The Portugal Holiday Planner

There are varied experiences one can expect to have in Portugal.

The most exciting among these are Sun, Sea and Sand.
Algarve is the most popular beach destination in Europe. It receives the most sunshine hours and has the most beautiful beaches. Besides, costs are low, food is great and the towns are very picturesque and studded with historical sites. You find sprawling landscapes covered with olive and orange groves. Faro is the capital of Algarve and Lagos is the world famous party spot popular for nightlife. Algarve is also very popular for the wide range of water sport activities. If you desire to experience nature at its purest then a visit to the archipelagos of Azores and Madeirain the Atlantic Ocean is a must. Azores is the best place in the world for whale watching. The islands of Azores and Madeira are popular for their lush landscapes and flower gardens. The fishing villages of Nazare, Tavira and Ericeira offer great relaxation and delicious sea food meals. These places are famed for lavish resorts.

Besides fantastic beaches, Portugal also has a romantic spell of its Medieval Towns. One can travel back in time in these villages such as in Sintra, Obidos, Monsaraz and Marvao. These medieval towns are perfectly preserved and one can expect to walk along cobblestone streets and into fairytale castles, extravagant buildings and beautiful romantic gardens. Sintra is the most beautiful romantic medieval experience that is just a day’s trip from Portugal’s capital, Lisbon.

The historical sites of Portugal showcase the different and varied cultural influences that Portugal assimilated. These influences arrived with the long voyages that were undertaken from Portugal to various parts of the world. The unique ornate stonework of World Heritage Monuments in Tomar and Batalha, and Jeronimos Monastery are all inspired by India. The Chinese blue and white porcelain look adorns the beautiful tile work of the palaces. The Americas and Africa brought in different culinary flavours. The beautiful sea indeed inspired many a great onlooker to discover the world and thus the age of discovery of the 15th and 16th centuries remain embedded and preserved in Portugal. Lisbon and Sagres are a good destination for feeling the age of discovery.

If you fancy wine country take a cruise down the Douro River for the magical wine country landscape and end in the port city of Porto. Pamper yourself to royal treatmentat a pousada in Alentejo.