portugal
Portugal
At the southern most tip of Western Europe on the Iberian peninsula lies the enchanting land of Portugal blessed with everything for a perfect charter destination: luxurious sparkling waters of the Atlantic Ocean, plush sandy beaches, dramatic mountain ranges, verdant flora, olive groves, excellent wine, fresh seafood and a number of historic and cultural monuments around every corner. Portugal is lucky to be one of the warmest countries on the Old Continent and is drenched in sunlight all year round making this destination extremely appealing to both summer and winter charterers alike. This land is an exciting slice of paradise where each guest will find something unique to discover during their luxury charter.
historic-porto
Historic Porto
Northern Portugal is believed to the birthplace of the nation and
it is home not only to the nation’s second largest city, Porto, but
also breathtaking valleys and many natural parks lined with flora
endemic to the Mediterranean climate as well as a variety of
seafood inhabiting the coast.
Porto is a city easily accessible through the Sá Carneiro Airport operating flights from bustling international airports. Conveniently constructed on the hill surmounting the Duoro river estuary, Porto’s historic city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back as far as the 4th Century. Boasting monumental granite buildings, Porto is a genuine maze of colorful edifices lining a waterfront promenade and winding narrow passages, each one having witnessed historic changes in the city. With quaint restaurants, cafes, museums and boutiques in the city center, Porto offers a day of sightseeing, an unparalleled experience saturated with breathtaking vistas, cultural events and magnificent local cuisine based on fresh products.
If you have some spare time, visit the Mercado do Bolhao, a traditional market where you and your Chef will find the freshest fruits, vegetables, meat and fish for your lunch or dinner onboard. The waterfront promenade is lined with great places to have an afternoon chilled glass of wine or a snack. Once you have enough energy for more visiting, the city is carpeted with lush parks to spend an enjoyable afternoon. And for all the festive souls, the city boasts a number of bustling nightclubs, bars and pubs.
Porto is a city easily accessible through the Sá Carneiro Airport operating flights from bustling international airports. Conveniently constructed on the hill surmounting the Duoro river estuary, Porto’s historic city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back as far as the 4th Century. Boasting monumental granite buildings, Porto is a genuine maze of colorful edifices lining a waterfront promenade and winding narrow passages, each one having witnessed historic changes in the city. With quaint restaurants, cafes, museums and boutiques in the city center, Porto offers a day of sightseeing, an unparalleled experience saturated with breathtaking vistas, cultural events and magnificent local cuisine based on fresh products.
If you have some spare time, visit the Mercado do Bolhao, a traditional market where you and your Chef will find the freshest fruits, vegetables, meat and fish for your lunch or dinner onboard. The waterfront promenade is lined with great places to have an afternoon chilled glass of wine or a snack. Once you have enough energy for more visiting, the city is carpeted with lush parks to spend an enjoyable afternoon. And for all the festive souls, the city boasts a number of bustling nightclubs, bars and pubs.
bliss-and-romance-in-douro-valley
Bliss and Romance in Douro Valley
In the country’s northwestern part lies an enchanting land of
stretching vineyards and beautiful vistas of the majestic Douro
River flowing between imposing sun-kissed verdant bluffs where
lazily ripening grapes are used to produce one of the best wines in
the world, Port wine.
The valley is lined with winding mountainous roads and thanks to splendid views opening up from the hilltops, the Douro Valley is classified a World Heritage Site and rightfully so. The S. Leonardo da Galafura viewpoint is only one of the few in the region seducing visitors again and again with warmth and smoothness of the river. The beauty of layered granite terraces coupled with the fragrance of sweet almond trees is a seducing combination stimulating the five senses.
The valley is lined with winding mountainous roads and thanks to splendid views opening up from the hilltops, the Douro Valley is classified a World Heritage Site and rightfully so. The S. Leonardo da Galafura viewpoint is only one of the few in the region seducing visitors again and again with warmth and smoothness of the river. The beauty of layered granite terraces coupled with the fragrance of sweet almond trees is a seducing combination stimulating the five senses.
the-beating-heart-of-the-country
The beating heart of the country
Portugal’s central region is its core beating with vibes of the
country’s millennium worth of history. These tranquil boroughs are
irreproachable for a day trip inland. In ancient times, the
villages sitting atop imposing hills were crucial in protecting the
surrounding lands. Because of their strategic location, it was
mostly impossible for potential invaders to attack them thus
leaving their inhabitants at peace. Different offenders tried to
attack these settlements throughout the ages including Moors,
Christians, Portuguese and Spaniards. Due to these dramatic fates,
each village has its own legend to tell. Magnificent landscapes,
formidable fortresses and friendly locals are what make this region
of Portugal a sweet retreat from the hustle and bustle of lively
coastal cities.
piodao
Piódão
One of the twelve villages under the Historic Villages Program
founded over twenty years ago, Piódão is a village quaintly
terraced at the foot of a steep bluff. It is a delightful small
settlement of schist houses lining narrow passages with bold deep
blue windows and doors. The choice of color was not coincidental,
it is believed that the village’s one shop was only supplied with
blue paint and due to Piódão’s remoteness, it was rather difficult
to travel elsewhere.
With this isolation, the village was able to preserve its ancient architecture with the whitewashed church dating back to the 19th Century distinguished among the houses. Inaccessible, Piódão also used to be a haven for fugitives escaping from harsh punishments.
With this isolation, the village was able to preserve its ancient architecture with the whitewashed church dating back to the 19th Century distinguished among the houses. Inaccessible, Piódão also used to be a haven for fugitives escaping from harsh punishments.
land-carpeted-with-castles
Land carpeted with castles
Castles in Portugal played an important role in the country’s
independence. Spread mostly along the border, these frontier
fortifications have been guarding Portugal since the nation’s
birth. These majestic strongholds tell vivid tales of heroic
battles fought to preserve the land’s autonomy from various
invaders including those pouring in from neighboring Spain.
Once you reach inland, do not miss the 20 castles route in Portugal’s central region that were outlined by Portuguese authorities. They are the most prominent fortresses to see in the country, among which are Sortelha, Castelo Mendo, Castelo Rodrigo and the entire walled town of Almeida boasting a medieval construction and perfectly angular streets all leading to city center.
Once you reach inland, do not miss the 20 castles route in Portugal’s central region that were outlined by Portuguese authorities. They are the most prominent fortresses to see in the country, among which are Sortelha, Castelo Mendo, Castelo Rodrigo and the entire walled town of Almeida boasting a medieval construction and perfectly angular streets all leading to city center.
enchanting-capital-region
Enchanting capital region
Moving further to the south is Portugal’s hub, the coastal capital
city of Lisbon situated at the mouth of Tagus River. Lisbon blends
harmoniously the country’s turbulent past with cosmopolitan vibes
of the modern era leaving the city a wonderful maze of the
monuments, museums, castles, monasteries, fortifications,
restaurants, cafes, bars and boutiques. With such a fabulous
selection of activities offered in the region, your luxury charter vacation in Lisbon will be an
enthralling walk through time pigmented with plenty of local colors
and saturated with rich Portuguese tastes and fragrances.
Sail your luxury charter powerboat along the port, walk through historic passages or take historic trams to the city center, climbing up the hill and leaving passengers with splendid views of the bay. Each historic district of Lisbon has its own tale to tell and captivates visitors with a maze of alleys, squares, verdant parks and monuments.
Alcantara is a commercial hub dating back to the Middle Ages, that has lately been emerging as the most fashionable district in the city with bars, discos and pricey lofts in both modern and classical buildings with views on the Tagus River. Lisbon’s oldest district is Alfama, a neighborhood that constituted the largest part of the city during the Islamic invasion of the peninsula and that was left intact during the 1755 Lisbon Earthquake. A picturesque labyrinth of compact streets and squares, Alfama is lined with ancient constructions with colorful facades, typical fado bars, museums that visitors can admire from onboard one the old trams. The heart of the city rests Baixa Pombalina (the city center), a chic neighborhood reconstructed after the earthquake with a bustling cultural and gastronomic life, and Chiado, a traditional shopping area with a blend of ancient and modern architecture.
The Bairro Alto in the City of Seven Hills offers the most breathtaking views on the river, the port and the Vasco da Gama Bridge stretching over 17.2 km and crossing the Tagus River.
Sail your luxury charter powerboat along the port, walk through historic passages or take historic trams to the city center, climbing up the hill and leaving passengers with splendid views of the bay. Each historic district of Lisbon has its own tale to tell and captivates visitors with a maze of alleys, squares, verdant parks and monuments.
Alcantara is a commercial hub dating back to the Middle Ages, that has lately been emerging as the most fashionable district in the city with bars, discos and pricey lofts in both modern and classical buildings with views on the Tagus River. Lisbon’s oldest district is Alfama, a neighborhood that constituted the largest part of the city during the Islamic invasion of the peninsula and that was left intact during the 1755 Lisbon Earthquake. A picturesque labyrinth of compact streets and squares, Alfama is lined with ancient constructions with colorful facades, typical fado bars, museums that visitors can admire from onboard one the old trams. The heart of the city rests Baixa Pombalina (the city center), a chic neighborhood reconstructed after the earthquake with a bustling cultural and gastronomic life, and Chiado, a traditional shopping area with a blend of ancient and modern architecture.
The Bairro Alto in the City of Seven Hills offers the most breathtaking views on the river, the port and the Vasco da Gama Bridge stretching over 17.2 km and crossing the Tagus River.
alentejo-across-the-tagus
Alentejo, “Across the Tagus”
South of Lisbon is the Alentejo region whose northern boundary
separating it from the rest of the country is the Tagus River.
Alentejo is a rustic region exuding plenty of local flavor and
history where visitors will marvel at historic villages of
whitewashed paved houses, ancient Roman villas, majestic monuments,
Bronze Age settlements, archeological remains on every step of the
way and plush landscapes of dramatic cliffs, stretching fields of
fragrant sunflowers, marvelous beaches with crystal-clear water and
golden sands.
enigmatic-sines
Enigmatic Sines
Sailing south along the Portuguese coast, visitors will be left
under the spell of the varied coastline and charming seafront
villages and towns with imposing traditional architecture sitting
atop luscious hills and rocky cliffs. One of these mysterious yet
entirely bewitching vicinities is Sines blessed with favorable
weather conditions, magnificent beaches and quaint architecture of
adorned whitewashed houses and churches, ancient fortifications,
humongous verdant palm trees and facilities accommodating luxury charter mega yachts, luxury catamarans, luxury charter powerboats or
sailing yachts.
Sines offers plenty of sightseeing with the principal attractions being the Castle of Sines towering over the city and opening up to baffling views of the city and surrounding glistening azure blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The Revelim Fort is a 17th century construction that was used as protection from pirates and that is now open to visitors to the area where they can marvel at stretching verdant hills and ocean waters. The old district in Sines is a fine example of ancient architecture with brilliant white facades with pops of color and red roof tiles embellishing the downtown area.
Sines offers plenty of sightseeing with the principal attractions being the Castle of Sines towering over the city and opening up to baffling views of the city and surrounding glistening azure blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The Revelim Fort is a 17th century construction that was used as protection from pirates and that is now open to visitors to the area where they can marvel at stretching verdant hills and ocean waters. The old district in Sines is a fine example of ancient architecture with brilliant white facades with pops of color and red roof tiles embellishing the downtown area.
scenic-and-robust-algarve
Scenic and Robust Algarve
The southernmost region of mainland Portugal is Algarve, an
irreproachable charter destination for all amateurs of fun,
sightseeing, robust landscapes and history. This fascinating and
sun-drenched haven has something for each guest to enjoy, whether
they want to spend a tranquil afternoon playing golf on one of the
verdant courses, stroll through the Costa Vicentina Natural Park,
paved with fragrant flowers or visit ancient castles that were once
home to the Moorish conquerors. Sail to the Cape St. Vincent that
was once thought to be the end of the world, a site inhabited by
very rare bird species. Imposing rocky bluffs tower over majestic
clear blue waters while a 19th century lighthouse built
over the ruins of a 16th century Franciscan convent is
among one of the most powerful on the continent guarding an
extremely busy international shipping lane.
local-flavor-in-faro
Local flavor in Faro
Let your Captain navigate your luxury charter powerboat or luxury charter sailing catamaran to Faro, the region’s bustling coastal capital city quenched in history and boasting premium Atlantic beaches to explore during your vacation. Situated near the Ria Formosa lagoon, a nature reserve being a stopping place for many different bird species during their migratory periods, Faro is flanked with handsome historic buildings of the Cidade Velha standing vis a vis the marina, a top notch facility for luxury charter yachts. Cobblestone alleys of vivid houses and stone walls are a true maze of authentic restaurants and cafes surprising visitors with typical Portuguese dishes, such as Carne de Porco à Alentejana, a succulent meal consisting of marinated pork, clams, potatoes and coriander.
mystic-tavira
Mystic Tavira
East of Faro close to the Spanish border is the quaint waterfront
city of Tavira. Sail your luxury charter mega yacht or catamaran to
a city drenched in an Arabian charm through whitewashed houses with
scorched gabled roofs and alleys carpeted with giant luscious palm
trees. This Medieval walled city exudes to this day the archaic
ambiance of fishermen praying in the church of Our Lady of the
Waves while white salting pans and boats lining the coast await
visitors to take them to the Tavira Island, just off the coast,
sporting a magnificent shoreline and beach for plenty of basking in
the sun.
Bathed in sun, Tavira is a thriving city with plenty of live entertainment including evening performances in the riverfront bandstand during the long and warm summer months. With cafes and restaurants open until early morning hours, you will be able to chat the night away with the locals getting to know their culture and daily life.
Bathed in sun, Tavira is a thriving city with plenty of live entertainment including evening performances in the riverfront bandstand during the long and warm summer months. With cafes and restaurants open until early morning hours, you will be able to chat the night away with the locals getting to know their culture and daily life.
natural-beauty-of-the-azores
Natural beauty of the Azores
Portugal boasts two splendid Atlantic archipelagos calling for a
luxury charter vacation. The first one are the Azores, volcanic
islands glistening in every shade of green and with a luscious
countryside bordered with verdant ferns and fragrant flowers. Soft
murmur of beeches and chestnuts swaying in the wind are a feast to
the five senses while the deep blue sea surrounding the islands is
wonderful for dropping anchor and stepping off board your luxury
yacht to discover the rustic nature of the plush islands.
port-of-call-horta
Port of call: Horta
Horta is Portugal’s most popular port of call where world-class
sailors meet regularly during their voyages around the world for a
drink or two at the famous Peter’s Bar. The Horta marina is a safe
haven for yachts who have been decorating the jetty walls with
drawings for many centuries, thus creating an open-air exhibition
in one of the world’s most colorful marinas. It is strongly advised
that yachtsmen do not leave the marina without fulfilling the
tradition if they do not want to the struck by violent winds at
sea!
Once on land, pass by the Scrimshaw Museum featuring rare sculptures made of sperm whale bone and ivory or stop by Peter’s Café Sport, one of the city’s main attractions where you will relax with a replenishing gin and tonic in hand. The Azores are one of the few places on Earth offering whale and dolphin watching so guests must not miss the opportunity of seeing these powerful sea creatures at play.
Once on land, pass by the Scrimshaw Museum featuring rare sculptures made of sperm whale bone and ivory or stop by Peter’s Café Sport, one of the city’s main attractions where you will relax with a replenishing gin and tonic in hand. The Azores are one of the few places on Earth offering whale and dolphin watching so guests must not miss the opportunity of seeing these powerful sea creatures at play.
madeira-pearl-of-the-atlantic
Madeira, Pearl of the Atlantic
The second Portuguese archipelago is Madeira, a group of islands lying north of the Spanish island of Tenerife. Discovered by Portuguese sailors in the early 15th century, Madeira is believed to be the first territory explored during the Portuguese Age of Discovery. The island’s mild Mediterranean climate makes Madeira a marvelous charter destination and with Madeira wine, vivid fragrant flowers, plush landscapes and embroidery artisans scattered throughout the islands, the archipelago is a breathtaking blend of rustic beauty and rich cultural heritage of Portuguese flavor.
sweet-retreat-in-porto-santo
Sweet Retreat in Porto Santo
One of the islands in Madeira is Porto Santo, a genuine sanctuary
for the five senses offering a sweet getaway from the hustle of
cosmopolitan life. Porto Santo rests undeniably one of Europe’s
most attractive island paradises boasting miles of immaculate gold
sandy beaches and deep and soothing warm waters. Guests will be
able to soak in fabulous views from the deck of their luxury charter powerboat or luxury charter catamaran
or take out some of the water toys available onboard for a
thrilling and adventurous afternoon. Go for a ride in your dinghy
and when you reach the shore, experience the robust entourage while
hiking or biking on one of the many hiking trails.
After an action-packed day, your charter crew will readily prepare a sumptuous dinner and serve it either on the aft deck or flybridge of your catamaran or on the golden sands of one of the pristine beaches. Porto Sano town is lined with a number of bars and clubs where you will spend time with the locals or meet sailors from around the world.
After an action-packed day, your charter crew will readily prepare a sumptuous dinner and serve it either on the aft deck or flybridge of your catamaran or on the golden sands of one of the pristine beaches. Porto Sano town is lined with a number of bars and clubs where you will spend time with the locals or meet sailors from around the world.
nectar-of-the-gods
Nectar of the gods
Wine was introduced to Portugal as a result of the country’s rich
heritage and contact with different civilizations throughout the
ages, including the Greeks and Romans, both famous for their
celebration of the beverage of the gods. The country developed the
world’s first wine-producing region, the Douro Valley growing port
wine but the list just keep on growing. With a wide variety of red,
white and muscatel wines, visitors to Portugal have the opportunity
to sample some of the world’s finest produces. Each region has its
own endemic grape varietals and all are highly recommended to take
home as a souvenir. Whether you are visiting Porto, Alentejo,
Algarve or Madeira, your palate will be far from disappointed after
passing by one of the local wineries, authentic restaurants or bars
for an evening glass of wine.
Portugal is a mystical European nation boasting a distinctive cultural heritage seen on every step of the way. The country’s varied coastline offers ideal sailing conditions and each magnificent port of call has its own tale to share with visitors. Whether you choose to explore mainland Portugal or one of the two archipelagos, with Sunreef Yachts Charter your luxury vacation will be an utter bliss!
Portugal is a mystical European nation boasting a distinctive cultural heritage seen on every step of the way. The country’s varied coastline offers ideal sailing conditions and each magnificent port of call has its own tale to share with visitors. Whether you choose to explore mainland Portugal or one of the two archipelagos, with Sunreef Yachts Charter your luxury vacation will be an utter bliss!