Ferries in Portugal: A Practical Guide

Ferries are a cheap, scenic way to get around parts of Portugal: across the Tagus in Lisbon, to the barrier islands of the Algarve, between the Azores islands and out to the Berlengas and Porto Santo. Here’s a guide to Portugal’s most useful ferries.

Quick answer: the most useful ferries are Lisbon to Cacilhas (for Cristo Rei), Setúbal to Tróia (for Comporta), the Ria Formosa island ferries from Faro, Olhão and Tavira, Peniche to the Berlengas (seasonal), Funchal to Porto Santo, and the Azores inter-island ferries between Pico, Faial and São Jorge.

Lisbon

• Cais do Sodré to Cacilhas: a short, frequent crossing with great city views. In Cacilhas, eat seafood and take the bus to Cristo Rei.
• Belém to Trafaria and Porto Brandão: for the Costa da Caparica beaches. See the best beaches near Lisbon.
• Tickets: pay by contactless card or with a Navegante card. See Lisbon public transport.

Setúbal to Tróia

Car and passenger ferries cross the Sado estuary to the Tróia peninsula, the shortcut to Comporta. Watch for dolphins. See Comporta and where to stay in Setúbal.

Peniche to the Berlengas

Seasonal boats (mostly spring to autumn) cross to the island reserve. Book early in summer, as visitor numbers are limited, and expect a choppy crossing. See Berlengas ferries. See Berlengas.

The Algarve

• Faro: boats to Ilha Deserta (Barreta) and Culatra. See Faro.
• Olhão: ferries to Armona and Culatra.
• Tavira: a short crossing to Ilha de Tavira. See Tavira.
• Vila Real de Santo António: a ferry across the Guadiana to Ayamonte in Spain.

Madeira to Porto Santo

A ferry from Funchal to Porto Santo takes about 2.5 hours. It can be rough. See Porto Santo.

The Azores

• The “triangle”: frequent ferries link Horta (Faial), Madalena (Pico) and São Jorge.
• Longer routes: ferries between the other islands are limited and seasonal. Flights are usually more practical.

See Azores island hopping.

Tips

• Seasickness: take tablets before Atlantic crossings.
• Book ahead in summer for the Berlengas and Porto Santo.
• Check timetables: winter services are reduced, and rough seas cause cancellations.

More: the best boat trips in Portugal.

Some links in this guide are affiliate links (GetYourGuide, Booking.com, Discover Cars). If you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps keep our groups and this site free.