Portugal Guide
Nestled between Spain and the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal offers some of the most diverse, exciting and culturally rewarding attractions in Europe with a beautiful Mediterranean climate ensuring it’s all enjoyed in glorious sunshine.
Whether it’s the sun, sea and sangria of Faro in the Algarve, the peaceful relaxation on Madeira or exploring more of the mainland, we’re sure you’ll have the holiday of a lifetime discovering this increasingly popular destination.
Golden Sands and Crystalline Waters
When it comes to relaxing on holiday few things compare to kicking back on a sun-drenched beach, and with over 1,000 miles of Atlantic-facing coastline you really are spoilt for choice!
If the larger tourist hotspots of the Algarve prove too crowded why not head out to the island of Madeira where things are far less hectic. Even the smaller neighbouring island of Porto Santo has some beautiful, uninterrupted sands.
The more secluded beaches are worth the hunt for their detached tranquillity, but likewise the convenience of your easier-to-find beaches is sometimes worth the extra crowds for quick access to those essential extra lollies and sun-cream!
Let’s Get Extreme!
Once you’ve had your fill of the chill and want to get the heart-rate up again you’ll find Portugal a land (or should that be sea) of high-adrenalin pursuits; her unique coast-line providing a world of water sports activities.
The stronger winds of the Lagos and Alvor in the Algarve and Albufeira are perfect for kitesurfing, or if you want to go kite-less, the surf found at Peniche is generally regarded as some of the best in Europe.
Sticking with the coast, quite literally, thrill-seekers out there might want to try their hands (and feet) at rock climbing or abseiling. Though, this is mainly done across Portugal’s mountainous landscape, cliff-side climbs are proving increasingly popular and there are plenty of climbing schools along the coastline to guide you on your first climb, or help further hone your climbing skills.
Seeing the sites
Sometimes relaxation and excitement need to take a back-seat for some culture and thankfully Portugal is steeped in enough awe-inspiring history to keep you enthralled at every turn. This could be the monolithic Explorers Monument and exquisite beauty of the Church of Santa Maria de Belem on the shoreline of Lisbon, the spectacular 11th century remains of Castelo de Silves and the Fortaleza de Sagres in the Algarve region or even exploring the old town areas of Lisbon, Oporto, Braga and Albufeira in the Algarve.
Culture also comes framed, and Portugal has a wealth of museums and galleries showcasing the country’s rich artistic history – Lisbon’s National Museum of Ancient Art and Faro’s Municipal Museum of Archaeology both highly recommended.
The Island of Madeira
If it’s a gorgeous island paradise with year-round sunshine you want, look no further than the beaches and secluded hillside villages of Madeira. Touching down at Funchal International Airport on cheap flights to Madeira, you can choose to stay local and take in the seafront attractions of the marina and promenade, head out to the sea for some dolphin swimming, whale watching, fishing or surfing, then head inland to explore the mountain trails, botanical gardens, golf courses and more.
Madeira boasts one of the lowest crime-rates in Europe, and as such a much more relaxed vibe is felt across the island making it the perfect location for that care-free family get-away.
We Like The Nightlife
When it comes to getting the most out of partying in Portugal it pays to know the rules. The night is generally split in two, with things not really getting started until midnight at the bars and clubs, and the later clubs not opening until 4am where you can dance on through until the sun comes up.
As with most countries, the bigger clubs and bars, such as the Lux Club (part owned by actor/director John Malkovich) and the Kremlin, can be found in the bigger cities, but there’s plenty of fun to be found at the numerous bars and clubs dotted along the coastline.
If the bars and clubs aren’t your scene, fear not as Portugal is rife with non-alcohol related excitement – night-time church and castle tours give an illuminating new perspective on Portugal’s architectural classics, as well as a chance to admire them away from the day-time crowds. With cinema and the performing arts being such a big part of Portugal’s cultural history there are plenty of opportunities to sit back and take in the visual and musical treats on offer.
We hope this brief look at what cheap flights to Portugal unlock has whetted your appetite – there’s plenty more to this Mediterranean delight than we could squeeze in here, so why not book your trip today and explore its majestic beauty for yourself.