Holidays in Portugal

Aerial view of the Pena Palace in Sintra National Park, Portugal

Once one of the great European empires, Portugal is situated at the westernmost edge of Europe at the North Atlantic, and shares a 500 mile long border with Spain.

The country’s territories include the archipelagos the Azores and Madeira islands located 1,500 km (930 mi) west of Lisbon.

Of all European countries, Portugal is one of the most affordable holiday destinations. It has everything to make your travel adventure unforgettable.

If your next flight will take you in the direction of Western Europe and you want to spend the holidays in Portugal, make sure to pack the camera.  Between the expansive views of the Atlantic Ocean, challenging golf courses, and the many luxury resorts and villas, there will definitely be a lot to take back home.

Most people who visit Portugal head south for the sun and sand. That can be utterly blissful, but this country has so much more to offer! Portugal has an incredibly rich history; it helped lead the discovery of the New World, its steeped in tradition and folklore, and it has a rugged countryside.

Portugal is a developed nation, and enjoys the 19th highest standard of living in the world. It is a peaceful state and among the 20 most toured countries on the globe.

Relax into the warm, sultry embrace of the Mediterranean climate, the stunning scenery, and the historical monuments and festivals that draw so many holidaymakers to Portugal. Whether you’re seeking the sun, beaches, culture, great cuisine, ecological or maritime experiences, or are traveling for business purposes, Portugal has it all!

Plan Your Itinerary

Grotto in Algarve

The most popular destinations are the capital, Lisbon, (Lisbon, after Barcelona, is the second most frequented European city!) as well as the Algarve (the southernmost region of mainland Portugal, and Madeira, (the Portuguese archipelago.

Additionally, the Portuguese administration continues to sponsor and develop new travel realms, such as the beautiful Douro valley, whose vineyards create the world famous drink which gave Portugal its name: port, and the islands of Porto Santo and Alentejo.

For the more seasoned vacationer there are amazing tourist provinces that are unknown to many visitors; Douro Sul, Templarios, Dao-Lafoes, Costa do Sol, Costa Azul, and Planicie Dourada, to name a few.

Music Festivals and Traditional Dance

Portugal has numerous summer music festivals, as well as many festivals geared toward a more urban audience during the rest of the year.

Fandango is one of the most well liked national dances. It is a spirited couple’s dance, usually accompanied by guitars and castanets or hand clapping.

Surfing and Water Sports

The Atlantic Ocean borders Portugal on the South and West; providing miles of white sand beaches and an abundance of nautical and aquatic adventures. The most popular beaches are graced with large rocks, sheer cliffs and blue rippled water that seem to stretch right into the skyline. It is the Mediterranean climate and stunning scenery that draws so many people to spend their holidays in Portugal.

Some of the more popular beaches are Meia Praia and Praia do Tonel. These beaches are perfect for surfing and other water sports. If surfing is your passion, you will definitely want to visit the western coast.

Many of the beaches along the Algarve region (the southernmost tip) are extremely popular with those spending their holidays in Portugal to surf. Just make sure your skill level is up to par, because the waves along the southernmost stretch of Portugal can be extremely dangerous at certain times of the year. It is quite eventful to sit on the sandy shores and watch the locals gracefully surf monstrous waves, but not everyone is ready to tackle those waves on their own.

Secluded Beaches

If your main goal is to relax and unwind, travel out toward Sagres and find a little beach called Praia Figueiras. There are no bathrooms or other facilities here, but all year round you can enjoy peace and solitude.

Often getting to these secluded havens requires an off-road adventure. If you are up for about fifteen minutes of walking, you can easily park by the village and get to Praia Figueiras. Ask the concierge when checking into your accommodation, and you can find many other little known beaches waiting in silence for your arrival. If you like to hike, this could be the perfect way to spend your holidays in Portugal.

Head west of Carvoeiro to Praia do Carvalho, if you want secluded without the off-road walking adventure. Rather than taking a hike on foot, you take a short drive through a tunnel (get out that camera) to reach a long stretch of beach that doesn’t get as much tourist attention as many others.

There is a designated area for swimming, which makes it a choice beach for families with young children. This is also a popular locale for windsurfing.

Whether you choose to play it safe on the sandy shores, or get out on the waves for an adrenaline rush, you will forever cherish your holidays in Portugal. When you aren’t at the beach, enjoy fine dining, golf and plentiful shopping opportunities.