Sailing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, wakeboarding, canoeing, diving and sport fishing are among the many water-related activities that can be enjoyed in Vila Real de Santo António following the creation of the ‘Lower Guadiana Nautical Station’.
The station is integrated in the VRSA municipal sports complex and aims to become a “high-performance centre for nautical activities while also boosting active tourism in the Lower Guadiana area”.
The centre was created following a protocol undersigned by the regional tourism board (RTA), the councils of VRSA, Castro Marim, Alcoutim and Mértola as well as the Spanish municipality of Ayamonte, and the Associação Naval do Guadiana.
“This will be an opportunity to attract new visitors and diversify what the region has to offer,” the Algarve tourism board said in a statement, adding that nautical tourism accounts for 4.8 million holidays in Europe.
Says Algarve tourism boss João Fernandes, the nautical station will add to existing amenities like the region’s hotels, gastronomy and niche activities like cycling and walking.
The term ‘Nautical Station’ describes networks “offering quality nautical tourism services” from restaurants and hotels to a variety of nautical activities. The status is granted by Fórum Oceano association.
