Portugal Yacht Charter

Charter of yachts in Portugal

Portugal is a beautiful country located in the south-west of Europe. It borders the Spanish countryside to the east and the north, and Portugal meets the Atlantic Ocean to the west. It is a country of diversity: rivers, forests, and rich inland valleys, a charming contrast to its coastline full of beaches, cliffs, coves, vast olive groves, and orange groves. If you are interested in discovering the Portuguese coast, we highly recommend chartering a yacht in Portugal. If you prefer a comfortable and quiet sailing experience, you can choose between catamarans and sailboats.

Discover Portugal

The mild climate, the bright sunshine, and the favorable winds make sailing along the coast of Portugal a remarkable experience. There are a lot of places where you can start your cruise. The Gulf of Cascais near Lisbon and the Gulf of Lagos in the Algarve are considered the best places to start you trip and regularly host some of the most prestigious sailing events and regattas.

Located on seven hills, Lisbon attracts many tourists every year who like to stroll through the atmospheric streets of the old town (Alfama and Baixa). The towers of St. George’s Castle over the city and the wide Rossio square seem to open the city to the river. Being in Portugal is also worth a visit to the charming town of Porto. Picturesquely located on the Duero River, the wine port was recognized by the wine port transported from here on barges to England. We also recommend the charming town of Aveiro, which is called the Portuguese Venice. It’s full of colorful boats sailing along the local canals.

You feel close to the sea on the Portuguese coast. Sailing traditions are deeply rooted here. This is where famous explorers such as Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan came from. The connection to the sea can also be seen in local cuisine, rich in fish and seafood. Most tourists don’t leave here without trying the famous “pasteis de bacalhau” or cod dumpling. Another sweet treat is the de Nata pastel. These are sweet and rather greasy cupcakes with delicate cream, served with powdered sugar and cinnamon. Besides a feast for the palate, Portugal also offers a paradise for culture lovers. You can admire intricately decorated ceramic tiles, called azulejos, in the local buildings. And you can hear the emotional fado music in the local bars. Sung to accompany the 12-string guitar, he grabs his heart with poignant melodies.

Yacht Charter Portugal & Boat Rental

Algarve is a beautiful and well-known holiday destination with a lot to offer for different types of travelers. We are having stunning beaches, a unique landscape, opportunities for outdoor and water activities, and historic towns. There’s something here for everyone! Rent a boat to Faro, the provincial capital of the region, and go on an adventure. Explore the stunning cities and the fantastic, secret beaches of the area by boat. It’s the perfect destination for a sailing holiday!

How much does it cost to rent a boat to the Algarve?

If you plan to rent a boat in the Algarve, the prices will depend very much on the time of year. You can expect to pay more during the summer when most of the tourists come to visit. However, if you’re planning to visit the region when the crowds of tourists disappear in the spring or autumn, expect to find lower prices and a more comprehensive range of available boats. If you want to charter a yacht in the Algarve, you wish to pay around €400 / day for sailboats and € 500 / day for catamarans.

When it comes to motorboats, the choice available in the Algarve is enormous, so the price range varies. Depending on the activities you want to do during your holiday, the option is yours! But there’s no need to worry because you’re sure to find the best boat for you in the Algarve!

Many boats are available for rent in the Algarve, such as sailboats, catamarans, and motorboats. Due to the destination’s popularity, please keep in mind to book your boat in advance before your holiday to ensure that you can find the most suitable boat for your needs. Thanks to the beautiful climate of the Algarve, the sailing season starts at the end of April and lasts until October. Expect to find the most tourists during the high season in summer and much fewer crowds in spring and autumn.

Do I need a license to charter a yacht?

When it comes to renting a boat in Portugal, you will need a valid boating license. No matter if it’s a sailboat or a motorboat, the rules are the same. Don’t worry. If your boating license is issued in any European country, it will also be accepted in Portugal. If you don’t have a valid permit or feel comfortable renting a bareboat, there is always a possibility to rent with a skipper. There are many additional benefits, such as their expertise in driving a boat or their local area knowledge. Your only task is to enjoy your holiday!

Algarve Overview

The Algarve is located on the Atlantic coast in Portugal’s southern part and is a beautiful picturesque region. It is a trendy and famous holiday destination that receives hundreds of thousands of tourists every year. Thanks to its unique landscape, there are a lot of things to do in the area. The Algarve is famous for its many stunning white sandy beaches, protected hidden bays, and cliffs. It’s a region full of mesmerizing natural scenery.

Visit the city of Faro, the capital and the largest city in the area. Faro has an international airport that makes the site very easy to reach. When you visit Faro, don’t forget to wander around the old town, visit landmarks such as the cathedral, a lot of museums and, of course, traditional Portuguese restaurants! Faro can be a great starting point for your sailing holiday to explore the other cities in the area.

Don’t forget to check out Lagos, a coastal town located west of Faro. Less crowded and calm than Faro, but a beautiful little village rich in history, stunning old town, sandy beaches, and extraordinary natural scenery, it’s a city worth a visit! Besides Lagos and Faro, you can also see one of Portugal’s most famous cities and rent a Lisbon boat.

Rent a boat in Lisbon

Lisbon is the beautiful capital of Portugal, a dream holiday destination for different types of travelers. If you want to explore exciting cities with plenty of cafes and restaurants or go on a sailing adventure, Lisbon is the ideal choice. Due to its geographical location on the Atlantic coast, it has become a popular sailing destination over the years.

Rent a boat in Lisbon and explore the hidden gems of the Atlantic coast, discover the Belém Tower, the Ponte 25 de Abril Bridge or admire the famous Catholic Monument of the National Shrine of Christ the King. There is something for everyone in Lisbon that can make a memorable holiday for the whole family or a group of friends.

How much does it cost to rent a boat from Lisbon?

The price of renting a boat in Lisbon depends on several factors. First, the time of year will, of course, dictate the price. The more tourists there are, the higher the costs will be. The high season in Lisbon is during the summer, so expect to find the highest prices and the most tourists in the city. If you plan to charter a yacht in Lisbon, expect to pay around € 200 / day for a sailboat and €400 / day for a catamaran.

If you prefer to rent a motorboat, the price will depend on the size and type of boat you like. We recommend that you plan ahead of time to know what kind of boat will be suitable for your activities. You need to rent another boat if you’re planning to do water sports or go on a day trip along the coast to discover the region. But you’re sure to find the best that will make your vacation full of new experiences and memories with your friends or family.

Availability of boats in Lisbon

Lisbon is a very famous and popular holiday destination that makes it very easy to rent a boat because there is a vast selection of boats. We highly recommend that you book a ship months before your holiday, especially if you want to charter a yacht. If you’re going to rent a motorboat for a day, it is still recommended to do a few weeks of a month to avoid unpleasant surprises and lack of availability. The high season in the area is during the summer, so expect to find the most tourists. If you want to avoid crowds in the city and visit Lisbon when it’s calmer, we recommend staying in the spring or the autumn. The weather is still mild and sunny, perfect for sightseeing and sailing, and the added benefit of fewer tourists.

Do I need a yacht charter license in Lisbon?

If you rent a boat in Lisbon, you will need a valid boating license with you, no matter the boat’s type and size. This means that proper documentation is required for both sailboats and motorboats. If any EU Member State issues your boating license, it will be accepted automatically in Portugal. However, if you don’t have the required documents or don’t feel comfortable renting a bareboat, most of the boats are available to rent with a skipper. If you want a stress-free holiday, this is the best option. Having a skipper means that they have the technical knowledge to control the boat and the local knowledge of the area. The only thing you’re left with is to sit back and enjoy your holiday! Your trip to Lisbon will indeed become an unforgettable holiday experience!

Overview of the Lisbon

Lisbon is Portugal’s capital city on the Atlantic coast. Not only is it the capital city, but it is also the largest city in the country. Lisbon is the westernmost capital city in Europe and the only one on the Atlantic coast. Lisbon is a trendy holiday destination that receives millions of tourists every year. The city is well known for its many stunning landscapes, vibrant nightlife, excellent Portuguese cuisine, colorful tiles, and the city’s famous tramway. If you’re looking for nearby destinations, you’ll have easy access to nearby towns that are just as charming. Sail to the Algarve, a lovely region just south of Lisbon. Faro is one of the most famous sailing spots in the Algarve. You can either sail here directly or rent a boat in Faro and get to know the coast from a different perspective.

Luckily, Lisbon is an entirely walkable city with every significant attraction in the vicinity, making the city very easy to discover. But it would help if you tried out the famous tram that’s going around the city because it’s a very unique and memorable experience. Hop on at one attraction and take the tram to the next. Keep in mind that the trams are crowded in the busiest months and may be challenging to get on, but it’s worth waiting for.

Also, the Belém Tower, the authentic historic quarters, the Praca de Commercio square, and the Cathedral of Lisbon are places to visit. And there are many other attractions in the city worth a visit! Don’t miss the opportunity to try the Pastel de Nata, a famous and delicious dessert in the region.

After exploring the center of Lisbon, set sail to discover the region by boat. It will also astound you with all the uniqueness and stunning landscapes that it has to offer. You’re going to see the city from a different perspective and discover other secret places.

Yacht rental in Portugal-Portugal Boating Vacation

Portugal shares the Iberian Peninsula’s northern and eastern borders with Spain, with more than 1,000 kilometers of coastline in the west and south. Portugal produced great sailors such as Vasco de Gama, Pedro Álvares Cabral, and Afonso de Albuquerque with its long coastline. These men helped to build a spirit of sailing and adventure in Portugal that is still true today. It’s effortless to experience this sense of energy and passion while chartering your yacht in Portugal.

Whether you are chartering a sailboat, a catamaran, a motorboat, or a houseboat in Portugal, you will have easy access to the Atlantic Ocean as well as other countries. Portugal is the perfect location for a sailor looking for a boating holiday. Portugal is a relatively small country, but with many different yacht charter routes, you can experience and visits other countries such as Morocco and Spain. Although Portugal is far west of continental Europe, you still have quick and easy access to other countries’ magnificent coastlines

Before sailing the open waters surrounding Portugal, be sure to drop anchor near Lagos and see the fascinating coastline. Ponta da Piedade is a must-visit because of the beautiful coast like no other place on Earth. It’s the perfect place to swim in the hidden coves and caves while jumping off perfectly sculpted cliffs that are thousands of years old. Be sure to bring a pair of binoculars when you visit Ria Formosa to witness the hundreds of different migratory birds that use these barren islands as a temporary home in the spring and fall months.

From the safety of your charter yacht, experience the Boca do Inferno or “The Mouth of Hell,” where you can see incredible thundering waves crashing against the rocky coastline. You’re more than welcome to moor and casually stroll along the coastline that offers endless scenic views. However, if you’re looking for a more urban feel, travel to Cascais’ former fishing village and sample the local cuisine.

After you’ve experienced enough of the southern Portuguese culture, sail around the south tip of Sagres and head north to Belém, just west of Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. Visiting the Belém Tower, a 16th century fortified lighthouse built to defend the port, is a must while chartering a yacht in this area of central Portugal. Famous Portuguese sailors, such as Vasco de Gama, sailed the same lighthouse before embarking on their daring sea expeditions.

Continue your yachting vacation to Lisbon and stop at Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest district. Unlike most of the city, this district survived the earthquake of 1775 and still offers incredible views from several observation points. Be sure to have a map of this area because it’s straightforward to get lost walking around the cobbled streets while watching the Cathedral of Lisbon, the Museum of Decorative Arts, historic architecture, and local bars.

Many people think that the Caribbean has the best diving experience in the Atlantic Ocean, but Portugal offers diving just as spectacular. The long Atlantic coast provides excellent scuba diving in Faro, Lagos, Sines, and Aveiro, where the extraordinary marine life inhabits the reefs and caves. Scuba diving in Portugal’s warm waters is possible all year round, with water visibility typically ranging from 3-15 meters but up to 30 meters. Portugal offers exciting and unique experiences that no country on Earth can replicate

The most significant advantage of hiring a yacht charter in Portugal is the freedom you have to go to the most exclusive and stunning locations Portugal has to offer. This advantage makes Portugal an excellent destination for a boating holiday. You can easily venture off the beaten track to remote areas that provide incredible views and wildlife. You also have the opportunity to experience cities like Lisbon and Porto, or small sleepy fishing villages, wherever you want to sail your charter yacht.

Depending on the length of your boating holiday, Portugal has countless sailing opportunities at all levels of sailing expertise. Navigating north to south or south to north will allow you to experience the Portuguese culture in the fullest possible way. Find a suggested route here to sail on the Silver Coast of Portugal. If you’re more interested in discovering the southern coast of Portugal, we’ll give you a suggestion for sailing in the Algarve. Portugal provides abundant ports for perfect day trips, allowing you to experience the different parts of the country you want to see.

Conditions for the climate and sailing of Portugal

Portugal’s location in Western Europe gives the country a warm, temperate, Mediterranean climate with a wet season in the winter. During the winter months, the average daytime high temperature is 61 ° F (16 ° C), and during the spring months, temperatures gradually rise to around 72 ° F (22 ° C). In southern Portugal, the summer lasts from May to October, and the weather is warm with very little rain. Relax at 85 ° F (29 ° C) temperatures on your catamaran, motor yacht, sailboat, or houseboat in July and August, while the refreshing breeze blows softly. The sun shines for 12 hours a day, allowing plenty of time for outdoor activities such as swimming and diving. Due to the shifting current, the best time to swim and dive in Portuguese waters is in July or August, when the average water temperature is 70 ° F (21 ° C).

The pristine sailing conditions of the western coast are attracting an increasing number of international sailors. Over 300 days a year, the Nortada (Portuguese Trade Winds) blows between 12 and 18 knots, making Portugal an ideal boating destination. With a refreshing breeze, 12 hours of sunshine, comfortable temperatures, warm water, July and August are the best months to charter a yacht in Portugal. When chartering a catamaran, a sailboat, a houseboat, or a motor yacht, it is recommended that you sail from the south to the north because of the winds and the southern current that flow during the summer.

Boat Licenses for Portugal

To rent a yacht in Portugal, you must comply with specific rules on sailing and boating. The Portuguese Maritime Institute issues licenses, but any sailing license issued by another European Union country is automatically valid. Non-EU requests shall be accepted and recognized in Portugal if the requirements comply with EU standards. Usually, they have to be translated into Portuguese or English. It is essential to have an ICC (International Certificate of Competence) because it is recognized by most of the EU Sailing Authorities and is proof of competence in sailing and boating.

Sailing to Portugal

Portugal, a maritime country with a mild climate, bright sunshine, and favorable winds, is perfect for your next sailing holiday. Explore the best sailing destinations in Lisbon, the sunny Algarve, and the exotic Azores. Chartering a yacht in Portugal means exploring an undiscovered but surprisingly affordable sailing destination.

Location of yachts in Portugal

Charter, a yacht in Lisbon, Portugal’s coastal capital, whose entrance to the port, is guarded by the emblematic Belem Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be part of the best races in the world-the Volvo Ocean Race and the Tall Ships Races. Enjoy egg tarts, the ubiquitous bacalhau (salted cod), and drink fine wines with friendly Portuguese locals on long stretches of sandy beaches.

If you’re up for more adventurous sailing, you can take a plane to the distant Azores archipelago made up of nine volcanic islands in the middle of the Atlantic. Motorboats and sailing yachts are waiting for you in the marinas of Angra and Horta, located on the islands of the same name, known for their spectacular and untouched scenery.

How to rent a boat from Portugal

Favorite sailing destinations are to be found in Lisbon, the Algarve, and the Azores. You can rent a boat and start your journey from 19 marinas, the most famous Porto de Lisboa, Marina de Portimao, and Amieira Marina.
When searching for a boat, you can choose from the fleets of 26 charter companies in Portugal.

Boats can be rented in Portugal with or without a skipper. A basic sailing license is sufficient to rent a bareboat. The boat around always displays the required sailing license in the information on the ship.

Sailing yachts and catamarans are often rented as bareboat, but for those who wish, there is always the possibility of chartering these yachts with a professional skipper.

With a vast maritime history and favorable sailing conditions, Portugal has long been known to attract charterers from every corner of the world. Over 800 kilometers of stunning coastline, year-round sunshine, and pleasant winds make it the perfect combination for chartering yachts in Portugal. Navigate the Atlantic Ocean to enjoy world-famous Porto wine or satisfy your sweet tooth with Pasta de Nata. Dance the night away in Lisbon or surf some of the best waves that Europe offers in Madeira. Located in the westernmost part of Europe, this hotel offers a combination of culture, history, adventure, and delicious cuisine to make your charter experience a holiday you’ll never forget!

Three reasons for renting a yacht in Portugal

1. Sunshine Round Year

Located in the south-west corner of Europe, Portugal is one of the warmest countries on the continent. Thanks to its Mediterranean climate and the Atlantic Ocean’s light breeze, it is the ideal location for chartering a yacht. During the summer months of June to mid-September, sailors can expect an average temperature of 24 ° C. Winter months, from November to March, tend to be slightly cooler at 16 ° C. Keep in mind when planning your boat rental itinerary: the more north you go in Portugal during the winter months, while the southern parts of the Algarve remain relatively sunny and dry. What the hell are you waiting for? Rent a boat, sit back, relax, and enjoy the 300 days of sunshine in Portugal!

2.Tasty Treatments

Portuguese cuisine, overshadowed by some of its neighboring European countries, is hugely underrated. Traditional dishes are packed with tastes as rich as a culture. Common ingredients are fish, meat, olive oil, and spices. During your yacht charter, you will find coastal towns full of restaurants serving some of the most delicate fish on the continent. After a long day of sailing, don’t forget to treat yourself to Pastéis de Nata, Portugal’s most beloved pastry.

3. Unbeatable Value

Sailing is one of the unique ways to travel anywhere in the world. But what if you could have a charter holiday without breaking the bank while exploring the mainland? A charter yacht in Portugal makes this possible! Visitors from all over the world travel to this place because of its beauty and culture. Another top selling point, however, is its affordability. Wine, dine and sail on a yacht while maintaining a reasonable budget.

Paradise Surfing

Do you know where the Guinness World Record for the most significant wave of surfing took place? Portugal! This relatively small country is known all over the world for its excellent waves. A yacht charter in Portugal will help you find some of the best surf breaks that Europe has to offer. What a better way to find the best waves than to sail down the coast. Jump off your boat rental and grab your board for a fun afternoon! During the summer, the average temperature of the water is 21 ° C, and in the winter, it is only 15 ° C, so no matter the month, Portugal’s temperate waters are sure to be enjoyed.

Getting there

Portugal has three international airports, making it easy to get anywhere in the world. Once you’ve arrived in the country, getting to your yacht charter is quick and cheap by public transport.

• Lisbon: Lisbon Airport is Portugal’s largest airport and is located only 9 km from the city center.
• Porto: Porto Airport is approximately 11 km from the center of Porto. The metro is the quickest and cheapest means of transport to and from the airport.
• Lagos: Faro Airport is the closest airport to Lagos, 90 km east of the city. Busses and trains run between both destinations regularly.