Visit Silves & Explore the Arade River | Eco-Friendly Solar Boat
Overview
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.
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.
Inclusions
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Driver/guide
- Live commentary on board
What to expect
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Pass By: Algarve SUN BOAT Trips, Praia da Rocha, Portimao Portugal
We will departure from the Pier A, at Marina de Portimão.
Pass By: R. Dr. Coelho de Carvalho 8, 8400-258 Ferragudo, Portugal
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.
Pass By: San Francisco Convent Ruins, Estr. da Rocha 4-22, 8500 Portimão, Portugal
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.
Pass By: Museu de Portimao, Rua D. Carlos I Zona Ribeirinha, Portimao 8500-607 Portugal
Portimão Museum is located in the century-old fish canning factory Feu Hermanos, located on the city's riverside area.
Pass By: Ponte Velha, Pte. Velha, Portimão, Portugal
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.
Pass By: Portimão Railway Bridge, Rio Arade, 8400 Parchal, Portugal
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.
Pass By: Ponte Velha de Portimão, Rio Arade, 8500 Portimão, Portugal
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.
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Pass By: Algarve SUN BOAT Trips, Praia da Rocha, Portimao Portugal
We will departure from the Pier A, at Marina de Portimão.
Pass By: R. Dr. Coelho de Carvalho 8, 8400-258 Ferragudo, Portugal
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.
Pass By: San Francisco Convent Ruins, Estr. da Rocha 4-22, 8500 Portimão, Portugal
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.
Pass By: Museu de Portimao, Rua D. Carlos I Zona Ribeirinha, Portimao 8500-607 Portugal
Portimão Museum is located in the century-old fish canning factory Feu Hermanos, located on the city's riverside area.
Pass By: Ponte Velha, Pte. Velha, Portimão, Portugal
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.
Pass By: Portimão Railway Bridge, Rio Arade, 8400 Parchal, Portugal
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.
Pass By: Ponte Velha de Portimão, Rio Arade, 8500 Portimão, Portugal
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.
Additional information
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Most travelers can participate
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
- 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
- Availability for shows cannot be checked without making a booking. Credit cards will only be charged upon confirmation of show availability
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Ticket delivery
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.
STEWARTB748
September 2023
Really enjoyed the trip. The solar powered boat is beautifully quiet and this makes for a really relaxing day. Great views and the crew were great. One of the best days out we've had in the Algarve. Don't hesitate, book it now.
Really enjoyed the trip. The solar powered boat is beautifully quiet and this makes for a really relaxing day. Great views and the crew were great. One of the best days out we've had in the Algarve. Don't hesitate, book it now.rogerf345
August 2023
Fabulous relaxing trip in an eco friendly quiet launch. Pedro was brilliant intelligent and very knowledgeable feeding us information on the fascinating history of this region. We stopped in silves and had plenty of time to tour the delightful old quarter and the magnificent castle. Back to the b...
Fabulous relaxing trip in an eco friendly quiet launch. Pedro was brilliant intelligent and very knowledgeable feeding us information on the fascinating history of this region. We stopped in silves and had plenty of time to tour the delightful old quarter and the magnificent castle. Back to the boat and a couple of bottles of the local wine to taste for free. I cannot recommend this trip enough in relaxation, interest and of course a local wime tasting. Thanks Pedro, we'll be back.Jocol118
August 2023
Amazing! You must do this trip - quiet and relaxing on a solar powered boat with Pedro as our excellent guide who provided interesting commentary and amusing anecdotes. Whole trip was 4.5 hours with stop in Silves for 90 minutes. Stunning scenery and exceptional views as we went quietly up and ba...
Amazing! You must do this trip - quiet and relaxing on a solar powered boat with Pedro as our excellent guide who provided interesting commentary and amusing anecdotes. Whole trip was 4.5 hours with stop in Silves for 90 minutes. Stunning scenery and exceptional views as we went quietly up and back down the river. 100% recommended.961SueW
August 2023
Silves is an interesting town with lots of history nestling on the slopes of the river valley. The old town has cobbled streets and steep inclines but the buildings are worth the walk. Lots of local bars and eateries. A good place to experience local culture. There was a medieval celebration on a...
Silves is an interesting town with lots of history nestling on the slopes of the river valley. The old town has cobbled streets and steep inclines but the buildings are worth the walk. Lots of local bars and eateries. A good place to experience local culture. There was a medieval celebration on all week when we visited and this happens every year in August. Great atmosphere.srosser25
August 2023
What a great day! We went on the boat up the Arade river and stopped off at the Arvad vineyard. Our hosts at the vineyard and our guide/driver of the boat were so friendly and helpful and the wine and food were delicious! We would highly recommend this trip.
What a great day! We went on the boat up the Arade river and stopped off at the Arvad vineyard. Our hosts at the vineyard and our guide/driver of the boat were so friendly and helpful and the wine and food were delicious! We would highly recommend this trip.266aliah
July 2023
What a perfect last day in the Algarve. Pedro was a great host and tour guide. We loved Silves, had enough time to visit the castle and a few shops and then our evening cruise back just in time for dinner was fun.
What a perfect last day in the Algarve. Pedro was a great host and tour guide. We loved Silves, had enough time to visit the castle and a few shops and then our evening cruise back just in time for dinner was fun.