Spain is part of the European Union and all EU and US citizens can visit the country for more than 90 days with a passport only. EU citizens can apply for a residence permit if they wish to extend their stay. Non-EU citizens can apply for an extension of 90 days. As far as the yacht aboard the ship is concerned, these regulations do not appear to be enforced. If you are entering Spain for the first time, it is advisable to clear customs. Ship registration papers and crew passports will be required. Certificate of competency, proof of VAT status of the boat, staff list with passport details, radio license, and certificate of insurance may also be required. VAT (Value Added Tax) paid or exempted yacht can apply for "permiso aduanero". This allows an indefinite stay in the country and can be helpful when importing yacht spares from other EU countries. Boats registered outside the EU on which VAT has not been paid can be imported into the EU for more than six months in any of the twelve, after which VAT will be payable. This period can often be extended through prior arrangements with local customs authorities. It is a legal requirement for foreign ships to fly their national sea flag with the courtesy of Spain.
The following items are worth considering when visiting this area. An SSB radio is useful for obtaining weather forecasts. Summers are very hot and ventilation is essential. It may be able to fit extra hatches and the wind score on the front hatch will be of great help. A canopy or bimini covering the cockpit is essential for sun protection. A cockpit table is useful because eating out during the summer months is one of the joys of walking. Mosquitoes can be a problem and many boats screen all holes while others rely on mosquito coils, pesticides, and repellents. Sunburn is another danger that cruisers should be aware of, the sun can be deceptively strong while the boat is sailing, plenty of creams and hats will go a long way to avoid the pain of sunstroke.
There is a constant eastward current from Gibraltar and between 1 and 2 knots between the Costa del Sol and the North African coast. There is some wave to consider on the western tip of the region, Gibraltar sees a maximum of 1 meter. This further reduces travel to the east. The weather is affected by many systems and as a result, it is difficult to predict. There is an old saying that there will be nine days of light winds in the summer months followed by strong winds which are wrong. The wind coming from the northwest is called "Tramontana". This can be dangerous as it can reach wind power in less than 15 minutes. It usually lasts for 3 days and can fly for more than a week. Winds from the east, "Levante" can also move with strong winds for several days. Annual rainfall in Gibraltar is 760 mm. The Costa del Sol will experience fog about 4 days a month. Summer temperatures can exceed 35 degrees Celsius and can be seen around 15 degrees in the winter months.
The rest of this article is mainly about the ports of Costa del Sol. There are many anchorages here but only a few are worth mentioning.
Marina Bay is the largest of Gibraltar's three marines with 350 berths. Most berthing is hard. Larger boats can lie side by side. Water and electricity on the pontoon. Inside the complex, you'll find a good selection of chandlers, laundromats, and restaurants and bars. There is an indoor market less than a 5-minute walk from the marina. The Queensway Marina is quieter than the other two marinas in Gibraltar. With all the pontoon gates, security is excellent. Inside the complex, you will find many restaurants and bars.
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