Hire a Private Yacht in Portugal with Scansail
Located on the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal is a beautiful country in the south of Europe. Thanks to its long coastline, Portugal offers a variety of differing sailing conditions. The vivacious Atlantic Ocean on the west coast is great for thrill seekers while the calmer water currents on the south coast of Portugal are great for pleasant sailing. This being said, there is so much more to Portugal than just its wonderful sailing opportunities. Let yourself be enchanted by the unique Portuguese architecture or lose yourself in the magnificent Portuguese cuisine. From Lisbon to Algarve, there is so much to see and do, a private yacht hire in Portugal is certain to leave you with unforgettable memories.
How much does it cost to hire a private yacht in Portugal?
There are many factors that can influence the overall price of your private yacht hire in Portugal. For example, the seasonality, yacht type, duration of your trip and the size of the vessel can all affect the cost. In addition, any extras such as a skipper or a crew will increase the price. Below are the average prices according to yacht type.
Sailboats
£2,366 per week
Motorboats
£5,824 per week
RIBs
£2,450 per week
Catamarans
£6,741 per week
Gulets
£2,940 per week
Jet Skis
£1,722 per week
What is the best time to visit Portugal?
In general, Portugal has a very typical Mediterranean climate with hot summers and cool winters. However, this can vary depending on the region. This being said, the best time to hire a private yacht in Portugal is from April to October. The most popular time to visit is during the summer, especially July and August because temperatures can reach around 30 degrees Celsius. However, the spring and autumn are great alternatives if you still want sunshine but with fewer crowds.
Should I hire a private yacht with or without a skipper?
As you search through the wide selection of yachts on Scansail, you will see that many come with the option to include a skipper. While it is not always necessary, there are many advantages to having a skipper on board your voyage. For example, a professional skipper will take care of all the navigation including the sailing, docking and anchoring of the yacht. Therefore, you can just sit back and relax during your trip without having to worry about these tasks. Moreover, a skipper will be comfortable around the regional waters. This means that they can tailor your trip to your wishes, making sure to do so in a comfortable and safe manner. Lastly, for the ultimate luxury experience, you can also organise for cleaning and cooking services that are certain to leave you with unforgettable memories.
Where to go with your private yacht hire in Portugal
The West Coast
The west coast of Portugal stretches from Porto to Lisbon, the two major cities in the country. It is worth noting that there are strong winds along this coast, especially from April to October. While this is fantastic for sporty sailors, we advise for people with less nautical experience to hire a private yacht with a skipper. The main marinas to dock your private yacht are in Leixoes, Peniche and Sines.
The South Coast - Algarve
Protected from the strong winds, the southern coast of the Algarve has sea conditions that can easily be compared to those of the Mediterranean. Moreover, in the region east of Vilamoura, up to the Spanish border, tourism is not very present, which means that there are still many unspoilt areas. The rocky limestone coastline typical of the Algarve offers numerous lagoons and caves. In particular, we recommend visiting the Ria Formosa, a system of lagoons stretching 30 nautical miles along the coast. The crystal-clear water is excellent for snorkelling.
Famous Landmarks
- Sintra. Located about 25 kilometres from Lisbon, this small town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. In Sintra, you can explore the numerous castles and palaces of the region to get to know some of Portugal’s rich history.
- Lisbon Oceanarium. Built as part of Expo '98, the Lisbon Oceanarium features a variety of marine life from near and far and is a great activity for families with young children.
- Ponta da Piedade. Located along the coast of the city of Lagos in the Algarve region, this collection of rock formations offers an unforgettable spectacle.
- Vasco da Gama Bridge. At approximately 17 kilometres, the Vasco da Gama Bridge is considered one of the longest bridges in the world. It crosses the Tagus River north of Lisbon.
- Cristo Rei. The 75-metre-high statue of Christ offers a sensational panoramic view of the whole of Lisbon.
- Cabo da Roca. The westernmost point of continental Europe, at 140 metres above sea level, offers a view as far as the Atlantic and is a must-see during your boating holiday.