Visit Silves & Explore the Arade River | Eco-Friendly Solar Boat

Portimão , Portugal

Visit Silves & Explore the Arade River | Eco-Friendly Solar Boat

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(188 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover this wonderful river & the medieval city of Silves, full of history, with a very rich nature and unforgettable landscapes.

Enjoy a relaxing trip from Portimão to Silves aboard our sustainable eco-friendly boat on the full of history waters of the Arade River, where the future meets the past.

Our ecological boat is quiet and perfect for those who look for a peacefull and quiet boat trip. It has comfortable cushioned seats, shades and tables for placing glasses of drink and personal items.

During the trip, the captain will share with you curiosities about the river and its history. At Silves you'll have about 1,5 hour to visit the historical places , monuments, castle, museum or try it's delicious local cuisine.

On our return to Portimão, enjoy a different perspective of the city and the Arade River's mouth.

Available options

Visit Silves & Explore the Arade River | Eco-Friendly Solar Boat

What's included

All taxes, fees and handling charges

Driver/guide

Live commentary on board

Detailed itinerary

We will departure from the Pier A, at Marina de Portimão.

In Ferragudo, located in a strategic location on the bank of the River Arade, is the fort of São João, whose origin dates back to the 17th century. This fort cooperated with the Fort of Santa Catarina, which was in front of it in Portimão, in defense of the river estuary.

Rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake, this military construction continued to be used until the end of the 19th century, when it was sold at public auction, and acquired by the poet Coelho Carvalho who transformed it into a private residence. The fort is well maintained and in addition to a wall that connects Angrinha beach to Praia Grande, it also has several guardhouses and a garden.

Stop 3 Pass by

The Convent of São Francisco is an architectural complex from the 16th century, developed from a set of houses that were donated by Simão Correia, captain of Azamor, who had also built a small Chapel in honor of Nossa Senhora da Esperança, as a thank you for protection of God in wars. The buildings are harmoniously interconnected. The convent was built later, in 1541. Currently, in Portimão it is a property of public interest, but it is owned by private individuals, with no access to visits and in an advanced state of degradation.

Stop 4 Pass by

Portimão Museum is located in the century-old fish canning factory Feu Hermanos, located on the city's riverside area.

Stop 5 Pass by

This is the oldest bridge of Portimão that establishes the road connection between Portimão and Parchal (municipality of Lagoa).
In the last quarter of the 19th century, the riverside area saw its landscape transformed with the construction of a river embankment started in 1863, with a view to the introduction of the road bridge, built by the French company Five Lille, under the direction of engineer Bonnet. Started in January 1875 and completed in April 1876, its construction together with the neighboring railway bridge is a good example of iron architecture in the Algarve.

Stop 6 Pass by

The metallic railway bridge was built between 1915 and 1919, by the Empresa Industrial Portuguesa, measuring 300 m in length and consisting of 6 spans with iron arch beams, based on stonework pillars. Its inauguration on July 30, 1922, allowed the extension of the railway line, from Tunes to Lagos.

Stop 7 Pass by

It is one of the structures that crosses the Arade River, located between Calvário and Companheira. It was completed in 1999 and is the main point of connection for the Portimão and Lagoa councils, forming part of the EN 125.

What's not included

The listed price does not include the car parking price, on the high season.

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Available languages

Guide guide

PT EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

40 reviews

5★

4★

3★

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1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

148 reviews

5★

147

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund

Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund

Not suitable for small children

Dogs or other pets are not allowed

Suitable for pregnant women

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Please check in 15 minutes before departure time

Only water and food intended for young children are allowed on board

Smoking not allowed

ATTENTION: Our kiosk is not the check-in or boarding point. The Boarding Pier M is on the North Side of Portimão Marina, with car access via Rua Simão Correia.

Not recommended for travelers with reduced mobility

Not recommended for pregnant women with high-risk pregnancies or in advanced stages of pregnancy

Meeting point

Check-in is 15 min before departure. Boarding is on the north side of Portimão Marina, by the administrative building (Rua Simão Correia).
Don’t enter just “Marina de Portimão” in Uber/taxi or you may be dropped on the south side, a 15-min walk away. We can’t wait for late arrivals.

Important notes

Please go to the entrance of Pier M, at the end of Rua Simão Correia, near Marina de Portimão Administrative Building, 15 minutes before the start time of your tour. The captain will meet you there in person.

It's a glass gate that says M, in a pedestrian area with a yellow pavement behind the parking lot.

This tour is carried out according to the tide schedule and it is essential that the boat departs at the scheduled time and we cannot wait in case of delays. We appreciate you arriving at the meeting point on time.

If you have any difficulties, do not hesitate to contact us by phone: +351919919450

There's no need to print this ticket. We'll just need to know the booking name.

See you soon, for an ecological boat trip to Silves, along the historic waters of the Arade River.

About Portimão

Portimão is a vibrant coastal city in the Algarve region of Portugal, known for its stunning beaches, rich maritime history, and lively atmosphere. It offers a mix of traditional charm and modern amenities, making it a perfect destination for both relaxation and adventure.

Top Attractions

Praia da Rocha

Praia da Rocha is one of the most famous beaches in Portimão, known for its golden sands, clear waters, and dramatic cliffs. It's perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.

Beach Half day to full day Free

Portimão Museum

The Portimão Museum offers a glimpse into the city's rich maritime history and cultural heritage. It houses a variety of exhibits, including archaeological artifacts and traditional boats.

Museum 1-2 hours €5

Algar Seco

Algar Seco is a natural park with stunning rock formations, caves, and viewpoints. It's a great spot for hiking, photography, and enjoying panoramic views of the coastline.

Nature Half day Free

Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição

This historic church is a beautiful example of Baroque architecture and a significant religious site in Portimão. It's worth a visit for its intricate design and cultural importance.

Religious 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cataplana de Marisco

A traditional Portuguese seafood dish cooked in a cataplana, a copper cooking pot. It typically includes a variety of seafood such as clams, mussels, shrimp, and fish, cooked with tomatoes, onions, and spices.

Dinner Contains seafood and shellfish

Bacalhau à Brás

A classic Portuguese dish made with shredded codfish, onions, garlic, and eggs, often served with fried potatoes and parsley.

Dinner Contains fish and eggs, can be made vegetarian with substitutions

Pastel de Nata

A popular Portuguese custard tart with a flaky pastry crust and a creamy egg yolk filling, dusted with cinnamon.

Dessert Contains dairy and eggs, can be made gluten-free

Popular Activities

Hiking in Algar Seco Water sports at Praia da Rocha Sunbathing at Praia da Rocha Spa treatments Visiting Portimão Museum Exploring the historic center Swimming Boat tours

Best Time to Visit

June to September

This is the best time to visit Portimão for beach activities and water sports. The weather is warm and sunny, perfect for enjoying the coastal attractions.

20°C to 30°C 68°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Portuguese
Widely spoken: English, Spanish
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Western European Time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Portimão is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
• Be cautious of distractions and common scams

Getting there

By air

Faro Airport • 65 km from Portimão

By train

Portimão Train Station

By bus

Portimão Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

EVA Transportes operates a network of buses that cover Portimão and the surrounding areas. The buses are reliable and affordable.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Bolt, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Praia da Rocha City Center Alvor

Day trips

Alvor

5 km from Portimão • Half day

Alvor is a charming fishing village with beautiful beaches, scenic walks, and a relaxed atmosphere. It's a great place to escape the busier areas of Portimão.

Lagos

25 km from Portimão • Full day

Lagos is a historic town with a rich maritime heritage, stunning beaches, and beautiful architecture. It's a popular destination for history buffs and beach lovers alike.

Silves

30 km from Portimão • Half day to full day

Silves is a historic town with a stunning castle, beautiful architecture, and a rich cultural heritage. It's a great place to learn about the region's history and enjoy traditional Portuguese charm.

Festivals

Carnaval de Portimão • February Festas de São João • June

Pro tips

Visit Praia da Rocha for stunning sunsets and vibrant nightlife
Explore the historic center and visit the Portimão Museum for a glimpse into the city's rich maritime history
Try local seafood dishes like cataplana de marisco and bacalhau à Brás
Take a day trip to nearby destinations like Alvor, Lagos, or Silves for a variety of experiences
Use public transport or rent a bike to get around the city and reduce your carbon footprint