Portugal is among the best holiday destinations in Europe, with a variety of landscapes and contrasting weather. Holidays in Portugal are always a wonderful experience because it is famous for its sandy beaches, traditional cuisine, climate, rich history, and vibrant culture.
A trip to Portugal is always fantastic for those who want to witness the bright and sunny weather of Portugal. Lagos is a surfing town and has some spectacular spots, one of them being Meia Praia Beach and Ponta da Piedade, where one can enjoy the beautiful scenic cliffs.
1. The Ancient History of Portugal
Portugal is one of the oldest countries in Europe. In the 16th century, it was at the forefront of European Exploration. A route to India was discovered by Vasco de Gama. In nine other countries, Portuguese is used as an official language, and in East Timor, Angola, Brazil, Macau, and others are some countries.
Monks and nuns created some of Portugal’s delicious traditional treats. Angel’s double chin and fat from heaven are some famous pastries in Portugal. The Independence of Portugal was recognized in 1143 by King Alfonso VII of León.
2. 11 Incredible Destinations in Portugal
2.1. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is famous for its melancholic Portuguese folk music and magnificent viewpoints. Because of Lisbon’s weather, Portugal is often known as Portugal Lisbon Jan, which is highly stated to make your holidays extremely wonderful with its average high temperature.
Lisbon is located on the Atlantic coast and is famous for historical sites such as museums, glorious monuments, and its vibrant nightlife. Benfica and Sporting are the two famous European football clubs in Lisbon. Things to explore in Lisbon are as follows:
(a) Belem Tower
King Manuel built the historic Belem Tower in the 16th century, also known as Torre de Belém, and it was designed by architect Francisco de Arruda. The height of the Tower is 30 meters, the width is 12 meters, and it has a dome on its top with 16 windows and cannons.
The material used to build the monument was Lioz limestone, which is also famous as one of the seven wonders of Portugal. The tower is worth visiting for its magnificent views.
(b) St. George’s Castle
St. George Castle is a historic castle located in the Freguesia of Santa Maria Maior. It is also known as Lisbon’s highest hill, founded by the Portuguese in 1482. The George Castle is also known as Castelo de são Jorge and is one of the best places to spend the holidays.
It has an important role in Lisbon’s history because of the event performed by the Portuguese king to welcome Vasca da Gama, a famous sailor, into the castle.
Portugal airports include Humberto Delgado Airport, which is also called Lisbon Airport, and it is an International Airport located in Lisbon.
Solar do Castelo and Solar dos Mouros are the two family-friendly hotels near St George’s Castle, or one can stay in apartments. The Cathedral, which is the city’s oldest building, The Roman theatre, the Fado Museum, Casa dos Bicos, the Military Museum and São Vicente de Fora Church are famous nearby attractions.
2.2. Algarve Coast
The Algarve Coast is famous for its sandy beaches and tranquil nature reserves. The Algarve resorts are Albufeira, Lagos, Praia da Rocha and Vilamoura.
Its vibrant holiday atmosphere and fantastic waterparks make up most of its summer holiday deals. Praia da Rocha is one of the famous holiday destinations because of its golden beaches and natural beauty, which makes holidays full of adventures.
Historically, Praia da Rocha was a small fishing village. However, its gorgeous beaches and golden cliffs make Praia da a famous destination for spending fantastic holidays.
International Faro Airport is 72 kilometres away from Praia da Rocha, and private taxis are also available for the trip from Faro Airport to Praia da.
It is one of the best destinations for a relaxing break and an excellent boat trip. Some family-friendly hotels near the coast are listed below-
Hotel departure dates are flexible, and facilities at the hotels are mostly family-friendly. The best areas to spend perfect holidays and kid-friendly attractions include:
(a) Tavira Island
It provides a beautiful beach viewpoint and is mostly crowded during the summer holidays. However, it makes holidays the most adventurous. The length of the island is 11 km, and the width varies between 150 metres and 1 kilometre. It is also known as the calmest coast of the Algarve.
Tavira Island is known as the best destination for families to spend perfect holidays. Its fascinating white sand beaches make Tavira a beautiful place to spend holidays. It is also considered one of the best beaches in the Algarve.
Praia da Ilha de Tavira- the main beach of Tavira, Praia da Terra Estreita, and Praia da Barril- the three famous beaches of Tavira Island make holidays in Portugal levitating.
(b) Water Parks
Waterparks like Aqualand and Aquashow are fantastic waterparks and spot popular activities for children. But, it is recommended to check the conditions related to the age of children.
The Algarve sets the perfect weather and offers adventurous rides for all the family. Services like shuttle bus service are available to the water parks, or one can also hire a car for a flexible journey.
(c) Lagos Zoo
Lagos Zoo offers a great view of the various animals that are present in the zoo.
This zoo is a kind of conservation park because more than lions and tigers, birds, and primates are found here. The Monkey Island is the major attraction of the Lagos Zoo, where a number of primates are seen.
(d) Horse Riding
The most adventurous and famous activity of kids is known to be horse riding. The Algarve region provides a magnificent coastline with beautiful beaches, and protocols may include riding as per child age, so check regularly for the changes.
Experienced professionals are there to ensure safety and comfort. The equipment needed for horse riding is provided by the team.
2.3. Porto, Portugal
Porto is the best city in Portugal to spend a holiday in as it is blessed with epic theatres and holy churches. The local laws of Porto do not allow the carrying of products like meat and milk into EU countries.
Thousand of tourists visit Portugal to enjoy the historical heart of Porto, which is also known as Ribeira. However, World of Discoveries is a 15th-century museum and theme park-based age of discovery.
The great sunset views, authentic charm, and the destination’s average weather are great for slow city breaks, making holidays in Portugal mesmerizing.
It is also famous for its traditional port wines and delicious food. Pre-booking departure airport destination can be a good option if you arrive late to your destination. Holidays are always exciting in Porto because of its art, beautiful buildings, and more adventurous things to do.
2.3.1. Great Deals on Flight-inclusive Holidays
Book hotels and flights before reaching them to save time and visit popular nearby places. Air-conditioned hotels with free wifi service are Hotel Carris Porto Ribeira, Exe Almada Porto, Oca Vitoria Village, Selina Porto, Portobey Teatro, Hotel Moon and Sun Porto, which also have VIP access.
2.4. Sintra, Portugal
Sintra is one of the enchanting destinations in Portugal. Recognized by UNESCO, it offers plenty of hiking trails for avid walkers. Sintra is a favourite summer sojourn for the kings of Portugal and is famous for its dramatic mountains.
Sintra is famous for many tourist attractions such as Castelo dos Mouros, Palacio da Pena, Quinta da Regaleira, News Museum, and Monserrate, summing up holidays in Portugal full of adventures.
One can look for hotels to stay in Sintra- Hotel Nova Sintra, Sintra Boutique Hotel, Ibis Lisboa Sintra, and Tivoli Palacio de Seteais are some of the wonderful and friendly places to stay.
Group booking search can also make your holidays easy and relaxing. Popular trips include the Sintra and Cascais Tour, Royal Palaces Tour, and Estoril Coast Tour.
Fascinating historic buildings and natural scenery make Sintra an amazing tourist destination. Regular train service is also available between Lisbon and Sintra, which makes travelling in Sintra hassle-free. It mostly gets crowded in summer, which may lead you to wait in long queues for tour tickets.
2.5. Tavira, Portugal
Tavira is one of the most beautiful towns in Algarve, famous for its rich history and as Venice of the Algarve. It is a small fishing village in Portugal, having destination average weather and providing a peaceful holiday experience. Castelo is a famous tourist attraction in Tavira that offers stunning scenery.
It is located on the eastern side of the Algarve, mainly on the Atlantic Ocean. It has a wide range of restaurants and cocktail bars.
Tavira is famous for its seafood restaurants, such as Copos & Petiscos, Sal, Porto di Mare, A Casa, Gaivota, and many more. Ilha de Tavira is the famous beach 3 kilometres away from Tavira. It is usually known for its white sand.
Praia do Barril is the second most famous beach on Tavira, which is known for its bizarre anchor commentary. Local cuisine includes Ti Maria, Little India, La Petite France, and others.
2.6. Douro Valley
Douro Valley is mostly famous for its romantic boat trips, beautiful climatic views and scenic hiking trails. It is one of the oldest demarcated wine regions.
Its landscapes offer magic and beauty; hence, it is also known as Enchanted Valley. “Port Wine” can be legally produced in the Douro Valley region. And Marquês de Pombal was the one who demarcated the region in 1756.
2.7. Coimbra
Antiquity makes Coimbra one of the famous medieval towns and beautiful destinations in Portugal. Historic buildings, museums, cathedrals, and cobbled streets are major attractions in Coimbra. Coimbre’s cobbled streets are mostly narrow and attractive because of the colours of the stones.
With an average of 73F, August is the hottest month, and January is the coldest month. Coimbra follows a traditional music form of Portugal, and Fado is one of them, which is only sung by men.
2.8. Jeronimos Monastery
Jeronimos Monastery is a UNESCO world heritage site and offers a rich culture of history. It was designed by Diogo de Boitaca and is one of the famous destinations in Portugal.
Archaeology Museum, Belem Tower, and the Monument to the Discoveries are the nearby landmarks of the building.
To experience Jeronimos monastery in an easier way, one can book a Private Tour to Sintra- Roca Cape- Cascais and can take Lisbon All-in-one Hop-on Hop-off Bus, Tram Tour, Lisbon Private Luxury city tour, Lisbon in Day Historic Small-Group Tour, and so on. All these tours will make your holidays in Portugal less stressful and save you time.
2.9. Amarante
Amarante is one of the top destinations in Portugal, famous for its stunning houses and beautiful cobbled streets. The riverfront and high hills of Amarante make up this destination in Portugal. Famous nearby restaurants of Amarante are Largo do Paco, Restaurante Pena, Casa Ventura, and Surviaria.
The annual Festa de São Gonçalo is Portugal’s most famous and colourful fair. It is one of the most colourful attractions and the best place to spend your holidays in Portugal.
2.10. Sortelha
Sortelha is known for its urban crowd and modernity. It is the oldest settlement, which forms a paradise for historic buff. It is best known for its medieval castle and greenery. Mountains and valleys are the top attractions.
The climate is mild in both summers and winters. Early summer and the end of spring are the best times to visit Sortelha as the temperature at that time is low to mid-20s.
Palheiros do Castelo, Quinta de Seves, Hotel da Fábrica, and Refúgio no Campo are some accommodations near Sortelha.
2.11. Lagos
Lagos is a famous fishing port in Portugal that offers dramatic scenery and marvellous cuisine. Due to its relevance during the Portuguese discoveries, it is considered very important and makes a lively nightlife. It is a Portuguese town located in the district of Faro region of southern Portugal.
It has a relaxed atmosphere, and the best things to do in Lagos are Old Lagos, Ponta da Piedade, Santo Antonio Church, Kayaking, Dolphin Spotting, Camilo Beach, Surfing in Sagres, Lagos Fish Market, Petiscos, and Wine tour.
3. Holiday Packages in Portugal
Book Portugal tour packages with estimated financial protection and health abroad. Various travel agencies may follow up on booking conditions for individual destinations.
They have deals tailored with other services and suitable departure dates, which make your holidays easy. They also have you covered under financial protection.
4. Travel Advice on Local Laws in Portugal
A legal system that applies to Portugal is also part of laws that are applicable to civil law and Roman law. The Civil Code, the Labor Code, the Penal Code, and the Commercial Societies Code are the main Portuguese laws.
Taking drugs or selling them may be subject to a fine. It is often considered a criminal offence, and penalties may be charged. Carrying milk, meat, or other products into EU countries is strictly prohibited in Portugal.
5. Travel Advice on Passport and Visa Information
Portuguese citizens don’t have to get a passport, while foreign residents need a passport to travel in Portugal as well as around the world. Portuguese citizens carry a Portuguese Citizen Card as a general Identity Document.
The world’s leading travel companies and tour operators can make your Portugal holidays more mesmerizing. They provide up-to-date advice on current travel health news, departure airport, flight cost, booking conditions, guest group booking search, and other services to make your holidays wonderful.
6. About ATOL Scheme
ATOL stands for Air Travel Organiser’s License. ATOL protects holidays and ensures you give refunds if travel operators collapse. Therefore, it is very important to receive an ATOL certificate before you plan a Portugal holiday.
It is the financial protection scheme of the UK’s air holiday as it protects travel packages provided by travel companies in which you receive an ATOL certificate that protects your money from getting lost and claims security in case of a failed travel company.
ATOL-protected companies have an ‘ATOL protected’ logo on their website, but sometimes it also happens to be fake, so always do research before you receive an ATOL certificate.
Atom scheme provides an ATOL certificate while confirming the booking of a flight or trip. Regulations included in the ATOL scheme include an operator, an ATOL Holder, and a person who is exempt from financially protected holiday coverage.
Therefore, spending holidays with your partner in Portugal would be mesmerizing and worth spending time on because there are numerous destinations for holidays in Portugal.
Last Updated on July 10, 2024 by Sathi Chakraborty
