Portugal is a truly colorful, interesting and unique country with its own special character and spirit. And it's not just football that makes her stand out from others. Here you can experience great wines, taste delicious cuisine and go diving, beach vacations or visit beautiful castles. This country has it all. We will reveal some secrets of rest in this article: how and when to go, what type of rest and where it develops, what to see and what to do, advice on choosing hotels and, of course, about shopping!
Not only football
Portugal is known to many only for its football team. But, in fact, there are many interesting places and attractions here. Ample opportunities for active recreation, historical and architectural monuments, beach tourism and gastronomic - there are really a lot of opportunities in this country for any kind of recreation.
Where is
The country is located in the western part of Europe, near Spain, with which it shares the Iberian Peninsula. Compared to other countries, its area is not very large, but this did not prevent it from gaining love, interest and respect for its culture. The capital of the country is beautiful Lisbon.
Portugal map
How to get there
There are 4 main airports in the country: in the capital, the cities of Porto, Faro and the island of Madeira. The largest airport is the capital. You can get here from Moscow by Air Moldova and Aegean Airlines. Also, direct flights are offered by the local company "TAP Portugal".
The prices are quite different: the Portuguese company is expensive, a one-way ticket costs about 450 euros on average, departure from Domodedovo, but this is a direct flight. If with transfers, you can use the services of Air Moldova, which sells tickets for 200 euros one way. In the low season, that is, in winter, the flight is much cheaper, you can buy a one-way ticket for 100 euros, or even less.
Vueling, Czech Airlines, TAP Portugal fly from Moscow to Porto. Faro can be reached by aircraft of Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines or Eurovings. The same companies fly from St. Petersburg. If your destination is Madeira, then from Moscow you can take off by Portuguese Airways, from St. Petersburg a British Airways plane takes off.
There are no trains from Moscow to the country yet. But if you like overland travel, you can go there by car. Lisbon can be reached in about 45 hours, while visiting Poland, Belarus, Germany and even France and Spain.
Popular holiday destinations
Although the Portuguese are very fond of playing football, which has become a kind of symbol of the country, there are still many other opportunities for recreation and good time. The most popular cities for recreation are the capital, the cities of Porto and Sintra. as well as the popular resort of Madeira Island. There are, of course, other cities that can be visited: this is the center of Catholicism in the country, the city of Braga, where the residence of the archbishop is located, Coimbra with its oldest university, the center of gastronomic delights, cheeses and wine Évora, and others.
Lisbon
This city is considered not only one of the most beautiful, but also the oldest in the country. Back in the XIII century, he received the title of the capital, survived an earthquake and was reborn from the ashes. The most famous and beautiful sights are historical and architectural structures. There are also beautiful beaches, so you can relax by the water.
Many tourists are advised to visit Castle of St. George. This is a large and ancient fortress, which first belonged to the Moorish emir, and then to the royal family. It survived the earthquake, therefore it is even more appreciated by the local population.
Another must-see place is the cathedral, which was also preserved during the terrible disaster. It combines not only religious, but also cultural values, baroque, rococo, gothic and even neoclassicism styles.
The capital is also known for its old streets. There are a lot of them, they are narrow and winding. While winding along them, you can find many interesting houses with a peculiar local decor, which allows you to feel the very mood of the city.
Porto
It is the second largest and most popular holiday city in Portugal. Its history begins around the IY century, the central sections of the city are included in the protected funds of UNESCO. Historical sites of great importance are the cathedral, which is very similar to the fortress of the ancient kings, and the local church of São Francisco, which is considered one of the largest in the entire country.
The area of colored houses of Ribeira is also worth a visit. Here one gets the impression that small small multi-colored buildings seem to grow on top of each other, which is very colorful against the background of monumental structures located in other parts of the city. There are also good conditions for a beach holiday.
Sintra
This city is very popular among tourists who are passing through the country, or the so-called "one-day". Therefore, on weekends, it is almost impossible to avoid the crowd of onlookers looking at the local architectural and historical sights.
The largest of them is considered Pena Palace. It is one of the seven must-see wonders of the country. The castle is built on a hill with a beautiful view, it is a great place for romantic walks. In addition, the castle's multicolored appearance is almost impossible to miss. This bright decoration is a must-see for all tourists. It was built in the 19th century for the summer holidays of the royal family. An exotic park is located around.
Must visit and Moorish castle. It stands in stark contrast to romantic buildings and villas, such as the romantic Montserrat Villa with its park and the city's national palace, scattered throughout the city. It was used as a defensive fortress, so only some parts of the castle have survived. But you should definitely visit this place - here you get excellent photos against the backdrop of beautiful landscapes.
Madeira
The island is considered one of the most popular and advertised holiday destinations. Among the attractions here are the wild tropical garden and the Monte Palace, which are distinguished by the special beauty of the buildings, and the natural attractions of Madeira - Mount Pico Riva and Curral das Freiras.
The highest point of the island, reaching into the sky almost above the ocean itself. Curral-dash-Freyrash- This is a settlement that just a few years ago was lost among the wild expanses of the island. It was very difficult to get to it, so the influence of the rest of the world hardly touched this wild place. It is worth visiting it if only because it has preserved a unique flavor, traditions and real wild nature. Of course, one of the main areas of recreation on the island is recreation by the sea and active sea sports.
When to go: air and water temperatures
The first months of autumn and summer are considered the best time to visit the country. At this time, the most favorable climatic conditions were created for recreation and visiting historical sites.
On the land
The country has a subtropical Mediterranean climate, so in summer it is dry and sunny, but not hot. The average temperature in the city during this period hovers around 20 degrees above zero, in the mountains it is also quite warm, about 17-18 degrees. In winter, on the contrary, it is very damp and rainy, and the temperature fluctuates at around 4-10 degrees above zero. In the north, the climate is maritime, as the influence of the Gulf Stream is felt.
In water
The best time to visit Portugal and beach holidays are September and October. The weather is always warm, a lot of sun, but not hot.
You need to swim very carefully. Fast and cold sea currents make the water very uncomfortable for swimming. In addition, swimming far into the open ocean is completely prohibited.
The water temperature south of the capital, as it is always higher there, approximately + 28 ... + 30 ° C. To the north, it decreases, so on the coast it is better to just sunbathe.
The best beaches in Portugal
This country is known not only for its sights, color and culture, but also for its good beach holidays.
Climatic conditions make it possible not only to spend time on the beaches, sunbathing, but also to engage in active sports in the water, for example, diving or surfing. You can have a rest at the country's resorts both together and with the whole family. The conditions of the resorts support all the possibilities for a quiet pastime, there are pebbly and sandy beaches, even rocky entrances to the water for amateurs.
For two
The possibilities for recreation for two are practically unlimited. You can go to Madeira and the Azores, and even visit a special resort region in the south - the Algarve. It is here that the best conditions for active recreation are created; there are many restaurants and bars, nightclubs. In addition, there are water parks and attractions.
The Azores with their wild and beautiful nature are also suitable for a relaxing holiday. There are also conditions for active recreation on the water. Madeira is positioned as an expensive resort, but it is ideal for a relaxing romantic getaway. A variety of spa centers and luxury hotels, the beauty of the wild nature, mountains overhanging the ocean - the perfect place for a romantic weekend.
For family
The whole family can safely go to rest in the Algarve. There is a developed infrastructure, there are many opportunities for a calm and active holiday. For children, there are attractions and water parks, many cafes and cozy eateries. There are even nightclubs and restaurants. This resort is positioned as the best for families.
Good conditions for a relaxing holiday are also offered in the Azores, where you can find a cozy corner among the wild nature, take a break from the noise of the city and enjoy a good level of service.
If you see a blue flag on the beach, it means that it is famous for its cleanliness and well-developed infrastructure.
Active recreation and diving
Madeira is considered an ideal place for diving. There are many rocks and reefs, underwater caves and even sunken ships from different eras. There are unique species of fish and shellfish, while diving, you can find barracuda, sea bass or tuna. The beauty of the local reefs is famous throughout the country. The difficulty level is suitable for both amateurs and professionals.
If you have been engaged in active recreation for a long time, then it is better to go to the Azores, where the level of difficulty of diving is suitable for professionals. Diving will be challenging, but you won't regret it, and you can easily spot a blue shark or even a whale. Near the islands of Santa Maria and Pico, you can see whale sharks and manta rays. The Berlengash Archipelago is suitable for people of all levels. During the dive, you can see an octopus or sea bass. There are also the remains of sunken ships from the Second World War and sheer cliffs, underwater caves and grottoes.
Attractions and excursions
You can visit Lisbon, it is not only the capital, but also an interesting resort with many famous attractions. The most popular and expensive resorts of the country, called the Lisbon Riviera, are also located here.
Nightlife and clubs
The best conditions for a night's rest are presented in Lisbon. There are a large number of not only beaches, but also local discos that are held on them. In addition, the city has many music cafes and nightclubs. The Algarve resort region, although it is positioned as the best for family holidays, also has many nightclubs and discos. Also in the largest resorts and beaches there are always many cafes and bars open all night. So you can dance under the stars, listen to the sound of the sea and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Housing, transportation, cuisine
Before visiting this country, be sure to familiarize yourself with the living and moving conditions, local gastronomic customs.
The best hotels in Portugal
Almost all hotels in the country operate at a high level. Service is of the highest standard, usually breakfast or lunch and breakfast. All inclusive service is very rare. Since the cuisine here is very tasty and many tourists visit gastronomic tours, there is no need for this type of service as such.
The best hotels are Pozada. They are located in castles, fortresses and historical villas that have been reconstructed into hotels. Service level corresponds to 4 and 5 stars. There are also regional pozads, specially built as castles.
For budget holidays, hostels are suitable, of which there are a large number and which are recognized as the best in Europe in terms of service level. The average cost of one night ranges from 10 euros.
Cuisine and restaurants
Very few hotels provide a buffet, precisely because the country's cuisine is one of the attractions. The restaurants are sure to present hearty and varied meat dishes, delicious fish dishes, which are the main ones in traditional cuisine.
In any of the restaurants you can find a lot of different fish dishes prepared in almost every possible way. The fish are dominated by cod, sardine, perch, trout and mackerel.
In addition, port is considered one more visiting card of the country. A large selection of this drink is provided in every cafe, restaurant and bar. You also need to know how to drink it, there are special traditions. White is served as an aperitif. Red goes with dessert.
Car rental and public transport
There are four main modes of transport in Portugal: inter-city express trains, local express trains, carreiras that stop at all intersections, and luxury cars. Car rental is available throughout the country, so getting a car is easy.
It is easy to rent a car. But a prerequisite is the presence of at least 1 year of experience and the age of 21 years, some companies require 25 years or more. In this case, you must leave a deposit or be sure to provide your credit card details.
You can get around the city by bus. It is advisable to buy a ticket in advance, then it will be cheaper. There are also metro stations.
Shopping for shopping lovers
Such type of tourism as shopping is actively developing. Here you can buy good, high-quality and fashionable shoes, gold, ceramics. Of course, there is a wide sale of port wines of all kinds and varieties.
You can also buy Madeira, the national wine. Be sure to buy the national souvenir azulejos, this is a tile for decorating walls. Popular are leather goods, wicker souvenirs, handmade lace and national embroidery. Prices are quite high, so it's best to look for sales or local outlets.
Tourist memo: how to avoid problems
The level of security in the country is quite high, so you can walk calmly and at any time. Of course, it is not recommended to leave important and valuable things in plain sight.
It is forbidden to make fires on the beach or in the woods, and you can get a fine for this. You can also smoke only in specially designated places, otherwise you will definitely have to pay a fine of 50 euros.
Since seismic activity in Portugal is quite high, earthquakes occur here about twice a year. This must be remembered. You can drink water from city taps, but it can be slightly salty.
Should you go to Portugal in winter?
In the continental part of the country, good weather remains at this time, the average temperature is quite high - about +15 degrees. So you can safely go exploring the local attractions. It will definitely not be hot, and a light fresh breeze will certainly create a good mood.
Generally, winter is the best time to visit historical sites. There is no influx of tourists, everything is quite calm and relaxed. In addition, most of the services are provided at discounted prices. Especially relaxation in the spa.
Portugal is a really interesting country with its own traditions and customs. Here you can not only enjoy searching and exploring historical sites, visit a lot of castles and medieval cathedrals, but also enjoy the good weather on the beach. If you love diving, you will definitely have something to see.
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Once upon a time, Portugal was a vacation spot for only wealthy people. And now it cannot be called a budget place. But, when planning a trip, you can invest in an adequate budget. Let's see what entertainment Portugal offers, the best places, where they are and what to see there.
How to get to Portugal?
Transport eats up a fairly large part of the budget. The flight from Moscow to Lisbon will take about 6 hours and more than 200 euros per person. It is more profitable to fly with transfers. AirFrance and KLM offer connecting flights to and.
In Paris, the time will be about 7 hours, in Amsterdam - 12 hours. The cost of such a flight to Lisbon and back is 200 euros in both directions. It is convenient to fly with a transfer, you will have time to visit several museums, eat lunch or stroll along the streets of the transit city.
I recommend watching a video about how we flew to via Amsterdam and, of course, subscribe to Aviamania YouTube channel :
There is a train from Amsterdam airport to the city. You will spend about 20 minutes on the way, the ticket costs almost 6 euros per person. In the city itself, you will have almost 8 hours of free time. You will not be bored on the road, you will have time to walk.
At the same time, a flight with a transfer is cheaper than a flight to Moscow without transfers and expectations.
Where to live in Portugal?
There are several options here. A room in the cheapest hotel will cost from 20 euros per person. At the same time, it takes about 2 hours to get to attractions and infrastructure. By saving money, you will be wasting time every day.
At the same time, you will eat in catering establishments, which cannot be called a budget option. Hotels closer to the center with a hot breakfast cost 40 euros per night.
An apartment is considered an interesting real estate option. Such housing is located in proximity to infrastructure, from here close to the ocean and attractions. The cost of an apartment is around 50 euros per day. At the same time, you can move in here with a company of up to 6 people.
There is an opportunity to cook food on your own, wash things without a limit and there will be no strangers in your apartment. Renting an apartment is more profitable than living in a hotel.
Eating on vacation in Portugal
The most budgetary catering establishments are supermarket restaurants. Here lunch will cost 7 euros per person. The portions are quite large, so for a start you can take one lunch for two and see if it is enough for a snack.
Another category of inexpensive establishments is Japanese and Brazilian restaurants. The Brazilian restaurant offers cold cuts for 12 euros, with a bottle of wine included with lunch. Japanese restaurants delight with three types of sushi, chicken in sauce and green tea for 8 euros.
It is best to buy products for self-catering in the market. There they are fresher, prices are lower than in the supermarket and there is an opportunity to bargain. The only negative is that you need to go to the market very early, no later than 7 am.
Closer to lunchtime, prices skyrocket, and the opportunity to get a discount is reduced to zero. At the market for 7 euros you can buy vegetables, which are enough for 3 days of making soups. The cost of fish is from 7 to 12 euros per kg. Meat costs up to 9 euros per kg. In supermarkets, delicious pastries for 2.5 euros, a loaf of white bread, 2 euros for a liter bottle of yogurt. In general, if you cook food at home, then the budget for food is reduced by 4 times.
Attention is drawn to Bakalyau, a specially prepared cod. It resembles both dried and dried fish at the same time. Served with sauce and potatoes and herbs. A popular dish during Lent.
Feijoada is a dish for lunch. Consists of rice, beans, meat and vegetables in a pot. In Lisbon, this dish is very popular with tourists. Pastein de whitewash - pastries with cinnamon and custard. This dessert is the trademark of Portugal.
When the budget for vacation is limited, then a mix of self-prepared food and meals in institutions solves the problem of food for the entire vacation period.
What to drive in Portugal?
Sightseeing, active recreation is associated with movement around the city. Metro fares start at 1 euro per person. Ground transportation costs 1-1.5 euros per trip.
It is profitable to buy a shared travel card. Its cost is 16 euros per piece. But, the shelf life is 4 days. Without a travel card, spend at least 10 euros per day just for transport. The pass pays for the expenses and allows you to save up to 50% of the money on transport.
The cost of a taxi is from 5 to 15 euros per car. The price depends on the class of the called vehicle and the length of the journey.
What it is Portugal ocean vacations consider the best places for vacations below.
Algarve Portugal beaches
Algarve is a historical province with well-equipped beaches and its own legends. It is located 300 km from Lisbon. If you are arriving in Lisbon, think about how you will get to the Algarve. You can fly from Moscow to the city of Faro, which is considered the administrative center of the province.
The Algarve is considered a destination for all types of tourists. Here you can meet both wealthy people and those who arrived here with almost empty pockets.
Accommodation in the Algarve
The hotels in the region are quite expensive. A family room for 14 days with breakfast will cost 1300 euros, provided that it was booked out of season. Booking a room during the high season will be 700 euros more expensive.
You can find an apartment through the websites of Russian intermediaries and Russian-speaking communities. It will cost less than a hotel room, and it is more convenient to live in an apartment, as mentioned above.
Climate and recreation in the Algarve Portugal
The climate in the region is mild and conducive to relaxation. The average temperature in summer is from 24 to 30 degrees Celsius. The water warms up well, there are many beaches. Most of them are owned either by hotels or by the authorities.
The entrance to the beaches is not paid. But, for renting sun loungers and umbrellas, there is a risk of paying up to 10 euros per person.
Are you coming to rest for a long time?
Consider buying your own beach umbrella. Take it home like a trophy from Portugal.
The infrastructure of the region is well developed. For couples, there are water parks, shark shows, contact zoos, and amusement parks. There are excursions to fortresses and ancient cities, horse riding, water sports, hiking.
Without guides and guides, you can go to the city of Faro - the administrative capital of the province.
Here you can see:
- Faro Castle;
- Faro fortress walls;
- Seminary and Episcopal Palace;
- Ramalho Ortigana - Maritime Museum;
- City port;
- Church of San Pedro;
Faro is the only city in Portugal that is still surrounded by fortress walls. Every corner here breathes history and is conducive to hiking.
Faro is also close to attractions such as palaces, the Ria Formosa National Park, etc.
Ria Formosa - Portugal National Park
(Ria Formosa)
The national park is located on the southern side of the city and stretches from the island of Ankau to Kassel. The lagoon is about 60 kilometers long. Canals, hiking trails, islands huddle here. A real water dog and whole colonies of rare birds live on the territory of the park.
Deal with the terrain and see how the maps will help mono more. They are bought at the tourist center at the beginning of the reserve. You can buy a guided tour of Faro and take a guided ferry here.
Keep in mind that ferries may not wait for the scheduled time and leave earlier, as soon as there are enough people. When time is very short, you can book an hour-long excursion. This is enough to get to know the main attractions of the park.
Ria Formosa on the map:
Eshtoy Palace
Another key attraction that attracts tourists around Faro. The Palácio de Estoi was built in the 17th century and has survived to this day.
The exterior of the palace is decorated in the Rococo style; antique columns and fountains have been preserved. There is an opportunity to go inside and inspect the furniture, paintings, the interior of the ancient premises. The excursion will be remembered as an immersion in history.
Eshtoy Palace on the map:
Transport and movement
You can move around the capital on a rented bike. The rental price is 10 euros per day. If you rent a bike for a week, the cost will be lower.
A taxi costs 3.5 euros for boarding and then 50 cents per kilometer. Public transport fares up to 1.7 euros per person.
It makes sense to buy a travel card for 5.7 euros per person. It gives the right to move around one tourist area without limit. Walking a lot is recommended. Thus, much more can be seen than from the bus window.
Holidays in Madeira
A trip to Madeira Island is more suitable for young people, groups of friends and single travelers more than for married couples. Rocky shores, the depth right at the shore, is poorly suited for families with children.
Many hotels have solved this problem with the help of pools with sea water. But, all the same, such bathing cannot be called an ideal vacation.
Climate on the island
In winter, the air temperature rarely drops below +18 degrees. In summer, the average air temperature is about 26-30 degrees Celsius. The water warms up well due to its proximity to the Gulf Stream.
The ocean water temperature is about 22 degrees. The beaches are mostly pebbly, there are few sandy lagoons. Many tourists prefer hotel pools or head to the neighboring island of Porto Santa.
Madeira Island is more suitable for outdoor activities and entertainment than for beach relaxation.
What to do on the island?
The main free activity on the island is hiking. Walking around the island, you can have time to see the main attractions, feel the tropical atmosphere, notice a lot of details that elude those who come to rest on a voucher and stay in the hotel.
Pico Arieiro - Madeira's third peak
(Pico do Arieiro)
The average height of the mountain is about 1816 meters. Due to its gentle slopes, this mountain is considered one of the most visited on the island. Climbing to the top, admiring the surroundings, taking some interesting photos from the top in the fog is quite interesting. On the way up the mountain, it is curious to see Poco da Neve - a storage for ice, which seems to have been built by the ancient Eskimos. Many tourists are surprised when they look at this object, located among rocks and forests.
Mount Pico do Arieiro on the map:
Camacha village
Another attraction on the island, which is recommended to drop in. Camacha is an ancient village that has preserved its characteristics and traditions to this day. It is known in Portugal as the land of wicker baskets and folklore traditions.
Nearby Kamachi is a very beautiful nature, which is interesting for the architecture. The walk will allow you to get acquainted with the long-standing Portuguese traditions, the heritage of Maideira.
Camacha on the map:
Theme park in Saytan
(PARQUE FORESTAL DE QUEIMADAS)
The only major exhibition center in Portugal. This park is located in the city of Santana. It is represented by numerous triangular reed-covered houses.
The traditions of the Portuguese have been preserved here since the 17th century. There are restaurants and cafes on the territory. Performances, themed games and festivals are organized for the guests of the complex.
The entrance fee to the park is 10 euros per person. For details, see the park's website http://www.parquetematicodamadeira.pt/.
The location of the complex on the map:
We go to the Azores
The Azores in Portugal are popular only with European tourists. The bottom line is that very few people in Russia know about them. Rest here is calm, there are many opportunities for diving, extreme sports and hiking.
The Azores consists of 9 parts located in relative distance from each other. There is no special infrastructure here. The capital of the Ponta Delgada archipelago, its population is only 25 thousand people.
People come here to relax in search of silence, unity with nature and ecological tourism. Most of the tourists in the Azores are travelers who have traveled half of the world and are tired of the hustle and bustle.
Azores on the map:
In general, vacation in Portugal is remembered as a time full of adventure and joy.
Review of the best resorts and beaches in Portugal. Where and when is the best time to relax at sea in 2020? Reviews of tourists. Monthly weather with air and water temperatures.
A measured rest, rich cultural leisure and the absence of crowds annually attracts millions of tourists. As a rule, these are wealthy Britons and Germans, fed up with "olinclusive" and expecting new and vivid impressions from the rest. Portugal is home to many great seaside and active leisure destinations. Find out about the best places in this review.
When to go on vacation to Portugal?
The climate in Portugal is mild and comfortable: with cool summers and warm rainy winters. There are no sudden temperature changes here, although in the mountains it is slightly colder than on the coast. Most precipitation falls in the north of the country, the warmest regions are the Madeira archipelago and the Azores. You can rest on the islands all year round, however, in the winter-spring period, the rest takes on an exclusively cultural, educational and health-improving connotation.
Complete beach vacation in Portugal possible from the beginning of June. At the beginning of summer, the fishing season starts and the conditions for windsurfing are comfortable. In June, in Lisbon, Algarve and Faro, the daytime is + 25 ° С, the water temperature is +17 ... + 19 ° С. Best of all, the water warms up off the coast of Madeira + 21 ° C.
V july and august all temperature indicators increase: +27 ... + 29 ° С in Lisbon and the Algarve, not so hot in Porto and Madeira + 25 ° С. In Portugal, during these months, it is best to rest in Madeira, where the water near the coast reaches + 23 ° C.
Holidays in Portugal by the sea in september is still quite possible. On the Atlantic coast, it is moderately warm: in the daytime + 26 ° С, water +20 ... + 23 ° С. V october the beach holiday season in Portugal is coming to an end, and, despite the relatively high air temperature of +22 ... + 24 ° С, the cooling effect of the ocean affects - it rains and fogs more and more often.
November to April in Portugal low season(excluding New Year and Christmas holidays). At this time, the wind is blowing from the ocean, the water temperature is not higher than + 15 ° С, it is relatively warm except on the islands. In the south, in the Algarve + 17 ° С, in Lisbon + 15 ° С, in Madeira + 19 ° С. It is coldest in the northern part of the country, but even here it does without frosts, in the afternoon +5 ... + 9 ° С.
At the end of February, Portugal is already noticeably warmer. Precipitation is not uncommon, but there are more sunny days. In March in Lisbon and the Algarve +17 ... + 18 ° С, in Madeira + 19 ° С. The water in the ocean is still cold +14 ... + 16 ° С, much warmer off the coast of Madeira + 19 ° С.
V april in Portugal it warms a couple more degrees, it is already becoming comfortable for sunbathing and long walks. In May, the amount of rain gradually decreases, the air warms up to + 22 ° С. The water is cold +16 ... + 18 ° С everywhere, except for the coast of Madeira - there is + 19 ° С.
The best seaside destinations in Portugal
The most popular resorts in Portugal for beach holidays are the Lisbon Riviera, the Algarve province, Madeira and the Azores. All beaches in the country are public with a sandy surface, with the exception of Madeira, there are pebbles or imported sand.
If you prefer to have a vacation in Portugal by the sea on a voucher, we recommend looking last minute tours on the service - he compares the offers of 120 tour operators and therefore is able to find the ideal option. You can buy a ticket online, which is very convenient. Want to save money? Explore our.
Algarve
It is the southern province of the country, renowned for its landscapes and rich architectural heritage. In the western part of the province there are predominantly rocky beaches, in the east - sandy. You can rest in the Algarve all year round: in spring here +20 ... + 25 ° С, in summer +27 ... + 30 ° С, in winter + 14 ° С. Beach holidays at the sea in this region of Portugal are most comfortable in August and September on the coast from Albufeira to Lagos. At this time, the warmest water (+21 ... + 23 ° С), although this temperature will not seem pleasant to everyone.
Most of the coast of the province is occupied by nature reserves; there is a unique natural park where you can see pink flamingos. For lovers of active recreation organized golf courses, surfing and diving schools.
The center of the province is the city of Faro. It is a beautiful town with medieval buildings and ruins of ancient Roman settlements. The airport is also located here. Not far from Faro are the most popular seaside resorts in this province - Villamura, Albufeira and Portimão.
Willamura- a large resort complex, according to reviews, the best place for an active holiday in Portugal by the sea. There are parachuting centers, diving and surfing schools here. Lots of activities for children: zoo, water park and amusement parks. The best beaches are the shallow Falésia beach, popular with vacationers with small children, and the city beach Marina, located near the marina.
V Albufeira lovers of seafood aspire to rest, because local restaurants offer the most exquisite dishes from them. The city has three sandy beaches, the most popular of them is Peneku, located in the historical part of the city. There is a zoo with a dolphinarium not far from the city.
Resort Portimão famous for its Praia da Rocha beach. This is one of the most picturesque beaches in the Atlantic, surrounded by low cliffs and medieval buildings. Many hotels of various levels, as well as cafes and restaurants have been built along it. The resort is not considered expensive, they like to relax here both with children, there and youth companies, only when booking a hotel, it is advisable to specify the presence of nearby nightlife.
(Photo: dronepicr / flickr.com / CC BY 2.0 License)
Lisbon riviera
All resort towns in this zone - Estoril, Cascais, Carcavelos and others - are located half an hour from Lisbon. The sea water is usually cool, even in summer it is only + 17 ... + 19 ° С, so those who want to combine a beach vacation in Portugal with cultural and educational prefer to relax here.
Respectable Estoril with its historical center has long been known among wealthy tourists. The first line of the town is completely built up with expensive hotels and luxury villas. Cascais and Carcavelos- typical youth resorts, windsurfing and nightlife centers.
The most famous beach and a real paradise for windsurfers is Guincho Beach. The shallow, warm seashell beach Salir do Porto near San Martino do Porto is ideal for young children. Not far from Cascais are the famous natural attractions - the Boca de Inferno cliff and the Cape of Cabo de Roca. From an excursion point of view, it is interesting to visit the capital Lisbon with its mosaic square and Old Quarter.
Azores
In the Azores, it is always moderately warm: + 25 ° C in summer, + 15 ° C in winter. According to tourists' reviews, it is best to rest on the islands of Portugal from June to September, when the weather is usually dry and sunny. With the arrival of autumn, rains and fogs become more frequent. There are few sandy beaches, most of them are located on the islands of Faial and San Miguel, in other places the beaches are volcanic. Almost every hotel has a swimming pool.
Main must see for all tourists it is Furnas with its lake and geysers, the islands of Terceira, Floris and São Miguel with their relic forests, museums and temples. The island of Piku has well-preserved reefs, and in its vicinity there is a migration route for whales, which attracts crowds of tourists every year.
In general, vacation in the Azores is more of a contemplative nature than a passive beach. Prices for services are pleasing with their availability. This is probably why European and Canadian pensioners like to rest here so much.
(Photo: p_v a l d i v i e s o / flickr.com / CC BY-SA 2.0 license)
Madeira
Madeira is a volcanic island, famous for its mild climate and natural beauty. The climate of the island is subtropical, and thanks to the action of the Gulf Stream, the air temperature changes slightly throughout the year: in winter + 17 ° С, in summer + 27 ° С. The water temperature is kept at an average annual mark of + 19 ° С.
There are few cultural attractions, so the main entertainment of tourists is hiking trails along trails and levads, a cable car and a botanical garden in Funchal, exploring rocks, caves and waterfalls. Many opportunities for outdoor activities: yachting, water skiing, fishing, surfing, diving, horse riding, tennis and golf.
Many beaches are rocky by nature, so they are covered with imported sand. According to tourists, the best places for a beach holiday in Portugal by the sea are in Madeira - here the water is warmest. The best is considered Calheta beach covered with desert sand and covered by a breakwater. There is a good sandy beach on Ponto Santo Island, you can get there by ferry from Madeira.
First photo: dronepicr / flickr.com / CC BY 2.0 license.
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