Cheap Villa Holidays
in Portugal
One hundred miles of coastline and 3,000
hours of sunshine, spread over 300 days of the year, Portugal
guarantee more than just a golden tan. Coastal tourism has been well planned since it
began around two decades ago in Portugal and it is still perfectly
possible to find completely unspoiled villages and restaurants just
a few kms inland. Along the distinctive coastline
you will discover beach bars, cafes and restaurants serving a
mixture of both local and more general cuisine. It is well worth
sampling some Portuguese wines and ports (both red and white)
offered at very reasonable prices in restaurants and supermarkets.
As would be expected in such a fantastic climate, there is a
profusion of brightly coloured wild flowers and a little way inland,
for the energetic, a walk through the forests will reveal pine
woods, cork, almond and citrus groves.
Western Algarve -
 The western Algarve
stretches for a hundred kilometres from Faro to Sagres and
encompasses some of the region's best beaches often backed by deep
red sandstone cliffs. Every taste is catered for
from the bustling resort of Albufeira offering every type of
entertainment to the sleepy villages of Burgau and Luz.
Other popular resorts along the coast include Vilamoura, Castelo,
Carvoeiro, Alvor, Portimão and Lagos, the last of which still
retains some character as a town in its own right.
For the sporty members of the family there is one of the best ranges
of golf courses in Europe, exceptional tennis academies, beachside
water sports and diving opportunities. And for
young families the Water parks and Marine zoos where you can swim
with Dolphins are all easily accessible. Cuisine of every kind is
on offer and if you are a fish lover you will have come to the right
place with sardines their specialty or try the famous Portuguese
chicken piri piri!
Eastern Algarve -
 The coastal towns of the
eastern Algarve are far more under-developed than those in the
Western area of the Algarve. The wetlands of the
Ria Formosa Nature Reserve make this area of coastline, wild and
interesting, in contrast to the red sandstone cliffs of other parts
of Portugal. Small rustic villages nestle in the remote
countryside. You’ll find the local inhabitants going about their
daily business, the same today as they did many generations before.
Among the most popular towns in this area are Estoi, Olhao, Monte
Gordo, Tavira (with it's famous bridge), Moncarapacho and Vila Real
de Santo Antonio. If you are after a more relaxed
style of holiday, away from the hordes of tourists and water parks,
then the Eastern Algarve may be the place for you.
Northern Portugal, Oporto -
 This part of Portugal
boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in the country.
Fertile countryside, terraced hillsides adorned with port wine
estates, craggy mountains and long sandy beaches can all be found in
this region. Oporto is the capital of the
northern region, with it's international airport and this historic
town offers the delights of a riverside city at the mouth of the
Douro river, from where boats leave to sail up the beautiful river.
Viana do Castelo, Amarante and Guimaraes are also popular towns in
this region that has something for everyone!
Lisbon
 Settled
on steep hillsides that overlook the Rio Tejo, and
with springtime temperatures during the winter
and cool summers freshened by a breeze blowing in from the Atlantic,
Lisbon has to be among the top cities in Europe to visit.
Gothic cathedrals, majestic monasteries and quaint museums are all
part of the colourful city, but the real Lisbon is to be found in
the narrow lanes and backstreets where you will experience the
locals gossiping in old Alfama over fresh bread, olives and a bottle
of wine. Do hop on one of the bright yellow trams
that wind their way through the tree-lined streets or stroll through
the old quarters and stop off at one of the numerous local cafe's
for a long lunch. |
