Search the World - enter sentence or part of word
[wpdreams_ajaxsearchlite]
Info A - Z
Traveladvisor in Portugal: Are you going on a vacation you can get lots of free and professional help, traveladvice and information from the National Tourism Organisation.
Discover the country and the cities getting the most out of your vacation with the professional help from the people who knows their country and their culture the best.
Portugal Tourism Authority
Turismo de Portugal, I.P.
Rua Ivone Silva, Lote 6
1050-124 Lisboa
Tel: +351 211 140 200
FLICKR
How is the weather in Portugal?
Perched on the western edge of the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal stands out among its neighbors as one of the oldest and yet most traditional and conservative European civilizations.
Visitors can view 22,000 year-old Paleolithic art on the rock faces of Vale do Côa, and human occupation of this region dates 500,000 years back in time! The Celts settled here around 750 B.C. and were followed by Romans, Visigoths, and Greeks among others. The Moors enjoyed their infamous occupation from the 8th to the 13th Century and left their culture and ornate, whitewashed architecture as an eclectic signature on the Iberian Peninsula.
Today, Portugal’s homogenous culture and dedication to tradition is largely due to Salazar’s oppressive rule during the mid-1900s. As a result, visitors can enjoy a more culturally authentic stay in Portugal than any other European nation.
The north-south axis of mainland Portugal creates regions of dynamic terrain and unique specialties. The popular Douro Valley stretches 125 miles along a winding river and is famous for the string of port wineries at its edges. Cruises are now offered along the entire length of the Valley, beginning in Porto. The resort town of Lagos in the southern Algarve region attracts sun-seekers and history buffs alike. Prepare to be swept away by this hidden gem encircled by 15th Century walls.
Travel Portugal in the Atlantic
Two groups of islands off the Atlantic Coastline belong to Portugal and are a perfect and serene escape from the mainland, offering centuries of Portuguese history all their own and a look into the region’s natural beauty. The Azores Islands archipelago lies 907 miles from the coast and is a haven of turquoise lakes, rolling green hills and sandy beaches. Monasteries, cathedrals, forts and ruins dating back to the 15th Century, when Portuguese navigators encountered the outcropping, are sprinkled about the islands. To the South, the enticing subtropical climate of Madeira Island and the surrounding volcanic archipelago is a bastion for adventure-seekers, resort luxuries, Madeira wine and untouched 15th Century architecture standing dramatically on seaside cliffs. Both of these secluded retreats are easily accessible from major airports on mainland Portugal.
Nearly all of Portugal works on Siesta time and 97% of the country is Catholic, therefore also affecting commercial hours and holidays. Most shops, banks and pharmacies are closed between 1pm and 3pm (yes, even in major cities). Make special note that museums also close in the middle of the day between 12:30pm and 2pm. Almost everything except museums closes by 1pm on Saturdays, and plan on simply eating and resting on Sundays when nothing is open. To plan your trip wisely, check the hours of operation of attractions you’d like to see before planning your trip or booking your room!
Popular Algarve
It’s no surprise why the Algarve is Portugal’s most popular vacation destination: no other part of the country has such an incredible combination of pristine beaches, dynamic resorts and fantastic historical sites. Throw in a vibrant nightlife, friendly locals and amazing cuisine, and you have the equation for the ideal trip. You can spend your Algarve vacation partying on a popular resort, relaxing on a secluded beach, exploring Roman ruins and Moorish castles, or a combination of all three. No matter what you spend your time doing, you are guaranteed to make some memories that will last a lifetime.
You’ll have no shortage of amazing places to stay on your Algarve vacation. Since it is such a popular beach destination, there are dozens of incredible resorts right on the water that offer endless diversions all hours of the day and night. If you’re looking for an atmosphere with less of a Spring Break feel, there are plenty of more secluded, less touristy beaches you can choose to frequent. If you want to get a little culture in with your beach time, stay in one of the many charming, coastal towns where you can interact with the locals, visit wonderful historical sites, and still be conveniently close to the shore from Lagos to Faro.
There’s a reason the Algarve is Portugal’s top vacation destination: the beaches. The region is home to 100 different beautiful beaches of varying landscapes, but all boasting the sparkling clean waters and Mediterranean climate characteristic of this part of the coast.
Whether you want to spend time on secluded beaches bordered by spectacular rock formations, or popular resorts bustling with activity all hours of the day and night, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from on your Algarve vacation. Most of the beaches feature surfboard and snorkeling equipment rentals so you can vary up how you spend your time on the shore. A dolphin-watching or cave tour on a boat is a great way to view and learn about the history, flora and fauna in the area.
If you need a break from the sun and sand, there are plenty of incredible things to explore further inland. The Algarve is rich in historical sites, some dating back thousands of years. The Milreu ruins ensconced in the gorgeous countryside are definitely worth a visit; the remnants of this aristocratic Roman villa include some stunning mosaics and a beautiful temple.
The lovely coast town Lagos offers the perfect opportunity to combine historical learning with time in the sunshine. Having served as the launching point for many of Portugal’s most important naval ventures during the Age of Exploration, there are plenty of historic sites, churches and museums for you to visit. Or you could simply wander through the cobblestone streets and admire the beautiful baroque architecture and striking views of the coast.
Lagos, as well as Faro, is also brimming with fantastic restaurants, bars and clubs, and thus tends to draw a much younger crowd. So after you enjoy a day of cultural excursions you can spend the evening enjoying the region’s world-famous seafood and medrohno brandy, then party the night away until the sun comes back up.
Visit Portugal A-Z
Albufeira
Alcoutim
Almancil
Braga