Be Global | Immigration & Real Estate | Golden Visa Portugal

9 best Portugal holiday destinations – and when to travel to each one

admin_fotoarte — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 10:12:46 +0000

Must-visit destinations in this sublime slice of the Iberian Peninsula

Though a relatively small country, Portugal has a culture, history and landscape that can rival anywhere in Europe.

The continent’s westernmost country has several enviable features, from a mild climate and a privileged location on the edge of the Atlantic to incredibly varied natural landscapes alongside characterful towns and cities.

Capital Lisbon is a perennially popular choice, while second city Porto is gaining ground as more people visit for a weekend by the waters of the Douro. The Algarve’s magnificent beaches remain a draw for many, but tourists are starting to explore pastures new further into the Atlantic as the wild beauty of the autonomous islands of Madeira and the Azores begins to attract more visitors.

With such a range of destinations, it can be difficult to choose exactly where to visit on your Portuguese getaway, so we’ve rounded up some of the best towns, cities and regions to get you inspired.

News Font: https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/europe/portugal/best-portugal-holiday-destinations-b2384913.html

Portugal: your next travel destination

admin_fotoarte — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 10:12:13 +0000

Portugal has 7 regions, which means that it has a lot to visit and discover, but there are more reasons to make it a good choice and to be on the list of trips to do in life.

The country’s history and culture, gastronomy and wines, are among the main attractions, not to mention the beaches, surfing, golf, the varied landscapes and, above all, the Portuguese people, who are seen as affable, open and sincere.

Many guides, travel writers, bloggers and media outlets around the world who specialise in travel and tourism recognise that Portugal is still a top choice for a holiday. And do you know why Portugal has been in the spotlight? Here we offer several reasons to visit the country.

1. The cities, Lisbon and Porto

If you have only a few days, Lisbon and Porto are two very attractive cities, just a few hours flight from most major European cities. Both are bathed by a river that gives them a characteristic and different environment. They are hospitable places with their historic neighbourhoods and streets with tiled façades, to get to know by day or enjoy on a night out, along with examples of modern architecture and urban art, and they also have a really diverse and creative cultural agenda. Lisbon is a city with a special radiance, which comes from the Tagus river and the proximity of the sea. Porto, an ancient city, whose historic centre has been classified as World Heritage, is the point of arrival of the River Douro, on whose valley slopes the famous Port wine is cultivated.

2. Sun, Beach and Sea
The presence of the Atlantic Ocean and the climate, with very sunny summers and mild winters make Portugal a holiday destination renowned for sun and sea and walks on the beach throughout the year. In fact, the Portuguese coast is almost a single beach extending more than 850 km and offering a diversity of landscapes that allows you to choose between the rougher and cooler sea in the north and the warm, placid waters of the south. There are large stretches of golden sand for those who love an expansive horizon, and also little coves with orange tinted rocks and cliffs. Of the wide variety of beaches, more than 300 have first rate conditions and earn the accolade of Blue Flag beaches. Nearly 200 are accessible beaches.

3. Walking and cycling trips
The Natural Parks and Reserves, Geoparks and Biosphere Reserves recognised by UNESCO have ensured that Portugal is also a destination very appreciated for enjoying outdoor activities, whether they are more contemplative, such as bird watching, or more extreme, like canyoning. In the last few years, following nature trails on foot or by bike has been a good choice for those who like to combine physical exercise and contact with the local culture.

4. Paths of Faith
But the paths that are followed are also an encounter with spirituality. The Portuguese Road to Santiago and the Paths of Fátima are increasingly sought out by those who like walking a purpose, focusing on knowledge, nature and culture.
Portugal is also seen as an important centre of Marian devotion. The Shrine of Fátima, which celebrated the Centenary of the Apparitions of Our Lady in May 2017, is its greatest exponent, attracting thousands of visitors from around the globe every year.

5. Surfing
On the mainland and in the archipelagos of Madeira and the Azores alike, it is easy to see that Portugal offers ideal conditions for surfing. Surfers of all types find on the Portuguese coast the largest number of spots with the least distance between them, where they compete in events from the most important championships in the world, like the Rip Curl Pro Portugal.
There are perfect tubular waves in Peniche, giant waves in Nazareth [Nazaré], and the longest in Europe in Figueira da Foz. Ericeira, meanwhile, was the 1st Surfing Reserve in Europe and 2nd at world level. So you see, you can come to Portugal a number of times and always get a different wave!

6. Golf
In recent years, Portugal has consecutively won the award for best golf destination in Europe and the world, at the World Golf Awards. Something that is not to be wondered at if we remember that the climate of Portugal is gentle throughout the year. In addition, in the Algarve and Lisbon regions in particular, quite a number of courses have won several awards and you will find good challenges there, as well as being able to attend some major events of the sport’s professional tours.

Many golf courses have been designed by renowned architects like Robert Trent Jones, Rocky Roquemore, Sir Henry Cotton, Arnold Palmer, among others. However, what best defines them is their unquestionable quality and scenic beauty, as they are often in unspoilt areas and have the sea as a backdrop.

7. World Heritage
The UNESCO classifications in Portugal portray the history and culture of the country, its people and the peoples that have inhabited the land since time immemorial. Monasteries and convents of historic and artistic importance, outstanding monuments, historic centres, cultural landscapes, which offer some of the most beautiful natural scenery in Portugal, were considered by UNESCO as being a part of World Heritage.
The list is completed with icons that define a people’s way of being in their moments of celebration, Fado, the Cante Alentejano [Alentejo singing] and the Mediterranean diet. And also with arts and crafts that are part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, such as the manufacture of rattles, the manufacture of the black pottery of Bisalhães, the art of the Royal Falconry, the manufacture of clay dolls in Estremoz, and celebrations such as the Carnival of Podence and the Community Festivities of Campo Maior.
A visit to these Portuguese contributions to world history are a must and a good excuse to get to know the country from north to south.

8. Read Portugal
Portuguese authors can be good travel guides, through the stories and the memory of the places they visit. Pass by the cities and mountains described by Eça de Queiroz, enchant yourself with the idyllic scenery of the Douro Valley that inspired so many Portuguese writers or discover the sea pleasence described by Raul Brandão. In Lisbon, follow the preferred paths of Fernando Pessoa or José Saramago to get to know the city. In a literary itinerary or in a special place for those who like books, travel… and read Portugal.

9. Gastronomy
Portuguese gastronomy is greatly appreciated and usually leaves good memories. The country’s location and the proximity of the Atlantic explain the prominence which is given to fish and seafood. These taste even better when enjoyed on the seafront in the pleasant Portuguese sun, with the addition of a huge variety of top quality table wines. The Mediterranean diet is one of its most remarkable characteristics, with olive oil, vegetables and herbs much in evidence.
Port wine has been a great ambassador of Portugal for centuries, and nowadays it is accompanied by other genuinely Portuguese products, like the pastel de nata [custard tart] and conventual confectionery.
The mastery of talented chefs has also raised our cooking to the heights of the best cuisines in the world.

10. The Wines
Choose a Portuguese wine to accompany you in the discovery of the country. Surprise yourself with Portuguese wines, relaxing at the end of the day, after a walk in nature, after enjoying a piece of art or architecture or during a good show. There are combinations that are perfect. Discover how the wine pairs with Portugal on www.portuguesewinetourism.com.

11. The People…
One of the things that tourists notice most when they visit us, is the hospitality and friendliness of the Portuguese, who are always ready to help if they are stopped on the street and asked for information. Perhaps it is the sun which gives us a good disposition, to welcome anyone, wherever they’re from…

The 11 best places to visit in Portugal

admin_fotoarte — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 10:11:36 +0000

Lisbon and Porto may get a lot of love, but there’s so much more to Portugal than its captivating historic cities.

From golden beaches and mountainous peaks to lush river valleys, every region has its own diverse highlights across this small Iberian nation.

Finding the best places to go here depends largely on your own interests. If you’re after sun-kissed beaches and aquatic adventures, head to the Algarve; for historic architecture-filled towns with a rich, traditional dining scene, aim for Évora. Start planning your itinerary now with our 11 favorite places to visit in Portugal.

1. Lisbon

Best for nightlife

Seven iconic hills overlook Lisbon‘s postcard-perfect panorama of cobbled alleyways, white-domed cathedrals and grand civic squares – a captivating scene crafted over centuries.

The Portuguese capital is packed with things to do, from browsing galleries (including the Museu Nacional do Azulejo with its trove of ceramic tiles) and exploring castles (such as the hilltop Castelo de São Jorge) to satisfying your sweet tooth with the city’s incredible pastéis de nata (custard tarts).

By night, Lisbon’s party people take over, filling old-school drinking dens, brassy jazz clubs and open-all-night clubs that burst into life once the sun goes down.

Planning tip: Lisbon has an emerging craft beer scene that you can experience at the city’s breweries and bars.

Read more: Where locals go on vacation in Portugal

2. Douro Valley

Best place to drink wine

One of Portugal’s most beautiful areas lies just east of Porto. Here, the meandering Rio Douro flows past towering hillsides covered by the steeply terraced vineyards that make up Europe’s oldest demarcated wine region. Whether you come by boat, train or car to the Douro Valley, you’ll be rewarded with astonishing views at every turn, especially as you near the lovely village of Pinhão in the heart of the region.

Planning tip: Many travelers dash in on a quick day trip, but to make the most of the region, spend the night at one of the vineyard-surrounded guesthouses in the area, such as Quinta Nova or the Casa Cimeira.

3. Óbidos

Best hilltop village

Wandering the tangle of ancient streets in the historic town of Óbidos is enchanting at any time of year, but come during one of its festivals and you’re in for a special treat. Whether you fancy the idea of a mock-up jousting match at a medieval fair or delving into the written word at Folio – Portugal’s biggest international literature festival – you couldn’t ask for a better backdrop.

4. Sintra

Best for a fantastical escape

Less than an hour by train from the capital Lisbon, Sintra feels like another world. It’s a great day trip away from the city hubbub. Like a setting from a fairy tale, this historic hillside township is sprinkled with stone-walled taverns and lorded over by a multicolored palace.

Forested hillsides form the backdrop to this storybook setting, with imposing castles, mystical gardens, strange mansions and centuries-old monasteries hidden among the trees. The fog that sweeps in by night adds another layer of mystery.

Planning tip: Chilly evenings are best spent by the fire in one of Sintra’s many charming B&Bs.

5. Setúbal Peninsula

Best for wild, cliff-backed beaches

South of Lisbon, the Setúbal Peninsula has long been the weekend playground of Lisboetas (Lisbon residents). A ferry ride, followed by a short bus or bicycle ride, takes you to the Costa da Caparica, a seemingly endless beachfront that gets wilder and less crowded the further south you go. If you want a surf lesson, some downtime on the sands, or a meal overlooking the lapping waves, this is the place to come.

If you’re seeking a bit more solitude, head down to the Parque Natural da Arrábida at the southern end of the peninsula. Here, you’ll find cliffs covered with thick vegetation, picturesque coves and beaches such as Praia do Portinho da Arrábida, with fine sand, azure waters, and the ruins of an ancient site that dates back to Roman times.

6. Évora

Best for historical architecture

The heart of the Alentejo region, Évora is one of Portugal’s most beautifully preserved medieval towns, and it’s an enchanting place to spend a couple of days. Inside the 14th-century walls, narrow, winding lanes lead to striking monuments, including an elaborate medieval cathedral, Roman ruins and a picturesque town square.

But this isn’t a musty museum piece – Évora is also a lively university town, and its many restaurants serve up some excellent, hearty Alentejan cuisine.

7. Porto

Best for urban exploring

It would be hard to dream up a more romantic city than Porto. Portugal’s second-largest urban center is laced with narrow pedestrian lanes, baroque churches and cafe-dotted plazas, leading the eye down to the Douro River and its landmark bridges. Needless to say, there’s no shortage of great experiences here. Start in the Ribeira district – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – then cross the bridge to explore centuries-old port wineries in Vila Nova de Gaia, where you can sip the world’s best port.

You can also learn about Porto’s history (both the drink and the city) and other facets of Portuguese identity at the World of Wine, a sprawling complex of museums, restaurants and bars overlooking the city. Though Porto is defined by its air of dignified history, modern architecture, cosmopolitan dining, vibrant nightlife and artistic activity are injecting new life into the city.

8. The Minho

Best for traditional villages and wilderness trails

The Portuguese have a special fondness for the Minho, a verdant region of vineyard-covered valleys, mountainous wilds, isolated beaches and picturesque river towns that seem little changed by time. The gateway to the region is Braga, a city with Roman ruins, a fabled medieval cathedral, and tranquil flower-trimmed plazas sprinkled with outdoor cafes and restaurants.

Further north, you’ll find Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês, a vast, rugged wilderness of dramatic peaks, meandering streams and frozen-in-time stone villages. Dozens of hiking trails crisscross the reserve, taking walkers past old Roman roads, castle ruins or sparkling waterfalls.

Planning tip: If you’re here in summer, cool down in the idyllic swimming holes – these are among the best places to be in Portugal during the hot weather.

9. Coimbra

Best for a student vibe

Portugal’s most atmospheric college town, Coimbra, rises steeply from the Rio Mondego, and its handsome medieval quarter houses one of Europe’s oldest universities. Students roam the narrow streets clad in black capes, while the sound of fado (Portugal’s soulful traditional style of music) drifts through the Moorish town gates towards the stained-glass windows of the historic Café Santa Cruz.

Planning tip: Grown-ups may well appreciate the town’s student-driven nightlife and the medieval lanes of the steeply stacked historic center. Visitors with younger kids can keep busy at Portugal dos Pequenitos, a theme park with miniature versions of Portuguese monuments.

10. Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela

Best for hiking and alpine activities in winter

The Serra da Estrela – Portugal’s highest mountain range – is the place to come for rugged scenery, outdoor adventures, and glimpses of a vanishing traditional way of life. Hikers can choose from an expansive network of high-country trails with stupendous vistas, and the region’s fascinating mountain villages make perfect bases for outdoor adventures.

At the country’s highest point – the summit of Torre, artificially pushed to 2000m (6561ft) by the addition of a not-so-subtle stone monument – you can slalom down Portugal’s only ski slope. Oh, and did we mention the furry sheepdog puppies that frolic by the roadside? You’ll long to take one home.

11. The Algarve

Best for a relaxing family holiday

Sunseekers have much to celebrate in Portugal. Along the south coast, the Algarve is famed for its gorgeous and varied coastline – you can either join the crowds on the people-packed sands at major resorts or find seaside peace on dramatic wild beaches backed by wind-carved cliffs. Days are spent playing in the waves, taking long oceanfront strolls, or surfing some of Europe’s most memorable breaks.

The Algarve is also one of the best places in Portugal for kids. You’ll find family-friendly beaches, water parks and plenty of outdoor adventures (from boating to hidden sea caves to exploring undeveloped islands).

Planning tip: There’s never a bad time to visit this region, with its 300 days of sunshine each year, though you’ll find the best prices and thinnest crowds in winter.

News Font: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/best-places-to-visit-in-portugal

Portugal Wins “Europe´s Leading Destination 2023” At World Travel Awards

admin_fotoarte — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 10:11:15 +0000

Portugal was named “Europe´s Leading Destination 2023” at the 30th World Travel Awards (WTA) ceremony, which took place in Batumi, Georgia

In addition, Portugal won a total of 17 European awards in various categories. Highlights included the city of Porto, named “Europe’s Leading City Break Destination,” the Algarve, winner of “Europe’s Leading Beach Destination,” Lisbon as “Europe’s Leading City Destination,” Madeira, “Europe’s Leading Island Destination” and the Passadiços do Paiva, in Arouca, as “Europe’s Leading Adventure Tourist Attraction 2023.”

“This award is an international recognition of Portugal, its companies, its workers and the Portuguese,” said Nuno Fazenda, Secretary of State for Tourism, Commerce and Services.

“It is a distinction that praises the excellence of our tourism and its unique recovery after the pandemic. Portugal, throughout its territory, is the best European destination. I would also like to congratulate all the companies and territories that have also won awards in different categories.”

Here is the list of winners from Portugal at the World Travel Awards 2023:

·      Algarve Tourism Bureau | Europe’s Leading Beach Destination 2023
·      Amazing Evolution | Europe’s Leading Boutique Hotel Operator 2023, Europe’s Leading Hotel Management Company 2023
·      Bairro Alto Hotel | Europe’s Leading Landmark Hotel 2023
·      Dark Sky Alqueva | Europe’s Responsible Tourism Award 2023
·      DouroAzul | Europe’s Leading River Cruise Company 2023
·      Dunas Douradas Beach Club | Europe’s Leading Resort Villas 2023, Portugal’s Leading Villa Resort 2023
·      Lisbon Cruise Port | Europe’s Leading Cruise Port 2023
·      Madeira Promotion Bureau | Europe’s Leading Island Destination 2023
·      Monte Santo Resort |Europe’s Most Romantic Resort 2023, Portugal’s Leading Hotel Residences 2023
·      Pestana Palace Lisboa |Europe’s Leading Luxury Business Hotel 2023, Portugal’s Leading Business Hotel 2023
·      Pestana Porto Santo All Inclusive | Europe’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2023
·      Porto Tourism | Europe’s Leading City Break Destination 2023
·      Turismo de Lisboa | Europe’s Leading City Destination 2023
·      Vale do Lobo | Europe’s Leading Lifestyle Resort 2023
·      Passadiços do Paiva (Arouca UNESCO Global Geopark) | Europe’s Leading Adventure Tourist Attraction 2023
·      Quake – Lisbon Earthquake Center | Europe’s Leading New Tourist Attraction 2023

News font: https://www.travelpulse.ca/news/destinations/portugal-wins-europe/s-leading-destination-2023-at-world-travel-awards