Article Sailing in Portugal

With its mild climate, bright sunshine, and favorable winds, sailing along the Portuguese coast is a great pleasure. As always in the Atlantic Ocean, it is sometimes calm, for a relaxed bit of sailing, and sometimes more temperamental, offering challenges that require a lot of energy.

In the 15th century, the Portuguese set sail in caravels and ships to venture into “uncharted waters,” as Camões so well described. These days, the sea may not be uncharted, yet it offers adventure and exceptional conditions for the sport.

Sailing in various classes of boats is practiced all over Portugal. However, a few places stand out. Cascais Bay near Lisbon, and Vilamoura or Lagos in the Algarve are considered among the best regatta locations in the world, which is why they regularly host some of sailing’s most prestigious events. Many international races, including whole competitions and stages, take place in Portuguese waters. These include the Tall Ships Races and the Volvo Ocean Race in Lisbon, the Clipper Round the World Regatta in Madeira, the TP/52 Audi Med Cup in Portimão, the Centenary of the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) held in Cascais, and Vilamoura, which has hosted a trio of Olympic qualifiers for three sailing classes during the European Championships in the Algarve.

Companies, schools, and yacht clubs promoting sailing and teaching new sailors can be found all over the country. In Northern Portugal, you’ll find them in Viana do Castelo, Póvoa de Varzim, and Leixões. In the central region, the Ria de Aveiro from Ovar to Costa Nova, Figueira da Foz, and the Óbidos Lagoon are popular. Near Lisbon, it’s common to see many white sails on the horizon along the Estoril coastline, such as in Sesimbra and further south in Troia. In addition to Lagos, yachtsmen enjoy the entire Algarve coastline, especially Vilamoura, which has the oldest established marina, and Portimão, where top competition teams go to train. In the mid-Atlantic are the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo as well as the Azores, particularly the island of Faial, whose marina in Horta is legendary among yachtsmen worldwide.

You can rent a boat in any of these areas and enjoy the freedom of plying the waters and enjoying the landscape from new perspectives – and not only at sea. There are vast expanses of freshwater to explore on the Douro River or the Alqueva reservoir, for example. For those who would like to experience sailing a route they’ve mapped out but haven’t yet learned to operate a rudder, you can also rent a boat with a skipper or join an organized sailing excursion and just sit back to enjoy the views of the coastal areas.

Across the country, docks, marinas, and yacht clubs provide all kinds of services and facilities for those making long journeys, and many proposals for those who seek a briefer encounter with the sport. For “old sea dogs” and newcomers alike, these facilities provide support you can rely on ashore.