People visit Portugal for food, wine, history, charming cities, nature and beach. How about rivers, though? The three main rivers in Portugal are the Tagus River, the Douro River and the Guadiana River. The Tagus is the largest one. Boat, motorboat and catamaran cruises are gaining popularity here. Cruising along these rivers offers ample opportunity for travelers to explore and experience a lot of Portugal in a little amount of time. Plus, you get to meet new people and try local cuisine while on board. There are guided and non-guided tours, as well as day or sunset tours available - you can choose the one that suits your need and budget. Portugal is often voted among the places with best sunsets on the planet. Do not forget to pack a camera, hat, and sunscreen. But first, scroll down to find out the best river cruises in Portugal, from Lisbon to Porto.
1. Sail down the River Douro and explore the bridges of Porto (from USD 16.26)
This cruise along the River Douro in Porto starts at Ribeira Quay. You’ll pass through the six historic bridges that connect Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. While cruising along the river, you’ll discover some of the great wine cellars, Blue Flag beaches, traditional Portuguese wine cargo boats called Rabelo Boats, and also learn about the wine merchant history that goes centuries back. Did you know that the first Porto wines were shipped in the 17th century? You will also have a chance to see the Foz do Douro, where the river pours into the ocean and people enjoy sandy beaches. This convenient, unguided 50-minute cruise operates hourly, and you only need a printed voucher.
Porto: River Douro 6 Bridges Cruise
2. Enjoy stunning views of Lisbon while cruising down the Tagus river (from USD 21.13)
Tagus river, or Tejo in Portuguese, is known for guarding the approach to Lisbon, the capital and the largest city of Portugal. When you visit this pearl of the Iberian Peninsula, we highly recommend taking a boat cruise. Lisbon is quite hilly and the summer can get quite hot and dry. This one to two-hour tour will let you rest your feet, while still seeing Lisbon’s famous monuments. You can even help sail the boat or simply relax with one free complimentary drink. If you love dreamy sunsets, opt for this cruise. Romantic views are guaranteed on this cruise trip.
Lisbon: Sailing Tour on the Tagus River
Duration: 1.0 to 2.0 hour
3. Admire the beautiful sights of Lisbon from the water (from USD 428.32)
Looking for a multi-lingual cruise to explore the coast of Lisbon, then this two-hour sunset cruise is your best bet. English, French, Spanish and Portuguese speaking guests will have a great time while cruising along the Tagus river. There’s a guide on board, who will tell you all about the important landmarks along the way. Admire colours and architecture of Lisbon, The ‘cidade das sete colinas’ (city of the seven hills), with highlights such as the pilgrim destination, Cristo-Rei Statue looking over the city from Almada, Basilica da Estrela, and more. If you’re feeling peckish, we recommend heading to one of the charming cafes or eateries and try the local sweet delicacy called Pastel de Nata, or sandwich called Bifana.
Lisbon: Private Sunset Cruise on the Tagus River with Drink
Duration: 2.0 hour
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4. A 60-minute luxury tour with speedboat demonstration (from USD 39.79)
This speedboat tour with a maximum capacity of 12 people will present all the famous monuments, on the palm of your hand. Fittingly, the boat departs from Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos) in one of the most popular districts, Belém. It is known for its rich seafaring heritage. After all, Lisbon still remains one of the largest container ports on Europe’s Atlantic coast. You will pass bridges, cathedrals, and statues. After seeing the neoclassical Ajuda Palace, you will spot the electricity power plant museum, one of the most beautiful examples of Portuguese industrial architecture from the 20th century. Afterwards, you can opt for a memorable speedboat demonstration.
Lisbon: 1-Hour Sightseeing Tour in a Motor Boat
Duration: 1 hour
5. Board a catamaran and explore the riverside monuments (from USD 35.77)
Sailing catamarans, where hulls are bridged by a deck or trampoline, is a special experience. Weather is not an issue, if it happens to be cold, there are blankets, or you can still enjoy the tour within the comfort of the catamaran’s interior. This two-hour tour starts from Doca de Santo Amaro, near a suspension bridge. On this tour, you’ll see the Tejo monuments located near the river. Plus, welcome drinks and Portuguese cheese and sausages are offered on board.
Lisbon: Sunset Catamaran Cruise, Drink, and Music
Duration: 2.0 hour
6. A historical and charming boat tour with a local guide (from USD 14.0)
This tour included a live guide, guide books and a historical, beautiful ship, called Barco Evora, build in 1931, refurbished in 2017. Discover beautiful views while enjoying one drink of your choice - wine, beer, coffee, juice, or water. Do not forget your camera, you will start the tour at Cais do Sodré, the capital’s most trendy district and sail around Tower of Belém, Cristo-Rei, or Terreiro do Paço, also known as Praça do Comércio. It is one of the most beautiful squares in the world. And from there, you can easily visit Lisbon’s old quarter, since you are in the heart of the city. This 50-minute tour is perfect for getting to know your surroundings and later, exploring on foot.
Lisbon: Cruise on "Barco Evora"
Duration: 45 minute
Discover Portugal from a different perspective
Portugal, small in size but large in beauty, is one of the most warmest countries in Europe, when it comes to weather and local people. It certainly deserves your attention, and since Portuguese explorer, Ferdinand Magellan, is said to have led the first expedition to circumnavigate the globe on a boat, why not exploring his country the same way? Whether you pick Lisbon or Porto or embark on a journey to a small coastal town, you will fall in love with history, UNESCO sites, food, and wine of the region.
History
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