If you've never been to Portugal before, a real treat lies in store with a variety you may never have previously seen in a single country. Whether you're after a city break, a week on a beach, a cultural odyssey or a sporting challenge, this too often overlooked nation in Europe's far west has it all.
This is a land full of surprises. You may not have thought, for example that Madeira boasted such an excellent network of footpaths, making hiking on this rocky outcrop an enchanting experience, with many dramatic views. So Madeira, like Portugal, isn’t all about lazing in the sun, although, of course, you can do that as well!
Even if you stay in just one place in Portugal, you’ll find it has so much to offer. Take Porto – the country’s second largest city and capital of the Norte region. Porto accommodation is essentially anything you want it to be – from hostels at 10 Euros a night to self-catering apartments, to hotels small and large, there’s somewhere to stay to suit your style – and budget. You may want practicality – being near the centre and avoiding some of the hillier areas – or price may be your main concern.
It’s a more laid-back experience than Lisboa, although the capital also offers a fantastic place for a city break, especially if it’s the Lisboa shops you’re after! Chiado is a choice shopping and residential district with a broad variety of shops, from 100-year-old bookstores to luxury jewellery outlets. Close by is the historical quarter of Bairro Alto, where there are even more Lisboa shops, including traditional and modern stores. Baixa is another seductive and very shopping district. Look out for good value clothing, and quality shoes from just 10 Euros a pair.
If you’re not after a city break, Vilamoura is the single largest tourist complex in Europe, covering 2,000 hectares. There’s a long, sandy beach next to the Atlantic, and a huge variety of entertainment and sporting activities. The large marina means there’s a particular emphasis on sailing and all things maritime. But there’s more to holidaying here than the port itself. The varied surrounding landscapes, including pine forests and marshland, mean there’s a lot of wildlife and nature to see as well.
If history or architecture is your thing, so will Viseu be! It’s crammed with artistic treasures, historical churches and there’s a strong culture of local crafts. This regional capital retains a medieval feel to what was once a walled centre, and has been an important crossroads since Roman times.
The Spanish
villas that Villa Plus offers include amenities that will make your holiday one
to remember. These amenities range from swimming pools, fans in all bedrooms,
barbeques and video players to dishwashers, table tennis tables, and pool and
billiard tables. Dependent upon your budget and preferences, your choices are limitless!
Villa Plus offers access to, large villas in Spain, golf villas in Spain and
even cheap villas in Spain!
Similarly, Beja, with its ancient centre, old fort and narrow alleyways is another town where you can spend a relaxing few hours.
If all this hasn’t whetted your appetite for Portugal, how about the Azores. This archipelago of nine volcanic islands lies in the middle of the North Atlantic. With its mild climate, and activities ranging from golf to whale watching, the Acores make for an original, and extremely relaxing, holiday destination.
The Association of Travel Organisers to Portugal (ATOP) is a network of members who specialise in trips to this wonderful country. Whether you want a wine tour, a cultural extravaganza, a hiking trip, a family beach holiday or a romantic city break for two, book through a member organisation. Log on today and find out what Portugal could offer your next holiday.
