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On the western edge of Europe is located an idiosyncratic city that has captured the hearts and minds of artists, authors and poets throughout the centuries. Lisbon, the Portuguese capital, is shrouded by the mist of the Atlantic Ocean and echoes the sweet, melancholic sound of the fado, the famous Portuguese folk song. Embraced by the Tagus River and wedged between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mar da Palha (Sea of Straw), the bay behind the Tagus Estuary, the city of explorers lends itself to a unique boating experience. With a boat rental in Lisbon you will have the opportunity to discover the city’s hidden charms.
Explore Lisbon on a Boat
Lisbon’s city centre has been built on seven hills (the hills of São Jorge, Estrela, Santa Carina, São Pedro de Alcantra, Graça, Senhora do Monte and Penha de França). This is why cable cars here abound, including the famous Santa Justa lift that connects the Baixa Pombalina to Bairro Alto at the historic centre of the city.
Although partly destroyed during the 1755 earthquake and a fire in 1988, Lisbon boasts state-of-the-art architecture that is a marvel to admire from the deck of your boat. Baixa Pombalina is the historic centre of the city and the oldest district, where you can visit Praça do Comércio, Lisbon’s most famous square.
Like Amsterdam, Lisbon is blessed by the ubiquitous touch of the water, be it the gentle embrace of the Tagus river or the harsh current of the Atlantic Ocean. You can start your boat trip from the Belém district, famous for its many monuments, including the Belém Tower, a point of reference for Portuguese explorers from the 15th to the 17th century. You can part from Bom Sucesso dock and sail along the river up to the picturesque neighbourhood of Alfama, passing along landmarks such as the famous 25th April Bridge and the Cristo Rey statue. In Alfama you can can visit iconic Portuguese landmarks such as the stupendous São Jorge Castle or the Santa Maria Maior Cathedral, Lisbon’s oldest church.
Feast your eyes on Portugal’s wildlife with a boat rental in Lisbon
Natural lovers will not be disappointed if they opt for a boat rental in Lisbon. Not far from the hustle and bustle of the city you will encounter a thriving ecosystem , ideal for bird watching, on the Tejo estuaries. From the deck of your boat you will be able to spot and capture with your camera a wide range of birds, from flamingos to charming squacco herons and even little bustards. On the several islets dotted along the estuaries you will find yourselves close to a wide range of bird species that inhabit this unspoiled wonder of nature, most notably egrets and heron.
If you have a knack for adventure and are not short on time, you can sail up to the famous Castle of Almourol, once controlled by the indomitable Knights Templar. The 12th century castle is a significant Portuguese landmark, famous both for its innovative at the time architecture and its significant role in the country’s history.
Sailing with a boat from the Queen of the Tagus
An alternative itinerary for a boat rental in Lisbon is sailing from the port of Santo Amaro port or Alcantara near the April 25 bridge, which looks like a European sister of the famous Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. You can sail up to Mar de Palha, passing under the Vasco da Gama Bridge to reach the Tagus Estuary.
For a longer trip, a boat rental in Lisbon is an ideal opportunity to sail in the Atlantic Ocean. To the south of Lisbon, you can visit Setúbal or Albufeira and Faro, passing py Cape St. Vincent. On the North, you can sail to Porto or the Spanish cities of Vigo and Santiago de Compostela.
