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The best sunset cruises in Lisbon
A quick overview
What will you do? Enjoy a stunning sunset cruise from a boat on the Tagus River in Lisbon.
Costs? From € 15,00 per person.
Where? Lisbon, most boats depart from Belém, some close to Alfama.
Worth it? It will be an unforgettable experience!
A magical sunset in Lisbon
There are several fantastic sunset spots in Lisbon! Especially from Cacilhas on the other side of the river Tagus. It is no surprise that people love to dine in restaurants like Ponto Final and Atira-te ao Rio. There are also several beaches at Costa da Caparica and in Sintra that offer mesmerising sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean. But there is another fabulous way to enjoy a stunning sunset in Lisbon; from a boat!
Where to board your sunset cruise in Lisbon
Most cruises leave from the harbour in Belém. Santa Maria de Belém is a district west of Lisbon’s city centre, and it’s straightforward to get there. You can take Tram 15, buses 714, 727 or 728, and by train from Cais de Sodré (direction Cascais). Belém has two main harbours where sunset cruises leave from. They are located close to Torre de Belém and the monument Padrão dos Descobrimentos. When you book a cruise, the tour operator will tell you exactly where to go.
Different types of sunset cruises in Lisbon
There are a few different cruises in Lisbon to choose from. Some tours are 1,5 hours, there are cruises on a catamaran, and you can sail off on a vintage sailboat. There is the perfect tour for every preference and duration. Let’s look at some of the options!
Cruises for those with little time
If you’re strapped for time, a 1,5 hours cruise might be best for you. You’ll receive a welcome drink and tour around the highlights of Lisbon. This tour takes place on a panorama vessel, which is also suitable for larger groups. There is a lot of space to sit, and you’ll learn a bit more about the main attractions of Lisbon. You’ll enjoy a 360-degree view when cruising passed the MAAT, Belém Tower, and Lisbon’s city centre. From € 34,00 per person; read more.
Do you have even less time? The express 45-minute cruise will be perfect for you! You’ll depart from Terreiro do Paço and sail the Tagus River on a classic vessel built in the 18th century! From € 15,00 per person; read more.
An extended Tagus sunset cruise
A more extended cruise is recommended if you have a little more time. This cruise takes 2,5 hours and passes historic buildings in Lisbon, the 25th of April suspension bridge, and other famous sights along the river Tagus. You’ll receive a welcome drink and some tasty Portuguese snacks. This boat is also very spacious and suitable for bigger groups. From € 29,00; read more.
A sunset tour on a sailboat
A rockier ride is a 2- hour cruise on a sailboat! Depending on the wind, this can be an excellent and active way to see Lisbon from the water. But no stress; you can sit and enjoy the views as the experienced crew sets the sails. You’ll be sipping on a drink of choice whilst sailing along the highlights of the Tagus. A typical cruise passes Belém, Lisbon’s old town, until the Pantheon, Cacilhas, and the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge. A sailboat is excellent for a more intimate experience and small groups. From € 30,00; read more.
The Tagus on a vintage sailboat
Similar but slightly different is a cruise on a vintage sailboat! Just like in Lisbon, you’ll discover the city in a historical way. The cruise lasts 2 hours, and you’ll enjoy some traditional snacks and a glass of wine. From € 45,00; read more.
A catamaran cruise in Lisbon
The final group option is a catamaran sunset cruise in Lisbon! You’ll enjoy panoramic views over Lisbon, and the route is similar to the above tours. You’ll receive a complimentary drink while the sun slowly creates that orange glow over the water. A catamaran cruise is also fabulous for smaller groups and solo travellers. From € 40,00; read more.
A private cruise on a luxury sailing yacht
Do you prefer to travel just with your partner? Then a private sunset cruise on a sailing yacht is the most romantic option of all! Does it get any better than this? The private sunset cruise in Lisbon lasts 2 hours, and this will be the most unforgettable experience as a couple. It’s a great way to propose or celebrate your wedding anniversary! You’ll receive a bottle of sparkling wine so you can enjoy the sunset in an extra unique setting. This tour is excellent for couples, but groups are also very welcome. From € 250,00; read more.
Cruises from Lisbon city centre
Only a few cruises leave from the city centre in Lisbon. And this is an extraordinary one! The 2-hour boat cruise is on a traditional boat from 1947! You’ll board the ship in Alfama (at Terreiro do Paço) and cruise towards Belém. The guides will tell you more about the city, and you can enjoy a glass of wine on board. From € 35,00; read more.
What makes a sunset cruise in Lisbon an unforgettable experience?
- Breathtaking scenery: The River Tagus winds its way through the heart of Lisbon, providing stunning panoramic views of the city’s iconic landmarks, including the 25 de Abril Bridge, Cristo Rei statue, and the historic neighbourhoods of Alfama and Baixa. As the sun begins to set, the warm golden light bathes the entire landscape, creating a magical atmosphere that is genuinely awe-inspiring.
- Romantic atmosphere: A sunset cruise on the River Tagus sets the stage for a romantic experience. The tranquil waters, gentle breeze, and soft hues of the sky create a romantic ambience that is perfect for couples. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a romantic evening together, the beauty of the sunset, combined with the peacefulness of the river, makes it an incredibly romantic setting.
- Unparalleled views: Being on a boat allows you to enjoy exceptional views that you wouldn’t get from the shore. As you cruise along the river, you’ll have a unique vantage point to admire Lisbon’s landmarks from a different perspective.
- Relaxation: A sunset cruise offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city. Gliding along the river, you’ll feel a sense of peace and serenity. The soothing sounds of the water lapping against the boat and the gentle rocking motion create a calming effect, allowing you to relax and unwind while taking in the beauty of the surroundings.
- Memorable moments: The combination of the stunning scenery and the light of the setting sun provides an excellent opportunity for photography enthusiasts to capture unforgettable moments. Whether you’re using a professional camera or simply your smartphone, the ever-changing colours and the unique atmosphere will give you plenty of opportunities to snap breathtaking photos to cherish for years to come. A photographer´s dream!
- Cultural insights: Along the riverbanks, you’ll have the chance to observe and learn about Lisbon’s rich cultural heritage. From the historic architecture to the vibrant street life, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the city’s history and traditions. Some sunset cruises also provide live commentary or music, enhancing your experience and immersing you in the local culture.
FAQ
Usually 90 minutes to 2 hours. But you can also take a 45-minute Express Cruise.
Certainly! Especially during sunset, this is a magical excursion. Moreover, do you see Lisbon from a completely different perspective?
There's something for everyone. Tranquillity seekers will enjoy a sailing tour, if you seek a luxurious experience, you rent your own yacht, while groups might want themselves on a catamaran with a DJ. Many boat trips are suitable for young children.
During most cruises, you will receive a welcome drink. Several providers also have snacks from Portugal on the menu. The skipper usually also tells you more about Lisbon during the cruise.
The boat trips also take place in the winter months. For example, enjoy the fireworks under your blanket on New Year's Eve! In the summer, this is a nice and refreshing activity.
Conclusion
Whichever cruise you pick, it’s a fantastic way to see the city and catch a stunning sunset in Lisbon. Maybe it’s even the best sunset in Portugal! Belém has a lot to offer, and you’ll easily spend a day in this Lisbon district. Recommendations are the Jerónimos Monastery, Pasteis de Belém, the National Coach Museum, MAAT, the Berardo Collection, and the Belém Tower. For a complete guide about Belém, click here. A cruise after a day in Belém is a relaxing way to finish the day. It will most likely be a highlight of your trip to Lisbon!
12 Responses
Ah Lisbon is on my bucket list but I hadn’t considered doing a sunset cruise! It looks like such a magical experience and your photos are stunning! I’m definitely going to do one when I finally get to visit! Thanks for the great guide!
A Lisbon sunset cruise sounds so dreamy! Thank you for the recommendations!
Oooh these all sound fabulous! Sunset over the waters by Lisbon looks lovely. A private cruise on a luxury sailing yacht obviously looks amazing if we’re feeling spendy!
This looks AMAZING! I wish I would have known about it during my trip to Lisbon last year.
These cruises are absolutely breathtaking, especially the sunset catamaran cruise! Definitely pinning these for later 🙂
I love seeing new places by boat. You get an entirely different perspective. When I visit Portugal I’ll be taking a sunset cruise for sure.
Those sunset pictures are breathtaking. Definitely adding this to my bucket list 🙂
This all sounds incredible. A private cruise on a luxury yacht with these sunset views would definitely do me 🙂
Gorgeous! I’ve never seen a sun that red. A 1.5 hour tour sounds nice for exploring Lisbon by land and water. I really think the monuments are gorgeous and so detailed. It reminds me of something you’d see on Game of Thrones!
Lisbon is already such a photogenic city, let alone at sunset!! I adore the idea of one of these cruises. So nice!
The Sunset boat tour was one of the best things I did in Lisbon. Seeing the city from the river is a different experience and the sunset is just so wow!
The photos in this article are gorgeous… makes me want to go back
We really wanted to do a sunset cruise when we were in Lisbon in May but we didn’t have enough time in our itinerary. It looks amazing though!