Horta – Malaga

The ideal entry for Trans-Atlantic sailing

Home > Upcoming Voyages > Horta – Malaga
start
19-05-2026
end
29-05-2026
11
days
level
3
from
status
fully booked

The Route

In Horta, located on the island of Faial in the Azores archipelago, the captain and crew will be ready to welcome you. After getting your first impressions and exploring the ship and your cabin, you will meet everyone sailing with you to Malaga. Once the safety drills are completed, the adventure can truly begin!

Out on Open Water
Sailing across the Atlantic from the Azores to south of Spain is an incredible experience. The weather can change rapidly, and the only thing surrounding you will be the vast sea! Curious dolphins may accompany the Clipper on this voyage, and in the North Atlantic, you might also spot various marine mammals and seabirds, such as Northern gannets.

Weather Conditions
The weather on the Atlantic Ocean is ever-changing. In May, you will often enjoy a mix of sun and clouds, with the occasional chance of mist or a passing rain shower. As you approach the Spanish coast and the Strait of Gibraltar, the crisp ocean air gives way to the noticeable warmth of the Mediterranean.
Our experienced captain and crew will give you the best sailing experience possible in the variable winds between the Azores and the Strait of Gibraltar.

Want to learn more about the destinations along the way? Keep reading below!

On the way to…

The legendary port of ocean sailors

As you step aboard the Clipper Stad Amsterdam in the port of Horta, you find yourself at the beating heart of the international sailing world. It becomes immediately clear why this spot on Faial has been the favorite meeting place for vessels making ‘the big crossing’ for generations. The harbor around you is a unique, colorful open-air museum; the quays and walls are covered with thousands of paintings and logos from ships that have docked here over the years. Before departure, be sure to look for the painting of the Stad Amsterdam! According to tradition, it is bad luck to leave the harbor without leaving a memento behind—a custom that has transformed this quay into a vivid archive of maritime adventures.

Before the lines are cast off, the charming port city of Horta invites you to explore. Just a stone’s throw from the quay, you will find the world-famous Peter Café Sport. This legendary institution has been the beating heart of the sailing world for over a century and is the ideal place to get into the spirit of your voyage over a local Gin & Tonic. Be sure to head upstairs to the impressive Scrimshaw Museum, where you can admire a magnificent collection of historic engravings on whale teeth.

From the café’s terrace, you can enjoy a spectacular view across the bay toward the neighboring island of Pico. The massive volcanic cone rising out of the ocean reaches over 2,300 meters, making it the highest point in Portugal and providing an unforgettable backdrop for your final hours on shore. Whether you are strolling through the town’s flower-filled streets or simply soaking up the harbor atmosphere, you will feel that Horta is the perfect place to begin your ocean adventure.

Horta

The gateway to the Mediterranean Sea

The passage through the Strait of Gibraltar is a highlight of the voyage. The Clipper leaves the rough seas of the Atlantic Ocean and sails into the calmer and warmer Mediterranean Sea. On deck, you will have a beautiful view of the iconic Rock of Gibraltar, and the coast of Morocco will also be clearly visible in fair weather.

The Strait of Gibraltar is a busy waterway and has a strong current and surprising winds. Historically, the Strait of Gibraltar is of great strategic value. It is no coincidence that the British have guarded this important gateway since 1713. Whoever controls this Strait holds the key to the Mediterranean Sea!

Strait of Gibraltar

Experience the Mediterranean atmosphere

Malaga, after a sailing trip on the Atlantic Ocean, is the perfect place to feel solid ground under your feet again and conclude your sailing adventure. This vibrant, Andalusian port city has plenty to offer. The port is located right next to the city center, meaning most historical sights are within walking distance. In the historic heart, you can admire the imposing cathedral or visit the Moorish fortress Alcazaba for a magnificent view over the bay. For culture enthusiasts, both the Picasso Museum and the artist’s birthplace are practically just around the corner from the harbour.
Malaga is known for its welcoming atmosphere and excellent gastronomy. Treat yourself to fresh tapas and local wines in one of the cozy bars in the old town. Stroll along the modern Muelle Uno boulevard or wander through the shady streets full of orange trees. Or enjoy the sunny beaches to definitively leave the Atlantic swell behind you. In short, Malaga offers a beautiful mix of culture, relaxation, and delicious food to conclude your sailing adventure unforgettably.

Malaga

Embark on a true sailing adventure!

Do you really want to experience what it’s like to sail on a tall ship? Then be sure to take an active role with the crew! Help with navigation, learn the basics of sailing, and contribute to the ship’s upkeep. That’s how you truly get to know life on board!

Imagine this: you’re on lookout duty, surrounded by nothing but the open sea. You feel small in the vastness of nature—and that’s exactly what makes it magical. Watch the waves, spot dolphins and other marine life, and embrace the ultimate freedom that sailing offers.

This is your chance to gain a unique experience and embark on an unforgettable voyage with the crew. Are you ready?

An impression of a day at sea

White watch
04:00 The white watch is expected on deck
06:00 Enjoy a stunning sunrise
06:30 The crew is eager to teach you all about sailing and navigation
08:00 End of watch: a delicious breakfast buffet awaits you
10:00 Join in for more sailing activities or catch a few hours of sleep
12:00 Indulge in a delicious lunch
13:00 Relax with a book or get to know the other guests better
16:00 The white watch is back on deck
17:30 The dinner buffet is open
19:00 Daily briefing by the captain in the longroom
20:00 End of the watch: witness a spectacular sunset on the open sea

Cabins

The cabins

The 14 guest cabins are located on the tweendeck and all have a porthole and 2 or 3 single beds. Some cabins are equipped with double beds and, when available, can be booked by paying a surcharge. All of our cabins are equipped with a number of power outlets. These electrical sockets are of the standard Dutch (European) F-connector type and rated 230 V.

The cabins

Your cabin

All cabins are equipped with a private bathroom with sink, shower and toilet. The cabins contain lots of wood and copper work which gives the cabins a classic, authentic look. All cabins are similar in layout and have an area of about 11 m².

Your cabin

Practical Information

EMBARKATION
Tuesday, May 19 at 17h00 (5:00 PM) in Horta, Azores

DEBARKATION< Friday, May 29 at 10h00 (10:00 AM) in Malaga, Spain

Are you aged 17 to 25 and interested in joining a voyage?
Contact us to find out about the opportunities available for young people.

Are you interested in a cabin with a double bed?
The surcharge is € 250,- (depending on availability).

The price includes:
· Breakfast with coffee, tea and juices;
· Morning coffee;
· Lunch buffet with coffee, tea and juices ;
· Afternoon coffee;
· Dinner buffet with coffee, tea and juices;
· Fresh fruit;
· Harbor and port dues.

ADDITIONAL COSTS:
• Flights and transfers;
• Additional drinks & snacks on board;
• Other personal expenses.

Guests and crew dine together in the longroom, where meals are served buffet-style. On board, simple yet varied and nutritious dishes are prepared in the galley. The meals are designed to be both tasty and nourishing, ensuring everyone can enjoy the journey to the fullest with enough energy for the activities on board.

Meal times are scheduled according to the watch system and are served in two shifts, each lasting 30 minutes:

07h30 & 08h00 breakfast
10h00 coffee break
11h30 & 12h00 lunch
15h00 coffee break
17h30 & 18h00 dinner

Included in the trip:
Three daily meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Fresh fruit, fruit juices, coffee, tea, and milk.

Optional during the trip, at extra cost:
Soft drinks, candy, chips, and alcoholic beverages like beer & wine.

Breakfast:
Home-baked bread, cheese and cold cuts, sandwich spreads, eggs, fresh fruit, yogurt and oats/granola.

Lunch:
Home-baked bread, cheese and cold cuts, sandwich spreads, soup, a hot snack, or salad.

Dinner:
A varied selection of vegetable-, meat-, and fish dishes, combined with potatoes, pasta, salad, curries, and stews.
Occasionally, the meal is concluded with a sweet dessert.

All guests are obliged to have a valid passport with them on board Clipper Stad Amsterdam.

Always inquire about the rules for the validity period of your passport for the country you are traveling to. In many countries, a passport is required to be valid for several months beyond the date of entry/departure.

VISUM
It is crucial and your own responsibility to check and arrange visa requirements for the countries you are traveling to and traveling from.

The best way to determine if you need a visa to enter a specific country is by contacting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Our ship is equipped with satellite technology to provide Wi-Fi connectivity during your journey. The shipping company offers 200 MB of data per person per day for sending and receiving data. Please note that the connection may be slower compared to onshore services.
If you require additional data, you can purchase an extra 200 MB package for €20.
Keep in mind that depending on the ship’s course, there may be times when the satellite signal is unavailable, and therefore, internet connectivity cannot be guaranteed.

Friends and family at home can always track the live location of the ship through our website (homepage).

SHIP’S DOCTOR
When booking your trip, we request you to fill out a health declaration. If you provide any specific details here, the ship’s doctor may contact you to discuss your situation. Based on observations or strong suspicions of a limited physical condition and associated risks, the ship’s doctor may advise the captain to exclude you as a passenger from the voyage. The final decision rests with the captain. The ship is equipped with a small infirmary. Upon boarding, our ship’s doctor may ask you again to provide him with as much information as possible about your medication use and/or physical limitations, so that he can take this into account.
ARE YOU 70 – 75 YEARS OR OLDER AT THE START OF THE TRIP?
In addition to maintaining good physical condition, we especially want to emphasize to our guests aged 70 and older that having sufficient muscle strength and balance is essential.
To ensure that all our guests are well-prepared for the sailing experience aboard the Clipper, the following guidelines apply to travelers aged 70 and older:
INFORMATIONAL VIDEO FOR GUESTS 70+
All passengers aged 70 and older will receive a video showcasing the intensity and movements of the Clipper in various weather conditions. This will help you understand what to expect during the voyage and determine if this is suitable for you.
MEDICAL APPROVAL – CERTIFIED PHYSICIAN
For all of our guests who are 75 years or older at the start of the trip, a medical examination for maritime purposes is required by a certified doctor affiliated with an authorized institution in the Netherlands or a comparable institution abroad for non-Dutch guests (the costs are at your expense, and are expected to be between 105 and 160 euros). This concerns the declaration ‘without lookout and watch duties on the bridge’. Without this declaration, participation is not possible. We are happy to provide you with further information.
BOOKING PROCESS FOR GUESTS 75+ GUESTS
Once your booking is received, you will receive an email with detailed instructions on the medical approval process.
The email will include a list of approved medical examiners and guidelines on how to arrange the required medical examination. Once approved by a certified medical examiner, the booking process will proceed and be finalized. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
DOCTOR ONBOARD
The shipping company aims to have a doctor on board for multi-day sailing voyages. Your first point of contact on board for your medical inquiries, among other things, is the ship’s doctor.
SAFETY
During the welcome speech, the captain and the designated crew at their muster stations will brief you on safety aboard. Please be aware that the ship is in motion, which can cause items to fall, shift and doors to close. It is advisable to secure your belongings, keep doors closed and never hold onto a door frame.

Some countries require proof of vaccination for travellers wishing to enter or exit the country.
Travel requirements are updated often, so we recommend always checking the latest entry requirements before your trip.

We would like to remind you that you should always stay informed about and adhere to the travel advisories applicable to travel to and from the ship. These travels are your own responsibility.

It is recommended that you arrive at the port of embarkation one day prior to the scheduled embarkation. This precaution is advised because the ship cannot delay its departure in the event of travel disruptions. In addition, traveling to our next port of call may not be feasible due to long trips at sea or remote islands.

On your embarkation day, while the ship is in port, we provide the opportunity to drop off your luggage in the morning. Should you wish to take advantage of this service, please notify us in advance ([email protected]) to ensure that access to the ship is arranged before the official embarkation time.

Please keep in mind that unfavorable weather conditions (e.g., lack or excess wind) may cause the captain to decide to sail on engine power, enter or exit a port earlier/later.

Temperatures
Upon departure, the temperature will be between 13 and 19 degrees Celsius. You can expect a mix of sun and occasional rain, which is typical for the subtropical climate of the Azores. In Malaga, the temperature is slightly more pleasant, averaging around 18 to 19 degrees with a low chance of rain.

Wind Strength and Direction:
On the open Atlantic Ocean, you can count on favorable, strong winds that usually blow from the west, allowing for quick sailing toward the east. During the passage through the Strait of Gibraltar, the wind can blow extra hard due to the mountains (a kind of funnel effect), and you may encounter the strong easterly wind (the Levante). Once through the Strait of Gibraltar, the winds are lighter, warmer, and more variable.

Ship Movement Intensity:
This ocean crossing is rated at level 3 due to varying wind strengths (Force 4-7 Bft), potential calm periods, and strong winds. Additionally, changing wind directions, possible influences from low-pressure systems, and ocean swell contribute to the challenge.

Clipper Stad Amsterdam is a member of SGR*. Within the limits of the SGR-guarantee arrangement, the multi-day trips published on this internet site are covered by the SGR-guarantee. This legally required guarantee means that consumers are assured that their prepaid travel money will be refunded if the other party (the shipping company) due to financial insolvency cannot fulfill the agreed performance. The travel prices on the website include a contribution to SGR.
* https://www.sgr.nl/english/

Travel Insurance
It is mandatory for all guests onboard to possess personal travel insurance during overnight sailing trips. The required insurance must cover medical expenses, accidents, and repatriation, in accordance with Article 13.9 of the General Terms and Conditions.

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