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Destinations and routes

Why can't you miss Algarve?

  • 8FA64948-B023-4AF4-B915-09FEE61C03E0
By Jose Luis Macia y Claudia Krug
16 August, 2022
The south of Portugal is one of the destinations recognized worldwide for its excellent value for money to enjoy your holidays with more than 200 kilometers of coastline. If we also add the more than 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, the elaborate Mediterranean gastronomic offer and services in the marinas for boats of all kinds, we have the perfect combination for a few days of enjoyment with no margin for error.
Boat repairs in Lagos marina
Boat repairs in Lagos marina

Algarve, from the Arabic "Al-Garb" means west, referring to its geographical location. However, it is not until the beginning of the 20th century that it gains importance and recognition thanks to its fishing and canning industry.

The opportunity to rent a boat and get to know the Portuguese region by sea is an experience that will surprise you at every moment, contemplating the golden rocks in which erosion has sculpted caves and exuberant forms, especially between Lagos and Albufera, to the reddish cliffs and white dunes that frame wide sandbanks, not to mention the exuberant vegetation and fauna of the place that visits the area, before migrating to other warmer destinations.

Bird watching in Ria Formosa
Bird watching in Ria Formosa
Table of Contents
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  • Lakes
  • Portimao
  • Albufeira
  • Villamoura

Lakes

Located in the beautiful western Algarve, it is a city full of character and can boast a rich history of navigation in landscapes that will leave you surprised. Founded on the banks of the Bensafrim River, it was born as a fortified port during the Arab occupation, leaving its cultural mark in every corner of Lagos, such as Rua Cândido dos Reis and Rua Infante de Sagres, where you can't help but lose yourself for a few minutes walking and appreciate the mosaics on the walls and floor, as if it were a painting.
Rua Infante de Sagres
Rua Infante de Sagres


Another mandatory stop is at the Maria de Lagos, awarded with the distinguished Euromarina Anchor Adwards and European Blue Flag awards. It has more than 400 mooring places, surveillance and medical services 24 hours a day. Next to the nautical support building, where services such as laundry, changing rooms, showers, etc... are located, a weekly market is held in summer, full of local crafts, gastronomic products from the area such as wine or canned fish.

In addition, Lagos is committed to renewable and non-polluting energies with the environment, which is why it is one of the few ports with electric charging posts for 0-emission boats.
Lagos Marina
Lagos Marina

Currently, it is one of the best destinations within the Algarve region, since it will allow you to enjoy its natural beaches with crystal clear water, lively nightlife and tourist services for sailors.

Walking through the beautiful old quarter of the city, we can discover and delight ourselves with classic cobbled streets, endless local restaurants to enjoy traditional dishes such as cod and architectural buildings accompanied by a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. You will surely feel at home.

Portuguese cod
Portuguese cod

Portimao

Portimão is the most important city in the southwest of the Algarve region, and for this reason it hosts various events of great international fame such as the Formula 1 Power Boat World Championship.

Before the revolution that led to tourism, Portimão was a city dedicated mainly to shipbuilding, fishing, processing and canning sardines. For this reason, you can't help but get lost in its beautiful old town full of cafes and restaurants specializing in fresh fish and seafood.

The most characteristic dish of the town is the fish cataplana, where steamed for hours over low heat, you will delight one of the best stews you have ever tasted.
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Traditional cataplana


Another essential stop when visiting Portimão is its incredible museum, where the fishing heritage of the region is celebrated. This museum is located on the banks of the Arade River, inside an old fish canning factory that was restored in 2008. Inside we will find the archaeological division with remains of past civilizations, underwater finds such as Roman vessels to transport the fish in salt, to the capital of the empire. Finally, the most fascinating, the recreation of canned mackerel and sardines along with the assembly lines. In addition, the museum has revived in an excellent video on the fishing sector, all the steps of the process, from how the nets are cast to the schools of fish to their packaging.
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Portimao Museum

Portimão is the most important city in the southwest of the Algarve region, and for this reason it hosts various events of great international fame such as the Formula 1 Power Boat World Championship.

Before the revolution that led to tourism, Portimão was a city dedicated mainly to shipbuilding, fishing, processing and canning sardines. For this reason, you can't help but get lost in its beautiful old town full of cafes and restaurants specializing in fresh fish and seafood. Walking through its streets you will feel the soul of a Portuguese city, surrounded by traditional shops and a rich historical heritage that fill the center of Portimão with life.


If, on the other hand, you are looking for something more natural, the best option is to get a tan at Praia da Rocha. A fantastic and wide beach of white sand and crystal clear waters, with an unparalleled beauty that you cannot miss. Its rock formation gives rise to endless spectacular underwater views, surrounded by all kinds of fish that you will see while snorkeling, once the boat has anchored.

Albufeira

Attracted from all over Europe, tourists choose the city of Albufeira thanks to its wonderful combination of incredible beaches with crystal clear water, excellent gastronomic offer with good value for money and an excellent temperature throughout the year.

An old fishing village, it is the largest tourist city in the Algarve region. It offers its visitors a picturesque and charming old town, full of houses whose walls are made up of tiles of different colors, traditional Algarvian fireplaces and hundreds of shops with artisanal products from the area such as wine or Portuguese sweets. On your walk through the city you cannot miss the Igreja Matriz built at the end of the 18th century, as it is a clear example of Portuguese neoclassical architecture. If you visit it at night, you can also stop to refresh yourself and have a snack in one of the places on Rua dos bars, where all the nightlife of the city is concentrated.

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Main Church of Albufeira


An almost obligatory stop in Albufeira is at Falésia Beach, where seen from the sea, you will enjoy an incredible panorama of cliffs with orange and white tones due to erosion and dotted with several green areas of pine trees that create a spectacular natural beauty. In addition, you can always take the opportunity to tone up your tan while you cool off in its incredible transparent waters.

Another secret that the waters of this area hide, entering between 1 or 2 kilometers from the coast, is the sighting of dolphins. In this way you will be able to observe these mammals in their natural habitat, how they behave and all this without any kind of hubbub as in captivity centers.


AdobeStock_400348240
AdobeStock_400348240


Do not think twice and start packing your suitcase to discover this beautiful area.

Villamoura

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  • 8FA64948-B023-4AF4-B915-09FEE61C03E0
    Jose Luis Macia
    Content Manager at Sailwiz. Creation and writing of content related to navigation. Passionate about travel since childhood and always with the suitcase ready to discover the next destination.
  • Claudia Krug
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