A week sailing along the Algarve coastline with its unspoiled islands, isolated beaches and traditional fishing villages

Portugal – Algarve – 7 days

 

Join us in this amazing sailing trip through one of the most stunning areas of Portugal, the unknown and wild Algarve. Navigate the Atlantic Ocean in a calm and safe way listening only to the sound of the sea and the wind on the sails. Ascend the idyllic Guadiana River between green hills and ancient fortresses to get to Alcoutim, a charming white village on the Portuguese side. Some of the highlights in the program are the historical town of Tavira and the Ria Formosa Natural Park with its long sand bars and crystal clear waters. On one side, the ocean, on the other, a huge labyrinth of marshes and islets broken by channels and small lagoons where to anchor to overnight under the stars, surrounded by nature. Explore the islands of Culatra, Barreta and Armona where you will be delighted by their small fishing villages and secluded beaches. Learn the art of navigation, swim in the open seas, look for whales and dolphins and enjoy unforgettable sunsets. Discover a different world of sea and skies, wind and tides with Faro del Sur!

 

Soft winds and flat seas, sailors! It has been a long time since we last travelled, and enjoying some holidays outdoors becomes more wanted than ever. Sailing the waves or walking on endless beaches always in contact with nature sounds like a plan now. Our adventure focuses on small groups, a highly qualified skipper and a healthy and sustainable activity.

 

– CANCELLATION FREE OF CHARGE IN CASE CUSTOMERS ARE NOT ABLE TO TRAVEL DUE TO NEW COVID RESTRICTIONS AND FULL REFUND OF THE TOTAL COST OF THE TRIP

– SMALL GROUPS

– DOUBLE OR SINGLE CABIN ACCOMMODATION

– UP-TO-DATE COVID PROTOCOLS

DEPARTURES 2022

1st, 8th, 15th, 22th, 29th of July

5th, 12th, 19th, 26th of August.

2nd, 9th, 16th of September.

INCLUDED

Transfer Seville – Isla Cristina – Seville.

Itinerary on sailing boat as scheduled.

Faro del Sur qualified skipper.

Accommodation in double or single (optional) cabin.

Bed sheets and towels.

Anchorage in natural reserves.

Fuel.

Short rides to land with the dinghy.

Post trip cleaning.

Insurance.

NOT INCLUDED

Travel to Seville

Shared expenses (common pool of approx 70€ per person for the week) intended for: meals and drinks, possible stays at some port, water taxi, Guadiana River Zip Line (subject to availability).

Any other non specified service.

PRICE

780 € (VAT included).

Supplement 100€: 15th, 22th, 29th of July / 5th, 12th, 19th of August.

Supplement single cabin (Optional) 350€: 1st, 8th of July / 26th of Aug. / 2nd, 9th, 16th Sept.

THE TRIP

Life goes on and we need, more than ever, to get some “normal routine” back. This is the reason why we are quite excited to welcome you in our Faro to do our very best so that your trip becomes an unforgettable experience.

From a sanitary side, all of protocols and measures we adopt are kept updated as so the global situation evolves. We encourage social distancing and follow hygienic and sanitary measures in our facilities, accommodation and while on tour. Safety protocols are followed in order to minimize any risk in all services we provide and so that everyone can enjoy nature in the safest way.

This is a quite complete route that we develop in an exceptional setting: the Portuguese Algarve and the Ria Formosa Natural Park with its wide and long beaches, sand dunes, marshes and pine forests on the leeward coast. On land, we will visit beautiful villages full of history such as Alcoutim, located on the banks of the idyllic Guadiana River, the seafaring town of Olhão and multi-cultural charming Tavira on the Atlantic coast. This is a relaxing journey of 180 nautical miles with many possibilities while sailing; swimming in the open sea, learning sail manoeuvring, walking around on the ports of call, fishing and exploring an extraordinary country. Whale watching during the crossing and a great diversity of seabirds between the islands of Tavira, Culatra and Armona is also one of the favourite activities of our guests. We will sleep on the sailboat when anchored in the middle of nature and we will witness unforgettable sunsets. The entire program has been designed and is carried out by us, with great care and to the detail. Thanks to this fact, we achieve a perfect combination of quality and price. We also have the constant support of our Faro del Sur main office in Isla Cristina that makes sure we get the most of this trip to discover the magic of the ocean.

Our way of travelling is based on respect towards local people and places we visit. We look for a positive exchange and a responsible travel. We care about sustainable activities with small groups of guests that get involved in the local economy and get aware about the importance of protecting our historical and cultural heritage and conserving nature.

The sea during the summer remains very calm, so sailing is a very comfortable and safe activity, suitable for everyone even if they have no previous experience.

* All activities are subject to changes or suspension due to weather conditions or any other forces beyond our control.

Due to the nature and characteristics of these adventure services, the trip and its complementary activities are not exempt from certain risk and unpredictability.

1

Day 1

TRANSFER TO ISLA CRISTINA. Meeting point for pick up is in Santa Justa Train Station (AVE) at 5pm. Arrival at Faro del Sur main office and short briefing about the program of the week. Passengers’ embarkation, cabins distribution and purchase of food for the week. Overnight at port.
2

Day 2

NAVIGATION UP THE GUADIANA RIVER. Cast off and set sail!! Get ready to enter through the mouth of the Guadiana with the help of the tides. We sail upriver and the landscape begins to change its marine atmosphere into a mountain range dotted with white villages, nature and old fortresses. We aim to arrive in Alcoutim in the afternoon, a small Portuguese village of white houses located on a hill and extended down to the river itself. Some of the possibilities in this picturesque spot are a stroll through its cobbled streets to reach the Castle or taking a bath in a curious river beach. For those who appeal the risk, there is the option to try the only cross border Zip Line in Europe: you will jump out in Spain and land in Portugal (subject to availability). Overnight on the Guadiana River.

For the more adventurous possibly crossing by zip line from Spain to Portugal. We spend the night anchored beneath the walls of the fortifications which dominate the two towns.

3

Day 3

ALCOUTIM – ILHA DE TAVIRA. Today we go down the river helped by the north winds towards the Great Blue. We head west and navigate between the horizon and the old fortified village of Cacela Velha. This is an intense sailing day with time to swim, to fish or to discover all the secrets about the art of sailing. In the afternoon, we will arrive to the Island of Tavira, easily recognized for its impressive wild beaches. We can also visit the town of Tavira, which is valued as one of the main historical centres of the Algarve with an interesting heritage hidden among its cobbled streets. Overnight anchored under the stars.
4

Day 4

ILHA DE TAVIRA – RIA FORMOSA NATURAL PARK. Today we will lift anchor to keep on sailing to some unspoiled islands and marshes of Ria Formosa, one of the most relevant protected areas in Portugal due to its geographical location and exceptional biological diversity. The isles of Cabanas, Armona, Culatra or Barreta make up this barrier of narrow and sandy islands with deserted beaches and clear waters to explore. Overnight anchored in the Natural Park.
5

Day 5

ILHA DE CULATRA. Today we spend the day enjoying this protected natural paradise. In the morning, we will approach Culatra Island with the dinghy: a long white sand bar that creates sand dunes and keep fishermen settlements full of coloured boats on the marshes. A large extension of water that gradually narrows until it becomes a perfect navigational channel from which practicing some bird watching. We can also visit the picturesque town of Olhão with its lively market surrounded by narrow cobbled streets with North African remainders. Overnight anchored in the midst of nature.

 

6

Day 6

ILHA DE CULATRA – VR SANTO ANTÓNIO. We set sail in the morning to set course to the Guadiana Estuary. During this intense day of sailing at full speed, we may observe sea birds and dolphins riding the waves in front of Praia Verde. We will arrive at sunset, just on time to enjoy red and pinkish colours on the west and intense blues to the east that offer a magic spectacle for our senses! Up on the weather conditions and tidal times, we will spend the night anchored in the river or docked at any of the marinas in Vila Real de Santo António or Ayamonte, two very lively and charming towns.
7

Day 7

GUADIANA ESTUARY – ISLA CRISTINA. In the early morning, we head back to Isla Cristina to enjoy the last hours of sailing, full of unforgettable sensations and experiences. Disembark after lunch to arrive in Seville at 5pm. End of program.  

To book your place, please contact us to check availability:

    I have read and accept the privacy policy

    Costa de Cádiz - Barbate Isla Cristina
    Delfines desde el velero de Faro del Sur