Portugal vacation at sea. best beach resorts in portugal

Portugal is a really colorful, interesting and unique country with its own special character and spirit. And not only football distinguishes it from others. Here you can get acquainted with excellent wines, taste delicious cuisine and go diving, relaxing on the beach or visiting beautiful castles. This country has everything. We will reveal some of the secrets of recreation in this article: how and when to go, what type of recreation and where it develops, what you can see and do, tips on choosing hotels and, of course, about shopping!

Not only football

Portugal is known to many only for its football team. But in fact there are many interesting places and attractions. Wide opportunities for active rest, historical and architectural monuments, beach tourism and gastronomic - in this country there are really a lot of opportunities for any kind of recreation.

Where is

The country is located in the western part of Europe, near Spain, with which it shares the Iberian Peninsula. Compared to other countries, its area is not very large, but this did not prevent it from winning love, interest and respect for its culture. The capital of the country is beautiful Lisbon.

Map of Portugal

How to get there

The country has 4 main airports: in the capital, the cities of Porto, Faro and Madeira. The capital's airport is considered the largest. From Moscow, you can get here by Air Moldova and Aegean Airlines. Direct flights are also offered by the local company TAP Portugal.

The prices are quite different: the Portugal company is expensive, a one-way ticket costs about 450 euros on average, the departure is from Domodedovo, but this is a direct flight. If with transfers, you can use the services of Air Moldova, which sells tickets at a price of 200 euros one way. In the low season, that is, in winter, the flight is much cheaper, you can buy a one-way ticket for 100 euros, or even less.

Vueling, Czech Airlines, TAP Portugal fly from Moscow to Porto. You can fly to Faro by planes of the companies " Austrian Airlines», « Brussels Airlines or Eurowings. The same companies fly from St. Petersburg. If your goal is Madeira, then you can fly from Moscow with Portuguese Airlines, from St. Petersburg a British Airways plane flies.

There are no trains from Moscow to the country yet. But if you love land travel, you can go there by car. Lisbon can be reached in about 45 hours, while visiting Poland, Belarus, Germany and even France and Spain.

Popular holiday destinations

Although the Portuguese are very fond of playing football, which has become a kind of symbol of the country, there are still many other opportunities for recreation and good times. by the most popular cities the capital, the cities of Porto and Sintra are considered to be recreational, as well as the popular resort island of Madeira. There are, of course, other cities that you can visit: this is the center of Catholicism in the country, the city of Braga, where the residence of the archbishop is located, Coimbra with its oldest university, the center of gastronomic delights, cheeses and wines of Évora and others.

Lisbon

This city is considered not only one of the most beautiful, but also the oldest in the country. Back in the 13th century, it received the title of capital, survived an earthquake and was reborn from the ashes. The most famous and beautiful sights are historical and architectural structures. There are also beautiful beaches here, so you can relax by the water.

Many tourists are advised to visit Castle of Saint George. This is a large and ancient fortress, which belonged first to the Mauritanian emir, and then to the royal family. It survived the earthquake, so it is even more appreciated by the local population.

Another must-visit place is Cathedral, which also survived during the terrible catastrophe. It combines not only religious, but also cultural values, styles of baroque, rococo, gothic and even neoclassicism.

The capital is also known for its old streets. There are a lot of them, they are narrow and winding. Winding along them, you can find many interesting houses with a peculiar local decor, which allows you to feel the very mood of the city.

Porto

It is the second largest and most popular holiday city in Portugal. Its history begins around the 4th century, the central sections of the city are included in the protected funds of UNESCO. Historical objects of great importance are the cathedral, which is very similar to the fortress of the ancient kings, and the local church of São Francisco, which is considered one of the largest in the whole country.

It is worth visiting the area of colored houses Ribeira. Here it seems that small small multi-colored buildings seem to grow on top of each other, which is very colorful against the backdrop of monumental buildings located in other parts of the city. There are also good conditions for beach holiday.

Sintra

This city is very popular among tourists who are passing through the country, or the so-called "one-day travelers". Therefore, on weekends it is almost impossible to avoid crowds of onlookers looking at local architectural and historical sights.

The largest of them is considered Pena Palace. It is one of the seven wonders of the country that are a must-see. The castle is built on a hill with a beautiful view, it is a great place for romantic walks. In addition, the colorful appearance of the castle is almost impossible to lose sight of. This bright decoration is included in the mandatory viewing program for all tourists. It was built in the 19th century for summer holiday royal family. Around is an exotic park.

Must visit and Moorish castle. It contrasts strongly against the background of romantic buildings and villas, such as the romantic villa of Montserrat with a park and the national palace of the city, scattered around the city. It was used as a defensive fortress, so only some parts of the castle have been preserved. But you should definitely visit this place - excellent photos are obtained here against the backdrop of beautiful landscapes.

Madeira

The island is considered one of the most popular and advertised holiday destinations. Among the attractions here are the wild tropical garden and the Monte Palace, which are distinguished by the special beauty of the buildings, and the natural attractions of Madeira - Mount Pico Rivu and Curral das Freiras.

The most high point islands, leaving in the sky almost above the ocean itself. Curral das Freiras- this is a settlement that was lost just a few years ago among the wild expanses of the island. It was very difficult to get to it, so the influence of the rest of the world almost did not touch this wild place. It is worth visiting it, if only because it has preserved a unique flavor, traditions and real wildlife. Of course, one of the main areas of recreation on the island is considered to be rest by the sea and active types of sea sports.

When to go: air and water temperature

The best time to visit the country are the first autumn months and summer. At this time, the most favorable climatic conditions for recreation and visiting historical sites have been created.

On the land

The country has a subtropical Mediterranean climate, so summers are dry and sunny, but not hot. The average temperature in the city during this period fluctuates around 20 degrees above zero, in the mountains it is also quite warm, about 17-18 degrees. In winter, on the contrary, it is very damp and rainy, and the temperature fluctuates at around 4-10 degrees above zero. In the north, the climate is maritime, as the influence of the Gulf Stream is felt.

In water

Most best time for visiting Portugal and a beach holiday - September and October. The weather is always warm, lots of sun, but not hot.

Swim very carefully. Fast and cold sea currents make the water very uncomfortable for swimming. In addition, swimming far into the open ocean is completely prohibited.

The water temperature south of the capital, as it is always higher there, approximately +28…+30 °C. To the north, it goes down, so it's better to just sunbathe on the coast.

The best beaches in Portugal

This country is known not only for its sights, color and culture, but also for a good beach holiday.

Climatic conditions make it possible not only to spend time on the beaches, sunbathing, but also to engage in active species water sports such as diving or surfing. You can relax in the resorts of the country both together and with the whole family. The conditions of the resorts support all the possibilities for a relaxing pastime, there are pebble and sandy beaches, even rocky entrances to the water for lovers.

For two

The possibilities for recreation for two are practically unlimited. You can go to Madeira and the Azores, and even visit a special resort region in the south - the Algarve. It is here that the best conditions for outdoor activities are created, there are many restaurants and bars, nightclubs. In addition, there are water parks and attractions.

Suitable for a relaxing holiday and the Azores with their wild and beautiful nature. There are also created conditions for active recreation on the water. Madeira is positioned as an expensive resort, but it is ideal for a relaxing romantic getaway. Many SPA centers and luxury hotels, beauty wildlife, mountains hanging over the ocean - perfect place for a romantic weekend.

For family

The whole family can safely go on vacation in the Algarve. There is a developed infrastructure, there are many opportunities for a relaxing and active holiday. For children, there are attractions and water parks, many cafes and cozy eateries. There are even nightclubs and restaurants. This resort is positioned as the best for families.

Good conditions for a relaxing holiday are also offered in the Azores, where you can find a cozy corner among the wild nature, take a break from the city noise and enjoy good level service.

If you see a blue flag on a beach, it means that it is famous for its cleanliness and well-developed infrastructure.

Active recreation and diving

Madeira is considered an ideal place for diving. There are many rocks and reefs, underwater caves and even sunken ships from different eras. There are unique species of fish and shellfish, diving, you can meet barracuda, sea bass or tuna. The beauty of the local reefs is famous throughout the country. The level of difficulty is suitable for both amateurs and professionals.

If you have been doing outdoor activities for a long time, then it is better to go to the Azores, where the level of difficulty of diving is suitable for professionals. Diving will not be easy, but you will not regret it, and you can easily meet a blue shark and even a whale. Near the islands of Santa Maria and Pico, you can meet whale sharks and manta rays. The Berlengas archipelago is suitable for people of all levels. During the dive, you can see octopus or sea bass. There are also the remains of sunken ships from the Second World War and sheer cliffs, underwater caves and grottoes.

Attractions and excursions

You can visit Lisbon, it is not only the capital, but also interesting resort with many famous attractions. Here are the most popular and expensive resorts countries called the Lisbon Riviera.

Nightlife and clubs

The best conditions for a night's rest are presented in Lisbon. There are a large number of not only beaches, but also local discos that are held on them. In addition, the city has many music cafes and nightclubs. resort region Although the Algarve is positioned as the best family vacation, it also has many nightclubs and discos. Also in the largest resorts and beaches there are always many cafes and bars open all night. So you can dance under the stars, listen to the sound of the sea and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Housing, transport, cuisine

Before visiting this country, be sure to familiarize yourself with the conditions of living and moving, local gastronomic customs.

The best hotels in Portugal

Almost all hotels in the country operate at a high level. Top notch service is offered, usually breakfast or lunch and breakfast. It is very rare to find an All Inclusive service. Since the cuisine here is very tasty and many tourists visit gastronomic tours, there is no need for this type of service as such.

Best hotels- back. They are located in castles, fortresses and historical villas that have been reconstructed into hotels. The level of service corresponds to 4 and 5 stars. There are also regional pousadas, specially built as castles.

For budget holiday hostels are suitable, of which there are a large number and which are recognized as the best in Europe in terms of service level. The average cost of one night ranges from 10 euros.

Cuisine and restaurants

Very few hotels provide a buffet, precisely because the cuisine in the country is one of the attractions. The restaurants are sure to present hearty and varied meat dishes, delicious fish dishes, which are the main ones in traditional cuisine.

In any of the restaurants you can find a wide variety of fish dishes prepared by almost all possible ways. Of the fish, cod, sardine, perch, trout and mackerel predominate.

In addition, one more calling card country is considered port wine. Each cafe, restaurant and bar has a large selection of this drink. You also need to be able to drink it, there are special traditions. White is served as an aperitif. Red goes with dessert.

Car rental and public transport

There are four main modes of transport in Portugal: expresses between cities, local expresses, carreiras that stop at all intersections, and luxury cars. Car rental is presented throughout the country, so getting a car is easy.

Renting a car is easy. But a prerequisite is an experience of at least 1 year and an age of 21 years, some companies require 25 years. In this case, you need to leave a deposit or be sure to give credit card details.

You can travel around the city by bus. It is advisable to buy a ticket in advance, then it will be cheaper. There are also metro stations.

Shopping for shopping lovers

Such type of tourism as shopping is actively developing. Here you can buy good, high-quality and fashionable shoes, gold, ceramic products. Of course, there is a wide sale of port wine of all kinds and varieties.

You can also buy Madeira, the national wine. Be sure to buy the national souvenir azulejos, this is a tile for wall decoration. Leather products, woven souvenirs, handmade lace and national embroidery are popular. Prices are quite high, so it is better to look for sales or local outlets.

Memo to the tourist: how to avoid problems

The level of security in the country is quite high, so you can walk calmly and at any time. Of course, it is not recommended to leave important and valuable things in plain sight.

It is forbidden to make fires on the beach or in the forests here, for this you can get a fine. You can also smoke only in specially designated areas, otherwise you will have to pay a fine of 50 euros.

Since seismic activity in Portugal is quite high, earthquakes occur here about twice a year. This must be remembered. You can drink water from city taps, but it can be a bit salty.

Is it worth going to Portugal in winter?

In the continental part of the country, good weather remains at this time, the average temperature is quite high - about +15 degrees. So you can safely go to explore the local attractions. It will definitely not be hot, and a light fresh breeze will definitely create a good mood.

At all, winter is the best time to visit historical sights. There is no influx of tourists, everything is quite calm and relaxed. In addition, most services are provided at discounted prices. Especially the spa.

Portugal - indeed interesting country with their own traditions and customs. Here you can not only enjoy the search and exploration of historical sights, visit a lot of castles and medieval cathedrals, but also enjoy the good weather on the beach. If you love diving, you will definitely have something to see.

Portugal is a European country with a very rich history. Despite the fact that it occupies a very small area on the map of the globe, its tourist opportunities are great. This and a large number of resorts oriented to completely different audiences, beautiful cities with interesting sights. Great opportunities for eco-tourism.

Portugal has a well-developed transport network, so for those who want to travel around the country on their own, there will be no problems in movement. These are buses, Alfa express trains, which move passengers between cities in a short time. Another very pleasant thing in this country is the hospitality of the locals, who are always ready to meet halfway, help, and suggest. A feature of the mentality of citizens is politeness, goodwill, and the motto is to always smile in any situation. Therefore, it is always a pleasure to come to Portugal, most tourists who have visited this beautiful country come back here again.

Map of Portugal.

Resorts of Portugal and their features.

Algarve- most popular and respectable resort in southern Portugal. Most often, tourists choose it as a vacation. Here are the most luxurious beaches and clear water in the ocean compared to all of Europe. There are never strong waves in the Algarve, so lovers of calm swimming and families with children are here real paradise. The advantage of the resort is its excellent climate, there is no strong heat here. In the Algarve, tourists will find a large selection of hotels from the simplest to luxury.

This place is perfect for families with children of all ages. The beaches in the Algarve are sandy, where many are equipped with playgrounds. The rich infrastructure of the resort will offer a lot of entertainment such as water parks, boat trips, bullfighting, marine animal shows, shark hunting, hiking, grottoes, ancient fortresses, the opportunity to visit countries such as Spain and Morocco.

Coast of the Algarve.

Madeira Island- a very interesting place, perfect for relaxing active tourists who love to learn something new. And also for sports lovers, such as: paragliding, rock climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding, tennis. Also in Madeira you can go surfing, scuba diving, fishing, and water skiing. There are practically no isolated beaches on the island of Madeira, almost everywhere there are rocky shores, and the depth begins directly from the shore. Therefore, most hotels have swimming pools with sea water. Madeira is a great place for hiking, there is a lot of potential in terms of nature, mountains, waterfalls, all kinds of caves, narrow paths along panoramic cliffs. Going here even in summer, if you plan to climb up, take a warm sweater with you.

Madeira Island.

Lisbon - Lisbon Riviera- tourists love to relax in this place, there are several resorts related to the Riviera, but Cascais and Estoril are considered the best. There are gorgeous sandy beaches with clear sea water. A large number of restaurants for every taste and budget, hotels of any star rating. Young people like to visit these places, because night life very active here. In Lisbon itself, the capital of Portugal, I do not advise you to stop, it is better to visit it during the tour. The city is large, crowded, in the midst of summer there is definitely nothing to do here.

Lisbon.

Lisbon Riviera.

Azores- recently they have become popular with tourists, while the truth is with European ones. Rest here is exceptionally quiet and peaceful. The Azores are made up of 9 islands. Here you can also go diving, watch dolphins and sperm whales. Teysera Island is famous for its natural, healing geysers, there are ancient forts and castles. Pico Island attracts tourists with its volcano (height 2350 meters), as well as the presence of ancient churches of historical value.

The Azores is a quality beach holiday mixed with eco-tourism and outdoor activities.

Let's talk about the main beach resorts Portugal: where to go, what to see and what to pay attention to. Read before your trip to plan your itinerary.

Portugal stretches all the way west coast Iberian Peninsula. True, the restless waters of the Atlantic did not affect the beach holiday here from the best side. High waves, cold ocean currents and rocky shores are not the most desirable conditions.

but rich story, chic cuisine with the freshest seafood and one of the lowest prices in Europe, make the country popular tourist destination. How, even in these harsh conditions, find a great beach on the coast and arrange an unforgettable vacation for yourself, read below!

basic information

Before us is the country of the European Union, and on its territory the euro is in use. Therefore, there will be no problems with the exchange of money. In addition, the prices here are pleasantly pleasing. Food and housing 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. With English, the situation here is the same as in Spain - it is spoken mainly by residents big cities and youth. Of course the staff resort hotels 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 pastime in continental Portugal, it is better to go in May-October and choose exact time holidays depending on your temperature preferences. Of course, as in the whole south of Europe, the summer here is dry, hot and sunny, and rains are extremely rare. That's just when the high season officially begins, ocean waters off the coast warm up to only + 18 ° С. In , when the peak season comes to an end, the water temperature on local beaches 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, not far from 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!

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Visa

Portugal is part of the Schengen zone, which means that any Schengen visa already open in the passport is suitable for traveling there. If you do not have a visa, then getting one is extremely easy! Throughout Russia, in almost every major city, work visa centers . They collect documents from citizens, send them to the embassy in Moscow for consideration, and return passports with visas stamped.

At the same time, if you are traveling as a family, one person can apply at the visa center at once for all close relatives! The place of registration also does not affect the submission of documents, since Moscow still affixes all visas. 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 passport, 3 photos, booking tickets and accommodation (Booking.com bookings are suitable!), As well as a travel 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 immediately receive a multi-Schengen visa for a period of 1 month.

And one more nice feature of the Portuguese visa is that it can be extended on the spot 2 times from 30 to 90 days! At the same time, your desire to rest in the country longer, i.e. ordinary tourism. To extend your visa, you need to contact the nearest branch of the local migration service - SEF . True, you will also have to show a return ticket from the country, insurance for the entire planned stay, 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 for a visa extension: for 30 days - €50, for a period of more than 30 days - €65.

The best places to stay 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 great amount beaches and resort towns with good hotels, restaurants and even golf courses.

South coast, along which the Algarve province stretches, has a warmer climate and not such a cold ocean as in the west of the country. This is because the local Riviera is perfectly protected from penetrating northern winds rocky mountain ranges. The coast itself is sandy with a fairly gentle entry into 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 a local beach holiday, 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 still operate! The small town of Vilamoura has especially distinguished itself, in which there are as many as 5 fields of exceptional quality.

How to get there

In 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 by regular flights. Tap Portugal and Aeroflot fly directly from Moscow to the Portuguese capital, from other Russian cities you can only get with transfers by the same a / c or any other European airline.

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

Cape San Vicente, or Cabo de Sao Vicente is not such a popular place as Cape Roca. However, if you want 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 is visible on a dark night as much as 90 km away!

Fortified walls of Lagos- the old part of the city, perfectly preserved and open to visitors. This was the official residenceHenry the Navigatorand here came all the ships coming from India.

Tavira- an old town in the eastern part of the Algarve coast. It was founded by the Moors in the Middle Ages. Here you can walk along the cobbled streets, visit the Castle of the Moors or go to one of the old churches. Not far from the city is the Ria Formosa reserve, where you can watch flamingos and other representatives of the local fauna.

Castle Castelo de Silvesis in ancient city Silves is 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. Until now, the castle towers mightily on a small hill above the city and looks very majestic! So viewing platforms at the top of the hill offers amazing views of the surroundings.

aqualand- Europe's largest water park open sky. 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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AirBnb - rent an apartment from locals.

Beaches and resort towns

Lagosis an old 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, here you will find an interesting cultural program and a variety of tourist attractions. True, the place is noisy and always filled with tourists.

Vilamoura- small resort town ok on the coast with the best European golf courses. This city was originally designed as an elite resort, so you will not find historical architecture here. But in Vilamoura there are a huge number of upscale hotels, and the surroundings of the city are built up with luxurious private villas.

Albufeira (Albufeira)– former fishing village, and now a popular resort town, famous for its fish restaurants and taverns. Around the town spread about 20 great beaches with fine sand and a gentle entry into the water. The most famous beach in the vicinity of Albufeira - Praia da Falésia - is known as one of the top 25 the best beaches Europe!

Monte Gordo- a small town almost near the border with Spain. The former fishing village is now built up with almost the same 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 the 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, for the Portuguese, Cascais continues to be the most popular resort country.

How to get there

Cascais is located just 30 km west of Lisbon. You can get here both by local train and by bus. Ticket prices are about the same (€2.20), but travel railway 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 Lisbon's Cais do Sodré station every 20 minutes. You can find a detailed schedule on the website of the local railway carrier CP . Travel time from Lisbon to Cascais is 40 minutes. Modern electric trains with comfortable and soft seats run in the direction no worse than in Sapsan!

Attractions and entertainment

Cape Roca, or Cabo da Roca is just an hour from Cascais. Directly to the westernmost point of Eurasia from the city bus station, located opposite the railway station, there is a direct bus.

Grotto Boca do Inferno("devil's mouth") was formed at the foot of a large cliff in the western part of the coast of Cascais. It is named so because of the strong noise that the Atlantic waves create, crashing against the rocks with great force.

Casa de Santa Maria and Cascais lighthouselocated to the west of the main city beach Praia da Ribeira. Inside the 20-meter lighthouse there is a small museum. In the castle next door, you can see the historical interiors created back in the century before last by the wealthy industrialist O'Neill.

Casino Estoril- the largest casino in Europe, which invariably attracts gamblers from all over the continent. It is also famous for inspiring writer Ian Fleming to write the first James Bond book!

Beaches

Praia da Ribeira- the central city beach, not the most convenient for swimming and sunbathing. As its name implies, most of the coast here is occupied by fishing boats and tackle. But on the promenade along the entire beach there is a huge number of good restaurants serving the freshest fish and seafood.

Praia da Conceição, Praia de Duquesa- the two most touristic beaches of Cascais. They settled down on coastline Cascais-Estoril. And how is it typical 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. Right in front of the beach area rises the famous Estoril casino throughout Europe. The surroundings of the beach will please a well-developed tourism infrastructure, numerous cafes, restaurants and bars.

Praia da Rainha- a compact and comfortable beach, hidden between two cliffs on the coast. You can get here from the Cascais-Estoril boardwalk. Once the beach was the closed bath of the Portuguese queen herself (hence its name), but now it is open to everyone.

Madeira Island

One of the most famous local resorts is located, surprisingly, off the coast of Africa! Madeira is a whole 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 Madera wine.

It is not by chance that Madeira is called the “island of eternal spring”, because you can spend time on local beaches all year round! The high season here is the Christmas and New Year weeks, as well as the middle of summer - the traditional time for holidays. However, Madeira is equally comfortable to rest 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 - the city of 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 Monte Palace- the main attraction of Madeira. The garden is located on the mountain of the same name, which can be reached by cable car right from the center of Funchal. On the spot 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 an excellent road leads to the peak (1818 m). In clear weather, a wonderful view of the island opens up from its top, but when the clouds are low, 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 Madeira fortified wine in the 7th generation! At the winery, you can taste 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 the proximity to the city and because of the constant workload.

Praia de Machico- the only one sand beach located in the south of Madeira. They made it artificially for those who do not like pebbles at all. Buses run here from the city, and on the spot you will find free showers, changing places 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, 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 surroundings of the beach on Porto Santo are built up with numerous hotels with restaurants and shops. Therefore, if you are going to Madeira for a relaxing beach holiday, stay on this island!

Where to go with children

Praia da Falésia, Algarve

One of the best beaches in Europe (top 25) is located east of the resort town of Albufeira. This is the perfect place for a holiday with kids! Due to the gentle entry into 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 entry into the water, shallow depth and no strong waves. The beach itself is covered with fine light sand, thanks to which the water here is clean and transparent. In addition, children in Cascais will not be bored! The city has a large Entertainment Center with children's playgrounds Playbowling Cascais, as well as several interesting small museums.

Canical, Madeira

The most popular destination for families with children in Madeira is Piscinas do Caniçal. It is located in the village of Caniçal in the very east of Madeira. Of course, there are excellent pebbly beaches and the black volcanic sand beach Praia da Prainha is very close. However, pebbles are often inconvenient for children, so several outdoor pools, including small ones for children, have been built on the promenade in Caniçal. You can swim comfortably and safely in them, watching the wonderful view of the sea!

Having visited many regions of Portugal, I can note that the regions of this small country really different: in architecture, mood and even climatic zones. It is conditionally possible to divide Portugal into north, south, metropolitan area, the central part of the country and the islands - Azores and Madeira. Resorts in different parts of the country are quite diverse.
They can be divided into beach, thermal, ski and diving resorts.

Algarve, Madeira, Lisbon Riviera: beach resorts

In Portugal, as you can see, there are many medieval cities, historical and architectural monuments, but the lion's share of vacationers come here for the sake of the sun and the sea. Beach resorts are traditionally in the first place for tourists.
This can be seen in the number of pale Germans, Swedes and other northern European tourists who come to the sea as early as April. The coast of the country stretches for almost 2 thousand kilometers. Opportunities to relax are varied and for every taste: for active and passive recreation, for lovers of water parks, diving, surfing, water skiing and fishing.

Algarve

This region is the absolute leader in popularity among tourists who come for a beach holiday. Unlike the rest of the continental part of Portugal, the climate here is not Mediterranean, but subtropical. Here it is noticeably warmer by 3-7 degrees. In winter, the temperature does not fall below 15 degrees, often around 20, and in summer in July and August the air warms up to 35-40.

In my opinion, local beaches cannot be confused with anything else! The Algarve is a riot of colors. The sand here is bright yellow, the ocean is very bright shades of azure, lemon and orange gardens bloom all year round throughout the region. The beaches are different. In the west they are rocky, with bizarre "cheese" holes in the grottoes, and in the east they are sandy.

One of the best beaches in the region, in my opinion, Praia de Rocha (Praia da Rocha) in the city of Portimão. Before visiting, I looked at very bright photos on the Internet and thought that they were changed by filters, the colors were so saturated. However, it turned out that nature here is actually like that. The sand on this beach is yellow-gold, and the ocean plays with all shades of blue and green.

Around the mass of resort hotels, some are located directly at the seashore. Accommodation prices start at an average of 60-80 euros per day, depending on the season. Tourists are offered trips on boats and yachts, fishing, and a variety of water sports. The beach is very clean and comfortable. Of the unpleasant moments - all the sunbeds and umbrellas on it are paid.

The tourist season in the Algarve is all year round. Even in winter, when it is already cold to swim, tourists come for boat trips and sunbathing. By the way, in the off-season, housing prices here fall by an average of 30 percent. Here for the Easter holidays, in April, the Portuguese themselves rush from all over the country, tired of the rainy season. And since May, the high season begins in the Algarve.

At first, I was very surprised that there are a record number of golf courses here, as well as specialized resorts for fans of this game. It turned out the whole point is that the Algarve is literally occupied by the British, who live here as tourists or permanent residents. The British are known to be fans of this sport.

lisbon riviera

This is an ocean coast zone located an hour's drive from the city. According to my observations, the most popular are the beach areas - and Estoril. There is also a large cluster of resort hotels. Almost all the beaches here are very compact and the closer to Cascais and farther from the city, the more beautiful, azure and transparent the ocean becomes.

Lovers of a relaxing holiday like Portinho da Arrábida beach. It is located in a quiet bay, not far from Lisbon, on the other side of the Teja River. The place is famous for its oceanographic museum and a number of the best fish restaurants in the area. There are only a few resort hotels here, the prices for them are relatively low, starting from 60 euros.

One of the most beautiful beaches near Lisbon is considered Guincho (Praia do Guincho). World championships and international spectacular windsurfing competitions are held here. locals love the place for clean water and sand. Hotels here are quite expensive, prices start from 90 euros.

Madeira

Madeira is a Portuguese archipelago located in the middle of the ocean. It is of volcanic origin, therefore, strictly speaking, there are no beaches here, except for pebble ones.

However, it is worth mentioning unique beach Kalheta (Calheta) with sand, which is brought here specially from. This is a calm, peaceful place, protected from sea winds and bad weather by a breakwater strip.

The cost of rooms in this resort is record high, in the season from 130-150 euros per room. In general, Madeira has enough resort hotels with their own pools and rocky outcrops to the ocean. At a cost they can be compared with hotels in. In the high season, the cost of a night's stay in luxury hotels starts from 100 euros.

Many resorts offer access to the sea on pleasure yachts, water skiing, surfing and a variety of diving programs for beginners and advanced swimmers.

Algarve Diving Resorts in Azores

There are many options for divers in Portugal, as well as picturesque and interesting places off the coast.

Algarve

For example, unique grottoes, which I already mentioned, where old warships from the Second World War were flooded especially for athletes. The authorities of the region say that soon an independent park for diving enthusiasts will appear on this site.

For beginners, there are schools where you can learn to dive into the depths of the sea from scratch.

Azores

The Azores are very popular among lovers of diving and sea fishing. This is an archipelago in the ocean, not far from Madeira.

The fact is that near these islands, as nowhere else, a variety of marine fauna reigns. You can meet whales, dolphins or such rare marine life as parrot fish and so on.

Northern Portugal Thermal Spas

Judging by the reviews of my friends in Portugal, Russian tourists love resorts with hot and healing thermal waters. Among the most sought after are Caldas de Saude and Chaves. Usually, along with wellness procedures, clients are offered additional services.

Resort Chaves (Termas de Chaves)

This resort in the north of the country, a stone's throw from the border with Spain, has been known since the time of the ancient Romans. Mineral-rich water from local springs is said to relieve weight problems, and people suffering from diabetes and hypertension also come here.

Tourists appreciate thermal pools not only for medicinal properties, but also for relatively low prices. A day's stay in the hotels of this resort costs from 40 euros.

Caldas de Saude

A resort in the north of the country, not far from the city. It is famous not only for the healing properties of hot springs, but also for the picturesque places. Spa centers specialize in the treatment of various diseases of the joints, as well as the respiratory system.

Wraps and a wide range of treatments are available to all guests. In addition to medical products, cosmetic procedures are offered. Prices per night start from 50 euros.

Monchique (Termal das Caldas de Monchique)

This is a fairly large resort, consisting of rustic-style houses, hot tubs and an outdoor pool. The complex is located next to the Serra de Monchique National Park. Guests can enjoy a variety of spa treatments, as well as outdoor activities such as mountain bike tours in the area.

The ocean is far enough from the resort, 20 kilometers. A day at this resort costs 50-80 euros, depending on the season.

Serra da Estrela: ski resort

I was in the Serra da Estrela mountains, on the slopes of which there is the only ski resort, in April. To be honest, the Portuguese mountains did not impress me. The slopes seemed very gentle to me, and the mountain is low, its highest point is 1993 meters. Of course, due to the low altitude and relief, Portuguese resorts are not impressive and can hardly compete with neighboring French or Spanish ones.

However, they differ with respect to affordable prices and low cost hotels. The cost of living here starts from 20 euros per day. The cost of a ski pass for one person is 25 euros per day, or for 100 euros you can buy a subscription for 6 days. On the slopes of the mountain there are 9 tracks for skiing and snowboarding, both for beginners and for professionals. For the latter, a special track on an artificial slope is equipped.

Finally

In general, Portuguese resorts, with the exception of the ski resorts, are quite diverse and provide guests with a really wide range of additional services. And the big plus is that the prices for holidays in this country are sometimes several times lower than in neighboring Italian or Spanish resorts.

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