| Embark | Disembark | Vessel | Duration | Voyage No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tue 15-04-2025, 16:00Lisbon, Portugal | Sun 20-04-2025, 10:00Málaga, Spain | Santa Maria Manuela | 5 Nights | SM150425 V09 |
A 5-day journey aboard Santa Maria Manuela from Lisbon to Malaga, combining cultural highlights, scenic landscapes, and the thrill of sailing through the historic Strait of Gibraltar.
| Vessel type / Rig | Gaff Schooner |
| Guest Berths | 50 |
| Beam | 33ft |
| Draft | 18ft |
| Deck Length | 173ft |
| Overall Length | 225ft |
| Tonnage | 992 tons |
| Year Built | 1937 |
This voyage is perfect for those with a passion for maritime history, cultural exploration, and an adventurous spirit. Ideal for travellers who enjoy a blend of activity and relaxation, it offers hands-on sailing for those keen to learn, as well as ample time to soak up the scenery and cultural treasures of Portugal and Spain. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or new to life at sea, this journey promises memorable experiences and a deeper appreciation for the art of traditional sailing. It’s especially suitable for those who relish rich, historical cities, with Lisbon’s maritime legacy and Malaga’s Andalusian charm bookending the voyage.
Your journey begins in Lisbon, Portugal’s vibrant capital, where the deep history of seafaring comes to life. Lisbon’s unique charm flows through its streets, marked by centuries-old architecture, quaint neighbourhoods, and the lively sounds of fado. Santa Maria Manuela will depart from the Tagus River, passing under the 25 de Abril Bridge as you leave Lisbon behind. Take in the sights of the city’s waterfront, from the historic Belem Tower to the Jerónimos Monastery, each a symbol of Portugal’s Age of Discoveries. Once you’re underway, the crew will introduce you to the vessel and your fellow travellers, setting a convivial tone for the days ahead.
As you head south towards the Strait of Gibraltar, you’ll have the chance to participate in various sailing activities, learning the ropes under the guidance of Santa Maria Manuela’s experienced crew. The route offers spectacular views of the Atlantic, transforming into the Mediterranean as you approach the strait. Watch for marine life—dolphins often make an appearance, dancing in the vessel’s wake. Passing through the Strait of Gibraltar is a highlight, where the dramatic cliffs of Europe and the distant mountains of North Africa frame the scene. Along the way, you’ll also enjoy stretches of open sea and quiet coastal waters, offering both adventure and moments of reflection.
Malaga awaits as your final port, a city with a relaxed coastal atmosphere, Moorish architecture, and an artistic heritage. If you can extend your stay, explore the historic Alcazaba, a fortress with lush gardens and sweeping views over the harbour. The nearby Roman Theatre adds a dash of ancient history, while the Picasso Museum honours one of the city’s most famous sons. Wander through Muelle Uno, a lively marina with shops, restaurants, and views of the Mediterranean. For a true taste of Andalusia, enjoy freshly grilled sardines along Playa de la Malagueta, or simply relax and savour the end of your journey with a coffee or a drink by the sea.
Expect mild spring weather with temperatures between 17°C and 22°C. The conditions are typically favourable, with calm to moderate seas, but as the vessel passes through the Strait of Gibraltar, the winds can pick up, adding an invigorating challenge to the experience. April weather can bring some breezy evenings, so a light jacket is recommended. With plenty of sunshine and the occasional refreshing sea breeze, it’s an ideal time to sail this beautiful stretch from Portugal to Spain.
Whether you are an experienced sailor or a complete beginner, the professional crew will train you to be guest crew from the moment you arrive, with the intention that everybody works together to sail the ship. The common thread to all Classic Sailing holidays is ‘Hands on’ participation on ships that use ropes, blocks and tackles and ‘people power’ to set sail. While we hope you will enjoy taking part in the many aspects of sailing a traditional ship, please be aware that we can’t control the weather – there will be occasions when the conditions are just not congruent with sailing to your anticipated destination and an alternative itinerary will be offered. There may also be occasions when there isn’t the wind needed to sail and so the crew will utilise the ships engines (if installed). On rare occasions, the voyage may need to be delayed or cancelled – please see the vessel’s Terms and Conditions before booking.
We cater for a wide range of ages and physical abilities and how much you are expected to do varies a bit between vessels. See the vessel tab above which explains all about the ‘sailing style’ and what to expect in terms of hands on participation. There is a lot of information about day to day life, the ships facilities and accommodation on the vessel pages.
Every customer sailing with us will need to fill in basic medical questions on their booking application. If you are not sure if your current level of fitness and agility are up to a voyage, then please ring the Classic Sailing Office on 01326 53 1234 and we can chat through your concerns and possibly find options that might suit you better.
You are going to be spending some time in the ports you embark and disembark from. These aren’t just logistical points; they’re opportunities for further enrichment. Take an extra day to discover what’s beyond the harbour. It’s not merely about filling time; it’s about making the entire journey worthwhile.
Keeping in Touch The exact location of your ship may not be known until closer to your joining time, you will be informed by email once the exact position has been confirmed. Make sure you take a note of the ship’s mobile/cell phone number with you in case you are delayed or there are any other problems on the day.
History Lisbon is a city steeped in maritime history. The Maritime Museum and the Jerónimos Monastery are a nod to Portugal’s illustrious sea voyages. For history buffs, the Alfama district is a labyrinth of narrow streets, capturing Lisbon’s Moorish past.
Culture Fado music often wafts through the air as you navigate the city’s hilly terrain. If you find yourself here in June, you’ll catch the vibrant Festas de Lisboa, featuring a parade of colourful sardine floats.
Sites of Interest to a Sailor From Lisbon’s shoreline, you might glimpse the towering statue of Christ the King and the 25 de Abril Bridge, a near-twin of San Francisco’s Golden Gate. The Tagus River offers natural shelter, historically providing a safe haven for sea vessels.
Entertainment You’ll find plenty of traditional Fado houses, jazz bars, and modern nightclubs. Docas de Santo Amaro is known for its nightlife where the quayside bars become vibrant as the sun sets.
Eating Out Don’t leave without tasting a pastel de nata. Seafood is, naturally, a staple, with bacalhau (salt cod) appearing in countless forms. For wine, you’d be amiss not to have a glass of vinho verde or port.
Nature Beyond the hustle and bustle, Lisbon has beautiful natural landscapes to offer, including the nearby Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, a grand blend of forested hills and rugged coastline.
Unique Features Lisbon’s trams are not only an effective way of tackling its many hills, but they offer a unique and historical ride through the city’s most scenic routes.
Accommodation For classic Portuguese grandeur, try the Pestana Palace or the Four Seasons Ritz Lisbon.
Official Tourist Website Visit Lisbon’s official tourism website for more information.
Weather Lisbon Winters are mild, with January hovering around 11°C. Spring offers pleasant temperatures, while summers can soar up to 30°C. Autumn is a transitional period, with mild to warm weather.
Sea and Beyond: A Responsible Mariner’s Guide Since you’re already investing in a unique sailing adventure, why not extend that spirit to your travel choices? Opt for more sustainable methods of transport where possible like trains, coaches or sharing a car. If you fly, and we realise this may well be the case, you could research some ways to offset the carbon created by the flight.
Special Interests If you have a special interest that you would like to find out about for this port or to tell us about, we would love to hear from you.
From the UK Lisbon is well connected by air to major cities in the UK. Alternatively, trains from London to Lisbon via Paris and Madrid are also available.
From Europe Trains and flights from several European cities make Lisbon easily accessible.
From North America Direct flights are available from several major cities in the United States and Canada.
From Australia While there are no direct flights from Australia, one-stop flights via Asian or Middle Eastern hubs are commonly used.
You are going to be spending some time in the ports you embark and disembark from. These aren’t just logistical points; they’re opportunities for further enrichment. Take an extra day to discover what’s beyond the harbour. It’s not merely about filling time; it’s about making the entire journey worthwhile.
History
You can’t set foot in Malaga without feeling the weight of its history. The Alcazaba, a fortress built by the Moors in the 11th century, offers panoramic views and an unforgettable glimpse into the past. The nearby Roman theatre, still in use after two millennia, adds another layer to this historical tapestry.
Culture
In terms of culture, Malaga is Picasso’s birthplace, and it honours the artist with an excellent museum in the city centre. When you’re there, you might also stumble upon spontaneous Flamenco performances in hidden squares. The Holy Week celebrations are a spectacle of pageantry you won’t want to miss if you’re around in spring.
Sites of Interest to a Sailor
The headlands surrounding Malaga offer fantastic opportunities for spotting marine life, from dolphins to the occasional whale. The Cape of Gata, a sailor’s day-trip dream, has some of the most incredible geology and clear waters on this side of the Mediterranean. Faro de Calaburras is one of those lighthouses you want to see up close, standing defiantly against the elements.
Entertainment
Nightlife in Malaga varies from traditional tapas bars where locals and tourists alike revel in culinary delights, to modern rooftop lounges offering cocktails and sweeping views of the city. Live music is common, ranging from jazz to more traditional Spanish guitar.
Eating Out
For those looking to dine, be sure to try the region’s specialities like ‘espetos,’ sardines skewered and grilled on an open flame at the beach. Fresh seafood is the norm here, and the local wines pair beautifully with the flavours of the sea.
Nature
Nature lovers will appreciate the nearby Montes de Malaga Natural Park, featuring pine forests, hiking trails, and even the occasional waterfall. The beaches are not to be ignored either; they are well-kept and offer various water-based activities like paddle boarding and kayaking.
Unique Features
What sets Malaga apart is its blend of the old and the new. You can go from exploring ancient ruins to taking in some avant-garde art, all within a day. It’s a port city that offers a bit of everything, with an Andalusian soul that’s hard to resist.
Accommodation
Some well-known spots for accommodation include the Gran Hotel Miramar for a more luxurious stay and the Room Mate Valeria, known for its Andalusian style and modern comforts.
Heading Official Tourist Website
For more detailed information, the official tourist website for Malaga is malagaturismo.com.
Weather Malaga
In Malaga, you can generally expect a Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot, with temperatures often reaching above 30°C, while winters are milder, rarely falling below 10°C. Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant conditions for exploring, with temperatures ranging from 18 to 25°C.
Sea and Beyond: A Responsible Mariner’s Guide
Since you’re already investing in a unique sailing adventure, why not extend that spirit to your travel choices? Opt for more sustainable methods of transport where possible like trains, coaches or sharing a car. If you fly, and we realise this may well be the case, you could research some ways to offset the carbon created by the flight.
Special Interests
If you have a special interest that you would like to find out about for this port or to tell us about, we would love to hear from you.
How to Get There
From the UK
Direct flights from major UK airports to Malaga are plentiful. Alternatively, a combination of train travel to southern France followed by a ferry can make for an adventurous journey.
From Europe
Trains connect Malaga with various European cities, including Barcelona and Madrid. Buses also provide cheaper but longer options.
From North America
Direct flights are limited, but one-stop options through Madrid or another European hub are commonly available.
From Australia
There are no direct flights from Australia to Malaga. One or two-stop flights via Asian or Middle Eastern cities are the quickest options.
We had the most amazing time. The crew were so friendly and helpful, the food was great throughout, and the cabins were really comfortable. We both climbed the rigging as the sun was setting over Porto Santo to round off a brilliant last day with the new friends we met. Thanks for the wonderful experience.
Ian & Dayna
I have sailed many times on tall ships, this is by far the best yet.
Richard
Terrific crew and ship and a lovely passage to the Azores. Crew and guests were very good and patient with someone who only spoke English. This is a terrifically well run vessel. Excellent accommodation, well serviced by a professional crew. All very friendly, helpful and willing to give information throughout. Many opportunities to get involved in most aspects of the ships operations. Very many thanks.
Keith
An amazing ship and amazing crew.
David
We had a terrific and adventurous time on board during Sachsen Sail in the Bay of Biscay. Thank you to all Santa Maria Manuela crew members!
Mario
Un voilier merveilleux avec un équipage très sympathique. Merci pour tout.
A splendid ship with a very kind crew. Thank you for everything.
Marie-Francoise
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