by Charlotte Hayward

Forget the image of a salty sailor skimming across the seven seas - this is a boating holiday with a difference.

A house-boat voyage on the Great Lake Alqueva in the heart of southern Portugal is a fantastic way to escape the drudgery of work and take on some of life's simpler pleasures.

A short weekend cruise will set you back about 681 Euros (£568).

The Great Lake is set in Alentejo and is the largest artificial lake in Europe.

With no current, the water remains calm and still, reflecting the brilliant blue Mediterranean sky and creating a panoramic paradise for the senses.

Boats available range from two people up to 10-people so it can either be a cosy trip for two or a huge family outing.

The rippling ridges that line the lake stretch for miles, offering glimpses of opulent olive groves and small villages just waiting to be explored.

And this holiday, leaving from Amieira Marina, offers a bit of whatever you fancy - be it relaxing on deck in a lounger with a good book, or getting stuck in and having a go at kayaking or swimming in the lake.

You can jump ship at any time and become a landlubber, exploring the many water-side villages to sample some of the ripened produce on offer.

One of the nicest places to lose your sea legs is a visit to Evora where you can enjoy a spot of sight-seeing, shopping or a quick bite to eat - and a tipple if you fancy it - from the food and drink markets.

There's also the fortified village of Monsaraz where a medieval castle dominates the landscape.

Charlotte Hayward with some fellow seafarers

There you can buy hand-made artwork and revel in the location high above the sea.

For foodies, Estrella is well worth a visit - a quaint village with just 125 people living there and delicious local foods.

Whether you're a couple or a family, everyone can have a go at being captain and after a few days you'll be flexing your nautical muscles with an anchor hitch knot and declaring "aye, aye cap'tn".

Of course, this is a time to relax and not knowing your 'aft from your down below' isn't a problem - the boats are quick and easy to understand, even if you aren't a brilliant buccaneer.

Full training is given before you set sail offering everything you need to know. Things to do in Evora. If you're going to see anything in Evora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, make sure you visit the foreboding Chapel of Bones.

It's a small chapel close to the entrance of the Church of St Francis and gets its notorious name because the walls are covered with human skulls and bones.

The lugubrious 16th century church is steeped in history and was built by a Franciscan monk. The chapel ceiling is white painted brick with death motifs covering it.

Factfile

How to get there: The nearest airport is Lisbon.

Airline TAP Portugal flies from London Gatwick and Heathrow to Lisbon for about £120 one-way or just over £200 for a return.

When you land at Aeroporto Lisboa, pick up a hire car to ferry your crew to the Amieira Marina.

Where to stay: The Hotel Evora is a comfortable and welcoming 4* hotel, with indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

It has a whopping five acres of grounds, as well as a kids club where children will feel at home, a health and fitness club, and a traditional restaurant, where fantastic flavours are waiting to tempt your taste buds.

Useful links for prices and more information visit:

Alentejo Tourism:http://www.visitalentejo.ptamieria/ Marina: http://www.amieiramarina.comhotel/ Evora: http://www.evorahotel.pttap/ Portugal: http://www.flytap.com/