Canoe

Onya · Post by **Onya** » Mon Jul 12, 2004 10:06 am

Does anyone know of a place around CV or Portimao where canoes can be hired for pleasure cruising up a river or reservoir. If so can anyone advise me of name ,address and tel no of such an outlet-would be so grateful.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Jul 12, 2004 11:14 am

This may not be a lot of use, but we have been to a 'Pleasure' lake
just outside Silves, its rather a bizare place, as you get rode out to the middle of the lake onto an island from which you can use canoes and other water apparatus, I think jet ski's are a separate price. Hopefully someone on the forum will be able to give you exact directions, but as I remember you went over the bridge towards silves and turned right and kept going for quite a while till you see a small signpost on the left.
There is a cafe there but I suggest you take a picnic and lots of cool drinks.

Tricky

biffa · Post by **biffa** » Mon Jul 12, 2004 12:10 pm

That is the Silves reservoir, Barragem do Arade. I notice they are advertising water sports on it but don't know how much water is in it!

You go to Silves and turn right towards Messines. After about 5 kms (?) you will take a right hand bend and go over a narrow brick bridge. About another 1km on your left you will see a turn left with a palm tree and a sign saying Barragem do Arade. Go past restaurant "A Rainha" and then just follow that road bearing left all the time.

Onya · Post by **Onya** » Mon Jul 12, 2004 5:50 pm

Thanks,

I'll give it a try next week.

BobT · Post by **BobT** » Tue Jul 13, 2004 9:07 am

Hello Onya

There is a place that does exactly what you want. If you head out of Silves in t he Monchique direction, after about three or four kms you will see some strange white spheres in a field on your left. There is a dirt track there on the left that goes down towards the river. Take the track and keep going until you reach the river. There is an english couple there that do bbq's and sometimes have live music playing, and they rent out canoes on the river. It;s also a great place to take the dogs for a walk.

Holly · Post by **Holly** » Tue Jul 13, 2004 9:48 am

Woof!

biffa · Post by **biffa** » Tue Jul 13, 2004 12:10 pm

Strange white spheres Bob? Have they landed?

Eileen · Post by **Eileen** » Tue Jul 13, 2004 2:22 pm

The place I think you are referring to is 'Paradise Island' which is off the Silves/Messines road to the left (as in directions above). It costs 7.50 Euros per person to be taken to 'Paradise Island' and when there, all the canoes, pedaloes, kayaks are free. Motorised watersports are extra. The 'swimming pool' and diving boards that have been made in the reservoir are interesting but the water was surprisingly warm (a bit murky when we were there, but essential as it was so hot). Take cold drinks. They do sell them but the choice was very limited. Snacks can be bought before crossing in the 'restaurant' . The owner has an apiary at the restaurant (and various puppies running around) but there are amazing views of the reservoir from this vantage point. Return trips from the island are whenever required and there didn't appear to be any extra charge for toing and froing several times. We found it a fun day out and complete escapism.

Canoe

Canoe

Reservoir

UFO?

Paradise Island