sailing holidays in Portugal

Sailing in Portugal is wonderful, with favourable winds, beautiful coastline and fantastic food, it offers warm-weather sailing year-round. Factor in the plentiful sophisticated marinas, historical ports, plus excellent cuisine, and it is easy to see why this often understated destination has long lured adventurers.

Visit Portimao

Located in the Algarve, Portimao is a historic port city where many of our vessels sailing in Portugal start and end. With a marine heritage built on sardine fishing and boat building, the city of Portimao oozes plenty of charm with Gothic architecture, a bustling marina and a vibrant food scene.

Stroll the promenade which runs along what were once busy fishing docks, then explore the tree-lined plazas of the old town. Shop for souvenirs, wander the shady streets and sample the local cuisine in a local eatery before joining your vessel. It’s the perfect way to start your sailing holiday in Portugal.

Sail the Algarve

The Algarve coastline is a thing of wonder, magnificent red rock formations give way to undulating sand dunes and hidden sea caves.

Sailing here allows the perfect opportunity to explore harder-to-reach places and uninhabited islands, far from the bustling popular tourist towns. We often sail along this pretty coast, making the picturesque voyage to Gibraltar in southern Spain, accompanied by playful dolphins and even the odd whale! Read more about sailing in the Algarve in our recent journal entry >

Wildlife in Portugal

The Portuguese waters are home to a diverse range of marine life, and lucky guests may be treated to some spectacular sightings whilst sailing in Portugal.

There have been over 25 cetacean species, more than 40 species of sharks and three different turtle species recorded here alone, so be sure to keep binoculars close to hand whilst sailing! Added to this is a considerable number of marine birds, from gannets and gulls to Shearwaters and Petrels. Sailing in Portugal is a bird-lover’s dream.

Portuguese Food and Drink

After a busy day sailing in Portugal, there is no sight more welcome than a plate full of mouth-watering food. In keeping with our VentureSail ethos to promote locally sourced, sustainable produce, guests can look forward to sampling some of the fabulous delicacies that this country is known for. From piri-piri chicken to fresh seafood, stews and meat dishes, each with roots in the country’s rich and eclectic history. Think hearty, healthy Mediterranean food with Arabian, African and Portuguese influence – mouth-watering, thought-provoking and utterly delicious!

And if this isn’t enough to tempt you, the temperate Mediterranean climate, plentiful sunshine and easy access from the UK should earn sailing in Portugal a firm spot on your travel wish list!