In the old days, almost all journeys culminating in great geographical discoveries began off the coast of Portugal. Nowadays, the opposite is true - thousands of tourists come here every year to touch its great history, to see with their own eyes the architectural splendor of the country and natural diversity.
Nature of Portugal
It’s simply impossible not to envy the Portuguese, because in their very small country countless natural resources are concentrated. Firstly, Portugal is located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, in close proximity to it the Gulf Stream makes its way, so in the summer the ocean gives coolness and in the winter it warms with its warmth. Also in the north and northeast of the country there are mountains of incredible beauty, covered with centuries-old trees. Moreover, Portugal has a lot of forests with rich flora. All kinds of flowers and exotic fruits grow here, which are not found anywhere else in the world. Even bananas and pineapples from the Portuguese islands, which are familiar to us all, have unique taste qualities.
Holidays in Portugal
Climate
The climate of the country can be described as subtropical; it is greatly influenced by the ocean. The period from the beginning of summer to the end of September is considered especially comfortable for a beach holiday; there is little precipitation at this time, and the average daily temperature in coastal regions is about +25 °C, while in the central part of the country it can be several degrees higher. Winter here is very mild, with a lot of precipitation and an average temperature of about +11 °C. But the island part of Portugal can delight tourists with sun and warmth all year round, in particular in Madeira, even in January the air warms up to +18 °C, and the coastal waters - up to +16 °C.
Beaches of Portugal
In general, for those who are aiming for a full-fledged beach holiday, it is better to go to the Algarve - a resort region in the extreme south of Portugal, Madeira or the Azores. The Algarve is distinguished by its beaches, developed infrastructure, and most importantly, excellent conditions for family holidays. Along with all kinds of bars, restaurants and nightclubs, there are a huge number of water parks and all kinds of children's attractions.
The Algarve is distinguished by its beaches, developed infrastructure, and most importantly, excellent conditions for family holidays.
The Azores Islands are separated by ocean from mainland Portugal by a distance of almost one and a half thousand kilometers. If you want to briefly change the frantic rhythm of the metropolis with its traffic jams, deadlines and stress, for a leisurely, unburdensome holiday surrounded by almost wild nature, but with a consistently high level of service, you should definitely visit there.
Since the end of the 15th century, Madeira has become a favorite holiday destination for almost all European monarchs. Today all the world's celebrities come here to relax their body and soul. After all, the natural beauty of this island is literally breathtaking. Pristine forests alternate with majestic mountains, at the foot of which the ocean quietly splashes. In addition, there are probably no such luxurious hotels and SPA centers anywhere in the world.
Monasteries and castles
Fans of architectural sights will be absolutely delighted with the ancient monasteries, temples and numerous castles-fortresses of Portugal. Almost every city can boast of several unsurpassed monuments of bygone eras.
Gastronomy
Portugal is also a great place for gastronomic tourism, because the cuisine of this country is very original. The close proximity of the ocean could not but determine the predominance of fish dishes on the Portuguese menu, the main one of which is cod in a special marinade (there are more than one hundred and fifty recipes for this marinade). Such salted fish is invariably served with boiled potatoes or eggs. There are relatively few meat dishes, but they are all incredibly tasty, because they are prepared with the addition of a huge amount of spices, marinades and sauces.
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In the Azores you can taste truly unique meat, and the whole point is that it is stewed over the steam of a natural hot spring. Rice is often served with meat and fish; by the way, it is even used for preparing sweet dishes. In general, the local desserts deserve admiration. Be sure to try the world-famous Madeira wine and quality Portuguese beer.
Subtleties of travel
You can travel within the country either by rented car or through developed railway connections. It should be noted that it is better to buy a round-trip ticket at once, as in this case you can get a small discount. In order to get from mainland Portugal to the Azores and Madeira, there are special flights. For more comfortable and economical travel in the city, it is best to use travel cards for tourists, which are sold at kiosks at bus stops.
The entire population of the country speaks Portuguese, but most people speak excellent English.
As a souvenir from Portugal you can bring Madeira, porcelain dishes, handmade leather goods and embroidery.
For most Russians, Portugal is a dark horse; few people choose it for vacation. Meanwhile, Portugal is famous among Europeans for its first-class beaches and excellent excursion routes.
Portugal is a small country on the westernmost coast of Eurasia. On land, Portugal borders only one European country - Spain. On all other sides, Portugal is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Portugal also owns several islands, the most notable of which is the island of Madeira, home of the famous fortified wine Madeira.
Portugal on a map of Europe
Visa to Portugal
Portugal is a member of the Schengen Agreement, but it has some of the most flexible visa rules. You can apply for a visa to Portugal through one of the visa centers. Detailed information about the addresses of visa centers in Russia, the rules for filling out the application form, the list of required documents and much more can be found on the website of the Unified Visa Center of Portugal in Russia.
If any information about a visa to Portugal posted on the website turns out to be incomprehensible or insufficient for you, you can seek advice by phone, see the full list.
Visa to Portugal Map, language, money in Portugal
Portuguese is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. In addition to Portugal, it is the official language of Brazil, Angola, Macau (China) and a number of other countries in different parts of the world. This geographical dispersion is explained by the fact that Portugal, despite its modest size, was in the past one of the most powerful states with colonies all over the world.
Colonization of Brazil by Portugal Portuguese is the closest language to Spanish, but it still exists on its own. If you speak Spanish, you will not be able to communicate fluently with Portuguese. To the ear, the Portuguese language seems very melodic and is replete with hissing and whistling sounds. The most popular hit in Portuguese is the unforgettable “Nosa-Nosa” by Michel Telou, so any of you can sing at least a couple of lines in Portuguese.
The official currency of Portugal is the euro. It is quite problematic to exchange rubles in the country; if you are traveling to Portugal with cash, it is better to exchange them in Russia. If you are carrying money on a bank card, then no problems will arise - the banking sector is very well developed in Portugal, there are ATMs and bank offices in any, even the most seedy village. However, you need to take into account that banks in Portugal close quite early - at 15:00.
ATMs in Brazil You can also pay with a bank card almost everywhere. Prices in Portugal are very affordable compared to other European countries. The spending budget for the day will be approximately 40-50 euros per person (travel, food, small expenses), budget-conscious tourists are even able to keep within 25-30 euros. You need to allocate additional amounts for the purchase of things and expensive excursions.
Lello Bookstore, Portugal You can view a detailed map of Portugal in Russian. The map shows attractions, museums and exhibitions, public transport stops, catering establishments and much more. There you can download the most interesting options to your mobile phone or gadget. Map provided by Google.
City of Cascais, Portugal How to get to Portugal?
You can fly directly to Portugal from Russia only by flight Moscow-Lisbon (departs once a week), but the ticket price is quite high. There are no direct regular flights to Portugal from other Russian cities. The flight can only be booked with a transfer in Europe; such a flight will cost you much less than a direct flight. From the regions there are inexpensive flights via Istanbul. You can also get there by train, but again with a transfer in one of the European cities.
Portela International Airport, Lisbon, Portugal There are international airports in Portugal in Lisbon (centre of the country), Faro (south coast) and Porto (north). The Portuguese islands can only be reached via Lisbon - there are daily direct domestic flights for a small price.
Airport in Faro, Portugal Which vacation to choose: beaches or cities?
Most tourists go to Portugal for sightseeing holidays. In terms of beauty and number of historical attractions, Portuguese cities are among the best in Europe. Sightseeing bus tours to several cities are very popular (there are one-day options, or for 2-4 days with an overnight stay in hotels along the route).
Obidos city, Portugal Beach holidays in Portugal are not as popular as excursion holidays. The coast of Portugal is made up of inaccessible cliffs, indented by small sandy bays. The waters of the Atlantic are rarely calm, not everyone dares to swim in them, and the swimming season is limited to a couple of months a year (from July to September). But even in these months, the water temperature rarely exceeds 20-22 degrees, since the cold currents of Gibraltar do not allow the water to warm up any more.
Beach in Albufeira, Portugal The best sandy beaches in Portugal are located in the south, in the Algarve region. This is the place to go if you are a lover of a lazy beach holiday. In the center of the country, near Lisbon, there are also several small resort towns (Cascais, Estoril, Carcavelos) with good beaches, but this area is more suitable for surfers - the waves here are too big for regular swimming. In the north of Portugal, beach holidays are not developed due to cold currents.
Beaches in Carcavelos, Portugal Regardless of what region of Portugal you are vacationing in and how good a swimmer you are, it’s worth going to the coast for a couple of days to at least just watch the ocean, feel its unique smell, and see all the power and beauty of the ocean surf. After all, Portugal is a country of the greatest geographical discoveries and first-class navigators, and you can only feel this craving for overseas shores at the edge of the ocean.
Ocean surf in Porto Covo, Portugal Lisbon and its surroundings: description of attractions
Lisbon (in Portuguese "Lisboa" - Lisboa) is the capital of Portugal, one of the oldest cities in Europe. In its lifetime, Lisbon has been under the rule of the Romans, Arabs, Crusader knights, Spaniards and Napoleon's troops. Each era of government has left its mark on Lisbon, which is why, historically and architecturally, Lisbon is a real treasure trove of discoveries for tourists.
View of Lisbon at night, Portugal Jeronimos Monastery was built and founded by the Portuguese King Manuel I as a thank you to God for the successful voyage of Vasco da Gama.
The great navigator discovered a sea route from Europe to India, from where expensive textiles and spices, which were worth their weight in gold in those days, poured into Portugal. The discovery of this route brought fabulous wealth to the crown of Portugal; in many ways, the construction of the monastery was carried out precisely with funds raised from the trade in Indian goods.
After construction, the monastery was given over to the Hieronymite monks, which is where it got its name. The monastery building houses the Maritime Museum, which tells about the times of the Great Geographical Discoveries. The official website of the monastery is www.mosteirojeronimos.pt, the website of the maritime museum is http://museu.marinha.pt
Jeronimos Monastery, Lisbon, Portugal Belem Tower (or Belen) built at the beginning of the 16th century as a fort to protect the city harbor and city buildings at the mouth of the Tagus River from pirate raids. Belem Tower was later used at various times as a prison, a lighthouse, an armory and a customs office. Official website of the tower www.torrebelem.pt
Belem Tower, Lisbon, Portugal St. George's Castle- This is the highest point in Lisbon. The castle walls can be seen from any area of the city. It was built during the reign of the Romans, then somewhat rebuilt during the times of the Crusader knights and Muslims. The castle served as the residence of the first king of Portugal, Afonso.
You can get to the castle on foot from Plaza Commerce in the center of Lisbon through the historical quarters. It is better to plan a walk for the whole day. In addition to antique objects and medieval interiors, inside the castle you will find an observation deck, several cafes, and you can take part in interactive entertainment, for example, learning how to shoot with a medieval crossbow.
Castle of St. George, Lisbon, Portugal Baixa District– the historical quarter of Lisbon, in which several significant attractions of the city are located:
- Triumphal Arch opens the pedestrian zone of Rua Augusta - a beautiful historical street and a great place for shopping
Rua Augusta, Lisbon, Portugal - Commerce Square– the main square of Lisbon, which offers stunning views of the Tagus River embankment. Street performers often perform on Commerce Square, festivals are held, and there is also a stop for excursion buses
Arc de Triomphe and Plaza Commerce in Lisbon, Portugal - Figueira Square Previously used as a site for the city market, it is now a tourist place, but fairs are still held in Figueira Square. One of the most interesting attractions of Figueira Square is the Hospital of Dolls - a museum-shop where old broken toys are accepted, put in order, and then sold to everyone.
Figueira Square, Lisbon, Portugal - Russio Square- a place of public executions and an arena for bullfights (the Portuguese call this entertainment “torada”). Fairs are often held on the square, the most beautiful of which is Christmas
Ruscio Square, Lisbon, Portugal - Elevador Santa Justa- a structure in the center of Lisbon in the form of a tower with a lifting passenger cabin inside. The elevator is used to quickly move between areas of Lisbon that are separated by too steep a slope. From the top of the elevator there is a panoramic view of the surrounding streets. You can use the elevator only during the day, there is a charge for travel
Elevador Santa Justa, Lisbon, Portugal - Ajuda Palace– royal palace, residence of Luís I. Currently, the palace operates as a museum; it displays a collection of paintings, royal porcelain, jewelry and interior items that belonged to the royal family. Official website of the museum http://www.palacioajuda.pt
Ajuda Palace, Lisbon, Portugal - Park of Nations- an entertainment district built for the world exhibition ESCPO. There is everything for a great time: entertainment centers and walking alleys, a casino and a cinema, the Teleferico cable car. On the territory of the Parc des Nations there is the Lisbon Oceanarium, where you can visit a unique attraction: “night with sharks”. Official website of the Lisbon Oceanarium: https://www.oceanario.pt/en
Oceanarium in Lisbon, Portugal - Tram number 28– perhaps the most popular tram route in the world. It is mentioned in every brochure as one of the main attractions of Lisbon. The tram route passes through the most beautiful corners of Old Lisbon, past the most famous attractions. The entire route will take about an hour.
Tram number 28, Lisbon, Portugal - The fare is the same as on any other route, because this is a regular city public transport line. If you buy a day pass, you can use tram number 28 instead of the Lisbon sightseeing bus: get off at each stop, take your time to see the sights, and go to the next station on the next tram
Tram number 28 in Lisbon, Portugal - National Carriage Museum– one of the most interesting museums in Lisbon. Here you can find unique, authentic examples of carriages from all over Europe. The museum is located in the premises of the riding school at the royal palace, official website of the museum: museudoscoches.pt
National Carriage Museum, Lisbon, Portugal - Vasco da Gama Bridge– one of the most recognizable places in Lisbon – the cable-stayed bridge, the longest bridge in Europe. The bridge is named after the great Portuguese navigator and is a kind of calling card of the city.
Vasco da Gama Bridge, Lisbon, Portugal Sintra and its attractions
Sintra is a city near Lisbon, one of the few cities in the world that is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (not individual buildings and structures, but the entire city). Sintra served for a long time as the summer residence of the kings of Portugal. Sintra also has a unique tram route running from the city to the coast.
Old fortress walls of Sintra, Portugal Pena Palace- a royal palace, with its outlines and colors somewhat reminiscent of a cartoon castle. The palace was built on the site of an ancient monastery destroyed during an earthquake.
Initially, the architect planned to build a palace on the model of German and Bavarian castles, but King Ferdinand, who ordered the construction, very actively intervened in the original construction plans, and added to the project everything that seemed to come into his head at that time.
As a result, the palace is woven from completely incompatible styles and elements and painted in rather original colors. This is precisely what makes it a completely unique structure of its kind.
Pena Palace in Sintra, Portugal Quinta da Regaleira) – an estate and a park of the same name around it. The owner of Quinta da Regaleira, according to rumors, belonged to one of the powerful Masonic lodges and traced his ancestry to the Knights Templar. The park is replete with mystical structures and Masonic signs, the most famous of which is the Well of Initiation.
Well of Initiation in Sintra, Portugal Cape Rock- the most extreme point of the Eurasian continent, which can be reached from Sintra by bus. A very strong wind always blows at Cape Roca, and its direction is constantly changing, and the gusts can sometimes knock you off your feet. You should be extremely careful, especially when you are standing at the rocky edge of the cape: you never know where the next gust of wind will come from and how strong it will be. In winter, visiting Cape Roca is not at all safe for life.
Cape Roca near Sintra, Portugal Montserrat Palace- a luxurious villa for the court nobility, which Byron sang in his poem “Child Harold’s Pilgrimage” (this is why the Montserrat Palace is especially popular among English tourists). The villa acquired its modern appearance thanks to the investments of the English industrialist and philanthropist Francis Cook.
Montserrat Palace in Sintra, Portugal National Palace of Sintra, popularly referred to as the “village”, was for a long time the summer castle of the kings of Portugal. As befits a country house, the Sintra Palace is small in size and has modest interiors compared to city palaces, but nevertheless, this royal building is considered one of the most important attractions of the city.
National Palace of Sintra, Portugal North of Portugal: Porto
Porto is the second largest city in Portugal. It was Porto that gave the name to the whole country, since in Roman times the city was called Portus Cale.
City of Porto, Portugal Ribeira area– a very colorful historical district of Porto, the main tourist attraction of the city. Ribeira's houses are painted in bright colors, many decorated with traditional Portuguese Azulejo pottery. It is difficult to describe in words the charm of this area. The narrow cobbled streets have a completely unique atmosphere; local cafes and restaurants that offer excellent port wine and local cuisine add color to them.
Ribeira district in Porto, Portugal Church of Sao Francisco– one of the most beautiful in the city. The church looks quite unusual by the standards of Catholic religious canons: it is decorated with unique wooden carvings, reminiscent of the work of Russian architects. The dome and walls of the church are painted with scenes from biblical scenes, but in the drawings it is much more common not to see the faces of Saints, but to depict animals and plants.
Interior interiors of the Church of Sao Francisco in Porto, Portugal Due to the unusual and too bright interior decor of the church, the Catholic clergy refused to use the church for prayer services, and now it is a museum open to the public. In addition to the church itself, those who wish can visit the neighboring catacombs - the burial place of townspeople in the 18th-19th centuries.
Church of Sao Francisco in Porto, Portugal Luis I Bridge– one of the most unusual structures in Porto and an excellent observation deck. The bridge has two levels, both with walkways. The bridge offers simply stunning views of the banks of the Douro River. The bridge itself as an architectural structure also deserves a separate photo: this impressively sized structure was made in the style of Eiffel by one of his students.
Luis I Bridge in Porto, Portugal Porto Cathedral- a place that is unique not so much architecturally as historically. It is from this building that the city of Porto originates: the first construction of the church served more as a fortress than a Catholic church, around which the city of Porto gradually began to grow.
Another well-known historical fact: Henry the Navigator, a member of the Portuguese royal family and organizer of many sea expeditions of the era of the Great Geographical Discoveries, was baptized in the Porto Cathedral.
Porto Cathedral, Portugal Guimarães Castle– a medieval defensive fortress near Porto. At various times, the fortress belonged to the most famous kings of Portugal, served as a fortification during numerous defensive wars and as a gloomy medieval prison. Currently, the Guimmarais Fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Guimarães Castle near Porto, Portugal Faro and Algarve region
Faro is a small city in the south of Portugal, the capital of the Algarve region. The city has a very rich and interesting history, which intertwines the times of Roman rule, Arab conquerors, numerous pirate raids and the Knights of the Reconquista.
View of the city and port of Faro at night, Portugal Chapel of Bones- a church whose walls and internal armaments were built from the human bones of monks and ordinary townspeople. Despite the eerie decoration, this construction decision has a completely prosaic explanation.
The church belonged to the order of Franciscan monks, which was popularly called the “mendicant order,” since the Franciscans took a vow of disinterestedness and did not have the right to acquire personal property, much less accumulate wealth. Having no funds to build a church, as well as money to buy land for burying their dead brothers, the monks found an original way out of the situation in the form of this building.
Chapel of Bones in Faro, Portugal Old town of Faro– an interesting historical area where you can find a lot of small local attractions, narrow cobbled streets, family restaurants with a long history and unique pictures of the life of local residents who have been adhering to family traditions for centuries. Faro's Old Town has the stunning atmosphere of a typical seaside town that has lost track of time.
Faro Cathedral, Portugal Moorish castle in Silves is an Arab-style fortress in the middle of orange and tangerine plantations. Next to the castle there is an archaeological museum with a rich collection of finds from Paleolithic times to the present day.
Moorish castle in Silves, Portugal Albufeira- a small ancient fishing town built in the Moorish style. The city has several historical museums of local importance, the remains of an ancient Arab mosque, the 12th-century fortress of Castelo de Almoada and the Marine Animal Park, which hosts regular performances of dolphins and fur seals.
Albufeira city, Portugal Fort Baleira– the remains of an old fortification near the city of Sagres. The fortress was built to protect against pirate raids, which haunted local fishermen and whalers. However, this fortress did not stop the pirates from raiding. As a result, the fort was destroyed by the team of the legendary sea robber Francis Drake and was never rebuilt.
Fort near the city of Sagres, Portugal Cathedral of Santa Maria do Castelo is a beautiful ancient church in the city of Tavira, which has been awarded the status of a national monument of the Algarve. The church has a unique collection of religious objects and jewelry from the 15th to 18th centuries. The church also preserves several tombstones with the remains of the crusader knights of the Order of St. James.
Cathedral of Santa Maria do Castelo, Portugal Silves Cathedral for a long time served as the main diocesan center of the entire Algarve region. The church is a typical example of the Catholic style of Portugal: whitewashed walls and a red sandstone frame. Inside the church you can find interesting burials of wealthy citizens from different centuries.
Silves Cathedral, Portugal Features of choosing hotels in Portugal
The cost of living in Portugal cannot be called cheap. There are not many inexpensive 2*-3* hotels here; they can mainly be found in Lisbon. In the resort area, 4*-5* hotels predominate, especially in the suburbs of Lisbon, in the Cascais-Estoril-Carcavelos areas.
Avenida Palace Hotel in Lisbon, Portugal If you need inexpensive housing, you can look for a place in a hostel or campsite - this type of accommodation is in greater demand in Portugal than in neighboring European countries. You can also find good options on the Airbnb website, where apartment owners offer their services directly (tip: look for apartments and apartments on the outskirts, not in the city center - you will save on price).
Tattva Design Hostel in Porto, Portugal Very popular accommodation options are in rural houses, estates and inns. This type of holiday is in great demand among Europeans, as it involves healthy country food, a lot of outdoor entertainment (horse riding, petting farms, excursions to vineyards) and a warm home welcome. The main problem may be lack of knowledge of the language, but with the help of a phrasebook and expressive gestures, the language barrier can be overcome.
Estate "Casas Caiadas", Portugal Another accommodation option is “pouzada” hotels - historical buildings (medieval monasteries, castles, palaces of the local nobility) restored and converted into upscale hotels. Staying in such hotels will leave a very vivid impression, but the prices here will be very high, and only very wealthy tourists can afford this option.
Pousada Palmela Historic Hotel, Portugal Transport and food in Portugal
Transport in Portugal
Metro station in Lisbon, Portugal In addition to the metro, Lisbon and Porto have bus, funicular and tram lines. The most convenient way is to buy a single pass for all types of transport. This pass is purchased separately for each passenger; you can use it as much as you like, since it is refillable.
Transport map in Portugal Travel cards are sold in vending machines at metro stations, at post offices, and at magazine kiosks. The advantage of buying a card from a machine: there are inscriptions in English. When purchasing a pass in other places, the seller may not speak English, which will cause communication difficulties.
The trip is considered paid only after you touch the card to a special device inside the vehicle - these are small devices with a round reader in the center and a small screen at the top.
When you touch the pass to the reader, the green indicator above the screen should light up, and the screen will display the remaining number of trips, the amount of money remaining on the card, or the expiration date of the pass.
If the red indicator above the screen lights up, it means you do not have enough funds on your card to pay for the fare. You should be careful and replenish the amount on the card in a timely manner, since in Portugal there are inspectors quite often.
How to pay for travel in Portugal In small towns, in the suburbs of Lisbon and on the Algarve coast, it is most convenient to use buses or a rented car. Bus tickets can be purchased from the driver or from special vending machines.
Bus service in the Algarve is not very convenient, as there are many seasonal routes that often change schedules and traffic patterns. In addition, buses only run until 6-7 pm; later you will only have a taxi at your disposal.
Rede Expressos bus in Portugal Buses stop at stops only at the request of the passenger. To stop the bus, you need to raise your hand, otherwise it might pass by. If you need to get off the bus, you need to inform the driver about this by pressing the red button on the handrail inside the cabin.
In addition to the bus, you can use commuter trains to travel between small towns. Tickets are sold at stations; when selling, the cashier may ask for your passport. Trains run strictly on schedule. If you board the train at a station where there is no station (this happens in very small cities), then you can buy a ticket from the conductor.
The official website of the Portuguese Railways can be viewed.
Train station in Lisbon, Portugal Food in Portugal
Most often, hotels in Portugal offer their guests only breakfast, so you will have to decide on lunch and dinner yourself. In any, even the smallest city in Portugal, you can easily find where to eat.
Street cafe in Lisbon, Portugal Coffee and a sandwich will cost you 2-3 euros. For a regular lunch or dinner in a cafe (hot food and drink) you will have to pay 12-15 euros per person. Prices in restaurants start from 25 euros, and lunch in a restaurant with live music costs more than in an establishment without it. Prices for a bottle of local wine vary from 2-3 euros to infinity (it all depends on the brand and class of the drink).
Restaurant in Porto, Portugal The cuisine of Portugal is similar to the national cuisine of the Mediterranean: a lot of greens, vegetables, seafood and olive oil are a must. The dishes are mostly simple but filling. Very large portions. The most popular drink is young Portuguese wine.
Be careful! Often in restaurants and cafes they may put food on your table that you did not order (cold meats, cheese, pastries). Such dishes are not a compliment to the establishment; you will have to pay for them. If you don't intend to spend more than you ordered, don't touch these treats - even if you try one or two pieces, you'll have to pay for the whole plate.
National cuisine of Portugal If you intend to cook yourself, the food will cost you even less. You can buy any food in local supermarkets. Moreover, the smaller the town, the lower the prices.
Products with expiring dates are placed in special baskets and a discount is given, the amount of which depends on how quickly the product will spoil. In addition, supermarkets often have sales on a certain category of products; the discount can reach 30% of the original cost.
(in August, September or April, May - it doesn’t matter) is becoming more and more popular. And this is not at all surprising, because this country, first of all, is an object of sheer delight, and you can talk about it for a long time and without interruption.
True, it is very difficult to choose colors that can convey at least a fraction of the emotions evoked by the capes, cliffs and bays of the west coast. Try for yourself, after returning from an unforgettable trip, to describe the sound of the surf, the beauty of the plains of Alentejo or the grape valleys of Douro, the smell of fried sardines in Porto, Fado music or the blow of the wind soaked in Arabian exoticism in the Algarve. But these are just small strokes to the wonderful picture called Portugal! To visit here means to visit another - bright and unforgettable world.
Let's go there together!
Everything is there for a great holiday!
In September, the weather in Portugal is practically no different from summer: the temperature does not drop below 25°C. At this time, you can perfectly relax on the beaches of the country, where all the conditions have been created for this. The water warms up to 20°C, and the weather pleases with moderate warmth and an abundance of sunny days.
If you don't like or can't stand the heat, a holiday in Portugal in September will be the best choice for you. It is no wonder that this season is becoming increasingly popular among holidaymakers.
By the way, at the beginning of autumn the country celebrates perhaps the most important holiday - the grape harvest. In all the cities and towns of the birthplace of Madeira and port, fun festivals and folk celebrations are held, participation in which, of course, will leave an indelible mark on the heart of the tourist. In addition, this month falls at the height of the fishing season, which will allow vacationers to take part in the exciting action.
For those who just want to soak up the warm sand, the hospitable country will offer hundreds of excellent places to relax.
Portugal: sea off the Lisbon Riviera
This country can immediately be called one of the most environmentally impeccable in the whole world. And this, you see, cannot but be especially attractive for many thousands of tourists who want to visit it. And the most unforgettable experience that Portugal can give you is a holiday at sea.
And it, in turn, cannot be imagined without the Lisbon Riviera, stretching north along the Atlantic coast from the mouth of the Tagus. This area is considered aristocratic. It is decorated with villas immersed in a sea of greenery, impeccable golf courses, small cozy beaches and very colorful villages.
Let's go to the Riviera
Once founded by the Romans, the city of Estoril was a gloomy place for the exile of crowned persons, but now it is a sunny, fashionable resort, home to the best beaches in Portugal, pleasing the eye with many churches, restaurants, shops and the largest casino in Europe.
And Cascais, famous all over the world, is the largest tourism center. The old part of the city is especially attractive with numerous cafes, a racing track, a city park and the Aristocrat's castle. Visit the Maritime Museum, the Condes de Castro Guimaraes Museum, the churches of Nossa Senhora doj Nvegantes (18th century) and the Assumption, as well as the chapels of San Sebastian (16th century) and Nossa Senhora da Guia (15th century). V.).
But don’t ignore the sand dunes of Guinsha with their beach, because all this is just a dream for those who love windsurfing!
Let's visit the Algarve!
And the Algarve province, unlike anything else in the country, is especially attractive. In it, the entire coast is divided into many resorts, diverse in landscapes, coastline features and architecture, which vying with each other to invite vacationers to enjoy their uniqueness and all the benefits of civilization for a great time.
The Algarve is perhaps the main resort area offering the best beaches in Portugal. This is a long strip, 150 km long, that allows a large number of tourists to bask in the sun at the same time.
These beaches are reliably protected from northern winds by mountains. In the west you can enjoy the unique rocky ridges, absolutely indescribable in beauty, and in the east you can feel the silkiness of fine golden sand.
Holidays in the Algarve
The beaches of the Algarve (Portugal) are an ideal place for those who love holidays. There is everything you need for a carefree and pleasant stay at the resort: hotels, apartments, casinos, restaurants and discos.
The Algarve has Europe's largest yacht club. Lovers of water sports come here. But fans of golf, tennis and athletics will also find something to do in this not at all provincial province. As you can see, here you can indulge in both active recreation and complete blissful beach time.
Where can you stay in the Algarve?
For a truly luxurious holiday that meets all the rules, Algarve hotels are perfect. Portugal offers literally everything that, according to the average tourist, a resort town should have. Hotels in the southern part of the country offer excellent service, a wide range of entertainment and comfort.
Most of them have their own swimming pools, the rooms usually have furnished sunbathing terraces, air conditioning, TVs and hairdryers. Daily housekeeping, complimentary continental breakfasts, and on-site shops and restaurants round out the resort's amenities. Agree that such a set is unlikely to leave any of the vacationers indifferent, as evidenced by the many enthusiastic reviews.
Of course, choosing a hotel is an important component of any vacation. In the Algarve, each of them is unique in its own way, as it tries to attract tourists. But all hotels are united by a special hospitality and comfort that greets each of the guests: well-groomed grounds, spacious rooms, and newlyweds on their honeymoon, also bouquets of flowers.
Meet Madeira!
A map of Portugal with resorts and amazing places to visit would be incomplete without mentioning another wonderful place in this country - the island of Madeira. The Portuguese call it the place of endless spring. It smells of forest, fish, honey and flowers. The sky above it is devoid of clouds, and the whole island looks like a huge, wondrous garden.
The capital of this autonomous region of Portugal - the city of Funchal - descends like a huge amphitheater from the mountains directly to the ocean shore. There are several famous botanical gardens in the city and its surroundings, among them the orchid garden. And if you take the funicular to the top of Monte, your eyes wide open with delight will see a stunning picture: a city hugging the ocean. By the way, you can go down on a wicker sled, which for many years served as almost the only means of transport for local residents.
Holidays in Madeira
By the way, every year at the beginning of May a carnival of flowers is held on the island - an amazing holiday that attracts tourists from all over the world. And for those who appreciate wine, the island will offer its own timeless drink - Madeira.
But the concept of a “beach” holiday on this island is very conditional. Since it is of volcanic origin and rises above the ocean, having almost no gentle slopes anywhere. Beaches in Madeira are mostly being replaced with special concrete platforms with stairs leading down into the ocean. But you can still, while traveling around the island, find wonderful small beaches with sand heated by the sun.
For those who love hiking, Madeira is a real paradise: the landscapes are breathtaking and begging to be captured in your camera, and the air is so clean and healing that you want to breathe it in for future use! No matter what Portugal offers you in this fabulous place - a holiday at sea or travel by land - believe me, it will all be wonderful!
All of Portugal will welcome you warmly
However, what can we talk about if all of Portugal is one of the oldest resorts in Europe. Here you can find hotels that are over 100 years old! Of course, they look like palaces, for example, Reid`s Palace 5* deluxe (Madeira Island) or Olissippo Lara Palace 5* (Lisbon). Their walls are decorated with paintings by famous masters and portraits of celebrities who have honored the hotels with their attention.
The highlight and local know-how are former estates and architectural monuments converted into hotels. Portugal thus managed to preserve them, and even receive an annual profit from the “pousadas” restored using the most modern technical achievements (as similar hotels are called in the country).
True, ultra-modern hotels are no less in demand here. Their database is constantly supplemented and updated. So the choice is yours!
Holidays can be very varied
It should be noted right away that entertainment in Portugal is very diverse, and you won’t have to rack your brains about how to spend your next day. Theatres, classical or modern music halls, all kinds of festivals and shows open their doors to tourists hungry for a cultural holiday.
Tourism organizations usually publish monthly calendars of cultural events, which helps visitors navigate this abundance of offers.
For example, one of the major international events is the Algarve Summer Festival, which attracts musical groups and performers who are famous all over the world. One cannot fail to note the Portuguese carnivals dedicated to the Virgin Mary and the saints. The best of them takes place in the Algarve, and thousands of people flock here to be part of this multicolor, which will continue for three days.
Portuguese bullfight
When describing a holiday in Portugal in September, one cannot fail to mention bullfighting. From spring to autumn, the cities of Santarem, Corusci and Vila Franca de Scira host annual fairs with a unique spectacle - bullfighting.
You can immediately notice that in Portugal they do not kill bulls in the arena. In this country, the spectacle mentioned is primarily a demonstration of courage, dexterity and excellent dressage. By the way, there is one more feature in Portuguese bullfighting: there are no professional bullfighters. In the arena, in their role you will see ordinary clerks, waiters and workers.
Westernmost coast
This country even stands apart on the map, demonstrating to the whole world its separateness, its dissimilarity from the rest of the old and so understandable Europe. Turning away from the continent, Portugal peers into the Atlantic Ocean.
A seaside holiday here cannot be imagined without visiting Cape Roca - the westernmost point of Europe. By the way, tourists who have visited here are given a certificate about this.
In this place, on a memorial stele standing on the shore, the words are imprinted: “Here the land ends and the ocean begins,” belonging to the great Portuguese poet Comuens. But it’s true that the person standing on the cape will be the last in Europe to see the setting sun! Can you imagine?
And, goodbye, Sintra
Eighteen kilometers from the poetic land of Europe is the beautiful ancient city of Sintra - the summer residence of kings. This is perhaps the most visited place by tourists in Portugal.
Royal palaces filled with exciting secrets and exciting stories, monasteries, parks full of wonders, fortresses, golden beaches of the Atlantic, and simply observation decks with amazing views - this is just a small list of the attractions of this coastal city.
By the way, despite the small number of inhabitants (there are only a little more than 30,000 of them in Sintra), the city is the recognized cultural capital of the country.
Who said that Portugal is a seaside holiday and nothing more?
In Sintra, an old tram that has been carrying passengers since the beginning of the last century will take you to the coast, to the coveted beach. But don't jump straight into the silky sand! After all, you still need to see the Castle of the Moors, the Pena Palace, the amazing and mysterious park of the Quinta de Regaleira estate, conceived as the embodiment of heaven on earth, the Capuchin monastery and the Montserrat Palace.
But that's not all! Can you imagine? And we are talking about only one city! And how many must-see places there are in this beautiful, unusual country, which mixes exotic beauty with European restraint! No, you will understand, you cannot come here just once. You need to come to this country again and again. And only then will it be possible to say: “I know something about Portugal!”
Portugal is a European country with a very rich history. Despite the fact that it occupies a very small territory on the map of the globe, its tourism opportunities are great. This includes a large number of resorts aimed at completely different audiences, beautiful cities with interesting sights. Great opportunities for eco tourism.
Portugal has a well-developed transport network, so those who want to travel around the country on their own will have no problems getting around. These include buses and Alpha train express trains, which transport passengers between cities in a short period of time. Another very pleasant thing about this country is the hospitality of the local residents, who are always ready to meet you halfway, help, and give advice. A feature of the mentality of citizens is politeness, goodwill, and the motto is always to smile in any situation. Therefore, it is always pleasant to come to Portugal; most tourists who have visited this beautiful country return here again.
Map of Portugal.
Resorts of Portugal and their features.
Algarve- the most popular and respectable resort in the southern part of Portugal. Most often, tourists choose it as a vacation. It has the most luxurious beaches and cleanest ocean water compared to all of Europe. There are never strong waves in the Algarve, so this is a real paradise for lovers of calm swimming and families with children. The advantage of the resort is its excellent climate; there is no extreme heat here. In the Algarve, tourists will find a large selection of hotels from the simplest to the luxury.
This place is perfect for families with children of all ages. The beaches in the Algarve are sandy, many of them equipped with children's playgrounds. The rich infrastructure of the resort will offer a lot of entertainment such as: water parks, boat trips, bullfighting, sea animal shows, shark hunting, hiking, grottoes, ancient fortresses, the opportunity to visit countries such as Spain and Morocco.
Algarve coast.
Madeira Island- a very interesting place, perfect for recreation for active tourists who love to learn something new. And also for sports lovers, such as paragliding, rock climbing, mountain biking, horse riding, tennis. Also in Madeira you can go surfing, scuba diving, fishing, and water skiing. On the island of Madeira there are practically no isolated beaches, rocky shores are almost everywhere, and the depth begins directly from the shore. Therefore, most hotels have seawater swimming pools. Madeira is an excellent place for hiking, it has rich potential in terms of nature, mountains, waterfalls, all kinds of caves, narrow paths along panoramic cliffs. When going here even in summer, if you plan to go up, take a warm sweater with you.
Madeira Island.
Lisbon - Lisbon Riviera- tourists love to relax in this place; there are several resorts related to the Riviera, but Cascais and Estoril are considered the best. There are gorgeous sandy beaches with clear sea water here. A large number of restaurants for every taste and budget, hotels of any star rating. Young people love to visit these places because the nightlife here is very active. I don’t recommend staying in Lisbon itself, the capital of Portugal; it’s best to visit it during an excursion. The city is large, crowded, and in the midst of summer there is absolutely nothing to do here.
Lisbon.
Lisbon Riviera.
Azores- Lately they have become popular among tourists, but for now it’s true among European tourists. Holidays here are extremely quiet and relaxing. The Azores consists of 9 islands. Here you can also go diving and watch dolphins and sperm whales. Teysera Island is famous for its natural, healing geysers; there are ancient forts and castles here. Pico Island attracts tourists with its volcano (height 2350 meters), as well as the presence of ancient churches of historical value.
The Azores are a high-quality beach holiday mixed with eco-tourism and active recreation.