Mention Portugal’s Algarve and most people think first and foremost of pristine golf courses. But thanks to a selection of world-class marinas, this stunning stretch of coastline caters just as well for boaties as it does for golfers. The region’s four largest marinas, which make stunning locations for a waterfront home, are outlined below.

Lagos
A highlight of the main resort of the western Algarve, award-winning Lagos Marina is ideally located next to the centre of Lagos’s pretty old town. With 462 berths and 24-hour facilities, its harbour entrance is well protected, thanks to being built slightly upriver from the Bay of Lagos.

A bridge connects the beating heart of the walled town with a cobbled promenade that runs around the marina and is lined with busy bars, restaurants and shops. The marina hosts exciting events throughout the year, including a BBQ in May and regattas usually in June. Meanwhile, a selection of sandy beaches are close by, including popular Meia Praia just 300 metres away.

Lagos has played an important role in Portugal’s seafaring history. It was originally visited by Phoenicians and Carthaginians, and later during the 15th Century it was the base for the famous Voyages of the Discoveries, when trade between Africa and Portugal made the town wealthy.

Vilamoura
Part of the central Algarve’s famous Golden Triangle, Vilamoura is not only home to Europe’s largest single residential tourist community and five championship golf courses but also Portugal’s largest and most popular marina.

Offering circa 1,000 berths, including a section for larger vessels of up to 60 metres, award-wining Vilamoura Marina with its acclaimed yacht club is a focal point of the Algarve. It appeals to boat-owners from around the world. Lining the smart promenade around the marina are restaurants, bars and boutique shops, all overlooked by chic hotels and sought-after apartments that boast stunning views of the boats and sea beyond. The nearby casino is another attraction.

When the sun goes down, it’s the place to be seen or to sit and people-watch with a drink or two. As you’d expect, all types of water-based leisure activities, from water-skiing to parascending, as well as big game fishing trips, can be done from Vilamoura.

Albufeira
A short walk west of the resort centre, 475-berth Albufeira marina is part of a newer tourist residential complex, noted for the vibrant colours of the buildings, including sea-facing apartment blocks.

Albufeira is one of the busiest resorts in the Algarve. More affordable than resorts in the Golden Triangle, it caters especially well for families and young people. Its pretty old town, with lively bars and restaurants for all tastes, excellent range of sandy beaches and proximity to golf courses complement the marina perfectly. For details of a one-bedroom apartment in Abufeira Marina, click here.

Portimão
Located just inside the Arade River estuary, making it one of the best protected marinas in Portugal, and next to the historical forts of Santa Catarina and São João, Portimão Marina in the western Algarve occupies a stunning 25-hectare site. A short walk around the headland is the beautiful beach of Praia da Rocha.

With 600+ berth capacity and water depth of five metres, it caters comfortably for super yachts of up to 50 metres – and their owners! A kilometre downriver from the city-centre, the marina has its own selection of restaurants, shops, bars and luxury hotels, as well as a swimming pool and Nikki Beach Resort. It’s also popular as a training base for international sailing teams and stages major events throughout the year.