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Visit PORTUGAL TRAVEL GUIDE
PORTUGAL - An Overview
Portugal sits on the side of the Iberian peninsular facing the Atlantic and features a stunning coastline and intriguing cities. While most visitors come for the golden beaches and vibrant nightlife of the Algarve on the south coast, Portugal is also worth visiting for its capital Lisbon and charming Porto to the north.
Sunbathing, snorkelling, hiking, and driving are all popular activities while touring the wineries of the Porto region offers further appeal. Eating a seafood dinner with Porto or Madeira wine is part of the Portugal experience.
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PORTUGAL WEATHER- When To Go
Portugal has a Mediterranean climate although it is somewhat refreshingly cooler than regions of Spain owing to the action of Atlantic Ocean weather fronts. Anytime from April to September is a good time to visit cities and beaches in Portugal, with temperatures averaging 30°C. The Algarve, in the south of the country, can be visited year round; even winter days are pleasant.
Peak season in Portugal is from mid-June to September while cheaper hotels can be had just outside this time.
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PORTUGAL HIGHLIGHTS - Places to Visit
Lisbon: is the Portuguese capital; a bustling city of hills, old squares and a pumping nightlife. Lisbon (Lisboa) lies roughly in the centre of the west coast and is great for a few days of fun. Attractions in Lisbon include: Castelo de São Jorge, with its fine viewpoint; the ancient Bairro Alto, one of Lisbon’s oldest districts complete with rickety houses and excellent nightlife; and Bairro of Alfama, where you will find the huge cathedral. Lisbon also presides over a riverfront which features an elegant medieval castle and the huge Monument to the Discoveries. [For more info on Lisbon, see our visitLisbon.co.uk website].
Algarve: is the most popular region in Portugal for foreign visitors, famed for its golden sands, sublime year-round weather and great entertainment options. The main resort on this southern Portugal stretch is Albufeira, with its distinctive rugged red coast and numerous fine beaches. Water sports and entertainment options abound in the Algarve, while many visitors also come for the golf. Faro is the capital of the Algarve and has lots of cultural sights worthy of a look. Two other popular beaches on the Algarve are Armação de Pêra and Praia da Rocha. The Algarve has its own airport at Faro.
Lagos: is second to Albufeira on the Algarve but is a little more laid back. The superb beaches here include Meia Praia to the east of the town and the more relaxed Praia do Pinhão to the south. Lagos also boasts the interesting Municipal Museum (Museu Municipal), which features somewhat unconventional exhibits, including treasures and preserved animal fetuses, as well as handicrafts. Lagos is a short journey from Faro by train or bus.
Porto: is capital of the northern province of the same name and sits on the coast. It is a delightful city and was nominated ‘European City of Culture’ for 2001. The historical centre of Porto is a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning attractions such as: the 12th century Cathedral (Sé); the 19th century Stock Exchange; the Church of São Francisco, complete with rococo interior; and the Torre Dos Clérigos. For people-watching head to the old waterfront (Cais da Ribeira) which is popular with tourists and locals alike and features a string of cafés and restaurants as well as an open-air market. To taste the famous port, visit the 18th century Vila Nova de Gaia. Porto has its own airport (Sá Carneiro Airport) but you can also get here by train from Lisbon within 4 hours.
Douro Valley: runs for 120 miles from Porto to the Spanish border in the east and is one of expansive plains, lots of wine and a navigable river. This region of Portugal really appeals to the more discerning traveller and is one of the most stunning areas in the whole country. It is characterized by winding roads and vineyard-bedecked hillsides and it is here that the famed port wine is churned out. Although usually busy during the high seasons with tourists, the Douro Valley is a must-see, especially by boat cruise.
Sintra: is just to the northwest of Lisbon and is well worth a daytrip. This fine UNESCO World Heritage site is situated up in the mountains and was favoured as a sophisticated summer destination for the Portuguese royal family and the English gentry of the day. It contains the former summer residence of the Portuguese royal family as well as the stunning Monserrate gardens and is less than an hour away from Lisbon by bus, train or car.
Madeira: is an island belonging to Portugal in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Northwest Africa, and is a popular summer tourist destination. Madeira has stunning beaches and a collection of terraces and bridges in its capital, Funchal. Excellent hiking and wine tasting are both attributes not to be missed on Madeira, which can be reached by a two-hour flight from Lisbon.
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PORTUGAL HOSPITALITY - Eat, Drink, Sleep
Food and eating out: Portuguese cuisine is of humble origins, yet is hearty with grilled meat and seafood being the favourites. Portuguese grilled chicken is world famous and traditional sardines and salmon are also a must-try. Hotels and restaurants in tourist areas will also do all types of international foods while the drink of choice in Portugal is red wine. The evening meal is usually eaten late in Portugal, at around 9pm.
Entertainment and nightlife: options in Algarve resorts are on par with the Spanish south, although not quite as hedonistic. Everything from beachside restaurants and bars to folk dancing, theatre, live music and discos are on offer in resorts and large cities. Lisbon’s night-time entertainment is best had in Bairro Alto, with its numerous restaurants, bars and nightclubs.
Accommodation: ranges from budget hostels in the cities to standard self-catering and full-board hotels in Lisbon and the Algarve. Although many visitors to the beaches will book their hotel as part of a package deal, going it alone and booking yourself is also a good option. Typical Portuguese hotels go from budget Residencial up to the Pousadas de Portugal chain of hotels in cities and Casas de Campo in the countryside.
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PORTUGAL FLIGHTS - GETTING THERE FROM THE UK
There are many flight options between the UK and Portugal.
To fly to Lisbon, try British Airways, Easyjet or Tap Air Portugal (via Expedia.co.uk).
For cheap flights to Porto, Ryanair may be your best bet.
There are many flights to Faro and the Algarve, including those provided by: Easyjet, Flybe, bmi, Flyglobespan, Jet2 and Thomas Cook.
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