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Holidays in Portugal & The Algarve
Places to Visit - Portugal & The Algarve
With fine beaches, beautiful olive groves, quaint fishing villages, culture, and a temperate year-round climate, it's no surprise that Portugal's strength as a holiday destination is in its diversity.
In this section we look at two of the most popular Portuguese holiday destinations, the Algarve, and Lisbon as a city break destination.
Lisbon - For those looking for a short city break Lisbon provides an ideal holiday solution offering a great mix of historic sites, nightlife and shopping.
Algarve - The Algarve is largely un spoilt and ideal for both families and couples alike. The main holiday destinations are situated on the southern coast and include Carvoeiro, Vale do Lobo, Albufeira, Faro (International Airport), Sagres, Lagos, Tavira, and Sintra.
Places to visit - Portugal:
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- Lisbon
For a weekend break destination Lisbon ticks all the boxes, culture, modern bars and clubs and quaint fishing ports. St Georges Castle (Castelo de Sao Jorge) in historic Alfama district is a Moorish castle that dominates Lisbon from its hilltop location.
Alfama itself is a delightful fishing port with many restaurants serving fresh seafood and good local wine. The Bario Alto area is by day a quiet area with children paying and people shopping. In contrast by night the area comes alive with bars and clubs open until the small hours. Lux bar in the harbour area in Lisbon is a cool retro bar with a 70's theme.
For a shopping paradise Baxia in the lower town should satisfy the most dedicated shopaholic. Located between the Rossio and Praca do Comercio.
The Oceanarium, centre piece of World Expo in Portugal is a large aquarium located in a dramatic harbour site. Live displays, environment soundscapes and interactive media all designed for a fascinating day out.
To see the whole of the city in one place visit the Vasco de Gama Tower, 145m tall shaped like a billowing sail. Offering wonderful 360 views of Lisbon.
Places to visit - The Algarve
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- Faro
- Vale do Lobo
- Carvoeiro
- Albufeira
- Lagos
- Tavira
As the capital of the Algarve, Faro is a well worth a visit. Not only is it home to the international airport, but its historic walled city is traffic free and provides an opportunity to see everyday Portuguese life.
The Chapel of the bones (Capela dos Ossos) is a fascinating place to visit, completed in 1816 by the Camelite monks to remind onlookers of their own mortality and shocking them into a more upright and sober life. The bones the chapel are made up of are that of the monks predecessors and are arranged into ornate and intricate versions of arches, capitals and pilasters. Children find the chapel very entertaining, not entirely the aim of the monks!
Open Hours: Mon - Sat 10am - 1pm 3pm - 6pm
Top Tips:
* Don't forget to take your camera
* Have a look around the Church the chapel is attached to, Igraja do Carmo has wonderful baroque architecture and is flanked by twin bell towers.
Vale do Lobo (Valley of the Wolves) has been designed to be sympathetic to its surrounding. The lakes, manicured lawns and fragrent pines blend with traditional building materials to create an attractive and unintrusive environment.
The area is particularly popuar with golfers offering numerous golf courses including Europe's second best and most expensive.
This pretty fishing village is surrounded by Moorish style buildings and the battlements of former fortifications. The beach is very popular and can get overcrowded in peak season but to escape the crowds you can hire a local fishermen to take you on a trip around the nearby caves, tunnels and rock stacks at "Algar Seco"
This once sleepy fishing village has been transformed into a busy tourist resort. However, the beaches still manage to retain a happy balance between sunbathers and fishermen.
For an alternative day out, try a Jeep Safari. Visit unexplored areas of the Algarve, remote olive groves, pine forests, and traditional Portuguese villages. Great fun for all of the family!
The nightlife in Albufeira is lively and mostly consists of bars and English style pubs.
The main town of Lagos is surrounded by huge 16th Century walls that separate it from the new hotel developments. The town itself is full of cobbled streets too narrow for cars. Ideal respite from the beach. The streets are lined with cafes ideal for a lunchtime snack. Once you are suitable refreshed Lagos offers a good mix of museums, antique shops and the busy market.
St Anthony's church one of the most elaborately decorated in the Algarve. The woodwork is decorated with gold and depict the life of St Anthony, look closely at the carving to reveal miniature scenes from everyday life.
The Museu Municipal is an eclectic mix including 5th Century BC sculpted marker stones and embroidered vestments which are religious paintings. Well worth a visit to give an insight into the local history of the area.
Split by the River Gilao which passes through the middle of this pretty town, Tavira is well worth a day's exploring. From the Castelo, the Mooring castle, you can see the towns varied skyline of ornate chimneys, church towers and hip-gabled roofs - locally known as "treasure" roofs.
From the south bank of the river, ferries run to the local island of "Ilha de Tavira," with its sandy beaches offering safe swimming. The island also forms part of the ''Ria Formosa Nature Reserve."
Holiday accommodation in Portugal and the Algarve
If you haven't already arranged your Portugal and The Algarve holiday accommodation then we have a wide selection of rental holiday homes with pools. Whether you're looking for that perfect golfing holiday, a romantic weekend break or a family beach holiday, we have something for everyone!
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