© Adobe StockAtlantic Coast
Atlantic Coast
From Lisbon through Galicia to the Bay of Biscay: Europe's Atlantic coast, under sail or aboard a small cruise ship.
Shortly after sunrise the ship comes in from the open sea into the broad mouth of the Tagus. Lisbon climbs the hills in terraces, in ochre and white, and along the shore the Tower of Belém slips past. From the land drifts the scent of coffee and fresh pastries. Over it all lies that soft, silvery light known only to the Portuguese coast. Further north the Atlantic grows rougher and more serious. Therein lies the appeal of this coast: it is gentle and untamed at once, from the Algarve up into the Bay of Biscay.
Europe's Atlantic coast is one of the continent's most beautiful sea routes, and yet hardly a ship sails it. Here one highlight follows another. Lisbon on the Tagus. Porto high above the Douro, where in the cellars the port wine matures. The green rías of Galicia and the rugged Costa da Morte with Cape Finisterre, long held to be the end of the world. And further north the Bay of Biscay: Bilbao with the Guggenheim, elegant Santander, fashionable San Sebastián, up to Bordeaux and the French Atlantic coast.
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For this coast the small ship is made to measure. It comes in right into the heart of Lisbon and Porto, anchors in the rías and gives the cities and the landscape the time they deserve. The season lies above all in spring and summer, when the coast is green and the weather is mild. Most voyages last around ten nights.
This coast can be experienced in two ways, each traveller true to their own passion. Majestically aboard the Sea Cloud Spirit: the crew set the great square sails by hand, going aloft into the yards, and those who wish can listen to the pianist at the Steinway or ask the sommelière Sylvia Dankbar-van-Aans or Bernhard Moser to recommend treasures from the wine cellar. For something more rustic, you can come aboard a classic traditional sailing ship and take an active part in the watch in the time-honoured way. The modern premium cruise ships of Ponant and Silversea bring the beauty of the landscape into their large, light-filled interiors too, which seem to draw the spectacular coast inside. So Portugal, Galicia and the Bay of Biscay become a journey to be experienced under white sails or with the individuality and luxury of a small ship.
Why ivent-sailing
Why book with ivent-sailing
Good advice costs you nothing and makes all the difference.
Fair prices
You pay not a single euro more than with the cruise line. We have agreed a commission with our partners.
Independent advice
We recommend the voyage that suits you, because we have no ship of our own to fill. In our consultation we can go into the small differences that make the experience yours.
Travel-security certificate under German law
With us you receive a travel-security certificate and book with insolvency and consumer protection under German travel law.
All-round package
If you wish, we arrange the whole experience including travel there and back.
Our voyages
Voyages along the Atlantic coast
Filter by departure, each row a departure with prices. Cruises and sailing voyages.
Personal advice
Tell us what you dream of
Which route, which cruise line, which season, we settle that best in conversation. Without obligation and free of charge, and you book secured by the travel-security certificate under German law.
Your expert
Kristina Karg
Frequently asked questions
