The Best Places in Portugal for a Boat Trip

Portugal has more than 800 kilometres of Atlantic coast, two great rivers, an archipelago in the Azores and the islands of Madeira. In other words, it is one of the best countries in Europe to explore by water. Choosing where to take a boat trip is therefore no simple question: the answer depends on what you want. These are our favourite places in Portugal for a boat trip , written by people who spend their days on the Tagus in Lisbon, not copied from yet another travel list.

1. Lisbon, the Tagus River

The Tagus is the obvious starting point for any conversation about boat trips in Portugal. Much of the country's maritime history began here, with Vasco da Gama setting sail from Belém for India, and the river still carries that historic weight today. From the water, Lisbon reveals itself as no street or viewpoint can: the 25 de Abril Bridge, the Belém Tower, Cristo Rei and the Monument to the Discoveries line up in one of Europe's great river panoramas, and at sunset the light over the bridge is extraordinary. At Sardinha do Tejo there are sunset cruises on the historic EVORA Boat, Catamaran tours, boat parties with a swim stop and private charters. If Lisbon is on your itinerary, the river is a must. Ideal for: sunset cruises, historic monuments, city views, group events. year, with a peak from June to September. Season: all

2. The Douro Valley, in Porto and beyond

The Douro is Portugal's second great river and perhaps the most dramatic. It rises in Spain and runs west to the Atlantic at Porto, cutting through granite gorges and terraced vineyards. In Porto, it is best experienced on a traditional rabelo boat, the flat-bottomed vessels that once carried the wine barrels. Further inland, the Alto Douro wine region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is explored along the river, and the stretch between Pinhão and the border is one of the most scenic river journeys in Europe. Ideal for: scenery, wine culture, photography. and mild temperatures. Season: spring and autumn, for the light

3. The Algarve, caves, cliffs and coast

The southern Algarve coast is one of the most photographed in Europe. Golden cliffs, hidden caves, turquoise water and sandy beaches create a drama best experienced from the sea rather than the clifftops. For anyone who wants to explore this coast with an extra level of comfort and customisation, there are operators specialising in luxury nautical experiences in the area. One is The Ocean Week, which organises catamaran and private yacht cruises along the Algarve coast, from Lagos, Portimão and other locations, an excellent way to discover the caves and more remote beaches without giving up comfort. Ideal for: sea caves, marine wildlife, dramatic scenery. July and August busiest. Season: May to October, with

4. Setúbal and the Arrábida Natural Park

Just south of Lisbon, the Arrábida is one of the country's best-kept secrets. The mountain drops steeply into the Atlantic and creates a coast of turquoise water that feels more Mediterranean than Atlantic, protected by natural-park status, which keeps the beaches and water in exceptional condition. Ideal for: snorkelling, crystal-clear water, hidden beaches, day trips from Lisbon. Season: June to September, for the calmest conditions.

5. The Azores, whales and volcanic coasts

In the middle of the Atlantic, some 1,500 kilometres from Lisbon, the Azores are perhaps Portugal's most dramatic boat destination. The whale watching is among the best-rated in the world, as the islands sit on migratory routes used by more than 20 species of whales and dolphins. Ideal for: whale watching, volcanic landscapes, adventure. with a whale peak from May to September. Season: April to October,

6. The Ria Formosa, in the eastern Algarve

The Ria Formosa is a lagoon system stretching 60 kilometres along the eastern Algarve, protected as a natural park. Unlike the cliff coast to the west, it is a calmer, more intimate landscape, a network of channels, sandbanks and barrier islands. Ideal for: birdwatching, nature, family outings. for birds. Season: all year, with spring great

Start in Lisbon

If you are planning a boat trip in Portugal and beginning your journey in Lisbon, the Tagus is the perfect starting point. Sardinha do Tejo offers sunset cruises on the EVORA Boat, Catamaran tours, boat parties and private events, all departing from central Lisbon. Explore our Lisbon boat tours. Written by the Sardinha do Tejo team, local operators on the Tagus, certified by Turismo de Portugal and members of the Lisbon Tourism Association.