From the Age of Exploration, Portugeuse sailors discovered and colonized large parts of the world, their impressive scouts led to them being some of the most incredible voyages in European history. Following the death of Dom Henrique (also nicknamed Henry the Navigator) who explored the western coast of Africa, Madeira and the Azores, his influence to other Portuguese sailors that went on to discover a sea route to India and the land which later became known as Brazil, meant a systematic progress to new areas and routes that heightened Portugeuse sea trade. Today Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and is one of the most affordable regions in Europe. Even though tourism may be booming here during the summer months, the great weather means there’s never a bad time to visit this exceptional city. With the Country’s central region, Coimbra offering visitors a number of Roman and medieval ruins along with the Biblioteca joanina which is one of the most beautiful libraries in the world, the surfing opportunities in Ericeira, the tiny treasure coves and mesmerizing cliffs in Algarve and the Azorean archipelago with its natural beauties, you have endless options to enjoy a unique vacation in Portugal. You can organize your boat trip in any destination you please and follow routes to Atlantic archipelagos (like Azores, Madeira and Cape Verde) that were significant discoveries during the Portuguese colonial empire.

If you rent a boat in Faro, the provincial capital of Algarve, you will have access to countless beaches in Albufeira and Vilamoura. Proud of its year-round warm climate, the Algarve offers a 150km coastline with beautiful beaches, some of which are completely isolated granting an aura of mysticism and guaranteeing a smooth sailing experience. The Rio Formosa Natural Park in Faro offers a wide range of boat tours and is the perfect example away from the bustle and crowds. The park involves cruising along channels, natural canals and multiple bays and is often best explored with the catamaran that has the best level of displacement from the water, the Ilha Deserta of the Ria Formosa is a must-visit beach here. A little further from the park, Armona island beach in Faro has no cars and is also worth exploring. You also have the opportunity to visit different beaches in Albufeira with a speed boat or catamaran of your choice. Some of the best beaches include Praia de Marinha that has been voted in the top 100 list worldwide, Praia da Oura surrounded by beautiful rock formations and famous for its stag and hen parties and Praia de Barranco Das Belharucas known for its tranquil settings and colorful cliffs. 

A yacht charter in the Azores islands with a skipper will ensure you have an unforgettable holiday in Portugal. The Azores islands are to the west of the mainland and are 9 unique islands that include: Corvo, Flores, Faial, Pico, Sao Jorge, Graciosa, Terceira, Santa Maria and Sao Miguel. Sao Miguel’s cosmopolitan town of Ponta Delgada is the capital of the archipelago and has a lot to offer. You can safely anchor your sailing vessel in the modern marina and blend your trip with long walks through the cobblestone streets and spend time in the ocean-front. The island of Terceira was settled by Portuguese navigators, here you can take in the Monte Brasil volcano which led to the construction of the maritime Fort of São João Baptista overlooking the city. If you are sailing around the Azores, Faial is the island of nautical sports and ideal for practicing windsurfing or rowing along the curvy coast with hours of pleasure. In case you have booked tickets to head directly to the Azores, Horta marina is ideal for beginning your trips around the Archipelago. Along the coast of Pico, you can swim in the many natural pools and enjoy the lavish green nature of Madalena. Graciosa offers fantastic conditions for practice of sailing and windsurfing and Jorge island is a paradise for diving enthusiasts who will come across a large number of fish and interesting shapes of cones from extinct volcanoes. This diverse landscape the Azores islands offer that stands out with their hot volcanoes, picturesque towns, sandy beaches, and sub-tropical climate will make you feel the magic of the Atlantic. The islands may be best explored in one or two week charters as there is so much to see. Even though the islands may be some of the safest in Europe, we advise you to hire a yacht with a skipper due to the unpredictable weather and prevailing winds that may pose a challenge to less experienced sailors.