Ponta da Piedade
Piedade Point · Lagos Sea Caves · Ponta de Piedade
37°03.0'N 08°40.1'W
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
60m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
60m
60m in 3–6m on sand. This is a day anchorage — the Nortada arrives by midday and swings the bay open to N/NE; leave by 12:00 or move to Lagos Marina before Nortada peaks.
About This Anchorage
The coves immediately north of Ponta da Piedade offer a spectacular lunch anchorage amid the golden rock stacks, sea arches, and grottos that make this the most photographed coastline in the Algarve. The turquoise water and warm sand are exceptional. The anchorage is entirely for daytime exploration — abundant tour kayaks and boat trips fill the coves from 09:00–17:00. After the boats leave in the evening it becomes peaceful but the Nortada exposure and open-N aspect make it unsafe overnight. Lagos Marina (2.5nm) provides excellent overnight shelter.
Protected From
S · SW · W
Exposed To
N · NE · E
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Day anchorage — departure before Nortada peaks recommended. No restrictions on anchoring in the coves. Give way to tour boats; do not enter sea caves with a vessel. Keep clear of swimming zones near the grottos.
Hazards
- !Nortada arrives by midday — N/NE exposure makes anchorage uncomfortable and eventually unsafe in afternoon; always depart by 12:00
- !Very heavy tour boat and kayak traffic 09:00–17:00; anchor well clear of grotto entrances and tour boat routes
- !Rock stacks and submerged rocks around the headland — use chart and echo sounder for approach; do not cut close to any rock feature
- !Atlantic swell from NW can build quickly after weather-system passage and funnel into the coves
Skipper's Tips
- →Arrive before 09:00 to anchor in peace before tour boats arrive; the morning light on the golden cliffs is outstanding
- →Snorkel to verify anchor on sand before leaving boat unattended — rocky patches exist near the cliff bases
- →Lagos Marina (2.5nm E) is an excellent overnight base — anchor at Piedade by day, return to marina by 12:00 before Nortada peaks
- →The cove directly NE of the lighthouse gives best shelter when S swell present; favour S side of the cove
Facilities
Nearest provisions: Lagos town centre (2.5nm)
Best Months & Season
May, June, September, October
May–June and September are ideal. July–August: tour boat traffic is overwhelming 09:00–18:00; anchor as early as possible and expect very crowded conditions. The Nortada pattern means this is always a morning anchorage regardless of season.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 60m
When Nortada builds overnight on the Algarve coast, Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously — alerting you the moment your anchor starts to drag.
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