Join Santa Maria Manuela for an unforgettable hands-on sailing adventure from Málaga to Lisbon, exploring the stunning Iberian coastline along the way. Experience the joy of sailing a traditional four-masted schooner, relax on the beaches of the Algarve, and soak up the culture of Spain and Portugal’s most vibrant coastal cities. With no prior experience needed, this voyage is perfect for anyone who dreams of life at sea.
Voyage
Vessel
VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS
Hands-on sailing aboard the historic Santa Maria Manuela
Discover Málaga, the birthplace of Picasso
Relax on the golden beaches of Portimão in the Algarve
Explore the vibrant streets and landmarks of Lisbon
Enjoy stunning Atlantic coastal views and the thrill of life at sea
Step aboard Santa Maria Manuela, a historic four-masted schooner, for an unforgettable hands-on sailing adventure along the Iberian Peninsula. Whether you’re an experienced sailor or stepping onto a traditional tall ship for the first time, this six-night voyage offers the perfect blend of exploration, coastal sailing, and cultural discovery. From the sun-drenched shores of Málaga to the golden beaches of Portimão and the vibrant streets of Lisbon, this journey promises a mix of adventure, relaxation, and maritime heritage.
This voyage is designed for those who love the sea, adventure, and cultural immersion. If you’ve ever dreamed of hoisting the sails on a traditional tall ship, gazing out at the horizon with the wind in your hair, and exploring historic coastal cities, this is the trip for you. It’s perfect for solo travellers, couples, and friends seeking a unique escape. No sailing experience is needed—just a sense of adventure.
Setting sail from Malaga
A city steeped in history and culture, Málaga is the birthplace of Pablo Picasso and a gateway to Spain’s stunning Andalusian coastline. Arrive a day early to explore the Alcazaba fortress, with its stunning views over the Mediterranean, or visit the Picasso Museum to admire the works of the city’s most famous artist. Wander through the old town’s lively tapas bars, or take a stroll along the modern Muelle Uno waterfront before making your way to Santa Maria Manuela.
On embarkation day, you’ll be welcomed aboard by the crew and shown to your comfortable cabin. As evening approaches, settle in for the Captain’s briefing, where you’ll meet your fellow sailors and learn about life on board. Then, as the sun sets over Málaga’s harbour, the lines are cast off, and the adventure begins.
Along the Way
Leaving Málaga, we sail westward along Spain’s sun-drenched southern coast before entering the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean. This stretch of the journey offers the perfect mix of coastal cruising and open-sea adventure, with warm breezes filling the sails as Santa Maria Manuela makes her way towards Portugal.
Throughout the voyage, guests are invited to get fully involved in sailing the ship—learning to steer, trimming the sails, or simply watching the crew at work. For those seeking relaxation, the spacious deck provides the perfect spot to unwind with a book, chat with fellow travellers, or gaze out across the horizon, watching for dolphins dancing in the ship’s wake.
Our first stop is Portimão, a jewel of the Algarve, known for its golden cliffs, turquoise waters, and some of the most stunning beaches in Portugal. Take a leisurely stroll along the marina, explore the historic Fortaleza de Santa Catarina, or sink your feet into the soft sands of Praia da Rocha. If you’re a seafood lover, this is the perfect place to savour a plate of freshly grilled sardines, a local speciality.
From Portimão, we sail north along Portugal’s Atlantic coast, where dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and charming fishing villages come into view. Keep an eye out for seabirds soaring overhead and dolphins playing alongside the ship as we make our way toward Lisbon. On deck, feel the rhythm of life at sea—hoisting sails, learning navigation techniques, or simply enjoying the changing scenery.
As the voyage nears its final stretch, the striking skyline of Lisbon emerges on the horizon, welcoming us to Portugal’s historic and cosmopolitan capital.
Arriving in Lisbon
Disembarking in Lisbon is the perfect opportunity to explore one of Europe’s most captivating cities. Known for its tram-lined streets, vibrant neighbourhoods, and spectacular viewpoints, Lisbon is a city that blends the charm of the old with the excitement of the new.
If you have an extra day, visit the Belém Tower, explore the historic Alfama district, or take in the sunset from the Miradouro de Santa Catarina. For a taste of Portugal’s rich culinary heritage, indulge in a traditional pastel de nata or sample fresh seafood at the lively Time Out Market. With its welcoming atmosphere and rich maritime history, Lisbon is the perfect place to reflect on your incredible journey at sea.
Wind, Waves & Weather
Sailing in late June and early July, you can expect warm temperatures and favourable sailing conditions. The Mediterranean waters near Málaga are generally calm, giving way to the open Atlantic swells as we sail westward. The Algarve coast enjoys sunshine nearly year-round, with mild breezes making for an exhilarating yet comfortable sailing experience. Expect warm days on deck, cooler evenings, and the occasional thrilling gust of wind to fill the sails.
HANDS ON HOLIDAYS
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.
SAILING STYLE & LIFE ON BOARD
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.
AGILITY & FITNESS
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.
Start & End Port
Málaga, Spain
Worthwhile Journeys
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.
What to Do in Malaga
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.
Lisbon, Portugal
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.
Fado music often wafts through the air as you navigate the city’s hilly streets. If you find yourself here in June, you’ll catch the vibrant Festas de Lisboa, featuring a parade of colourful sardine floats.
Kit List
What to pack for a sailing holiday on Santa Maria Manuela
Below is a recommended travel packing list for a sailing voyage.
Included
Sailing Instruction
Safety Equipment (Life jackets and harnesses)
All meals to include cooked breakfast, lunch, dinner and refreshments throughout the day.
Bed linen, duvet, towels for cabin (but please bring your own beach towel)
What is Not Included
Waterproof jacket and trousers
Travel to and from the start and end port
Optional trips or tours taken ashore unless otherwise stated
Alcoholic Beverages , but you can purchase drinks from the bar (you can set up a tab and pay at the end).
What to Bring
For any destination north of Cape Verde warm and waterproof clothing is very important, as it can get cold during sailing, especially at night, even in the summer. A waterproof and windproof jacket is recommended to help keep warm and dry. Waterproof rubber soled boots or shoes are also recommended to keep your feet dry and warm. It is a good idea to bring two pairs of shoes in case one gets wet as salt water soaked shoes take a while to dry.
Madeira, Portugal and the Azores in summer can get pretty hot and it is easy to get sunburn at sea as the air is clear. The Cape Verde are in a tropical climate so a good sun screen is essential.
Please remember that space on board is limited and pack accordingly. Pack comfortable and practical clothing for all weather circumstances, the key is layers!! It is recommended to pack in a soft bag that can be easily stored away as there is no room on board for suitcases. Electricity on board is European 2 pin sockets, please be sure to bring any adaptors you may need.
Passports, Visas and Insurance
If you voyage is sailing in foreign waters, you will require a full passport that is valid for at least 6 months after the end of the voyage. You will be responsible for obtaining any necessary visas.
We have Third Party Liability Insurance and recommend all those sailing with us to take out relevant travel insurance to cover their voyage.
Medical Conditions and Special Diets
Please inform us in advance of any medical conditions you have and medication which you might need to bring with you. If you have any special dietary requirements it is essential you inform us prior to your voyage. We will make every effort to cater for all diets with prior notice.
Personal Items
This is a list of the items we recommend you bring with you.
Warm hat and sun hat
gloves - either sailing gloves or gardening type gloves
Wet weather clothing – water proof and windproof jacket
Clothing – enough clothing for all weather circumstances (think layers!!)
Trainers or deck shoes
shorts and t shirts
nightwear (ear plugs ?)
Toiletries
Towels
swimwear (googles are useful)
Sun cream
Sunglasses
Sea sickness medication
Personal medication
Book
Small torch (head torches are good!)
Camera
Log book (if you have one)
Valid passport (voyages outside the UK)
Travel insurance
Extras
Musical instruments
games or cards
book/kindle
You can buy Santa Maria Manuela caps on board.
Diving Holidays on Santa Maria Manuela - Kit List
Please note the ship will only be carrying scuba diving equipment on the specialist diving voyages.
On a diving voyage - Bottles and weights are included in the voyage price.
If you need diving equipment other than bottles and weights it is €150 extra
Nitrox costs €5 euros a dive
Classic Sailing will expand on this kit list shortly.
Review
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.
