Portugal - sunny embankment of the European region. Holidays in the Azores: features, prices, reviews

Portugal is not a large country, uniting, however, on its territory a rich historical heritage and a large number of attractions.

Ancient fortresses, magnificent cathedrals and palaces, monasteries and churches, museums and other historical sites of Portugal are undoubted arguments in favor of visiting this beautiful country.

Portuguese islands

The Azores archipelago is a unique island located in the Atlantic Ocean, it is a colorful part of Portugal. Local landscapes admire the ubiquitous harmony: blooming hydrangeas and azaleas, the blue ocean, black frozen volcanic lava, azure lakes and bright green hills.

Regaleira Palace

San Miguel is the largest island of the archipelago, and the main natural attraction is the crater Sete Sidades, surrounded by several picturesque lakes. Among the architectural monuments you can visit the churches of St. Peter, St. Sebastian with a treasury, eighteenth-century palaces Fonte Bela and Santa Ana, and others. On the island of Graciosa, Sulfur Cave with an underground lake, the baroque church in Guadalupe, windmills, cathedrals, churches and old mansions are of interest.

Particular attention when visiting the island of Terceira must be given to the cave Algar do Carvao, in other words, "cave from coal." It is a kind of pipe, which was formed 2000 years ago, as a result of a volcanic eruption. The cave is amazing, there are many quartz stalactites and stalagmites, as well as a mysterious underground lake. The total length of the lava cave is one hundred meters, and next to it is a sulfur source.

Almourol Castle

Florish Island, the island farthest from the mainland, attracting Baroque mansions and churches, Ribeira Grande waterfall and seven lakes located in the craters of extinct volcanoes. The best sandy beaches are beaches on the islands of Faial, Santa Maria, San Miguel. Most of these beaches are lava covered. Another island of Portugal is Madeira, the most beautiful flowering island. Palm trees and beautiful subtropical flowers grow in large numbers here. The capital of Madeira is the ancient city of Funchal, a very beautiful city known for its ancient palaces and squares, modern hotels, museums and shops.

Lisbon

The capital of Portugal, Lisbon, is located at the mouth of the Tagus River. Its main attraction is the monastery of Jeronimites, which survived the earthquake of 1755 and today is recognized as a masterpiece of architectural style and declared by UNESCO a heritage of world cultural significance.

Coimbra University

Near the monastery is the Bethlehem Tower, which is often photographed by guests of Portugal. An important historical structure of the city is the castle of St. George, a fortress that was the residence of the Moorish emir and home to the Portuguese kings. Between this castle and the river, on a steep hillside, is the oldest region of Portugal, the Alfama district, with a lot of lanes and walkways, streets and streets typical of the Middle Ages.

Also in the capital of Portugal stands a statue of Christ Cristo Rey - a copy of the Brazilian statue, which is 28 meters high and stands on a pedestal more than 80 meters high. Quite fascinating are the magnificent palaces of different centuries of the city of Lisbon. For example, palaces such as the Sao Bento Palace in the center of Lisbon, Ajuda, the Mafra Palace - the royal palace, the largest in Portugal, the Calos palace made in the Rococo style and others. Of great interest to many travelers is Sintra (Sintra), an ancient Portuguese city, which is located 23 km from Lisbon.

Convento de Cristo

Here you can enjoy the beauties of centuries-old forests, monasteries, castles, palaces, exotic parks. This is a beautiful city with golden beaches, clear waters of the Atlantic, where there are many opportunities for surfing and fishing. Sintra was also declared a monument of world culture. The list of attractions in Portugal is huge, this is only a small part of them. The cities of Portugal with historical and architectural masterpieces, its unique nature, fascinating and alluring, hospitable people make this country very popular for tourists from around the world.

Portugal is a country with extraordinary landscapes, magnificent beaches and a rich heritage. Visiting Portugal, you can enjoy the best surfing in the world, the fruits of the wine industry and vibrant cities such as Lisbon and Cascais. The islands available in Portugal are also interesting. The best islands in Portugal are located on the Algarve coast, make up the Azores archipelago and the Madeira archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean. Take a look at some of these Portuguese islands, many of which boast breathtaking landscapes and world-class beaches.

1. Ilha de Armona

The Algarve in Portugal is wildly popular with tourists, but knowledgeable people will go a little further south, to the island of Armona. Armona, located off the coast, is easily accessible by ferry, but here one feels completely free away from mainland Portugal. With four kilometers of sandy beaches, virgin beaches, Armona is a dream for those who want sun, sand, sea and warmth. Armona still retains an authentic atmosphere, with cobbled streets and Moorish architecture.

1. Faial Island

In the northern Atlantic Ocean are the Azores, a collection of autonomous islands belonging to Portugal. Fayal is one of the Azores, and it is known as the “Blue Island”. Fayal has three main attractions: volcanic craters, the city of Horta and the beaches.

1. Island of jorge

Another of the Azores in the Atlantic is San Jorge. The island is long and thin, and it boasts high cliffs. Traditionally, mountains, ravines and cliffs made the whole island, except the coasts, uninhabited, but today the interior of the island is ideal for hiking.

1. Porto Santo Island

Among the islands of Northern Madeira in the Atlantic Ocean is the island of Porto Santo. The main attractions of the island are its beaches, and it boasts more than six kilometers of pristine sandy beaches. Porto Santo also offers a large number of historical monuments, including the former home of Christopher Columbus.

1. San Miguel Island

Another of the great islands of the Azores is San Miguel, the largest in the chain of islands. Scattered throughout the island, volcanic calderas and hot mineral springs and hiking trails are some of the best on the Azores. After a busy day, relax in the famous Ponta da Ferraria hot springs.

1. Ilha da Tavira

Just a few hundred meters from the southern coast of Portugal, the city of Tavira is located. The island can only be reached by boat. The farther along the beach you go, the more there are secluded places. Pile dunes create visual appeal, and bars and restaurants are right on the beach.

1. Pico Island

The island of Pico is known for its mountain of Pico. This mountain is bigger than any other on the Azores: it is also the highest mountain in all of Portugal. It takes about two hours to climb to the top of Pico. From the top of Mount Pico, you can see some of the other islands, such as San Jorge and Faial. The island also has the largest saltwater outdoor artificial pool.

1. Terceira Island

The third largest of the Azores in the North Atlantic is Terceira. This island is less developed, and agriculture is still a serious part of the local economy. The city of Angra do Heroismo boasts examples of colonial architecture, but the real attraction of Terceira is its outdoor activities and landscape.

1. Flores Island

In the western Azores there is the island of Flores, sometimes known as the Statue of Torrado Ilya, or the Yellow Island. The name Flores is derived from the abundance of colorful flowers. The landscape of Flores impresses with high peaks and deep valleys. Flores also boasts an abundance of waterfalls, including Roco Bakalao on Fažen Grande.

1. Madeira

Called the Garden Island and the Pearl of the Atlantic, Madeira Island is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful islands. Located in the Atlantic Ocean, the island of Madeira became a colony of Portugal in the 15th century, and quickly became known for its local wine Madera. Today Madeira is a place that combines history with relaxation. Here you can see aqueducts that date from the 15th century or admire the incredible 15th-century wooden church called the Cathedral in Funchal. Madeira's main attraction is its wealth of green landscapes that range from lush parks, colorful gardens, enchanting forests, nature reserves on high mountains and pebble beaches washed by the blue waves of the ocean.

The western part of the Iberian Peninsula is Portugal. Madeira and the Azores also belong to this country. Madeira is an archipelago that is located in the Atlantic Ocean. From the main part of the country it is separated by 1000 km. It includes the inhabited islands of Portugal - Porto Santo and Madeira, as well as small uninhabited land areas.

General characteristics of the islands

Madeira has a mountainous terrain. Its highest point is Mount Pico Ruivu, reaching 1861 m. The main city of the island is Funchal. Madeira grows pineapples, bananas, sugarcane and grapes. Transoceanic communications and tourism form the backbone of the island's economy.

In the North Atlantic are other islands of Portugal - the Azores. They form an archipelago 1300 km away from the coast. These islands are of volcanic origin. The largest islands of the country are Pico, São Miguel, São Jorge, Terceira, Florisch and Fayal. The highest point in Portugal is considered Ponta do Pico Pico Altu. It reaches a height of 2351 m. Previously, the inhabitants of some islands were engaged in whaling, but after a reduction in the number of whales, their fishing was prohibited. Currently, the population of the Azores is engaged in tourism, fishing and agriculture. These islands are considered unique due to the picturesque nature. There are beautiful lakes, volcanic formations, green hills, flowering plants, ocean waters.

The largest island of the archipelago is San Miguel. Its attraction is Sete Sidades, a crater surrounded by lakes. Gracioso Island is famous for its sulfur cave and underground lake. The cave, formed after the eruption of a volcano, is located on the island of Terceira. There are stalactites, stalagmites and an underground lake in the cave. Next to the lava cave is a sulfur spring. Florish Island is farthest from the mainland. It is famous for its waterfall, extinct volcanoes and lakes. The islands of Portugal attract travelers with ancient buildings, churches and cathedrals. For a beach holiday, the islands of Santa Maria, Faial, San Miguel are suitable. There are sandy beaches covered with lava.

Climatic conditions

The weather in Portugal corresponds to a subtropical temperate climate. In the southern regions, the Mediterranean climate prevails, and in the north - marine. Wet oceanic winds cause mild winters and warm summers. The vegetation cover in different parts of the country varies, which is determined by different climatic conditions. In Portugal there are deciduous evergreen forests, oak forests, shrubs, alpine meadows. The coast is dominated by the flora typical of the African coastal strip. Cacti and agaves grow there.

The mild climate, a large number of attractions and exciting sightseeing tours annually attract a huge number of vacationers from all over the world to Portugal. Of course, the main tourist destination in the country is beach vacations. The two main regions where comfortable Portuguese beaches are located are the Algarve region and the Lisbon Riviera. It is here that the most comfortable places for tourists and active leisure are concentrated. We have put together the best ocean vacation spots in Portugal, where you can fully enjoy comfort, fine weather and service.

The climate at the resorts of Portugal - when to go on vacation?

The popularity of Portuguese resorts is due primarily to climatic features - mild winters, mild summers, and the absence of sharp temperature drops throughout the year.

A full beach season begins in the first half of June. On the Lisbon Riviera, daytime temperatures reach +25 ° C, and water temperatures up to +18 ° C, in the Algarve province +26 ° C and +20 ° C, respectively. In mid-summer, at the peak of the tourist season, the maximum air temperature is +27 degrees, and the ocean - +19 ° C near Lisbon; in the south of Portugal, air heats up to +29 ° C, water up to + 21 ° C.

In early September, the velvet season begins - the daytime temperature drops to +26 degrees. The water temperature in the Atlantic Ocean in Portugal at this time of the year remains quite comfortable for swimming - +23 degrees (in the Algarve) and + 19 ° C in the west of the country.

In October, the rainy season gradually begins, more often in the morning there are fogs, although during the day it is quite warm - +24 degrees. This time in Portugal can be devoted to excursion trips and sightseeing. October is the time to look for where Portuguese resorts on the ocean are cheaper, as accommodation prices are reduced.

Resorts in the Algarve Province

It is the southernmost province of Portugal with picturesque nature and a rich historical and architectural heritage. The rocky coast predominates in the west of the province, in the east of the Algarve the coastline is predominantly flat.

Good to know! The best months for relaxing on the ocean in Portugal are August and September.

Most of the Algarve province is a conservation area, people come here to visit a natural park, where flamingos live in natural conditions. The conditions for playing sports have been created - there are golf courses, diving and surfing centers. For families with children, you can also find everything you need - water parks, sea shows, boat trips, visits to the grottoes, lighthouses, exciting excursions.

The coastline of the Algarve province is about 200 km long. Today the Algarve in Portugal are resorts with good beaches that are on the list of the best holiday destinations in Europe. Many Algarve hotels have their own green area where you can comfortably relax.

If we compare the resorts of the Algarve province with places of rest on the Lisbon Riviera, we can distinguish the following differences:

1. The ocean in Portugal in the Algarve region is warmer.
2. Tourism infrastructure in the Algarve is more developed.
3. Getting harder, longer and more expensive.

Albufeira

Once Albufeira was a small fishing village, but today it is one of the best resorts in Portugal and a great place to relax. In the central part of the city, life does not stop even at night. At the local market you can buy a wide variety of fish and seafood caught on the same day.

The resort is surrounded by pine trees, orange groves. A large number of discos, cafes, restaurants work here, you can go diving, go sailing.

In the vicinity of Albufeira, there are about two dozen beaches, some are marked with the Blue Flag for the cleanliness of the coastline and the ocean. A huge number of tourists come here. The city is very beautiful, small, with a rich history.

Interesting fact! The name of the resort in translation means - a castle by the sea.

Of course, the main reason for traveling to Albufeira is the beautiful beach, well-developed infrastructure. The best place to stay is Peneku, its second name is Tunnel Beach. It is located in the old part of the city, to get to the ocean, you need to go through a tunnel in the rocks.

The longest coastline in the city is Rybatsky beach. There are many cafes and taverns where you can order delicious fish dishes. Many boats are moored, vacationers can rent any and enjoy a trip across the ocean.

A few kilometers from the city center there is San Rafael Beach. This place attracts tourists with cliffs of bizarre shapes, the coast resembles the surface of a distant planet. Here you can take the best pictures among the many grottoes and rocks formed by sandstone. This is the perfect place for snorkeling.

Another vacation spot in Albufeira, which was included in the list of the best in Europe, is Falesia. It is surrounded by red rocks. If you like measured rest - this part of the Algarve with fine, white sand and pine forest is perfect for you.

Praia da Oura is located next to the party areas of Albufeira, there are many discos, life is in full swing even at night. The sandy shore is picturesquely decorated with sheer cliffs of a bizarre color.

Distinctive features of the resort of Albufeira

1. A beautiful city that is pleasant to walk for hours.
2. Well-developed tourist infrastructure: a large selection of cafes, restaurants, entertainment.
3. The central beach is large, comfortable, but crowded.
4. It is convenient to get from Lisbon and Faro airports - buses run regularly and often.
5. Holidays on the ocean in Portugal in the resort of Albufeira is the most expensive in the Algarve region - all these pluses affect prices, the demand for housing is high.

Portimao

The resort is 66 km from the capital of the Algarve. In fact, the resort is divided into 2 parts - the Old Town with historical buildings and attractions, but further from the beach and the new area - Praia da Rocha - directly by the ocean. In the latter, most hotels are located and all the infrastructure necessary for tourists is concentrated.

Traveling to Portimão is not limited only to beach vacations; there are excellent conditions for playing sports - golf, diving, windsurfing, yachting, and deep sea fishing.

Undoubtedly, the main attraction of the resort is Praia da Rocha. This place is included in and places to stay in Portugal. Wooden walkways are laid along the entire coast, there are awnings for changing clothes and showers (in a cafe). Another popular Three Castles beach is nearby, it is separated from the Praia Da Rocha by a cliff.

Prices in Portimao

Along the ocean there are many hotels from three-star to five-star luxury. A double room in a mid-range hotel will cost from 70 to 110 €.

Interesting fact! The main attraction is the massifs of rocks, from the tops of which a picturesque view of the resort of Portimao opens.

Lunch in a cafe in high season will cost 8.50 €, in a restaurant - 30 € (for two persons). A burger + drink snack costs 6 €.

Advantages and disadvantages of the city

1. Well-developed tourist infrastructure - there is everything for a comfortable stay.
2. Picturesque cliffs and a huge beach where there is enough space for everyone even in high season.
3. The waves are almost always large, not the best place to relax with young children.
4. Getting from the airport of the capital of Portugal is not difficult, but longer than in Albufeira (all buses go through it).
5. It is convenient to visit neighboring cities and natural attractions in the Algarve region, in any direction the road does not take much time.

More information about Portimão resort is available at.

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Alvor

Resort fishing village located 5 km from Portimão. Nearby is the Ria de Alvor National Wildlife Refuge. In natural conditions, a huge number of birds live, and exotic plant species grow on the promenade. For fans of outdoor activities equipped with a golf course. The sandy shore is a kilometer from the resort center.

Interesting fact! The town is small, there are few attractions, since after the earthquake in 1755 the village was completely destroyed.

Alvor beaches

The main part of the coastline runs along a wide barrier that blocks the resting place from the ocean. Alvor has an exceptionally sandy beach where children like to play. Comfortable conditions are created for vacationers - there are sun loungers, umbrellas, changing cabins, you can rent equipment for water sports or rent a catamaran or a yacht. Going to sunbathe in this part of Alvor beach, you need to take food and water with you - there will be nowhere to buy near. You can get from the city to the beach on foot. There is parking nearby.

Good to know! Alvor is a favorite vacation spot not only for tourists, but also for residents of Portugal.

Three Brothers Beach is located on the eastern side of Alvor Beach. The resting place is surrounded by three rocks, they gave the name of the attraction. There are hotel complexes in this part of the resort. It also has everything you need for a comfortable stay.

The cost of a double room in a three-star hotel in the summer months varies from 120 to 300 €. Apartments can be rented for 85-100 €.

Meals in cafes and restaurants will cost about the same amount as in other places on the Algarve coast.

Distinctive features

1. Compared to other ocean destinations in Portugal, Alvora resort is less picturesque - there are no sheer cliffs, and the beach has a large wasteland.
2. Here, as a rule, a calm ocean without waves is the best place to relax with children.
3. The choice of housing is not very large, the most profitable options are booked in a few months.
4. The resort is small, everything can be circumvented in a day.

Lagoa

The resort is located east of Portimao. It has beautiful nature, quiet and calm, many interesting places for lovers of history and architecture.

Near Lagoa there are cultural attractions, you can engage in water sports, visit spa salons and undergo a course of beauty treatments. The tourist infrastructure is well developed, so tourists from all over the world come to Lagoa with pleasure.

Good to know! Lagoa is a great place in Portugal, where beach vacations can be combined with sightseeing and sports.

In summer, accommodation in a double room of a mid-range hotel will cost from 68 to 120 €. Food prices do not differ much from neighboring Portimao and Albufeira.

Best places for a beach holiday in Lagoa

Praia de benagil

A small stretch of coast Praia de Benagil is notable for a large concentration of tourists and trips to the caves. Every 30 minutes a boat departs from the shore, which takes tourists to the caves, the largest one is 150 meters from the beach. To get on your own you can rent a kayak or kayak.

Good to know! Getting here is more difficult than to other places of rest.

Praia da marinha

Among the resorts on the ocean in Portugal, Marinha is considered the most picturesque and unusual place. It has repeatedly been awarded the highest international awards. It is one of the hundred most picturesque places in the world. The landscape on the shore is somewhat reminiscent of the Martian landscape, but it is quite difficult to go down to the shore, so this place is not suitable for families with children. To get to the water, you need to go down the stairs and go through thorny bushes.

It is important! The only way here is by car, you can leave the transport in the parking lot, there is also a sign that will help you get ashore.

To enjoy the beauty of Marinha, it is best to buy a boat trip.

Characteristics of Lagoa

1. It has picturesque cliffs, bays and beaches.
2. The beaches are small in size, but very popular among tourists, in the high season they are crowded.
3. Good transport accessibility and developed infrastructure.
4. For historical sights it is better to go to neighboring villages.
5. In general, Lagoa is one of the best places in terms of price / quality ratio.

Lagos

One of the oldest cities located on the banks of the Bensafrin River. It is nice to stroll through narrow, cobbled streets, sit in small courtyards and climb the fortress walls surrounding the city. Lagos is rightfully included in the list of the most beautiful places in Portugal, people come here not only to relax on the beach, but also to visit interesting sights.

It is important! It is not very convenient to relax with children in this part of Portugal, since the road to the ocean is difficult.

2. Meia Praia

Not a typical coast for Portugal, there is only sand and the ocean. There is no large concentration of tourists, and the length of the coastline is about 5 km. The tourist infrastructure is quite developed - there are sun loungers, umbrellas, changing cabins. The distance from the city center is only 1.5 km.

3. Camilo Beach
  The place is beautiful, but crowded, the interest of tourists is quite obvious, because it is incredibly beautiful here. On the shore there are sunbeds, umbrellas, cafes, toilets. The distance from the city center is 10 km, therefore it is better to live in a hotel near the beach.

4. Praia do Porto de Mos

It is spacious and calm, it is a wonderful place for a relaxing holiday. The ocean is almost always calm, since the territory is fenced with rocks. There are enough sun loungers and umbrellas on the shore, cabins for changing clothes are installed, the car can be left in the parking lot. There is also a cafe and comfortable terraces from where you can admire the beautiful scenery. The distance from the city center is about 3 km.

The Lisbon Riviera is no less attractive for tourists, however, it is worth noting that the water in this part of Portugal is cooler than in the south of the country, and the hottest month is August - the ocean temperature does not exceed 19 ° C.

Food prices here are slightly lower than in the Algarve province:

• lunch in a cafe - 8 €;
• lunch for two in a restaurant - 26 €;
• you can eat in a fast-food meal for 5.50 €.

It is important! The main recreation areas are concentrated at a distance of 15-20 km from Lisbon and form the Lisbon Riviera - this is the territory from Cape Roca to the mouth of the Tagus River.