Sail to the Med: La Coruna to Porto

Vicki and Andi Dunkel run sailing and diving holidays around Europe on board Isicia II, a classic 51 foot Beneteau First yacht. This year their route takes them from Scotland to the Mediterranean and here is a travelbite from their ship’s log:

La Coruna to Porto

We spent a couple of days relaxing in La Coruna while we waited for the wind: eating tapas, tasting the local wines and catching up on the World Cup. A north-west force four wind, which is great for sailing south, finally arrived on Tuesday, and we left La Coruna passing Hercules, the oldest functioning lighthouse in the world, as we went.

This area in the north-west of Spain has many lovely rias to explore and we sailed to Camarinas - very peaceful apart from the buzz from the local fish factory - where we anchored for the night.

The weather was perfect the next day with moderate winds and blue sky – ideal to explore the Archipelago Atlantic Islands national park, which are at the western end of the Ria de Arousa. The islands that make up the national park lie just off the coast and careful navigation is needed to sail between them, as there are many shallow areas and submerged rocks. We put out the number three sail to keep our speed down and allow us to take in the view as we passed the islands. The rias are beautiful with rolling green hills, craggy rocks and sandy beaches, reminding us of Scottish sea lochs back home (but much warmer). This area is one of our favourites on the trip so far.

We anchored in Bayona bay and took the tender to shore to explore the old town. Bayona is famous for being the first place that Christopher Columbus landed after discovering the Americas. The ambience of the town is somewhat spoiled by the rectangular shape of multistorey flats, which encircle the town's waterfront. They seem to have been a feature of every town we have visited so far – even the smallest fishing harbour. But the step beyond them and the old town, with its narrow streets and small cafes, gives you a flavour of what it must have been like in Colombus's time.

Our last stop was Porto where we arrived in time for the Festival de Sao Joao. There are flags out on the streets, bonfires, fireworks and the smell of freshly barbequed sardines everywhere. The next week takes us to Lisbon.

To find out more about holidays on Isicia II (suitable for all experience levels) visit their website at www.sailaway.eu.com or call (+44) 07904 267 561.

	The lighthouse at Isla Ons off Spain's north-west coast
	An early morning view of the north-west coast of Spain from Isicia II

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