Hotels In The Algarve | Algarve Accommodation

Offering everything from the sandy beaches and traditional fishing villages of the Algarve to the stunning architecture of its two major cities, Lisbon and Porto, Portugal has something to offer every holidaymaker.
For those looking for a vibrant city break, Lisbon may well be the ideal place.

There are lots of attractions here, particularly when you bear in mind it is the country’s capital and largest city, but you should make sure that the Belem National Palace is on your must-see list. A former royal home and now the official residence of the Portuguese president, it is possible to go on guided tours of this historic 16th century building.

Just outside the palace is the Afonso de Albuquerque Square, a public space dedicated in honour of the nobleman who established Portugal’s colonial holdings in India.

Other attractions include the National Museum of Ancient Art and the Monument to the Discoveries, a statue commemorating Portuguese explorers and navigators from the 15th and 16th centuries.

But if you need a respite from the urban jungle, visit the Monsanto Forest Park. A range of indigenous trees can be seen here, while there are various leisure and sport facilities, such as swimming pools and a horse-riding centre.

Should you find you’ve worked up an appetite, head to Pap’Acorda. This restaurant is situated in the Bairro Alto district of the capital and specialises in fish and seafood.
However, you may also want to visit Tavares. Opened in 1784, this is the city’s oldest restaurant and here you can try a range of Portuguese cuisine, such as Carne de Porco a Alentejana, a combination of pork and clams.

Porto also offers plenty for tourists, particularly if you want to see some art.

Among the city’s many cultural sights are the National Museum Soares dos Reis, the country’s first national museum.

Named in honour of sculptor Antonio Soares dos Reis, you can view several items of his work here as well as collections of paintings, ceramic, glasswork and jewellery.

Porto is Portugal’s second largest city and you can get an idea of its past by heading to the historic centre, which has UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you will come across a range of stunning architecture, including the neoclassical Palacio da Bolsa and the Porto Cathedral. The latter was founded in the 12th century and is the city’s oldest surviving building.

Depending on what time of year you go, you can get some great deals, especially on all inclusive holidays. If you visit Porto in June, you may arrive in time for the Sao Joao Festival. This annual event that attracts thousands of local and holidaymakers alike and here you will be able to watch live music and firework displays while tucking into food from street barbecues.

A perhaps more unusual element of the festivities is the tradition of hitting revellers over the head with plastic hammers!

One of the most popular parts of Portugal for tourists is the Algarve, the southernmost region of the mainland which contains fantastic beaches and historic buildings. And it is here that you will find the coastal town of Lagos.

Founded more than 2,000 years ago, among the many sights you’ll discover in the town is the Forte da Ponta da Bandeira, which helped to defend Lagos against Spanish naval attacks during the 17th century. However, town walls that date back even further than this can also be seen.

To get a closer insight into the town’s history, why not visit in October? Here Lagos’ annual medieval festival takes place.

If you’re going on a family holiday to the region, the kids are sure to enjoy visiting the Slide and Splash water park. About a 20-minute drive from the centre of Lagos, the park offers a variety of pools and slides for young ones to have fun in.

Elsewhere in the Algarve, why not visit Albufeira? This town is situated to the east of Lagos and consists of two contrasting areas, the lively Areias de Sao Joao (or the Strip) and the quieter old town. The plethora of bars and clubs in the former make it a great place for a night out, while the old town contains a historic public square and shops selling a range of leather goods and souvenirs.

No matter which part of Albufeira you stay in, make sure you check out the marina. Situated on the western outskirts of the town, from here you can go on a diving excursion or a boat ride.

As well as its fantastic marina and lively nightlife and shopping, the town is well-known for hosting a range of brilliant festivals. These include Feira de Artesanato de Albufeira, a nine-day event that takes place each July and specialises in traditional arts and crafts.

In September, meanwhile, Albufeira hosts a jazz festival, making it a great place for those seeking some live music during a late summer holiday.

But a fantastic holiday in Portugal need not be confined to the mainland. Why not consider visiting Madeira? The island is in the Atlantic Ocean and lies just to the north-west of Africa, with its pleasant year-round temperatures making it a popular destination for a winter sun break as well as a summer holiday.

You can take part in a number of water sports, including windsurfing and sailing, here although for a more leisurely break why not go on a boat ride to spot whales and dolphins?

Other attractions include the Whale Museum and riding the cable car that transports you from the old town region of Funchal, Madeira’s capital, up to Monte, a village nestled in the mountains.

You may already be familiar with Madeira due to the famous eponymous wine and cake that originate from the island, but these are just two elements of the island’s rich cuisine. Make sure you visit the coastal Doca do Cavacos restaurant which specialises in seafood, while Ca Te Espero offers a range of authentic Portuguese dishes such as curried pork.

Written by travelsupermarket.com