The Algarve is Portugal’s southernmost region, washed by the Atlantic to the South and West and blessed with a warm climate and a stunning coastline.
With over 300 days of sunshine per year, the Algarve is home to over 100 beaches and 200km of coastline so saying that you will be spoiled for choice for boating options is an understatement. Chartering a luxury motor yacht is definitely the best way to discover this unique region. From East to west, be amazed by the ever-changing coastline from blue lagoon, calm waters and golden sandy beaches in the East (Ria Formosa) to the sea caves (Benagil), hidden coves and beaches framed by dramatic rock formations and cliffs going towards the west.
The breath-taking scenery, the enchanting local villages, a welcoming and family orientated culture, the history, the gastronomy, the nightlife… Portugal is a place where making incredible memories is very much the order for every day. This week’s charter itinerary will take you to discover these suggestive places to live unforgettable moments with your family.
EXAMPLE ITINERARY
Vilamoura to Vila Real Santo Antonio
Depart at 12pm from Portugal’s largest boating hub, Vilamoura marina, heading 50 nautical miles East to the town of Vila real de Santo Antonio. Along your route, you will pass Ria Formosa and its different shades of blue, white sandy beaches and inlets. Be reassured, our crew will include some time in your itinerary for you to discover Ria Formosa, a haven for wildlife and nature lovers. For now, you will enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the establishments in the area, Estaminé. Set back on Deserta Island, Estamine is a place of authentic gastronomy. After an Algarvian feast, the captain will head to another stunning location, Cacela Velha, known for its warmer waters, blue lagoon and sunsets. Cacela velha is a small whitewashed village situated on top of a cliff with a dreamy landscape. Whoever visits it on foot feels that time has not had its effect there. After some post-lunch fun in the water and a dreamy sunset, you will arrive at your destination for the night, Vila Real de Sant Antonio, located on the Portuguese banks of the Guadiana estuary. Constructed in 1774 this town has a truly unique appearance with numerous decorative Pombaline-styled buildings and a grand central plaza reminiscent of Lisbon. For a cocktail or dinner, we would highly suggest you to visit the Grand Hotel, sitting on the waterfront, oozing elegance and vintage charm.
Vila Real to Alcoutim
After a short stroll in town, departure from VRSA, destination Alcoutim! Cruise along the Guadiana River, a natural border between Spain and Portugal. This is the perfect time for you to relax and enjoy the landscape of its beautiful banks, full of cane fields, water birds and various riverside villages. This area is also rich in cultural and historical heritage. After a 20 nautical miles cruise up, you will arrive in Alcoutim, a village known for its remoteness, area of natural beauty and history. Walk off our charter boat into a labyrinth of narrow streets leading up to the 14th Century Alcoutim Castle a spectacular view of the surrounding area is waiting for you. Grasp the relaxed atmosphere by sitting at one of the cafes located by the river.
In the meantime, our crew will have prepared lunch onboard, “petisco style” made of typical salads, cured meats and cheeses washed by a chilled rosé. Eat, Sip and sunbathe…
If adventure is more your thing, get across to the village on the Spanish side and experience Limit Zero, a zipwire between Sanlucar to Alcoutim. Adrenaline guaranteed! For the ones preferring to be on the water than in the air, renting kayaks could be a great activity for the entire family, discovering the river banks. After a very active day, we would suggest a pre-dinner drink on the aft deck, appreciating Alcoutim’s stillness, followed by dinner at O Contrabandista where you will sample authentic food while admiring the magnificent views by the river
Alcoutim to Vilamoura
A delightful 20 nautical mile cruise downstream is the perfect time for a scrumptious breakfast. Make the most of the tasty fresh fruits available locally and freshly made pastries. After reaching Vila Real de San Antonio, the captain will head West towards Olhao where you will stop for lunch at one of the newest additions to Olhao food scene, Sea See Sim. For the fish lover it is a must to feast on the freshly caught produce on the menu at ‘See Sea Sim’. This restaurant is frequented by locals and adored by visitors who both enjoy dining on some of the Algarve’s finest seafood dishes. After lunch, the captain will cruise towards one of the Ria Formosa’s inlets, each one with its own magic.
Anchor by Culatra, paradise island where Portugal meets the Caribbean with white, sandy expanses of coast hugging the turquoise sea. Prime position to enjoy some fun in the water or for you to relax for a few hours whilst admiring the Atlantic waves lap the sandy shore. Culatra remains relatively unknown and has been untouched by the masses, posing as an escape from the electric demeanour of more populated hotspots.
Lift the anchor and head towards the charming island of Armona, a place of simplicity and beauty. This untouched haven is a wonderful place to soak up the essence of raw Portuguese beauty. A car-free white sand fringed haven. Anchor along the sandy stretch of coast and tender in to experience 9km of unspoiled terrain. A tranquil aura shrouds the island; and the gentle way of life for its inhabitants’ sooths one’s soul. This jewel in the Algarve makes for a peaceful place to spend time, be that alone or with those you love, made all that more special by its positioning within these turquoise lagoons and your journey there onboard your boat.
At the end of this magical day, you will return to Vilamoura Marina where you will be enjoying dinner onboard prepared by a private chef.
Vilamoura to Albufeira
Whilst being served a delicious breakfast of your choice, you will make your way to Albufeira heading along the coastline, Praia de Falesia, Olhos de Agua, a cute fishing village and its blue huts. Cruising to Albufeira gives you the opportunity to experience the difference between the East and the West Algarve, from blue lagoons and interminable stretch of goldy sand beaches to a breath-taking part of the coastline, with rock formations, caves, hidden coves and secluded beaches only reachable by the sea. The Algarve waters are home to more than 20 species of cetaceans – dolphins and whales so keep your eyes on the horizon.
The captain will find the perfect spot to anchor, allowing you to enjoy some water sports, paddle boarding and snorkeling in azure water. By tender, explore remote part of the local coastline, ask our captain to go “Ninho das Andorinhas.”, a hidden beach, you may imagine you’re in a film set.
With so much fun in the water, it’s time to recharge your battery with lunch by the sea. Lunch will take place at one of the beach restaurants located West of Albufeira, offering a boat service. Sardinhas and O Evaristo restaurants are both picture perfect venues and noted as the favourites amongst foodies.
After lunch, spend the afternoon soaking up the sun on your luxury motor yacht before heading to Albufeira Marina where you will stay for the nigiht. Albufeira is home to some amazing restaurants and nightlife, from trendy beach bars to a cliffside 2* Michelin restaurant, not to mention great entertainment for those wanting to party the night away.
Albufeira to Portimao
Leaving behind Albufeira, you will cruise west to even more breathtaking sights and coastal gems such as the Fort of Nossa Senhora da Rocha perched on the edge of the cliff looking down the blue abyss. Another highlight of your itinerary should be Benagil cave, one of the most impressive natural wonders the Algarve has to offer. Challenging to access by land, those who visit by boat are envied for their unbeatable viewpoint, especially relaxing on the sundeck of our own luxury motor yacht.
A short cruise away, situated on the estuary of the River Arade, lies Ferragudo, a quaint fishing village overlooked by the Castel de São João do Arade. .. Enjoy a stroll in this beautiful village with cobbled streets, white wash houses and bougainvilliers. Stop for lunch at one of the typical Portuguese restaurants located on Ferragudo waterfront.
For those with a little thirst for something new, wave something plan for the afternoon, how about learning to fly with ‘Fliteboard Algarve’ and get to grips with the industry’s hottest new water toy. Soar past your boat and fellow adventurers demonstrating your new set of skills, in the calm waters of Ferragudo bay.
Across the river, you will find the busy town of Portimao and its marina where you will stay for the night. The marina is close to the city center where you will be spoiled for choice but If you fancy staying local, take a short walk to NoSolo Água. On arrival, you will soon realise that NoSolo Água goes beyond being just another beach club in the Algarve. Gentle tropical beats are the soundtrack to this mellow spot and the hip, attentive staff deliver the quirky cocktails and mouth-watering nibbles with aplomb. Did we mention the stunning sunset? Pure bliss!
Portimao to Lagos
Praia da rocha, Praia de Alvor, Meia praia… Fine golden sandy beaches as far as the eye can see magnified by turquoise waters. Be amazed by the eternal natural beauty of the Ria de Alvor, praised by many water sport lovers such as kite surfers, windsurfers.
At the entrance of the Ria, due to shallow waters, the captain will anchor and get you to the bay of Alvor. Many of Alvor’s serene charms as a fisherman’s village remain, making it a desirable place to spend a tranquil moment moseying around the network of winding streets which lead up from the riverfront. where after walking through narrow streets, you will find difficult to choose be spoiled for choice for lunch. One restaurant has been a local favourites for decades Ria mmmmm
As mentioned earlier, Alvor’s versatile estuary, thanks to its unique geography, can double up as a pitch to have some shielded fun on. Raid the garage onboard and locate your favourite toy.
A few nautical miles away, the town of Lagos, surrounded by an incredible seafaring and coastline considered one of the Algarve’s finest destinations. Passing the marina, the captain will stop by Ponte da Piedade or Praia do Camillo, beautiful sceneries praised by all, for you to enjoy some snorkelling in the clear waters. Maritime adventures dating back centuries have originated in Lagos’ impressive natural harbour, so it would only be right to carry on the tradition, right? Moor up at the visitors berth in Marina de Lagos and disembark on to the Cobbled streets. Lagos Marina sits right in the centre of the city, enabling you to enjoy its fantastic old and new charms. We believe that gastronomy is an essential part of a country’s culture and a luxury yacht charter is not complete without enjoying some of the area’s most renowned restaurants. Our crew will have hand-picked a few venues for you and your guests whether you are after local gems or Michelin starred restaurants.
Lagos to Vilamoura
The final morning on your yacht, you will be served a delicious fresh breakfast which you can enjoy on the aft deck in the sunshine as you make your way back to Vilamoura where you will disembark after a week making amazing memories with your loved ones, memories that will last a lifetime.
