Where to relax in Portugal and when is the best time to go there? An unforgettable holiday in Portugal: where you must visit and what to see Holidays in Portugal where to go.

15.12.2021

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Resorts of Portugal- one of the oldest holiday destinations in Europe. However, due to the long length of the coastline, even at the height of the season, the beaches of Portugal are not overcrowded with tourists. And there are not many tourists from Russia here yet either. The beaches in the country are very clean and well-groomed, although almost all resorts near the beaches have hotels, from small budget ones to the most luxurious ones.

The most popular and largest resort areas in Portugal are the Lisbon Riviera, the Algarve and the island of Madeira. Holidays on the Azores, which belong to Portugal, are not yet in great demand and remain an attractive place for the most sophisticated travelers.

Lisbon Riviera- a resort area that includes small towns located along the Atlantic coast north of Lisbon: Estoril, Cascais, Carcavelos, Sintra, Costa de Caparica. Those who would like to combine relaxation on the beaches with exploring historical sights will like it here.

Estoril- a fashionable, aristocratic resort, attractive to discerning tourists. There are well-equipped sandy beaches, well-developed resort infrastructure and service at the highest level. The resort has a wide variety of restaurants and shops, a casino, and golf courses.

Cascais- a colorful Portuguese town, the center of the Lisbon Riviera. This is a resort with magnificent and well-equipped beaches, which are suitable for both lovers of passive recreation and water sports. Guinho Beach has the highest waves, so extreme water enthusiasts flock here. The town has interesting old buildings, restaurants and cafes, as well large number discos and night clubs. Young vacationers, those for whom enjoying nightlife is an indispensable part of their vacation, will not be bored at this resort.

Costa de Caparica- a resort located closest to Lisbon, where residents of the Portuguese capital like to relax. The beaches here have fine white sand; they are popular both among young people and among family tourists with children. Along the beaches, which are about 11 km long, a small train runs during the season, and the further you travel from the resort center, the calmer and less crowded the beaches will be.

Carcavelos- a resort town 15 km from Lisbon, with wide sandy beaches, a large number of restaurants and bars. The beaches of Carcavelos have good conditions for water sports, especially surfing and windsurfing. The resort is popular among young people; it is a fun and noisy place where life does not stop even at night.

Sintra- an ancient town with a rich history and unique, fabulous architecture. This is a romantic place with picturesque nature, golden sand beaches, interesting sights, and places for walks. Surfing and fishing are common activities on Sintra's beaches.

From any of the resorts on the Lisbon Riviera you can reach the capital in a maximum of half an hour. And in addition to the sights of Lisbon and Sintra, while relaxing here, you can explore the colorful fishing villages, go to Cape Roca - the westernmost point of Europe, visit the ancient town of Obidos, the ancient cities of Evora and Coimbra, as well as the city of Porto - the birthplace of port wine.

Province of Algarve is the southern coast of Portugal, bordering the Spanish coast. This is more than 150 km of ocean coast with sandy and rocky beaches, mountains covered with lush greenery, and picturesque towns. This region has a very comfortable, typically Mediterranean climate, and the air and ocean temperatures are always slightly higher than in the rest of Portugal. It is believed that they are concentrated here best resorts Portugal. This region is not as rich in historical attractions as the Lisbon Riviera; it is chosen by those who plan to spend most of their vacation on the beaches. However, here too there is something to dilute beach holiday: you can, for example, visit natural park The Ria Formosa is home to many unique species of plants and birds, including the beautiful pink flamingos. And many coastal towns have been preserved architectural monuments past centuries. Families with children will also like it here, because for children there is everything to make their vacation a success: attractions and shows of sea animals, ancient fortresses, boat trips on yachts, water parks.

You can relax on the beaches of the Algarve all year round. And not only on the beaches, because this region also offers other types of recreation: golf, horse riding, tennis and much more.

The most popular resorts in the Algarve province are Faro, Alvor, Albufeira, Vilamoura, Portimao, Quarteira, Lagos, and Tavira.

Faro- the capital of the province, a place with a wide sandy beach, where even in high season it is not crowded. The town of Faro itself, with its 18th-century buildings, is an interesting place for a walk and a convenient starting point for traveling around the south of Portugal. In addition, the city has many entertainment venues.

Albufeira- one of the most popular Portuguese resorts, the beach “capital” of the Algarve. In the vicinity of the city there are about 20 beaches, some of which are crowded and fun, and some are quiet and secluded.

Vilamoura- a prestigious tourist center, where there are beaches marked with “blue flags” and everything else that is needed for an upscale holiday: luxury hotels, bars, restaurants, casinos, nightclubs, golf courses. There is also a yacht club, a water park and a zoo. The main decoration of the town is a picturesque bay with snow-white yachts, around which there are many restaurants for every taste. For lovers nightlife It is also worth choosing Vilamoura for your holiday.

Small village Alvor- a place with a beautiful beach, located next to the Ria de Alvor nature conservation area - a wonderful place for walks among the dunes. Compared to other Algarve resorts, Alvor is a quiet place, and the holiday here is more budget-friendly.

Quarteira Resort It is worth choosing for those for whom the main requirement for a vacation is good and uncrowded beaches.

Portimao- one of the largest resorts in the Algarve, a place where monuments of ancient architecture have been preserved. Praia do Rocha beach in Portimão is a well-known and beloved beach in the country, along which there are hotels for every taste and budget.

Lagos- a lively and crowded resort. Tourists are attracted here by the well-developed infrastructure, the atmosphere of an ancient town with cozy narrow streets, and the variety of beaches: both open and located in small bays.

Tavira- a resort town where residents of Portugal like to relax; it is a town not overrun by tourists, and therefore the holiday here is measured and calm.

Madeira Island attracts vacationers with the beauty of its nature; those who crave peace and relaxation flock here. The beaches on the island are pebbly, or have a ladder leading down into the water. There are also beaches covered with black sand. Holidays in Madeira are somewhat more expensive than in mainland Portugal, but in return tourists receive all the delights of an exotic island, but at the same time - European safety and comfort. There is virtually no crime on the island. This is a real haven for lovers of fishing and water sports, horse riding and golf.

Porto Santo Island- the second island of the Madeira archipelago, the most deserted beaches are located here, where lovers of relaxation in silence and solitude will find what they need.

Azores- this is a place where nothing will interfere with the enjoyment of amazing, unique nature. The islands do not have the usual tourist infrastructure, large hotels and nightlife. Eco-tourism, hiking, fishing, observing the rich flora and fauna, diving are what attract travelers here.

The outskirts of the Old World, Portugal is located in the west of the Iberian Peninsula, and its shores are washed by the Atlantic Ocean. In other words, to the question which sea washes Portugal, we can answer that its western and southern borders look at

Atlantic Ocean

In earlier times, the concept of “Portugal sea” included a much larger number of water basins, because this country was considered one of the largest colonial empires in the world. In the 15th century, Portugal reached its greatest prosperity, and the consequences of its expansion to the west became many colonies and dependent territories. Today, for example, Portuguese is spoken in Brazil, which was once a colony.

Beach holiday

The main vacation destinations for those who are looking for an answer to the question of what seas are in Portugal are surfing and beach relaxation. The best place to sunbathe and swim on the beaches of Portugal is in the southern part of the country. Summer here is warmer and longer, and the water temperature in the ocean reaches +23 degrees in July-August. The climate in northern Portugal is determined by the Gulf Stream, which creates cool weather in summer and rainy and warm weather in winter.
Beaches in the country can have different surfaces - from sand to medium-sized pebbles. On the island of Madeira, places for swimming and sunbathing are made artificially, since the shores here are too steep and rocky. Entrance to all Portuguese beaches is free, but renting umbrellas or sun loungers is quite expensive. The swimming season starts on the Lisbon Riviera at the end of spring and lasts until September. On the islands, the warm Gulf Stream allows you to perform water procedures from March until the beginning of winter.

Surfing as a lifestyle

The Portuguese sea offers magnificent surfing, which is considered ideal on the local waves. There are several popular places in the country to practice this sport:

  • Peniche is one of the most famous beaches for athletes of any level of fitness. The nearest airport is in Lisbon, just under 100 km away.
  • Sagres – the local waves are so impressive that the small village is considered one of the coolest on the surfing podium.
  • Carcavelos is ideal for beginners, thanks to its safe waves and well-developed beach infrastructure.
  • Ericeira - unlike the previous ones, an uncrowded beach with ideal waves for the advanced and chic fish restaurants in the neighboring town of Mafra.

Sights of Portugal. Photos and descriptions! Basic information about the country: visa, cities, islands, tourist places - where to visit

It's time to get to know yourself western country Europe. The birthplace of port wine, the world's producer of corks and a connoisseur of the Fado musical style. Where people greet each other with the phrase "Ola" and the oldest bookstore in the world is located, and now Ok THERE will tell you everything in order.

Portugal is one of the most inexpensive and exciting destinations in Europe. The country has a rich seafaring past, superb beach resorts, brooding towns and landscapes surrounded by olive groves, vineyards and wheat fields. This little seafaring country has always been a place of adventure. You're sure to find something to do in Portugal, from hiking the Caldeira das Sete Cidades (volcanic crater) to exploring the vineyards of the Doura Valley, or simply lazing on the Algarve beach. Coastline The country is blessed with magnificent beaches that are considered among the most beautiful in the world.

Language

Portuguese speak official Portuguese and Mirandese

Population

The country, whose name comes from the city of Porto, is home to 10 million Portuguese. According to another version, it is believed that the parts “porto” and “gaul” were combined into one word due to the settlement of the Gauls in the 9th century

Religion

Most Portuguese are Catholics.

Currency

1 euro (€) = 100 cents

Banknotes: 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5

Coins: euro 2, 1 and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cent

Country dialing code

351, in case of emergency dial 112

Tips

  • Taxi: Round up to the nearest 5 euros of the total fare
  • Hotels: a few euros at the end of your stay
  • Restaurants: 10% in tourist areas, but check the bill because the service may be included
  • Bars: usually a euro or two if the service was good, otherwise don't leave

Climate, when is the best time to go?

The land among the water causes a Mediterranean climate, characterized by high humidity. The Atlantic influences a certain softness and humidity along the coast and beyond.

Generally, the weather is similar to other parts of Europe and can be divided into tourist seasons:

  • Low season(December-March) - short rains during the day, with low temperatures in high mountain areas. Many attractions close earlier, the advantage is the lack of tourist crowds and more low prices.
  • Mid season(April-June and September-November) - warm days with a cool breeze from the ocean, this is the ideal time for active recreation and walking. Moderate number of tourists and fairly lower prices than in high season. June is festival season.
  • High season(July and August) - very warm and more comfortable ocean temperatures. All attractions are open longer, but accommodation prices increase by 30%, so expect large tourist crowds, especially in coastal areas.

Cities and resorts

  • Capital of Portugal Lisbon It is considered one of the oldest and most comfortable cities in the world. It was formed a century before the appearance of Paris and Rome on maps. Almost 50% of Portuguese live in Lisbon and Porto. Tenth richest in all of Eurasia. The black and white streets of Lisbon are due to the patronage of Saint Vincent, who walked among the white houses in a characteristic black robe.
  • Portuguese St. Petersburg - Porto city. The remaining regions are under surveillance in cities such as Minho, Aveiro, Coimbra, Algarve and Viseu. For reference, the most famous Portuguese soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo lives in the Madeira region.
  • Beach, thermal and ski resorts countries attract tourists from all over the world. Favorite beach spots – Algarve with long beaches; small and clean island of Madeira; Azores Islands with dolphins and exotic parrots. Thermal waters Geresha will help you improve your health and enjoy the wild nature of the state. There is snow in the mountains for several months of the year, so lovers of snowboarding or skiing will enjoy a stay at the Hotel Serra da Estrela.

What types of recreation are there?

  1. Excursion holidays are developed in the city of Porto; you can plunge into the Middle Ages in the village of Obidos.
  2. There are aquariums, water parks, and zoos in the capital for children. For little tourists, Little Portugal is the “Portugal in Miniature” park, located in Coimbra.
  3. All types of active recreation are available all year round. Everything that a modern person can imagine is present here. Kiting, surfing, golf, diving, windsurfing, etc. In June you can already swim, and most importantly, Country Day is celebrated.
  4. Autumn is ideal for excursions, although until the end of November the air and water temperatures allow you to cool off in the ocean. In winter it's 15 degrees Celsius and this is a great time to purchase a discounted ticket to a ski resort.

Holidays and festivals

Every summer Saturday, holidaymakers on Modeira watch fireworks, although there are plenty of other holidays in the country, for example, New Year , as in the CIS, they are celebrated on January 1. All Saints' Day celebrated on November 1, but February 28 begins Carnival. Regattas, fairs and festivals are constantly held to attract tourists. But the absolute cherry on the cake is feast of Saint Anthony. Basil, garlands, grilled sardines – business card celebrations. Pots of basil are given as a sign of love. On this day, the administration allocates money for weddings; many brides and grooms walk around the city. Folk parades and carnivals are waiting for you from June 12 to 13 annually.

Where is the best place to stay?

Regarding European prices, Portugal is an affordable country. Let's start our list in ascending order of price:

  • the cheapest way to spend the night - couchsurfing(free, as in any country)
  • hostel bed can be rented for 10 euros, a separate room for 40 euros
  • accommodation in a tent on the seashore will cost 20 euros for two, such accommodation in a camp is called camping
  • small but clean room in a three star hotel will cost 60-90 euros
  • life in a castle or authentic rural areas costs from 100 euros per day

Traditional cuisine

Home of Portugal's pastries - pastel de nata. You should definitely try it. This traditional custard tart is considered the country's gastronomic wonder. This dish was invented by the monks of Lisbon in the 14th century. It looks like a slightly burnt dessert with thin dough and a mound of hot cream, but the taste is indescribable.

Be sure to check out the central Bolao market. Here are the country's classic fruits and vegetables, fish and olives in very unusual containers. In Portugal, olives are sold by the bucket. But most of all there are cheap souvenirs. Port It’s more profitable to buy in the center, on Silveira Street in a small wine shop. There are plenty of places with cheap food in Porto. The main secret is to have enough strength to get to them. It's 5-7 blocks from the center, but you can have dinner for only 4 euros. For example, order Francesinho. The shape of the dish is similar to a sandwich, but it is made from bread, steak and large slices of cheese on top, drenched in beer sauce. You can not only get full, but also get drunk.

Secret trick from a local! All establishments in Portugal have a menu for tourists and a menu for locals. Ask for Portuguese - the prices are much lower and the dishes are more traditional. Gazpacho is different from the traditional Spanish dish. It's somewhere between a cold soup and a refreshing salad. The most important local fish is extremely salted bacalao. Locals love cod so much that they even eat it at Christmas. It is impossible to leave a hot country without trying one of the freshest tuna steaks. Here its freshness is measured not in days, but in hours. Grilled sardines– the culinary face of Portugal.

When you order food, the waiter will bring bread and olives before serving. But remember, it's not free, and if you don't want to pay extra, just say no!

What to bring from the country as a souvenir

Bring home the symbol of the country - ceramics, corks, port wine, a souvenir in the form of a Portuguese rooster and much more. It is important to remember that it is prohibited to import and export potatoes, chocolate, pornography, drugs, perishable foods and antiques.

Do I need a visa to enter Portugal?

Only electronically can you obtain a visa to Portugal, without which entry into the country is impossible for residents of the Russian Federation. To complete the documents you will need a photo, international passport, medical insurance, and bank account statement. If you are traveling with children, then a birth certificate.

How to get to Portugal

By plane

For example, you can quickly and easily get there by plane with a transfer in Istanbul. On average, in 13 hours you can find yourself in the desired place; the cost of a ticket will be 11,250 rubles. The average price for the main method of departure from Moscow is 170 euros per person. The flight from Moscow will take 12 hours 30 minutes, from St. Petersburg 7 hours 20 minutes with a transfer, from Kazan 8 hours 45 minutes, from Yekaterinburg - 8 hours 20 minutes, from Vladivostok - 12 hours 21 minutes.

For thrifty tourist The cheapest option is to fly from the main airport in Barcelona (Spain). You can get there in 25 minutes by local train, a ticket for which costs 4.10 euros. Tickets throughout Europe are cheap, with an average flight between countries ranging from 5 to 10 euros. Therefore, the most important rule for a budget traveler is to get to the nearest European country.

You can use the services of a tour operator and then a 2-week vacation will cost 2,000 euros per person. At the same time, you don’t need to worry about flights, stops, buses, how to get there and where to stay.

By train

By railway You can’t get there directly from Moscow, but you can get there from Spain and France for 200 euros per person.

By bus

The situation is similar with buses. If in advance by " low cost» do not buy a ticket; it is most profitable to travel from nearby countries.

Getting around the country

The most profitable way to travel around the country is by bus or plane with a pre-purchased ticket. The capital has metro and tourist passes.

Peculiarities

  • The monarchs of Portugal were replaced by Republicans in 1910. The Portuguese are very hardworking people - seaport and Lisbon Airport together serve 29 million passengers per year.
  • The Portuguese are religious and conservative people. Thus, they preserve traditions, but rarely open up to something new.
  • Transport and food here are cheap compared to the CIS countries, but luxury accommodation will cost a pretty penny.
  • The state is calm, the population is in a positive mood and there are no fights or showdowns. But you should keep an eye on your bag; pickpockets have spread all over the world and you need to always be on guard.
  • Only in this country are entrances made even for 2 apartments. It was in the city of Porto that he was born Portuguese. And a ticket there from Barcelona costs only 17 euros.
  • When meeting, all Portuguese always kiss each other twice on the cheeks.

Pros and cons of holidays in Portugal

Cons:

  • Portugal is very humid due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. This is great in the summer, but in the winter this fact causes a lot of inconvenience. There is no central heating in the country, so it is better to visit it in the warm season.
  • Compared to CIS countries, medicine in Portugal leaves much to be desired. A doctor cannot be called to your home; an elevated temperature is not a reason to see a doctor. The therapist does not prescribe tests, but may prescribe an antibiotic and drink a lot of water. Therefore, be healthy, it is better not to get sick here.
  • Tourists should take the siesta into account. From lunch until the evening, most shops are closed.
  • high fines for administrative violations.

Pros:

  • The first plus is high-quality and inexpensive products, excellent wine. The country is considered one of the safest in the world. Even on public holidays there are no fights. The Portuguese are very hospitable people. If you don't speak English or Portuguese, they will take you by the hand and lead you to the place you need.
  • inexpensive transport allows you to fly cheaply to nearby cities and countries.
  • You don’t have to worry that a coup d’etat or mass mayhem will occur during your vacation.
  • environmentally friendly environment.
  • onWe recommend starting the tour in Porto, we recommend starting directly from the station. It would seem a strange proposal, but all tourists come to this place for a reason. The entire Saubento lobby is lined with colorful azulejo tiles. For the Portuguese, this is not just ceramic tiles, but national pride. 20,000 tiles were used to decorate this hall. The work lasted for 10 years and these are not just ornaments, but huge paintings. Each panel has its own plot: the history of Portugal, rural life, battle scenes, etc. Azulejo plays not only a decorative role, but also a practical one. In winter, the tiles protect from dampness, and in summer from heat.
  • in Porto Definitely a must see from above. One of the best viewing platforms is located on Rua de Pento de Victoria. The city is built on hills, so you need to be prepared to rock your legs. There are ups and downs everywhere, but it’s beautiful!
  • from free things to do in Porto The photography museum is popular. The Portuguese made a museum in a former prison. All photographs are over 50 years old.
  • the most colorful area of ​​Porto- Ribeira. It used to be the poorest area where there was no food. And now there are crowds of tourists and the most expensive restaurants. Someone will always organize a free concert on the embankment. We will propose finishing the pedestrian embankment under the Luís I Bridge. This structure is suspiciously similar to the Eiffel Tower, because it was built by Eiffel’s student. On the upper part there is a subway, on the lower part there are cars. Pedestrians are allowed to walk both above and below. This bridge offers the best sunset in Portugal and views of the Douro River. Which translated means “river of gold”, because it used to feed the entire country, flowing into the Atlantic Ocean.
  • come to Portugal and not seeing the ocean would be strange. But we still need to get there. The cheapest way to travel is by bus. At the place where the river flows into the Atlantic Ocean, you understand how a sea wave differs from an ocean wave.
  • To feel the real spirit of Portugal, be sure to visit listen to fado here- the national song and pride of the country. This is the folklore of those times when the Portuguese discovered new lands, traveled a lot, and women missed their loved ones. In 90% of fado it is women who sing, but men can also express “a very strong Portuguese melancholy” with their voices.
  • cathedral tower will demonstrate all the beauty of Ria Formosa. This natural phenomenon, where a river with many channels and islands flows into the ocean. There are practically no trees in Faro and it is almost impossible to withstand the hot sun. Therefore, locals stretch fabric sheets to create shade.
  • Withthe creepiest church Portugal - Temple of Carmo. It was built in the Baroque style, but tourists come here to see one very strange monument - the chapel of bones. All its walls are lined with the bones of monks. There was not enough space for the dead in the cemetery and their remains began to be transferred to basements. This turned out to be not enough, and they decided to make such a chapel.

What to do before leaving

Once you find yourself in Portugal, try to fully soak up the atmosphere of the new place. Walking through the narrow alleys, imagine the life that was bustling here many centuries ago. Before leaving visit the oldest bookstore “Livraria Lello” (Porto) and hide a couple of euros and a letter with wishes to your relatives who will one day also visit this amazing country.

Portugal was well described in the video Eagle and Tails

Conclusion

Once you visit Portugal, you definitely won’t want to leave here. Since here, you had an amazing opportunity: to ride giant waves, wake up in best places with the most amazing views and the sound of the waves, and eating the most delicious pastries while chatting with the locals.

And when you have to say goodbye, you will finally understand the true meaning of the Portuguese word saudade, which describes a strong attraction to the country, its people, amazing weather and culture.