Holidays in Portugal: tours and visits
A favourite destination of the French, Portugal has been attracting large numbers of tourists in recent years, who appreciate its authenticity, climate and friendly people.
The country is located on a marvellous coastal strip lined with beaches and cliffs bathed in constant sunshine. The climate is mild and sunny all year round. Portugal has an extremely rich cultural and historical heritage.
This appeal, the quality of the tourist accommodation on offer and the arrival of numerous low-cost airlines have made Portugal a top tourist destination. Where to go, what to do and what to visit, discover our advice and our practical guide to travelling in Portugal during the holidays!
Lisbon
Lisbon, the Portuguese capital, offers a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Don't miss the Belem Tower, an emblem of the Age of Discovery, and the Hieronymite Monastery, a masterpiece of Manueline architecture. Stroll through the picturesque alleyways of Alfama, soak up the melody of the fado and enjoy the breathtaking views from the Miradouro de Santa Catarina. The Bairro Alto district, with its lively bars and restaurants, is the ideal place to sample the local nightlife.
Porto
Porto, a historic city on the banks of the Douro, is famous for its historic city centre and the Ribeira district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Lello & Irmao bookshop, one of the most beautiful in the world, which inspired Hogwarts in Harry Potter, the historic wine cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia and the Porto-São Bento railway station, built in the early 9th century on the ruins of the former convent of Saint Benedict of Ave Maria. The Stock Exchange Palace, São Francisco Church and Porto Cathedral offer a fascinating insight into the city's history. A cruise on the Douro will reveal another facet of the "Portuguese Venice".
The Algarve
The Algarve, in southern Portugal, is renowned for its golden beaches, spectacular cliffs and charming fishing villages such as Olhão. Lagos, with its Ponta da Piedade rock formations, Albufeira, with its festive atmosphere, and Tavira, with its cobbled streets, are not to be missed. Don't miss the Benagil caves, the coastal jewels of the Algarve, and the Ria Formosa nature park for a boat trip to see the dolphins. Golf lovers will be delighted. The Algarve is regarded as a golfer's Mecca, with over 35 courses within a 50 km radius.
The Alentejo
Located in the south of Portugal, the Alentejo is a peaceful and authentic region renowned for its rural and ecological tourism. Less than an hour from Lisbon, the region's undulating landscapes, wheat fields and white villages will charm you. Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an architectural treasure trove with its Roman temple and Gothic cathedral. The dolmens and menhirs of Almendres, older than Stonehenge, will delight history lovers. You can also discover medieval villages along the castles route: Nisa, Castelo de Vide, Marvão, Portalegre (famous for its tapestries) and Alter do Chão. By the sea, the beaches of the Alentejo are among the wildest in Portugal.
See also | Escape to Comporta: between Lisbon and the Algarve, discover Portugal's secret charm
Peneda-Gerês National Park
100 km north of Porto, the Peneda-Gerês National Park, Portugal's only national park, covers 72,000 hectares. Its mountains, forests and waterfalls will delight nature lovers. Hiking, swimming in the natural lagoons and observing the local wildlife are all activities not to be missed. The village of Lindoso, with its medieval castle and traditional corn barns, is particularly picturesque. Also worth a visit is the village of Sistelo, nicknamed "Portugal's Little Tibet" and the first Portuguese landscape to be classified as a national monument.
The central region (Beira Baixa)
In the east of Portugal, on the border with Spain, the province of Beira Baixa (Central Region) promises an unforgettable road-trip, away from the summer crowds. The Serra da Estrela mountain range, the roof of Portugal, offers some of the most spectacular natural scenery in the country, as well as ski resorts in winter. Among the historic villages worth visiting, Castelo Branco, famous for its episcopal garden and crafts, and Piodão, a shale village in the heart of the Serra do Açor, are not to be missed. You should also stop off at Monsanto, one of Portugal's most beautiful villages and the setting for the House of The Dragons series. Further afield, Castelo Rodrigo takes you back to medieval times, with its castle surrounded by imposing ramparts.
