Atlantic Spain wrap-up, Portugal next

Reluctantly we realised making the Spanish Rias full justice meant us making this fantastic sailing area our winter base. Checking stats for winter storms (like last winter) made the decision easy – continue south. From Ria Pontevedro our big impression came from the tiny fishing village of Combarro. From the anchorage it would be easy to miss out the features of this medieval fishing village. Luckily we got the tip from a dutch sailor who made a very successful “sales pitch” about Combarro. From Cambarro we headed out for Islas Cies, a marine nature reserve that requires a permit to be able to anchor and visit this very remote set of atlantic islands. Fantastic clear water, allowing inspection of anchor and chain in 8 m water. After a calm night we experienced the vulnerable position of these islands, having 1.5m swell coming in to our anchorage – meaning a quick departure. Last place to visit on the Spanish Atlantic west coast was Bayona. Surprisingly we met more swedish sailors here than anywhere before on our cruise. Highlights from Bayona was the impressing fortress with 2.5 km walls and of course Columbus “Pinta”, a replica of his ship returning to Bayona, from his America discoveries. We are now in Cascais, a kind of suburb to Lisbon. More on Portugal will follow.