Human nature seeks us to explore and the Algarve is rich in variety; be that gastronomy, pastimes or simplicities such as its flora and fauna and this is a hugely desirable aspect that draws people to Portugal’s southern coastline. Having ticked off several of our Algarve Adventures, this week the Sunseeker Portugal team take you along to Rio Arade - a firm favourite for many who discovered its charms. 

Heading to Rio Arade 

Human nature seeks us to explore and the Algarve is rich in variety; be that gastronomy, pastimes or simplicities such as its flora and fauna and this is a hugely desirable aspect that draws people to Portugal’s southern coastline. The Sunseeker Portugal team take you along to Rio Arade - a firm favourite for many who discovered its charms. 

To tour this region for yourself, head west and cruise for approximately twenty nautical miles from Vilamoura Marina. Along your route, you will have the opportunity to appreciate the depth of colour emanated by the Atlantic Ocean and the cloudless sky above. This voyage serves as a timely opportunity to appreciate coastal gems such as the Benagil caves and the Fort of Nossa Senhora da Rocha which overlooks the blue abyss. Popular amongst wanderlusters, the Benagil Caves are a sight to behold with impressive rock facades, eroded by the elements over millennia. Challenging to access by land, those who visit by boat are envied for their unbeatable viewpoint. 

Nosolo Água Beach & Pool Club 

Following a morning of sight-seeing from onboard, spend the afternoon cooling your engines in NoSolo Água. But first, head into Rio Arade: a river whose course takes you on a journey through the Portuguese Municipalities of Portimão, Lagoa and Silves. At the mouth of Rio Arade, tie-up your boat in the splendorous Marina de Portimão. Depart the decks and take a short walk to NoSolo Água. On arrival, you will soon realise that NoSolo Água goes beyond being just another beach club in the Algarve.

Festooned with Buddhist motifs and shack-style decor, this chilled out zone stages all the vibes for an afternoon of zest and zen in the heart of Portimão. Gentle tropical beats are the soundtrack to this mellow spot and the hip, attentive staff deliver the quirky cocktails and mouth-watering nibbles with aplomb. With a choice of red or white sangria, refresh yourself with this ice-cold classic while selecting one of the Balinese beds lining the beachfront. Lie back, relax and watch the boats at anchor bobbing harmoniously in the distance. Living the dream! 

Once your private, ocean entertainment comes to an end, resume your meander onboard and savour the breath-taking scenes as you pass under Portimão Railway Bridge, where there is every chance you will be chaperoned by a shoal of flying fish. 

Arvad Vineyard, Silves

A truly Amazonian feel encompasses your Rio Arade tender excursion, with luscious rainforest-style forestry contrasting with the murky water which flows beneath you. Travelling up the river makes for a very unique experience, especially so if you stop off and visit the Arvad Vineyard in Silves.  

This is certainly a trip for the wine lovers, allowing you to see first-hand where the magic happens. Cruise for approximately six nautical miles up the river and arrive at the Vineyard’s visitors mooring point. A few metres away awaits your very own deluxe golf-buggy transfer. 

Traverse the scenes uphill to be greeted with the famous terracotta building exterior, synonymous with the Arvad label. An inviting tour tells the story of this clay-born wine, uniquely accrued by the salt of Rio Arade’s Atlantic outflow. Planted less than a decade ago this location, distinct for its climate, tells a story of passion that can be tasted in the fruits of its labour. Earthy tones will consume your vision along this tour; olive greens, tonalities of browns and tans are enhanced by the deep, rich purple of the blooming grapes allowing you to embark on a truly sensual experience. 

Clube Nautico, Silves

Almost directly across the river from Arvad Vineyard, Clube Nautico invites you to while away your day amongst its convivial atmosphere. Tie up alongside the restaurant’s private pontoon and head up the wooden ramp and into this fun nautical treasure. 

Drawing on its geographical location, Clube Nautic is bedecked with marine decorations, including a Sunseeker favourite quote - ‘Work like a Captain, party like a Pirate’. Anchor embellishments, driftwood signs pointing afar to tropical destinations and pirate flags create a relaxed, island vibe for all the family to enjoy.   

Frequented by locals, this tucked away restaurant has its own private pool so you can enjoy a pre-lunch swim whilst soaking up the magnificent views. On the food front, Clube Nautic’s fresh food menu proves popular every time, with fish and meat offerings always enticing people back. An absolute delight to have travelled to this hidden gym by water.

Ferragudo 

Humble and homely is the town of Ferragudo. Sat on the banks of a small branch of the River Arade estuary, a view of white-washed cottage-style buildings occupy the sweeping landscape. This town is located in the municipality of Lagoa and faces Praia da Rocha, Portimão, allowing for easy access by boat. 

Once you have arrived ashore, stroll through to the heart of this old-fisherman’s town. Here you will find a series of small shops, with a selection of crafts and local wares to browse. Stop off for a liquid refreshment at O Barril, this place is often compared with the iconic Santorini. A fresh feel mimicking Greece’s architecture is showcased through the blue and white decor which adorns the exterior. 

Ascend upward along the cobbled trail to Ferragudo Church and overlook your boat securely berthed in the marina opposite, or on one of the secure mooring buoys controlled by restaurants Sueste or Borda do Cais. Both of which are gastronomic landmarks on the Ferragudo waterfront but special mention should be given to Borda do Cais for this exceptional restaurant with its array of fresh sea food, international wines and stunning views from its roof top vista. Not only does Ferragudo promise unrivalled vistas of Portimão, but you have the opportunity to be in arguably one of the prettiest towns in the Algarve. If you didn’t post about it, it didn’t happen, right? A favourite spot amongst instagrammers, scout out one of Portugal’s ‘most-instagrammable locations’, where you can capture the perfect snapshot and tell of Ferragudo’s old-world charm in your caption. 

Summary 

Contact our friendly team today to discuss your boat requirements no matter how large or small. Our experienced team specialize in providing a full all-encompassing service for buyers of pre-owned motor boats of any size, brand or cost and as the exclusive seller of the Sunseeker, Axopar or Brabus Marine products they can discuss the benefits of owning these outstanding brands chosen by their experienced Portugal based team specifically to suit the conditions of the Atlantic coastline and the diverse and rewarding boating available.

Get in touch with the Sunseeker Portugal Team to find out more:

Sunseeker Portugal | Marina de Vilamoura | Vilamoura | 8125-409 | Portugal

Tel: +351 289 090 200 |Email: info@sunseeker.pt