If you’re looking for a European summer holiday to remember, instead of heading to Spain for the tenth year in a row, have you thought about it’s popular neighbour, Portugal? There is so much to see and do, from soaking up the sun on the sandy beaches, to enjoying a game of golf on the green.
People looking for a beach holiday will definitely want to spend their two weeks on the golden sands in the Algarve, Portugal’s southernmost region. However, this Spanish neighbour has a lot more to offer visitors than sun, sea and sand – head further north towards the capital for a cultural experience.
Whatever your idea of the perfect holiday is, we’ve got the very best holidays to Portugal
right here.
Albufeira
This Portuguese town is known as the Gateway to the Algarve and is one of the most popular resorts in the whole country. With 30km of coastline, split up into around 25 different beaches, it’s no real surprise that it’s a top destination. Relax on the fine sand, dip your toes into the warm and clear waters – it really is a beach lover’s paradise.
Lisbon
If you want something a bit different to the typical beach holiday, visit the vibrant capital city of Lisbon. You can explore the main shopping district of Baixa, splash the cash in Rua Garrett, or pick up some souvenirs down Rua do Carmo. From shopping to dining, head to Bairro Alto, ‘Lisbon’s Kitchen’ for some really high quality restaurants.
Lagos
If you want to stay somewhere that manages to bring together the rich heritage and culture of Portugal, with its natural beauty and spectacular beaches, Lagos is surrounded by 14th century walls, featuring beautiful churches, such as the São João Hermitage. It is also home to an important harbour for European trade and offers some of the best beaches in the country.
Wherever you are heading in Portugal, there are some top attractions that just shouldn’t be missed, including:
- Parque Nacional Da Peneda-Geres, a natural reserve which is home to the Iberian wolf, a number of Iron Age archaeological sites and beautiful rural scenery.
- Monastery of Alcobaca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This monastery is a popular tourist attraction.
- Boca Do Inferno – see why this rocky cliff edge is known as the ‘mouth of hell’.
- Belem – this area of Lisbon is packed with Portuguese history, from museums to monuments, allowing you to soak up the country’s culture.
Sources:
http://www.thomson.co.uk/destinations/europe/portugal/holidays-portugal.html#read-more
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; http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Tourism-g189117-Lagos_Faro_District_Algarve-Vacations.html
; http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/portugal/lisbon/