Join us on an unforgettable sailing adventure on the impressive tall ship Blue Clipper and explore the beautiful coasts of the Algarve in Portugal and Andalusia in Spain. Your journey begins in the traditional port city of Portimão, known for its shipbuilding and sardine fishing. This charming town, steeped in rich maritime history, is the perfect place to start your sailing holiday in Portugal.
Enjoy the late summer sun as you sail along the dramatic coastlines of the Algarve and explore the rolling hills of Andalusia. Experience the impressive mountains, the scent of eucalyptus in the air, and visit traditional, centuries-old villages. On this trip, you’ll alternate sailing under warm winds with plenty of time ashore to explore local culture and nature.
This sailing holiday has no set itinerary, allowing the Blue Clipper to make the most of the wind. But don’t worry, there are countless traditional ports and natural wonders to explore.
Explore the Algarve’s fascinating caves and cliffs, walk along the spectacular coastline and use the ship’s paddleboards to explore remote caves. One of the highlights is the world-famous Benagil cave, located near Lagos. This cave was named one of the ‘Top 10 Coolest Caves’ by Huffington Post in 2014. As the cave is only accessible by boat, it is the perfect place for the Blue Clipper to anchor and explore this natural treasure.
The journey continues to the ancient city of Cadiz, an almost entirely water-locked Andalusian port city with a history of no less than 3,000 years. Stroll through cobbled medieval streets opening onto whitewashed Spanish squares and discover Roman ruins. Home to the Spanish Navy, Cadiz was once a bustling base for ships passing through the Strait of Gibraltar. The city has more than 100 watchtowers, including the iconic Torre Tavira, which was traditionally used to spot ships.
The main purpose of this trip is to explore the coast of the Algarve and Andalusia. Numerous ports and nature reserves can be found along these coastlines, and the ocean winds make for great sailing opportunities. Wind and weather determine the route, so it is never 100% certain which locations will be visited.
This trip is perfect for anyone who wants to experience life on a traditional tall ship, while enjoying the warm climates and stunning landscapes of the Spanish and Portuguese coasts.
A typical day on board:
After a hearty breakfast, the crew starts preparing the sails and discusses the plan for the day with the guest crew. After checking the charts and raising the anchor, the sails are set in search of a scenic anchorage, preferably off the beaten track. From hoisting the sails to steering the ship, you are cordially invited to participate in all sailing activities on board. After a few hours of sailing, the anchor is dropped and guests can explore ashore or just relax on the ship with a book – the choice is yours.
Tip: Portimão can be reached via “Faro” airport. There are direct flights from Londen and several other European airports.
