Sailing in the Algarve

Boat trips and sailing in the Algarve are increasingly popular as people discover its spectacular coastline, sunny skies and calm seas, interesting wild life and modern marinas.

Highlights include:

• Spotting dolphins!

While sailing in the Algarve you may see bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins, Risso's dolphins, sharks, whales and orcas.

• Dropping anchor on a deserted beach for a fresh fish barbecue

• Exploring the caves, grottoes and bizarre rock formations near Lagos.

• Diving, swimming and snorkelling in the cool of the sea after a morning spent basking in the sunshine

• Big game and reef fishing for sharks, marlin, bream, bass, mackerel, grouper and more.

• Exploring Ria Formosa nature reserve

a 60 mile lagoon system and haven for wildlife especially southern European and North African birds, such as little egrets, flamingos, storks, ospreys and the rare purple gallinule.

• Feeling at the world's end at Sagres

on the western tip of the Algarve. In the ages of the discoveries this fort was the base for Prince Henry the Navigator's medieval sailing school. So, as you pass, spare a thought for those intrepid sailors who set out into the unknown and redrew the world map.

• And last but definitely not least watching the sunset over the marina with cocktails and great food!

The Algarve Coast

The Algarve coast stretches from Vila Real de Santo Antonio in the east to Sagres in the west and is world famous thanks to millions upon millions of postcards! The east, known as sotavento, is less developed and is characterised by long sand dunes, salt lagoons full of marine life and little, often uninhabited, islands. The central region offers up-market marinas, seemingly endless golden beaches and red cliffs topped with umbrella pines. As you go further west, into the barlavento region you'll come across towering cliffs and rocky outcrops, wierd caves and grottoes, pretty sandy bays and finally the dramatic headland at Sagres.

Weather and Sea Conditions

The Algarve enjoys a mediterranean climate with short mild winters, early springs and long hot summers making for pleasant sailing all year around. The Algarve has some of the best sailing conditions in Europe, particularly in autumn and winter, making it an ideal place to learn to sail. This is because much of the coastline is sheltered with north-easterly trade winds from April to September. The seas are generally calm with gentle tidal streams and warm offshore breezes. In the Algarve the likelihood of strong winds (over gale force 8) is only 1% in summer and 9% in winter.

Facilities

There are attractive ports and anchorages all along the Algarve coast with marinas at Vilamoura, Lagos, Portimão, Albufeira and Vila Real do Santo Antonio. If you choose to moor your yacht at one of the marinas then you'll find that there are plenty of companies that specialise in cleaning and maintaining them. There are also numerous sailing clubs and schools that offer sailing tuition and organise regular competitions and social events.