Where in Portugal to relax on the sea. Holidays in Portugal: sea, beaches, cities, beautiful places, hotels

Let's talk about the main beach resorts in Portugal: where to go, what to see and what to look for. Read before your trip to plan your itinerary.

Portugal stretches along the entire western coast of the Iberian Peninsula. True, the restless waters of the Atlantic did not affect the beach holiday here from the best side. High waves, cold ocean currents and rocky shores are not the most desirable conditions.

However, the rich history, chic cuisine with the freshest seafood and some of the lowest prices in Europe make the country a popular tourist destination. How, even in these harsh conditions, to find a great beach on the coast and arrange an unforgettable vacation, read below!

basic information

Before us is the country of the European Union, and on its territory the euro is in use. Therefore, there will be no problems with the exchange of money. In addition, the prices here are pleasantly pleasing. Food and housing will cost you 2 times cheaper than in neighboring Spain! For example, a bowl of soup in a cafe or restaurant can be purchased for €1-1.5. And for a huge portion of freshly caught and grilled sardines, pay only €5-7.

The official language of the country is Portuguese. With English, the situation here is the same as in Spain - it is spoken mainly by residents of big cities and young people. Of course the resort staff are all English speaking. But in small towns and villages far from Lisbon, few people will speak good English. However, the locals are so open and welcoming that the language barrier will not be a problem in communication.

When to go on vacation

For beach holidays in continental Portugal, it is better to go in May-October and choose the exact time of your vacation depending on your temperature preferences. Of course, as in the whole south of Europe, the summer here is dry, hot and sunny, and rains are extremely rare. That's just when the high season officially begins, ocean waters off the coast warm up to only + 18 ° С. In , when the peak season comes to an end, the water temperature on local beaches rises to + 20 ° C.

If you want a truly heavenly holiday on the beaches, regardless of the time of year, go to Madeira! This island is located off the northwestern coast of Africa, not far from the coast of Morocco and in close proximity to the Spanish Canary Islands. Thanks to the warm and mild subtropical climate, the season here lasts all year round!

Are you planning a trip? That way!

We have prepared some useful gifts for you. They will help save money at the stage of preparation for the trip.

Visa

Portugal is part of the Schengen zone, which means that any Schengen visa already open in the passport is suitable for traveling there. If you do not have a visa, then getting one is extremely easy! Throughout Russia, in almost every major city, there are visa centers . They collect documents from citizens, send them for consideration to the embassy in Moscow and return passports with visas stamped.

At the same time, if you are traveling as a family, one person can apply at the visa center at once for all close relatives! The place of registration also does not affect the submission of documents, since Moscow still affixes all visas. Therefore, you can apply for a visa not at the place of registration, but in any city convenient for you.

Package of documentsfor a visa is quite simple: a completed application form, consent to the processing of personal data, a passport, 3 photos, booking tickets and accommodation (Booking.com bookings are suitable!), As well as a travel insurance policy. At the same time, even if you apply for a visa strictly for travel dates of up to 30 days, most likely, you will immediately receive a multi-Schengen visa for a period of 1 month.

And one more nice feature of the Portuguese visa is that it can be extended on the spot 2 times from 30 to 90 days! At the same time, your desire to rest in the country longer, i.e. ordinary tourism. To extend your visa, you need to contact the nearest branch of the local migration service - SEF . True, you will also have to show a return ticket from the country, insurance for the entire planned stay, accommodation reservation and prove that you have money to stay in the country (€40 per day). And, of course, you will be asked to pay for a visa extension: for 30 days - €50, for a period of more than 30 days - €65.

The best places to stay on the ocean

Province of Algarve

The Algarve is the southernmost region and the main resort destination of the country. The entire coast from the Spanish border to the city of Lagos is a huge number of beaches and resort towns with good hotels, restaurants and even golf courses.

The southern coast, along which the Algarve province stretches, has a warmer climate and not as cold ocean as in the west of the country. This is because the local Riviera is perfectly protected from the penetrating northern winds by rocky mountain ranges. The coast itself is sandy with a fairly gentle entry into the water. True, in the western part of the province there are also beaches for lovers of the rocky coast.

In addition to the fact that the Algarve is the center of a local beach holiday, it is also a place of pilgrimage for religious Catholics from all over Europe, as well as practically the golf capital of the continent! Since the 1960s, 34 international-level golf courses have been opened here and still operate! The small town of Vilamoura has especially distinguished itself, in which there are as many as 5 fields of exceptional quality.

How to get there

In summer, you can catch a charter from Moscow to the capital of the Algarve - the city of Faro, or you will have to get to Lisbon by regular flights. Tap Portugal and Aeroflot fly directly from Moscow to the Portuguese capital, from other Russian cities you can only get with transfers by the same a / c or any other European airline.

Also, almost all the resort towns of the Algarve can be reached by trains of the local railway company CP . The road from Lisbon to Faro will take 4 hours or more, depending on the distance of the selected resort. It's nice that the prices for railway tickets (€30) are about 2 times lower than for the plane (€60).

• Cape San Vicente, or Cabo de Sao Vicente is not such a popular place as Cape Roca. However, if you want in all its glory, then you should go to the most southwestern point of Eurasia. In addition, one of the most powerful lighthouses in the world is installed here, the light from which is visible on a dark night as much as 90 km away!
• Fortified walls of Lagos- the old part of the city, perfectly preserved and open to visitors. This was the official residenceHenry the Navigatorand here came all the ships coming from India.
• Tavira- an old town in the eastern part of the Algarve coast. It was founded by the Moors in the Middle Ages. Here you can walk along the cobbled streets, visit the Castle of the Moors or go to one of the old churches. Not far from the city is the Ria Formosa Reserve, where you can watch flamingos and other representatives of the local fauna.
• Castle Castelo de Silvesis located in the ancient city of Silves at a small distance from the coast. Its construction was started by the Romans in the 8th century, and after that it was modernized more than once by local rulers from the Moors to the Portuguese kings. Until now, the castle towers mightily on a small hill above the city and looks very majestic! From the observation platforms at the top of the hill, amazing views of the surroundings open up.
• aqualand- Europe's largest open-air water park. It is located almost in the center of the Algarve coast near the town of Alcantarilha. Inside you will find a huge number of slides, towers and pools suitable for both children and extreme sports enthusiasts.

• Travelata , Level.Travel , OnlineTours - look for the hottest tours here.
• Aviasales - save up to 30% on air tickets.
• Hotellook - book hotels with discounts up to 60%.
• Numbeo - see the order of prices in the host country.
• Cherehapa - take reliable insurance so you don't worry on the way.
• AirBnb - rent an apartment from locals.

Beaches and resort towns

• Lagosis an old coastal town with beautiful sandy beaches and one of the most popular resort destinations in the province. It is located 67 km from Faro. In addition to an excellent beach holiday, here you will find an interesting cultural program and a variety of tourist attractions. True, the place is noisy and always filled with tourists.
• Vilamoura- a small resort town on the coast with the best European golf courses. This city was originally designed as an elite resort, so you will not find historical architecture here. But in Vilamoura there are a huge number of upscale hotels, and the surroundings of the city are built up with luxurious private villas.
• Albufeira (Albufeira)- a former fishing village, and now a popular resort town, famous for its fish restaurants and taverns. There are about 20 excellent beaches with fine sand and a gentle entrance to the water around the town. The most famous beach in the vicinity of Albufeira - Praia da Falésia - is known as one of the top 25 best beaches in Europe!
• Monte Gordo- a small town almost near the border with Spain. The former fishing village is now built up with almost the same high-rise hotels. Monte Gordo attracts tourists with the warmest water on the entire coast. The sea temperature here is always 1-2 degrees higher than in neighboring resorts!

The cities of Cascais and Estoril

If foreigners prefer to hang out in the Algarve province, then the locals choose Cascais. Residents love to come here not only because of the comfortable beaches and good service, but also because of the prestige! After all, it was here that the official summer residence of the monarchs was located. Since then, for the Portuguese, Cascais continues to be the most popular resort in the country.

How to get there

Cascais is located just 30 km west of Lisbon. You can get here both by local train and by bus. Ticket prices are about the same (€2.20), but traveling by rail will be faster and more comfortable. In addition, the railway station in Cascais is located right in the city center, and you will have to get to the bus station by taxi.

Trains to Cascais leave Lisbon's Cais do Sodré station every 20 minutes. You can find a detailed schedule on the website of the local railway carrier CP . Travel time from Lisbon to Cascais is 40 minutes. Modern electric trains with comfortable and soft seats run in the direction no worse than in Sapsan!

Attractions and entertainment

• Cape Roca, or Cabo da Roca is just an hour from Cascais. Directly to the westernmost point of Eurasia from the city bus station, located opposite the railway station, there is a direct bus.
• Grotto Boca do Inferno("devil's mouth") was formed at the foot of a large cliff in the western part of the coast of Cascais. It is named so because of the strong noise that the Atlantic waves create, crashing against the rocks with great force.
• Casa de Santa Maria and Cascais lighthouselocated to the west of the main city beach Praia da Ribeira. Inside the 20-meter lighthouse there is a small museum. In the castle next door, you can see the historical interiors created back in the century before last by the wealthy industrialist O'Neill.
• Casino Estoril- the largest casino in Europe, which invariably attracts gamblers from all over the continent. It is also famous for inspiring writer Ian Fleming to write the first James Bond book!

Beaches

• Praia da Ribeira- the central city beach, not the most convenient for swimming and sunbathing. As its name implies, most of the coast here is occupied by fishing boats and tackle. But on the promenade along the entire beach there is a huge number of good restaurants serving the freshest fish and seafood.
• Praia da Conceição, Praia de Duquesa- the two most touristic beaches of Cascais. They are located on the coastline of Cascais-Estoril. And as is typical for tourist centers, there are always a lot of tourists here, as well as cafes, hotels and shops.
• Praia do Tamarizlocated in the resort town of Estoril. Right in front of the beach area rises the famous Estoril casino throughout Europe. The surroundings of the beach will please with a well-developed tourist infrastructure, numerous cafes, restaurants and bars.
• Praia da Rainha- a compact and comfortable beach, hidden between two cliffs on the coast. You can get here from the Cascais-Estoril boardwalk. Once the beach was the closed bath of the Portuguese queen herself (hence its name), but now it is open to everyone.

Madeira Island

One of the most famous local resorts is located, surprisingly, off the coast of Africa! Madeira is a whole archipelago consisting of 4 islands of volcanic origin. True, only Madeira and Porto Santo are inhabited. The islands are famous not only for their beaches with a warm subtropical climate, but also for their fortified Madera wine.

It is not by chance that Madeira is called the "island of eternal spring", because you can spend time on local beaches all year round! The high season here is the Christmas and New Year weeks, as well as the middle of summer - the traditional time for holidays. However, Madeira is equally comfortable to rest at any time of the year!

How to get there

Madeira is located 1000 km from the capital of Portugal. From Lisbon to the capital of the island - the city of Funchal, 3 airlines fly almost every hour: Tap Portugal, EasyJet and Azores Airlines. The flight will take only 1.5 hours, and the ticket will cost €60 one way.

Attractions and entertainment

• Tropical garden at Monte Palace- the main attraction of Madeira. The garden is located on the mountain of the same name, which can be reached by cable car directly from the center of Funchal. On the spot you will find a multi-level park of amazing beauty, man-made waterfalls and ponds, sculpture parks where important peacocks walk.
• Pico do Arieiro- not the highest, but the most visited peak of the island. This is because an excellent road leads to the peak (1818 m). In clear weather, a wonderful view of the island opens up from its top, but when the clouds are low, you can literally walk among the clouds.
• Blandy's factory- a family winery built in the center of Funchal 2 centuries ago. Its owners are the Blandy family - producers of Madeira fortified wine in the 7th generation! At the winery, you can taste all the types of Madeira produced on the island (there are 4 of them) and learn a lot of interesting things about this process.

Beaches

• Praia Formosa- the longest city beach in Funchal. Like the vast majority of beaches in Madeira, it is covered with small pebbles. This is not the most convenient place for swimming, both because of the proximity to the city and because of the constant workload.
• Praia de Machico- the only sandy beach located in the south of Madeira. They made it artificially for those who do not like pebbles at all. Buses run here from the city, and on the spot you will find free showers, changing places and toilets!
• Praia da Prainha- a small beach with black volcanic sand. It is located in the very east of the island near the village of Caniçal. Since this is one of the most popular places in Madeira, there are always enough tourists, cafes and restaurants, and you can have a great and comfortable rest.
• Porto Santo- a single long beach line in the southeast of the island of the same name. Unlike neighboring Madeira, the coast here is completely sandy. The surroundings of the beach on Porto Santo are built up with numerous hotels with restaurants and shops. Therefore, if you are going to Madeira for a relaxing beach holiday, stay on this island!

Where to go with children

Praia da Falésia, Algarve

One of the best beaches in Europe (top 25) is located east of the resort town of Albufeira. This is the perfect place for a holiday with kids! Due to the gentle entry into the water and shallow depth, the water on this beach warms up very quickly. In addition, the beach itself is covered with fine golden sand, and the width of the beach line reaches 20 meters.

Praia do Tamariz, Cascais

One of the most popular beaches in Cascais is great for families. This is because there is a gentle entry into the water, shallow depth and no strong waves. The beach itself is covered with fine light sand, thanks to which the water here is clean and transparent. In addition, children in Cascais will not be bored! The city has a large entertainment center with Playbowling Cascais for children, as well as several interesting small museums.

Canical, Madeira

The most popular destination for families with children in Madeira is Piscinas do Caniçal. It is located in the village of Caniçal in the very east of Madeira. Of course, there are excellent pebble beaches and the black volcanic sand beach Praia da Prainha is very close. However, pebbles are often inconvenient for children, so several outdoor pools, including small ones for children, have been built on the promenade in Caniçal. You can swim comfortably and safely in them, watching the wonderful view of the sea!

Description of resorts and cities in Portugal, where to go and what to see Resorts of Portugal, main cities, sights and main places for recreation. Every month more and more tourists are going on vacation to Portugal - a charming and unique country on the very edge of Europe. It is here that historical sights coexist with the beauty and power of the Atlantic Ocean, luxury hotels stand side by side with ancient castles and palaces, and clean and comfortable beaches receive the highest ratings from European environmental and tourism associations every year.

The capital of Portugal is a city where you can not only enjoy the masterpieces of architecture, admiring the Art Nouveau, Manueline, Gothic, Art Deco and even Baroque buildings for hours, but also arrange excellent shopping. The main stores are located in the center of Lisbon, on Avenida de Liberdad and in the Chiado area. Holidays in Portugal cannot be imagined without visiting Lisbon - one of the most beautiful capitals in the world! Museum lovers will not remain indifferent, and tourists with children willingly spend time in the zoo and aquarium. Fans of hiking and cycling rush to the Tejo embankment, and connoisseurs of bar parties - to the evening district of Bairro Alto. In any case, holidays in Lisbon always attract fans from all over the world.

Portugal Lisbon Riviera tours: Cascais, Oeiras. The Lisbon Riviera is the stretch between Cascais and Oeiras, where the Tagus River flows into the Atlantic Ocean. This is one of the oldest resorts in Portugal. Here, on the very shore, there are the most prestigious hotels and luxurious mansions. Wealthy foreigners often buy housing here. The Avenida Marginal road connecting Lisbon with Cascais is one of the most picturesque in Portugal, it is on it that the beaches of Carcavelos, the main hotels, the famous Estoril casino, and many other attractions of the Lisbon Riviera are located.

Holidays in Porto Portugal: attractions, excursions Connoisseurs of Portugal assure that the beauty of Porto overshadows even the capital Lisbon. The picturesque Douro River, the steel lace of bridges, the soft yellowish light of the city at night - all this makes Porto a real example of urban beauty. According to the New York Times, Porto is one of the most financially profitable cities in Europe. Journalists selected Porto as one of the 46 must-see cities in the world in 2013. Guests of Porto pay tribute not only to architecture, but also to the famous port wine, which is especially tasty here, in the city-cradle of this great drink.

Rest in Algarve Portugal. Tour to Faro In the very south of Portugal, the Algarve region is located, the main place for beach lovers. Tourists from all over the world come here, and everyone finds entertainment to their liking. This is a large resort region with developed infrastructure and amazingly beautiful coastline. Ocean lovers appreciate the golden sand and calm waves, surfers prefer steep waves and fresh breeze. Golf connoisseurs spend hours playing on the best golf courses in Europe, finding peace and the best way to relaxation in this. In spring, summer and autumn, the temperature here does not fall below 20 degrees, and even in winter the weather in the Algarve is very mild and gentle. Considering that prices in winter are noticeably lower than in summer, tourists relax in the Algarve all year round, enjoy interesting excursions and carnivals, the season of which begins in February.

Madeira is a stunningly beautiful Portuguese island in the Atlantic Ocean, just 1000 km from Europe and 500 km from the African coast. Tropical Madeira is full of flowers all year round. The most delicious exotic fruits grow here, the sweetest and most aromatic wines, liqueurs and tinctures are made here. Madeira is appreciated by lovers of family vacations and romantic weekends. Here they play golf, drink true and genuine Madeira, taste fragrant and strong poncha - a sweet liqueur made from cane rum, honey and lemon. Perfectly delicious fruits, ocean breeze, pristine beaches and the scent of flowers - this is what Portuguese Madeira is all about. Holidays in Portugal will be complete and multifaceted if you visit Madeira - this floating tropical garden of the Atlantic, a unique island combined with a consistently wonderful climate, the pearl and pride of the Portuguese.

Tours to the Azores, prices. The Azores archipelago consists of several islands, and each is unique in its own way. Of course, you can find something in common in landscapes, species of animals, birds and plants, but an attentive traveler will easily notice the difference in architecture, recipes, natural landscapes and the habits of local residents. Local residents are very sensitive to traditions and culture, preserve them and carefully pass them on from generation to generation. They are sure that this is not a product for tourists, but the main value, and the inhabitants of continental Portugal agree with the Azores on this. A tourist in the Azores is first and foremost a guest, not a client. Here a person is surrounded by genuine attention and care, so a holiday in the Azores leaves a special, warm feeling.

Cape Verde Islands tours Cape Verde is a former Portuguese colony, now an independent island nation. It is convenient to get to the Cape Verde Islands from Lisbon. The flight takes 2.5 hours. The first place is traditionally taken by diving - it is not for nothing that Cape Verde is included in the list of the most interesting places in the world for scuba diving. Surfing and windsurfing gather no less admirers - after all, thanks to stable winds, high and strong waves arise off the coast of Cape Verde. A special line is occupied by sport fishing. A fisherman-tourist in the depths of the waters is waiting for unique and unusual fish, ready to become an enviable catch. The vast majority of tourists are delighted with relaxing on local beaches. Ideally clean Atlantic Ocean, warm water, rich underwater world and hot sun - the perfect combination for a good holiday.

Surprisingly, it is the holidays in Portugal that are chosen by residents of European countries: Spain, Germany, France and other recognized tourist destinations. Even crowned persons rest here - sometimes incognito, and sometimes officially, with their whole family and retinue. This means that there is something special in Portugal that cannot be found in other European resorts.

Architecture lovers find unique Art Nouveau and Art Deco buildings in Lisbon and Porto, and can spend hours walking the streets of the capital, soaking in the beauty of its streets and panoramic views. Shoppers are ready to spend hours shopping, looking for the biggest discounts on fashion and style products.

It is worth a little drive away from Lisbon, and you are immediately immersed in a variety of natural landscapes: green hills smoothly turn into rocky foothills, fertile fields of Alentejo - into sand dunes, lush forests and vineyards - into river valleys and mountains. Flowers bloom here all year round and fields turn green, coastal cliffs are covered with a green flowering carpet, and the blue water of the ocean is adjacent to the white and yellow sand of comfortable beaches.
The special charm of a holiday in Portugal is that there is practically no winter here. Tourists go on vacation to Portugal all year round: even in January, the daytime temperature rarely drops below +14 degrees, creating ideal conditions for walking and relaxing.

Portugal: resorts are loved not only by fans of beaches and attractions, but also by athletes. It is a real paradise for surfers of all kinds, paragliders, golfers and horseback riders. Even motorsport fans will find entertainment to their liking here in Estoril, a suburb of the resort of Cascais, one of the most famous holiday destinations in Portugal.

In Lisbon, be sure to spend at least a few hours in museums and art galleries. The halls of the National Museum of Ancient Art and the Museum of Calouste Gulbenkian keep real masterpieces of the great masters of painting and sculpture. The 20th-century Portuguese oil tycoon Gulbenkian spent huge amounts of money on his collection, and now the works of art he collected are available to the general public, and the exposition competes with the best museums in the world.

Let's not forget Belém, a suburb of Lisbon full of Manueline architecture. It was born at the intersection of Gothic and Moorish style, becoming the hallmark of Portugal. The marble lace of the Jeronimos Monastery and the Belen Tower is a real masterpiece, from which it is impossible to take your eyes off, you can look at them for hours.

Such is the holiday in Portugal: some here sunbathe on the beaches, others go to museums, others go crazy for local cuisine and drinks. In Portugal, everyone will find a holiday to their liking!

In Portugal, you can not only relax, but also discover the amazing history of relations between our countries. The history of the stories of Russia and Portugal contains entertaining moments in which famous personalities and figures of Russia participate: Karl Bryullov and Isaac Levitan, Peter the Great, Catherine II, Pavel the First, P. Pestel and A.S. Pushkin, A. Alekhin and A. Menshikov.

Thanks to Peter I, naval officers visited Lisbon "for science". Among them is Prince Vasily Alekseevich Urusov, who paid a visit to Lisbon in 1708. During the first trip around the world, Ivan Fedorovich Kruzenshtern was given a solemn reception by the Portuguese court.

For more details about how Russian compatriots saw Portugal in different eras, you can read in the book "Here is the Russian spirit ..." Juse and Siiri Milyazes.

Frequently asked questions about holidays in Portugal:

- Is it possible to combine rest and excursions?

Can. In the section you are offered programs of different duration and intensity.

- What kind of guides work in your company?

On the mainland and on the islands, excursions are conducted by licensed Russian-speaking guides who have the appropriate certificates and work permits.

- How to get to the airport?

- Shopping: where is it profitable to buy clothes in Lisbon?

While on vacation in Portugal, we recommend visiting the El Corte Ingles supermarket. This is a 7-storey supermarket of clothes and various equipment. Tourists are provided with a "card de compra" - a discount of up to 10% on all purchases! There you will be able to issue the necessary documents for obtaining tax-free, which will further reduce your costs.

- TAX free - how and where to get it?

At Lisbon airport you need to check in for your flight. When registering, you must inform that there are things in your suitcase for which you should receive "tax free". In this case, you pick up your luggage and proceed to counter No. 169 in another hall. There you show the documents to the customs officer, he stamps and signs! After passing the customs inspection, you will receive a refund at the Global Refund cash desk (blue counter). If you have a tax-free local yellow, then you need to go up one floor to another pickup point. Note: Documents from El Corte Ingles must be sealed in the enclosed envelope and placed in the mailbox. The money will be transferred to your card.

- What souvenirs should be brought from Portugal?

- What is the best way to rent a car when going on holiday to Portugal?

At the height of the season, there is a risk that there are not enough rental cars, and you have to take what is available on the spot, and you can wait quite a long time, up to several hours. We recommend that you worry in advance and book a car before departure, on a universal search engine for car rental in Portugal. Price from 10 euros per day!

The magnificent coasts of Portugal, relaxing on the ocean - the best places of the ancient country - the topic of today's article. You will also find out where it is better to relax with children, about the best beach holidays and what excursion programs are offered for tourists.

On the map of Europe, the Portuguese Republic is located to the west of other countries. On the border with, and the coast is washed by the Atlantic Ocean.

The sea in the country is all about water activities and beaches, “it is the place where the earth ends and the sea begins” (Camoes).

The nature and climate of this very small country are beautiful and unique. The Gulf Stream flowing nearby warms with its warm waters in winter, and gives coolness in summer. The mountains covered with centuries-old trees have the richest flora. Many exotic fruits and flower plants can only be found in this country. Even local and pineapples have an unusual, original taste for us.

The best time to travel

Tourism in the country is excellently developed: every year thousands of tourists come to relax on the shores of Portugal, with children and just couples. Leave reviews and take great photos. The best months for a beach holiday are considered to be the beginning of June to the end of September, when there is little rain, and the average temperature is about +25 degrees on the coast. But in the center of the country a couple of degrees higher, so it can be too hot. During the winter, there is too much precipitation, the average temperature is +10. Although on the islands and in winter it is usually up to +20, and the water off the coast is warmed up to +16.

Popular beaches

There are many great resorts on the coast of Portugal. Let's start with a trip to the Algarve - the southernmost point of the country. It can be said that this is a strip of beaches 150 km long, protected from cold winds by mountains. Here the most charming thing is to relax on the sand by the water, periodically going on excursions.

Tourists prefer to play golf, tennis, horseback riding and water sports here. One of the beaches - Albufeira is famous for its original cuisine with signature dishes.

Arriving in this part of Portugal, tourists first find themselves in Faro or Faro, a city that is considered the capital of the region and has preserved the beauty of an ancient fortress. Of interest is the ancient building with the terrible name of the Chapel of Bones, beautiful brightly decorated villages, the city port. But good beaches are better to look elsewhere.

Now for those who have chosen the Azores - one of the regions of the country. It is here that it is good to come with a child, it is quiet and calm here. But you can also do great outdoor activities: diving, snorkeling, fishing.

All summer in the Azores is quite hot, but not at all stuffy, because a pleasant breeze blows on the ocean, and warm, warm water, especially for kids. But the nights are quite cool, so if you are going to walk at dusk, dress warmly. You can get to the islands from Lisbon by domestic airlines in about 2 hours.

Madeira has been a favorite vacation spot for monarchs and the richest people from other countries since ancient times. Now all the world celebrities rest here with their soul and body - because the beauty of Madeira is really breathtaking. And super luxurious hotels and spa-centers, most likely, can be found only here.

Prices for hotels in the country in the best season range from 50 euros (3 stars) to 100 (5 stars) per person. The rest of the time, hotel rooms are a little cheaper.

You can visit any resort in Portugal by ordering a bus tour for 7, 8, 10, 14 days. You can admire the country while moving from one place to another: usually these are the cities of Lisbon, Porto, Sintra and others. The best time to travel is the holidays in May - and it is not hot, and nature is painted with spring colors. Usually from Russia the tour starts in Brest, capturing European countries at the beginning of the trip: Poland, the Czech Republic, France and others.

Many travelers who have visited Portugal leave recommendations for the best vacation. For girls: try not to take only high-heeled shoes with you - the streets are lined with paving stones.

For hiking in forests and parks: making fires or simply throwing cigarette butts on the road is punished severely, up to and including imprisonment. If your money is stored on plastic cards - great! The country accepts a VISA card even in small villages. The time in the country in relation to Russia is 3 hours behind (in Madeira), 4 hours (in the Azores).

Video

Portugal is a really colorful, interesting and unique country with its own special character and spirit. And not only football distinguishes it from others. Here you can get acquainted with excellent wines, taste delicious cuisine and go diving, relaxing on the beach or visiting beautiful castles. This country has everything. We will reveal some of the secrets of recreation in this article: how and when to go, what type of recreation and where it develops, what you can see and do, tips 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. Ample opportunities for outdoor activities, historical and architectural monuments, beach tourism and gastronomy - in this country there are really a lot of opportunities 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 winning love, interest and respect for its culture. The capital of the country is beautiful Lisbon.

Map of Portugal

How to get there

The country has 4 main airports: in the capital, the cities of Porto, Faro and the island of Madeira. The capital's airport is considered the largest. From Moscow, you can get here by Air Moldova and Aegean Airlines. Direct flights are also offered by the local company TAP Portugal.

The prices are quite different: the Portugal company is expensive, a one-way ticket costs about 450 euros on average, the departure is from Domodedovo, but this is a direct flight. If with transfers, you can use the services of Air Moldova, which sells tickets at a price of 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. You can fly to Faro with Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines or Eurowings. The same companies fly from St. Petersburg. If your goal is Madeira, then you can fly from Moscow with Portuguese Airlines, from St. Petersburg a British Airways plane flies.

There are no trains from Moscow to the country yet. But if you love land 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 times. The most popular cities for recreation are the capital, the cities of Porto and Sintra, as well as the popular resort island of Madeira. There are, of course, other cities that you can visit: 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 wines of 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 13th century, it received the title of capital, survived an earthquake and was reborn from the ashes. The most famous and beautiful sights are historical and architectural buildings. There are also beautiful beaches here, so you can relax by the water.

Many tourists are advised to visit Castle of Saint George. This is a large and ancient fortress, which belonged first to the Mauritanian emir, and then to the royal family. It survived the earthquake, so it is even more appreciated by the local population.

Another must-see place is the cathedral, which was also preserved during the terrible catastrophe. It combines not only religious, but also cultural values, styles of baroque, rococo, gothic and even neoclassicism.

The capital is also known for its old streets. There are a lot of them, they are narrow and winding. 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 4th century, the central sections of the city are included in the protected funds of UNESCO. Historical objects 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 whole country.

It is worth visiting the area of ​​colored houses Ribeira. Here it seems that small small multi-colored buildings seem to grow on top of each other, which is very colorful against the backdrop of monumental buildings 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 travelers". Therefore, on weekends it is almost impossible to avoid crowds of onlookers looking at local architectural and historical sights.

The largest of them is considered Pena Palace. It is one of the seven wonders of the country that are a must-see. The castle is built on a hill with a beautiful view, it is a great place for romantic walks. In addition, the colorful appearance of the castle is almost impossible to lose sight of. This bright decoration is included in the mandatory viewing program for all tourists. It was built in the 19th century for the summer holidays of the royal family. Around is an exotic park.

Must visit and Moorish castle. It contrasts strongly against the background of romantic buildings and villas, such as the romantic villa of Montserrat with a park and the national palace of the city, scattered around the city. It was used as a defensive fortress, so only some parts of the castle have been preserved. But you should definitely visit this place - excellent photos are obtained here 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 Rivu and Curral das Freiras.

The highest point of the island, reaching into the sky almost above the very ocean. Curral das Freiras- this is a settlement that was lost just a few years ago among the wild expanses of the island. It was very difficult to get to it, so the influence of the rest of the world almost did not touch this wild place. It is worth visiting it, if only because it has preserved a unique flavor, traditions and real wildlife. Of course, one of the main areas of recreation on the island is considered to be rest by the sea and active types of sea sports.

When to go: air and water temperature

The best time to visit the country are the first autumn months and summer. At this time, the most favorable climatic conditions for recreation and visiting historical sites have been created.

On the land

The country has a subtropical Mediterranean climate, so summers are dry and sunny, but not hot. The average temperature in the city during this period fluctuates 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 a beach holiday is September and October. The weather is always warm, lots of sun, but not hot.

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 goes down, so it's better to just sunbathe on the coast.

The best beaches in Portugal

This country is known not only for its sights, color and culture, but also for a good beach holiday.

Climatic conditions make it possible not only to spend time on the beaches, sunbathing, but also to engage in active sports in the water, such as diving or surfing. You can relax in the resorts of the country both together and with the whole family. The conditions of the resorts support all the possibilities for a relaxing pastime, there are pebble and sandy beaches, even rocky entrances to the water for lovers.

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 outdoor activities 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 created conditions for active recreation on the water. Madeira is positioned as an expensive resort, but it is ideal for a relaxing romantic getaway. Numerous SPA centers and luxurious hotels, the beauty of wild nature, mountains hanging over the ocean - an ideal place for a romantic weekend.

For family

The whole family can safely go on vacation in the Algarve. There is a developed infrastructure, there are many opportunities for a relaxing 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 city noise and enjoy a good level of service.

If you see a blue flag on a 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, diving, you can meet barracuda, sea bass or tuna. The beauty of the local reefs is famous throughout the country. The level of difficulty is suitable for both amateurs and professionals.

If you have been doing outdoor activities 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 not be easy, but you will not regret it, and you can easily meet a blue shark and even a whale. Near the islands of Santa Maria and Pico, you can meet whale sharks and manta rays. The Berlengas archipelago is suitable for people of all levels. During the dive, you can see 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 a lot of famous sights. Here are the most popular and expensive resorts of the country, called the Lisbon Riviera.

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 a family holiday, 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, transport, cuisine

Before visiting this country, be sure to familiarize yourself with the conditions of living and moving, local gastronomic customs.

The best hotels in Portugal

Almost all hotels in the country operate at a high level. Top notch service is offered, usually breakfast or lunch and breakfast. It is very rare to find an All Inclusive service. 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 in the back. They are located in castles, fortresses and historical villas that have been reconstructed into hotels. The level of service corresponds to 4 and 5 stars. There are also regional pousadas, specially built as castles.

For a budget holiday, 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 cuisine in the country 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 wide variety of fish dishes prepared in almost all possible ways. Of the fish, cod, sardine, perch, trout and mackerel predominate.

In addition, port wine is considered another hallmark of the country. Each cafe, restaurant and bar has a large selection of this drink. You also need to be able 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: expresses between cities, local expresses, carreiras that stop at all intersections, and luxury cars. Car rental is presented throughout the country, so getting a car is easy.

Renting a car is easy. But a prerequisite is an experience of at least 1 year and an age of 21 years, some companies require 25 years. In this case, you need to leave a deposit or be sure to give credit card details.

You can travel 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, ceramic products. Of course, there is a wide sale of port wine 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 wall decoration. Leather products, woven souvenirs, handmade lace and national embroidery are popular. Prices are quite high, so it is better to look for sales or local outlets.

Memo to the tourist: 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 forests here, for this you can get a fine. You can also smoke only in specially designated areas, otherwise you will 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 a bit salty.

Is it worth going 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 to explore the local attractions. It will definitely not be hot, and a light fresh breeze will definitely create a good mood.

At all, winter is the best time to visit historical sights. There is no influx of tourists, everything is quite calm and relaxed. In addition, most services are provided at discounted prices. Especially the spa.

Portugal is a really interesting country, with its own traditions and customs. Here you can not only enjoy the search and exploration of historical sights, 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.