The best holiday in Portugal. Holidays in Portugal Portugal where to go on holiday

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

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

The popularity of Portuguese resorts is due, first of all, to climatic conditions - mild winters, cool summers, and the absence of sudden temperature changes throughout the year.

Weather in Lisbon

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

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

Temperature in Algarve

In October, the rainy season gradually begins; there are more and more fogs in the mornings, although during the day it is quite warm - +24 degrees. This time in Portugal can be devoted to excursions and sightseeing. October is the time to look for cheaper resorts in Portugal on the ocean, as accommodation prices drop.

Resorts in the Algarve province

This is the southernmost province of Portugal with picturesque nature and a rich historical and architectural heritage. In the west of the province the rocky coastline predominates; in the east of the Algarve the coastline is predominantly flat.

Good to know! The best months for an ocean holiday in Portugal are August and September.

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

The length of the coastline of the Algarve province is about 200 km. Today, the Algarve in Portugal is a resort with good beaches that is included in the list of the best holiday destinations in Europe. Many Algarve hotels have their own green area where you can relax comfortably.

If we compare the resorts of the Algarve province with vacation spots on the Lisbon Riviera, we can highlight the following differences:

1. The ocean in Portugal in the Algarve region is warmer.
2. The Algarve's tourist infrastructure is more developed.
3. Getting there is more difficult, longer and more expensive.

Albufeira

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

The resort is surrounded by pine trees and orange groves. There are a large number of discos, cafes, restaurants here, you can go diving and go sailing.

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

Pescadores Beach

Interesting fact! The name of the resort translated means “castle by the sea.”

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

The longest coastline within the city is Rybatsky Beach. There are many cafes and taverns where you can order delicious fish dishes. There are many boats moored; vacationers can rent any and enjoy a trip on the ocean.

San Rafael Beach

A few kilometers from the city center there is San Rafael Beach. This place attracts tourists with its bizarrely shaped rocks; the shore resembles the surface of a distant planet. Here you can take the best pictures among the numerous grottoes and rocks formed by sandstone. This is an ideal place for snorkeling.

Another Albufeira holiday destination that is included in the list of the best in Europe is Falesia. It is surrounded by red rocks. If you like a relaxed holiday, this part of the Algarve with its fine, white sand and pine forest is perfect for you.

Praia da Oura is located near the party areas of Albufeira, there are many discos here, life is in full swing even at night. The sandy coast is picturesquely decorated with steep cliffs of bizarre colors.

Distinctive features of the Albufeira resort

1. A beautiful city that is pleasant to walk around for hours.
2. The tourist infrastructure is well developed: a large selection of cafes, restaurants, entertainment.
3. The central beach is large, comfortable, but crowded.
4. It is convenient to get to from the airports of Lisbon and Faro - buses run regularly and frequently.
5. An ocean holiday in Portugal at the Albufeira resort is the most expensive in the Algarve region - all of the above advantages are reflected in the prices, the demand for housing is high.

Portimao

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

Traveling to Portimão is not limited to just a beach holiday; there are excellent conditions for sports – golf, diving, windsurfing, yachting, and deep-sea fishing.

Undoubtedly, the main attraction of the resort is Praia da Rocha. This place is included in the holiday destinations in Portugal. There are wooden paths along the entire shore, there are shelters for changing clothes and showers (in the cafe). Another popular beach, Three Castles beach, is nearby, separated from Praia Da Rocha by a cliff.

Prices in Portimao

There are many hotels along the ocean from three-star to luxurious five-star. A room for two in a mid-level hotel will cost from 70 to 110 €.

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

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

Advantages and disadvantages of the city

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

More detailed information about the resort of Portimao is presented in.

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Alvor

Resort fishing village located 5 km from Portimão. The Ria de Alvor National Park is nearby. A huge number of birds live in natural conditions, and exotic plant species grow on the embankment. For fans of active recreation there is a golf course. The sandy beach is located a kilometer from the resort center.

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

Beaches of Alvor

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

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

Three Brothers Beach

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

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

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

Distinctive features

1. Compared to other ocean holiday destinations in Portugal, the Alvor resort is less picturesque - there are no steep cliffs, and there is a large wasteland near the beach.
2. Here, as a rule, the ocean is calm and without waves - the best place to relax with children.
3. The choice of accommodation is not very large; the most profitable options are booked several months in advance.
4. The resort is small, you can get around everything in a day.

Lagoa

The resort is located east of Portimão. There is beautiful nature here, it is quiet and peaceful, there are many interesting places for lovers of history and architecture.

Not far from Lagoa there are cultural attractions, water sports, spas and beauty treatments. The tourism infrastructure is well developed, so tourists from all over the world come to Lagoa with pleasure.

Good to know! Lagoa is a wonderful place in Portugal, where a beach holiday can be combined with excursions and sports.

In summer, accommodation in a double room at a mid-level hotel will cost from 68 to 120 €. Food prices are not much different from neighboring Portimao and Albufeira.

The best places for a beach holiday in Lagoa

Praia de Benagil

A small section of the Praia de Benagil coastline is notable for its large crowds of vacationers and trips to the caves. A boat departs from the shore every 30 minutes and takes tourists to the caves; the largest is located 150 meters from the beach. To get there on your own, you can rent a kayak or kayak.

Good to know! Getting here is more difficult than other holiday destinations.

Praia da Marinha

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

It is important! The only way here is by car; you can leave your vehicle in the parking lot; there is also a sign here that will help you get to the shore.

To fully admire the beauty of Marinha, it is best to buy a boat excursion.

Characteristics of Lagoa

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

Lagos

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

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

2. Meia Praia

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

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

4. Praia do Porto de Mos

It is spacious and calm, a wonderful place for a relaxing holiday. The ocean is almost always calm, since the area is fenced with rocks. There are enough sun loungers and umbrellas on the shore, changing cabins are installed, and you can leave your car in the parking lot. There are also cafes and comfortable terraces from where you can admire the picturesque landscapes. The distance from the city center is about 3 km.

Prices are average in the Algarve region.

The longest journey is from Lisbon and Faro Airport.

The resort is located in the very west of Portugal, the water temperature in the ocean here is 1-2 degrees lower than in Albufeira in the east.

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

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

• lunch in a cafe – 8 €;
• lunch for two in a restaurant – 26 €;
• You can eat at a fast food establishment for 5.50 €.

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

We'll tell you about the main beach resorts in Portugal: where to go, what to see and what to pay attention to. Read before you go to plan your route.

Portugal stretches along the entire western coast of the Iberian Peninsula. True, the turbulent waters of the Atlantic did not have the best effect on beach holidays here. High waves, cold ocean currents and rocky shores are not the most desirable conditions.

However, the rich history, luxurious 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 have an unforgettable vacation, read below!

basic information

This is a country of the European Union, and the euro is in use on its territory. Therefore, there will be no problems with exchanging money. In addition, the prices here are pleasantly pleasing. Food and accommodation 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. The situation with English here is the same as in Spain - it is spoken mainly by residents of big cities and young people. Of course, resort hotel 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 a beach holiday in mainland Portugal, it is better to go in May–October and choose the exact time of your vacation depending on your temperature preferences. Of course, like throughout southern Europe, summers here are dry, hot and sunny, and rain is extremely rare. It’s only when the high season officially begins that the ocean waters off the coast warm up to only +18°C. When the peak season comes to an end, the water temperature on local beaches already 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, off 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!

Planning a trip? That way!

We have prepared some useful gifts for you. They will help you save money while preparing for your trip.

Visa

Portugal is part of the Schengen zone, which means that any Schengen visa already opened in your passport will be suitable for traveling there. If you don’t have a visa, then getting one is extremely easy! All over Russia, in almost every major city, they operate visa centers . They collect documents from citizens, send them for review to the embassy in Moscow and return passports with stamped visas.

Moreover, if you are traveling as a family, one person for all close relatives can submit documents at the visa center! The place of registration also does not affect the submission of documents, since all visas are still issued by Moscow. 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 foreign passport, 3 photos, ticket and accommodation reservations (Booking.com reservations are suitable!), as well as a traveler’s 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 be immediately issued a multi-Schengen visa for a period of 1 month.

And another nice feature of the Portuguese visa is that it can be extended on the spot 2 times from 30 to 90 days! In this case, your desire to relax in the country longer will be considered a sufficient reason for extending your visa, i.e. ordinary "tourism". To extend your visa, you need to contact the nearest branch of the local migration service - S.E.F. . True, you will also have to show a return ticket from the country, insurance for the entire planned duration of your stay, an 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 to extend your visa: for 30 days – €50, for a period of more than 30 days – €65.

The best places to relax 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 home to 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 a less cold ocean than in the west of the country. This is because the local Riviera is perfectly protected from the piercing northern winds by rocky mountain ranges. The coast itself is sandy with a fairly gentle entrance to 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 local beach holidays, 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 are still operating! The small town of Vilamoura is especially distinguished, with as many as 5 courses of exceptional quality.

How to get there

In the 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 on regular flights. Tap Portugal and Aeroflot fly directly from Moscow to the Portuguese capital; from other Russian cities you can only get there with transfers from the same airlines or any other European airline.

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

• Cape San Vicente, or Cabo de Sao Vicente is not as popular a place as Cape Roca. However, if you want it 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 on a dark night is visible within a radius of 90 km!
• Fortress walls of Lagos– the old part of the city, perfectly preserved and open to visitors. This was the official residenceHenry the Navigatorand all the ships coming from India arrived here.
• Tavirais an ancient town in the eastern part of the Algarve coast. It was founded by the Moors back in the Middle Ages. Here you can stroll along the cobbled streets, visit the Castle of the Moors, or visit one of the ancient churches. Not far from the city is the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve, where you can watch flamingos and other representatives of the local fauna.
• Castle Castelo de Silvesis located in the ancient town of Silves, a short 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. The castle still stands mightily on a small hill above the city and looks very majestic! The observation decks at the top of the hill offer amazing views of the surrounding area.
• 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.

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• Cherehapa - take reliable insurance so as not to worry on the road.
• AirBnb - rent an apartment from locals.

Beaches and resort towns

• Lagosis an ancient 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, you will find an interesting cultural program and a variety of tourist attractions here. 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 won’t find any historical architecture here. But in Vilamoura there are a huge number of high-class hotels, and the outskirts 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. Around the town there are about 20 excellent beaches with fine sand and a gentle entrance to the water. The most famous beach in the vicinity of Albufeira is Praia da Falésia - it is known as one of the top 25 best beaches in Europe!
• Monte Gordo- a small town almost at the very border with Spain. The former fishing village is now built up with almost nothing but 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 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, Cascais has continued to be the most popular resort in the country for the Portuguese.

How to get there

Cascais is located just 30 km west of Lisbon. You can get here either by local train or by bus. Ticket prices are approximately 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 from Lisbon's Cais do Sodré station every 20 minutes. You can find out the detailed schedule on the website of the local railway carrier. C.P. . Travel time from Lisbon to Cascais is 40 minutes. Modern electric trains with comfortable and soft seats are no worse than in Sapsan!

Attractions and entertainment

• Cape Rock, or Cabo da Roca, is just an hour's drive from Cascais. A direct bus runs directly to the westernmost point of Eurasia from the city bus station, located opposite the railway station.
• Grotto Boca do Inferno(“devil’s mouth”) formed at the foot of a large cliff on the western coast of Cascais. It is named so because of the strong noise created by the Atlantic waves crashing against the rocks with enormous force.
• Casa de Santa Maria and Cascais Lighthouselocated west of the main city beach, Praia da Ribeira. There is a small museum inside the 20-meter lighthouse. In the castle next door you can see historical interiors created back in the century before last by the wealthy industrialist O’Neill.
• Casino Estorilis the largest casino in Europe, invariably attracting gambling enthusiasts from all over the continent. It is also famous for inspiring writer Ian Fleming to create the first James Bond book!

Beaches

• Praia da Ribeira– the central city beach, not the most convenient for swimming and sunbathing. As its name suggests, most of the shore here is occupied by fishing boats and gear. But on the promenade along the entire beach there are a huge number of good restaurants serving the freshest fish and seafood.
• Praia da Conceição, Praia de Duquesa– two of the most tourist beaches in Cascais. They are located on the Cascais-Estoril coastline. And as is typical for tourist centers, there are always a lot of tourists, as well as cafes, hotels and shops.
• Praia do Tamarizlocated in the resort town of Estoril. Directly opposite the beach area stands the famous Estoril casino throughout Europe. The surrounding area of ​​the beach will delight you with a well-developed tourist infrastructure, numerous cafes, restaurants and bars.
• Praia da Rainha– a compact and comfortable beach, hidden between two rocks on the coast. You can get here from the Cascais-Estoril promenade. The beach was once a private bathing place for the Portuguese queen herself (hence its name), but is now open to everyone.

Madeira Island

One of the most famous local resorts is located, surprisingly, off the coast of Africa! Madeira is an entire 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 Madeira wine.

It is no coincidence that Madeira is called the “island of eternal spring”, because you can spend time on the local beaches all year round! The high season here is considered to be Christmas and New Year's weeks, as well as mid-summer - the traditional holiday time. However, it is equally comfortable to relax in Madeira 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, 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 Palazzo Monte- 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 site 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 there is an excellent road leading to the peak (1818 m). In clear weather, a wonderful view of the island opens from its top, but in low clouds 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 fortified Madera wine in the 7th generation! At the winery you can try 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 its proximity to the city and because of the constant congestion.
• Praia de Macico- the only sandy beach located in the south of Madeira. They made it artificially for those who don’t like pebbles at all. Buses run here from the city, and on site you will find free showers, changing areas 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 here, there are 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 surrounding area of ​​the beach in Porto Santo is built up with numerous hotels with restaurants and shops. So if you're heading to Madeira for a relaxing beach holiday, stay on this island!

Where to go with children

Praia da Falesia, Algarve

One of the best beaches in Europe (top 25) is located east of the resort town of Albufeira. This is an ideal place for a holiday with children! Thanks to the gentle entrance to 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 entrance to the water, shallow depth and no strong waves. The beach itself is covered with fine light sand, making the water clean and clear. 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 place for families with children in Madeira is the Piscinas do Caniçal resort. It is located in the village of Caniçal in the very east of Madeira. Of course, there are excellent pebble beaches and very close is the black volcanic sand beach - Praia da Prainha. However, covering with pebbles is often inconvenient for children, so several outdoor swimming pools, including small ones for children, were built on the embankment in Caniçal. You can swim comfortably and safely in them while watching a wonderful view of the sea!

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.

Having had enough of the delights of Europe, a sophisticated tourist may think that he has already seen everything. But Portugal is capable of surprising and enchanting even such gourmets. Thanks to its historical features, this land of the setting sun differs from its closest neighbor Spain. The original flavor and the absence of a huge influx of tourists will definitely win your hearts.

HOW TO GET THERE

You can fly to Portugal at the following airports: Lisbon, Porto, Faro. You will fly directly from Moscow using the Portuguese airline TAP Portugal. You will spend 5 hours 30 minutes on the flight. During the season, charter flights fly to Faro from Moscow. In addition, there are flights to Lisbon with connections in Frankfurt am Main or in Munich (Lufthansa) or in Zurich (Swiss), in Paris (Air France). From Warsaw or Vilnius, you will be delivered by direct flight from Wizzair or Ryanair.

TRANSPORT

You can travel around Portugal by trains and buses. There are expressos (intercity), rapidas (local), carreiras (CR) - they make stops at every intersection, "alta qualidades" - luxury high-speed cars. A ticket from Lisbon to Faro costs about 15 euros (4 hours). Travel on local minibuses is very inexpensive. Rail transport links Lisbon with Southern Portugal. Traveling by train takes longer than by express bus, but is much cheaper. Regional trains stop at every stop, express trains and interregional trains are much faster. In Portugal, you can also ride on ancient narrow-gauge railways - there are two picturesque routes - Peso da Regua - Vila Real and Tua - Mirandela.

If you want to rent a car, you must have a license and you also need to leave a deposit. The traffic is on the right. Road quality is average, signs can be misleading and markings may be missing. There are, however, good highways. It is prohibited to use a sound signal in populated areas.

In Portugal you can buy high-quality clothes, fashionable shoes, nineteen and a half carat gold, genuine Portuguese Madeira, real red or white port. The Portuguese souvenir “azulejos” is most in demand among tourists. These are tiles for decorating walls, known since the times of Arab rule. Also here you can buy various handmade embroideries and laces, wickerwork and leather goods, ceramics made in the “cabage leaf” style, which is so characteristic of Portugal.

HOW TO EAT TASTY

A traditional dish for Portugal is fish dishes. In local restaurants, any self-respecting chef will prepare you more than 300 dishes from cod and other types of fish.

Madeira cuisine differs from the mainland in its even greater variety of seafood, and the use of fruits and spices. The most popular delicacy is swordfish. Portuguese wines are known for their unique taste. White, red, and green young wines are produced here. Port wine is the hallmark of Portugal.

ATTRACTIONS

The geographical location of the country makes it a tempting place for a seaside holiday; there are many attractions, service and infrastructure that will allow you to have a good time with the whole family or engage in active sports.

The symbol of the capital, Lisbon, is an arch crowned with bas-reliefs and statues of celebrities that connects Plaza Commerce and Calle Augusta. Also famous are the statue of Christ and the Vasco da Gama bridge.

Porto is one of the five oldest cities in Portugal. Here it is worth seeing the coastal quarter of Ribeira, the oldest botanical garden in the country, Avenida dos Aliados street with buildings of the 19th century. In the suburbs you can visit the main port cellars.

Braga is the cultural center of Portugal. The bishop's residence is located here. Nearby is the main shrine - the 18th century Bom Jesus do Monte church, a place of pilgrimage. Another place for pilgrims is Fatima, the place where the Virgin Mary appeared to children.

Not everyone will be able to understand the true beauty of Portugal, and not everyone will agree to pay a higher price than in European
resorts But once you get here, be sure to listen to the sound of the sea, which sounds everywhere:

• in the soulful fado song that sounds in the evenings;
• in exquisite fish dishes of local restaurants;
• and even in a mixture of different architectural styles.

For those who know how to feel the nuances, Portugal will be the greatest discovery. A holiday at sea will only add to the bouquet of pleasant impressions. A large number of beaches for every taste will not leave anyone indifferent. According to your financial capabilities, you can choose either fashionable resorts, or settle in the picturesque city center and visit the city beaches.

The best time to visit the country is the most beautiful time - spring, rich in the aromas of flowers. When planning a beach holiday, it is better to choose summer. In winter, you can only swim in the sea in Madeira. The island delights tourists with its warmth all year round. Even in January (the coldest month), the temperature here rarely drops below +18, and its minimum value is +13 °C. It’s surprising that the hottest time is September, and the thermometer does not rise above +26 °C

On the mainland, winter is a quiet period for recovery at spa resorts, where the body is rejuvenated through detoxification.

Beach holidays in Portugal

Sightseeing can take a lot of time, but without visiting the beaches, a summer vacation cannot be considered complete.

The warmest and most unusually beautiful region is the Algarve region. These ecologically clean beaches were chosen by the Spaniards and the British. Many tourists are ready to exchange their holidays in Spain for sandy beaches surrounded by bizarre rocks. This is where Praia de Rocha is located - the most beautiful beach in the country.

The islands of Portugal offer almost absolute peace, as you can only enjoy nature to experience indescribable bliss. Lush vegetation approaches the sandy stripes of the Azores. As in the Balearic Islands, diving enthusiasts gather here.

Madeira has virtually no natural sandy beaches. Among the picturesque cliffs of Madeira there are platforms for launching into the water.

The beaches of the Lisbon Riviera are no less interesting. Fashionable resorts are located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Usually there are strong waves, so loved by windsurfers. To swim in cool water, you need to get used to it and be able to overcome yourself. Thanks to the constant fresh winds, there is never suffocating heat here.

Thanks to the wide variety, every tourist can choose a beach holiday in Portugal to suit their taste. Sandy or pebbly, calm or full of fun, the beaches will give you an unforgettable experience. When escaping the stifling summer heat, be sure to head to Portugal, the land of the setting sun on the edge of the continent, defenseless in front of the vast Atlantic Ocean.

That journey to Portugal- what you need. This country is not yet on the list of the most visited vacation destinations, so there is no need to fear a massive influx of tourists.

Portugal is able to satisfy almost any request: there is delicious cuisine (both meat and seafood), the opportunity for beach and active recreation, excursion routes and interesting sights, rich nightlife. But it is worth considering that traveling to this country is not cheap. However, the impressions that Portugal gives from the days spent there are worth it.

Climate It is mild here, there are no strong temperature fluctuations. Dry and sunny summers are not particularly hot; in mountainous areas the air usually warms up to 17°C. The winter months are cool and with frequent rain. Due to the Gulf Stream, a maritime climate prevails in the north of the country. The water temperature in the south in summer can reach 22°.

The capital of Portugal is Lisbon. The city is famous for its architecture and abundance of attractions. The list of main cities and resorts includes, for example: Braga, Setubal, Madeira.

The hotel service here is excellent. Four and five star hotels predominate in the country. The most popular are those located in ancient castles. However, they are not at all budget-friendly. But you can also choose a hotel room in houses that are built in compliance with the surrounding architectural style of the area. There is no all-inclusive option in Portuguese hotels.

Perhaps the indescribable pride of Portugal are the ancient castles, cathedrals, churches and palaces that have survived to this day. The so-called “religious center” of the country is the city of Braga. Nowadays the bishop's residence is located here. Here is also the main shrine of Portugal - the Church of Bom Jesus do Monte, built in the 18th century.

The former capital of the country is the oldest city Porto. It is here that the oldest Portuguese botanical garden and the Port Wine Museum are located, and here you can also find cellars for storing this drink. Also in this place you can admire houses built in the 19th-20th centuries, go on an exciting “trip” through the markets, look into wine cellars and stroll in the coastal quarter of Ribeira.

In the current capital of Portugal, there is the longest city bridge among all European ones. It's called Vasco da Gama. You should definitely look at the statue of Christ and the arch that connects Augusta Street and Commerce Square. By the way, this particular arch with its bas-reliefs and statues is the calling card of the city.

Fatima- a favorite place for pilgrims. According to legend, it was here that the Virgin Mary revealed herself to the children. Therefore, this place attracts dozens of believers. Not far from Fatima is the city of Coimbra. On its territory you will find the remains of medieval fortress walls, and you can also look at the monasteries of Cunvento de Santa Clara a Nova and Musteiro de Santa Clara.

Fish is a popular cuisine in Portugal, but meat dishes are also available. Here they prepare delicious things from cod, perch and other types of fish. A local specialty in Madeira are dozens of types of dishes made from swordfish. But Portuguese cuisine also has a lot of other seafood, spices and fruits. And, of course, the selection of wines in this place will delight lovers of this drink. Port wine is considered a kind of calling card of the country; it is consumed both as an aperitif and for dessert.

In Portugal you can buy excellent quality clothes and shoes, gold jewelry and, of course, you should buy a couple of bottles of wine as a gift for friends and family.
The main souvenirs that are popular among tourists are: leather goods, traditional ceramics, hand-woven lace, and eye-catching various embroideries. When going shopping, remember that on weekends many stores close at 13:00. But some shopping centers with a rich selection of products, located in resort areas, keep their doors open until the night.

A trip to Portugal will leave everyone with only the most pleasant impressions and memories.

A varied landscape, grottoes, cozy bays, hefty cliffs, sand spits, raging ocean waves or a calm, quiet breeze can be found on the beaches of Portugal. Also, no one will be indifferent to the many restaurants for every taste, rivers flowing into the ocean, an amazing underwater world, a stunning microclimate, magnificent landscapes that touch the soul, and the unusual colors of the rocks create a certain contrast between the mirror-clear water and the stunning blue sky.
The water is very clean, but it may seem a little unusually cool. Although this is not surprising, because ocean water can rarely be above 23 degrees. But such cool water is exactly what is missing on a sunny day, when the temperature can rise to 40 degrees.
As practice shows, most people have a positive attitude towards a beach holiday in Portugal, because even the air here is saturated with a different smell, special, unique only to these beaches, which evokes an unforgettable experience. Combined with the stunning beauty of the scenery and the power of the ocean water, it is safe to say that the goal of having a great time and relaxation will be fulfilled.