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"Beach-hopping" can be great fun given the time and a non-stressful way to travel. Yachting is becoming ever more popular. All the coastal towns and villages on the Algarve were previously fishing villages but today beach-fronted hotels, restaurants and bars have transformed the area. Marinas are replacing the old fishing docks and children's play-areas have helped expand the growth of water sports. The Algarve is noted for its hospitality, ancient castles, festivals, carnivals and challenging golf courses
The Portuguese Algarve makes an ideal holiday destination if exploring the many sun-drenched beaches is a "must-do" objective. To explore both the Atlantic and the Mediterranean beaches requires careful planning and Bluewater Charter Department are ready to help and suggest the appropriate sailing or motor yacht that will be needed. Their brokers are ready to solve any language problems and to ensure a relaxing holiday.
To start a tour from Aljezur which has mooring places at Praia de Monte Clérigo and Arrifana is definitely recommended. The coast is marked by high cliffs on the northern side but is followed by the beginning of the Portuguese National Park, home to a multitude of birds including herons, storks and varieties of water fowl. The port of Arrifana lies in a bay with a stretch of beach used continually by fishing enthusiasts and experienced �surfers� preferring the Atlantic waves to the Mediterranean. If swimming and water pedlos are more to your taste then follow the coastline around the peninsular of Sagres to the charming Marina at Lagos.
Lagos is a town enclosed by ancient walls built in the late 5th century. It has a Slave Market, a Regional Museum and a Fish Market. Within walking distance and following the waterfront leads out of town to a multi-arched bridge and a view of the fishing docks used by the Romans and the Moors who were here from 500 to 1200 A.D. The Marine Suite Hotel (4 star) is a short walk from the city centre but close to the Meia beach. If staying overnight in March there is the Portuguese Food Week. This will let you appreciate and explore Portuguese cuisine, not only their use of rock barnacles and sweet potatoes instead of fish and chips.
Moving along the coast to Vilamoura is a 25-mile trip but you can dock in the largest Marina in the whole of the Algarve. Right next to the harbour is a 2-mile stretch of sand, a much-photographed site. In the middle of town is the newly constructed "Roman Golf Course" with its Romanesque club house/games room. This houses modern table games for children under 10 (accompanied by adult). Outside there are two 18-hole mini-golf courses and a free play-area for the under 5's. This is clearly designed for the family with youngsters but Vilamoura has its own International Horse Jumping contests in September and is frequently the venue for International Tennis matches at the Vilamouras Tennis Centre. This is on the main dual carriageway and close to the many hotels, bars, shops and restaurants.
Moving along to Tavira and Castro Marim the two neighbouring regions at the end of the Algarve, the explorer with a chartered yacht will soon realise that Tavira has a stunning beach that ranks number 8 in the "Planet World's Top 10 Best Beaches." This is quite a prestigious award. To make the final leg of the journey to Castro Marim, then sail up the Guadina river a short distance to view the tranquil countryside and the flocks of flamingo nesting here.
Bluewater charter brokers have motor yachts and sailing yachts ready to take you to a luxury holiday of a lifetime.
