of departure for the Spanish explorers and conquistadors, and has become a frequent host for the Tall Ships Races in more recent times. Churches, cathedrals, the streets of the old town, and the expansive beach invite you to explore and go for a stroll.

Gibraltar – the "Monkey Rock" with views of Africa

Gibraltar is unique in several respects. Politically, it is considered a British overseas territory, although it is situated off the European mainland and can be seen as geographically part of Spain. The Rock of Gibraltar is a must-see for visitors—the cable car will take you up to a height of about 450 metres. From up there you'll have a spectacular view over the Bay of Algeciras and the continent of Africa, which is visible just on the horizon. You can have an animal encounter with the Barbary macaques, a species of ape that live in a colony here on the mountain. The southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula is the only place in Europe where monkeys roam freely.

Sailing with the whales and dolphins through the Strait of Gibraltar into the Alboràn Sea

Passing through the strait of Gibraltar between Spain and Morocco is another highlight of this cruise. Encounters with whales and dolphins are not unlikely because here the strong current from the Atlantic Ocean into the Mediterranean Sea creates an abundant fish population. From here it is only a few miles to Malaga, the second largest city in Andalusia and the destination of our journey. Even in September, we can still expect warm temperatures and sunny days. This stretch of coast certainly deserves to be known as Costa del Sol, the 'sun coast'. Use your time before the return flight to visit the Alcazaba, an eleventh-century Moorish fortress, the Cathedral de la Encarnación, or the house where the great painter Pablo Picasso was born.
 
You'll leave the ship and her crew here with a bag full of lasting memories. Varied and unforgettable days on the Atlantic and the Mediterranean are now behind you. Malaga has one of the largest airports in the south of Spain, connecting the Costa del Sol to numerous international destinations.

Highlights of this trip:

•     The Central Atlantic and the Alborán Sea: sailing through endless expanses of blue sea
•     Through the Strait of Gibraltar on a Tall Ship
•     A feeder cruise with plenty of time on the sea and less time in port
•     Safe sailing near the coast
•     Active sailing operation on a 100-year-old tall ship
•     Excellent galley with culinary highlights from morning to night

Service included:

•     8 nights' accommodation on the 100 year-old historic 'Eye of the Wind'
•     Accommodation in exclusive double cabin with hot and cold running water, shower, toilet and air conditioning
•     Full board (including all meals, soft drinks, coffee & tea)
•     Lounge with TV/video and extensive on-board library, some limited WiFi access available

Not included:
Travel to Vigo and from Málaga, shore excursions and alcoholic beverages. We will be glad to help you make individual plans for your arrival and departure. Please contact us.