Finally, the day started with improved weather and the rain was gone. No wonder why the marina was suddenly empty as everyone was busy casting off the lines and going somewhere. We had also a short four nautical mile sail to the end of the ría of Muros to the town of Portosin.
After a long waiting in Muros, the feeling to be at sea was amazing. We thoroughly enjoyed gentle wind and pleasant day sail. we rolled up her sails only at the entrance of the marina of Portosin. We were so happy to be back on the water, continuing our adventures and forgotting about all the work projects we had earlier done in Muros. It was like being a different person when we made her fast at the pontoon dock of Portosin.
From the marina we found a stylish clubhouse that was rather different compared to the overall image of the fishing town. Real Club Nautico Portosin welcomed us with open arms and it must have been the first marina in Galicia where the staff spoke very good English. No wonder that in Internet forums they are well praised among cruisers about their multilingual and welcoming service. Also, the food at the club restaurant was very good.
In Portosin we noticed that many cruising sailors have selected Portosin for wintering. Even during our stay, several yachts were left there waiting for their returning crews. Most of the visiting yachts were British and Irish but there was also a boat of a very nice South-African couple. And as one of the British yachts arrived from 5-year circumnavigation while the Dutch yacht departed to the Azores. There were simultaneously quite an ongoing buzz.
We also heard that Portosin in Ría de Muros has been the journey’s end of many cruisers. Once you have arrived there is no rush to sail forward anymore. Not surprisingly they call Portosin for the ría of lost cruises.
Ría de Muros is the bay of 4 by 7 nautical miles with numerous anchorages. This ría is exceptionally beautiful with tall hills and clear water. You can day sail between anchorages or small towns or alternatively take a short sailing trip to the other nearby rías around the corner. There are quite a few gorgeous places for exploring not forgetting numerous sandy beaches. Also, the price level of Galicia is very reasonable compared to the Mediterranean in both the harbor dues and living costs.
The closest decent sized Eroski supermarket is about 600 metres from the marina on top of the hill. Steep and narrow staircase leads uphill. Coming back while carrying the provisions is much easier as its all downhill 😊
Portosin itself is a town grown around the fishing industry. Also during our stay there, one night the siren of the factory signaled to workers to come to work for unloading a fishing ship returning from the sea. Was it a day or night, as the fishing vessel arrives with a catch, the work of fish handlers immediately starts. The fish is gutted and cooled waiting for the freezer trucks to be transported all over Spain. According to Galicians, most of the seafood in Spain is coming from Galicia.
Portosin is also a good place for crew changes. It is only 45 km from Santiago de Compostela where the replacement crew can easily fly. It is also possible to make a daytrip there for exploring the famous pilgrimage town. In May we already visited in Santiago by rental car from Sada and therefore we did not test the highly praised bus connection there and so we focused on local life instead.
