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Portugal Travel

I know that you’ve probably heard it all before, about every single travel destination under the sun, but take it from me, Portugal really has got something for everybody. It’s got the weather, it’s got the culture with wonderful friendly people, it’s got the food, it’s got the history, it’s got wonderful beaches and clear blue seas, it’s got the most delicious fish and seafood you’ll ever wrap your lips around - yes, as I’ve already said, it’s got everything.

Portugal City Travel

Portugal has a wonderful array of historic cities, if that’s your thing, ranging from Porto and Coimbra to the rich cultural center of Lisbon where you’ll find monuments, museums and stunning architecture around every corner (don’t forget to look up, but not while you’re walking).

Portugal Coastal Travel

Who hasn’t dreamed of whiling away the hours on the wonderful sandy beaches of the Algarve, having a quick paddle in the Atlantic (yes, it stretches all the way to Portugal) before feasting on barbecued sardines for lunch. Portugal is renowned for having the highest amount of sunshine in the whole of Europe, so there should be no problem getting the weather for it.

Portugal Travel – Other Things to Do

There are lots of other reasons why you should travel to Portugal too:

Historic Palaces and Castles in Portugal 

• Penela Castle, dating back to the 12th century, trying to prevent the Moors from taking over Coimbra – again (they’d already been once!)
• Soure Castle, a bit earlier than Penela, built in the 11th century to protect against, you’ve guessed it, the Moors.
• Marialva Castle
• Pinhel Castle
• Guimaraes Castle – official royal residence until the 12th century, now an important World Heritage site
• and lots, lots more castles . . . I think the Moors definitely did history buffs a favor in Portugal, if it wasn’t for them they certainly wouldn’t have needed so many castles.

Natural Wonders in Portugal

Anybody who is a little more interested in the natural beauty of Portugal, rather than the man made variety, certainly won’t be disappointed. Try visiting the Ponta de Piedade towards the western side of Lagos, where the sea cliffs form part of the most fantastic rock formations and you can traverse down hundreds of steps to a magical place of grottoes and sea arches (then you’ve got to traverse  back up again!)

There’s also a brilliant natural park stretching more than 100 km from Burgau in the Algarve to Porto Covo in the Altentejo, one of the longest (and best) stretches of protected coastline in the whole of Europe.

Portugal Travel – The Islands

There’s much more to Portugal than the mainland too, beyond the beaches and shores are the jewels in the crown of the Atlantic, the Azores and Madeira. With their picturesque landscapes and dramatic cliffs it certainly is worth the effort to travel to the fantastic islands of Portugal.

Portugal Travel – Getting There

At present there are direct flights from the USA flying to three major Portugal airports at Lisbon, Porto and Ponta Delgada, with indirect flights available to many more destinations. Come on, it’s only just across the water and you can guarantee that there’ll be a wonderful warm welcome waiting for you when you arrive.