Yacht charter in Portugal

The most sheltered mainland week: south-facing coast, short legs, and the Ria Formosa lagoon at the eastern end.

1. 1

   Portimão

   Handover; move round to Alvor or Lagos for the night.

2. 2

   Lagos and Ponta da Piedade

   West along the cliffs and sea caves.

3. 3

   Albufeira

   Back east along the coast.

4. 4

   Vilamoura

   The largest marina on the coast; good for reprovisioning.

5. 5

   Ria Formosa — Culatra or Armona

   Into the lagoon; shallow and tidal, so time the entrance.

6. 6

   Olhão or Faro

   The inner channels behind the sandbars.

7. 7

   Portimão

   Back west to base.

Three islands within sight of each other around a central channel. Real passages rather than hops, and whales are routine rather than remarkable.

1. 1

   Horta, Faial

   Handover in the harbour where crossing crews leave their paintings.

2. 2

   Madalena, Pico

   The short channel crossing under the volcano.

3. 3

   Lajes do Pico

   Along the south coast; the old whaling town, now a whale-watching one.

4. 4

   Velas, São Jorge

   North across the channel to the long thin island.

5. 5

   Fajã dos Cubres / Calheta

   The fajãs — flat lava platforms at the foot of the cliffs.

6. 6

   Back to Pico or Faial

   Return across the channel.

7. 7

   Horta

   Final leg to base.