Cruising Guides in Costa del Sol

Cruising Guides in Costa del Sol, the best alternatives.

The Costa del Sol offers a variety of options to the charter or cruising sailor. From the exclusive enclave of Sotogrande to the bright lights of Marbella and on to the calm transparent waters of Marina del Este, the Costa del Sol offers a little bit of everything.
The main charter bases on the Costa are located in Sotogrande, Marbella, Estepona and Benalmadena.
Starting from the west, Sotogrande offers a safe haven before leaving for the Straits of Gibraltar. There is a modern marina complex integrated into a real estate development. Although at first glance this glamorous location doesnt seem to offer much to the visiting yachtsman, it has its own special peculiarities. There are commercial areas in the Marina with some interesting shopping, there are also numerous restaurants and bars, especially in high season where people come to see and be seen. There is also an active Yacht Club with its own bar. Outside the perimeter of the marina Sotogrande offers several golf courses in the close proximity and frequent polo matches which are certainy different. There is also a heliport, tennis courts and horse riding available.
The Marina has all the modern facilities you would expect as well as an excellent dry dock. In the summer it can be difficult to find space and we would advise you to book beforehand.

From Sotogrande the next stretch of coast is packed with Marinas basicly all very simmilar in facilities and atmosphere. It is definately not an area for people in search of peace and tranquility. Nearly all the area round the nightlife much of which revolves around these ports is lively and noisy until the early hours of the morning. If what you are looking for is sailing during the day and partying at night this must be your place for a cruise. Of course with all this nightlife comes a wonderful selection of retaurants and bars, many of the marinas have rows of restaurants with terraces where in the summer evenings they get there barbecues going and it is possible to sit out and try great fresh grilled fish, the local speciality is “Sardinas al espeto” spitted sardines on the grill, these washed down with a chilled bottle of white wine, make for a worthy gastronomical experience.

Maybe the most famous port on the Costa is Puerto Banus. A marina that has over the years turned into the glamorous place to be seen in Andalucia. Its celebrities, mega yachts and Ferraris make it the place to be seen. A stroll along the terrace bars in the marina in early evening can be an eye opening experience that everyone should try at least once.

Sailing along this coastline doesnt really present any dificulties, up until Malaga it is really one long beach. The wind conditions tend to be fairly benign in the summer months with a sea breeze usually kicking in in the afternoon. The predominant wind is westerly but ocasionaly you can get a big blow from the east, the “levante” and this can make progress at best uncomfortable and at worst impossible. From malaga eastwards the terrain changes and become more mountainous and less inhabited.

West of malaga we can find ports such as Caleta de Velez, Marina del Este or Motril that are quiet and relaxed places. The marina moorings are stern to, and can also be busy in the summer. Motril has a great yacht club with a restaurant where the fish is also superb. Possibly the prettiest marina on the Costa del Sol is Marina del Este, situated inbetween mountain cliffs it offers a pectacular setting. Here it is possible to anchor in secluded coves up against the mountain backdrop and enjoy the wonderful transaprent, turquoise waters.

Another aspect of cruising from the Costa del Sol is that Morroco is only a short hop away, for a long weekend it is possible to escape and check out Marina Smir for example in Tetouan a mere 20 miles from Sotogrande where after a short taxi ride you can be imersed in this magical and historical country.
In general the Costa del Sol may no be the most beautiful cruising area in the world but it definatly offers a bit of everything. There are plenty of interesting places to visit and the ports are all fairly close together making daytrips easy to organise. For a few days of sailing, golf and good nights out this is certainly the place to be.