Anchorages in the Berlengas & Silver Coast
The Berlengas are Portugal's most dramatic offshore sailing destination — granite islands 10nm offshore with a 16th-century fortress and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status. The Silver Coast (Costa de Prata) runs north from Peniche to Figueira da Foz: long sandy beaches, strong Nortada, and the world's biggest waves at Nazaré.
Nazaré Canyon — NEVER Approach in Significant Swell
The Nazaré submarine canyon concentrates Atlantic swell to world-record proportions — 30m+ waves have been surfed here (world record). In summer, approach ONLY with swell < 1m and no westerly forecast. The canyon eliminates gradual shoaling: waves arrive without warning. NEVER approach Nazaré from October to March. This is the most dangerous anchorage approach on the Portuguese coast.
Berlengas Crossing & UNESCO Buoy Rules
The 10nm offshore crossing to the Berlengas is exposed to full Atlantic swell and Nortada — cross in the morning calm (depart Peniche 07:00–08:00, return before 11:00). NEVER cross in F4+ Nortada. In July–August, mooring buoys are MANDATORY inside the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (no free anchoring). Contact Peniche Port Authority (VHF Ch. 16 / +351 262 780 130) before departure. Maximum stay 48h. Wildlife disturbance (Cory's Shearwaters, seals) is prohibited.
Verified Anchorages — Berlengas & Silver Coast
10 anchorages
Ilha Berlenga (Main Anchorage)
Berlenga Grande · Berlenga SE Anchorage · Cova do Sonho E-side
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Berlenga — Cova do Sonho
Cova do Sonho · Berlenga South Anchorage · Dream Cove
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Farilhões Islands
Ilhas Farilhões · Farilhão · Farilhões e Forcadas
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Peniche
Peniche Marina · Anteporto de Peniche · Praia do Baleal
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São Martinho do Porto
S. Martinho do Porto · Lagoa de São Martinho · Baía de São Martinho
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Nazaré
Praia de Nazaré · Nazaré Beach Anchorage · Nazaré Surf
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Figueira da Foz
Mondego River Approaches · Figueira Anchorage · Rio Mondego
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Praia de Leirosa
Leirosa Beach · Praia da Leirosa · Leirosa
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Praia da Vieira
Vieira de Leiria · Praia da Vieira de Leiria · Lagoa de Ervedeira
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Óbidos Lagoon
Lagoa de Óbidos · Foz do Arelho · Lagoa de Óbidos anchorage
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Set Your Anchor Alarm Before You Sleep
Atlantic overnight swell and the Nortada can change anchorage conditions rapidly. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously — alerting you the moment your anchor drags, so you can sleep with confidence on the Berlengas or the Silver Coast.
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