Iberian Peninsula Oosterschelde

Vessel: Iberian Peninsula Oosterschelde
Where: Portugal/Spain

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Sail with Oosterschelde from the Portuguese town of Cascais exploring coastal fjords and traditional Spanish towns before sailing the Bay of Biscay to Pasaia.

Climb aboard Oosterschelde in the Portuguese town of Cascais for 12 days sailing exploring the coastal fjords and traditional harbour towns along the Spanish coast and along the Bay of Biscay.

The north coast of Portugal and the coastline of Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria and Biscay are characterized by their wild splendour. You will not find white hotels and crowded beaches here. This green part of the Iberian Peninsula (Costa Verde) attracts nature lovers and is quite unknown to the general public. Two-thirds of this area is a protected nature reserve and there a number of beautiful cities. Forget Barcelona – Porto, Vigo, A Coruña, Bilbao and Santander still remain untouched with authentic culture.

This is the best time of the year to sail north along the Portuguese coast. At the beginning of summer, the wind comes from various directions which is perfect for sailing Oosterschelde. The first stop will try to make is Porto with an illustrious history, great food, the famous wine and of course the melancholic Fado music.

Further north we sail along the so-called Costa de la Muerte (Death coast). In the days of large sailing ships, it regularly happened that ships stranded on this rugged coast due to continuing storm weather and it owes its name to it. We will also find the most western part of the Iberian Peninsula here and in the Middle Ages, locals believed that the world ended here, therefore the name: Finisterre.

The Bay of Biscay is notorious for seafarers and most ships try to cross the bay as soon as possible. Reaching dry land, there are green fields and high mountain peaks and along the coast, narrow steep roads lead you along the steep cliffs, creeks, deserted beaches and dunes. You will find deep fjords, calm waters, quiet fishermen villages and lonely farms. When you are here, you will feel one with nature.

Once we have passed Finisterre, we use the time we have left to explore the rugged Spanish northern coast. Hopping from one beautiful bay to another we sail towards our destination, Pasaia. The high white peaks of the Pidos de Europa, only 20 kilometres from the coastline, have lime-rich soil and because of their white colour, they used to be a beacon for seafarers.

The city of Pasaia has several faces. It is a large industrial port on one hand but a sleepy fishermen’s village on the other with medieval houses lining the waterfront. The Basques are traditionally proud seafarers and fishermen and during the early Middle Ages, they hunted whales in rowing boats. Oosterschelde is a guest at the maritime festival “Itsas Festibala” that starts on the day of arrival so keep your eyes open for a plethora of traditional boats in the harbour.

Depending on wind and weather conditions the travel plan could be altered, however, we always try to sail as much as possible. It is not mandatory, but we invite everyone to participate in the watches and to help sail, steer and navigate the ship.

Your ticket price includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and hot drinks. Soft drinks and alcohol can be purchased from the onboard bar. Any food purchased ashore is at your own cost.
All towels and bedding are included in the price although Oosterschelde does ask guests to bring an extra swimming towel. At the end of your trip you can pay your bar tab in either in Euros or Sterling. We do not take card.