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Holidays spent in
Portugal will be “something special”. It has so much to offer in its varied
culture, history and monuments, good wholesome food, a large selection of
sports, lovely sandy beaches, wood covered valleys and mountains, and not
forgetting the two most important items of all - the traditional warmth and
friendliness of its people coupled with the very good climate.
You may either choose to stay in one of the many popular coastal holiday
areas with lots to do and plenty of night life. Maybe you will prefer a
slightly inland “get away” providing a quiet peaceful location but still
within easy reach of normal day-to-day facilities.
Portugal can be easily divided into several different tourist areas.
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Alentejo
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Main Locations - Beja, Castelo do Vide, Elvas, Estremoz, Évora,
Monsaraz, Portalegre. |
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The large expanse of the Alentejo area consists mostly of rolling open
landscape. It is well known for its full bodied wines and its good country
cuisine. There are many towns rich in history with semi-destroyed castles
dating back to Roman times. In the west there is a lovely long stretch of
Atlantic coastline with limitless sandy beaches and sparsely developed
tourists areas. In the north east there are several interesting towns
reflecting Portugal’s fascinating history and its many battles connected to
the various struggles for its independence with from its Spanish neighbours
and French invaders. Three notable locations to be visited are Castelo de
Vide, Marvão and Monsaraz.
| Algarve
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Main Locations - Albufeira, Almancil, Armação de Pera, Alvor,
Carvoeiro, Faro, Lagos, Loulé, Monchique, Monte Gordo, Praia da Rocha,
Quarteira, Quinta do Lago, Olhão, Portimão, Sagres, Silves, Tavira, Vale do
Lobo, Vilamoura. |
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For some 40 years the popular region of the Algarve has been the choice for
many tourists for its splendid beaches and exceptional European weather.
Along the coastline there is a good choice of locations and lovely beaches.
Here you will find a selection of the popular sports, large quantity of
friendly bars and restaurants, and plenty of night life for the younger
visitor. However, just a very few kilometres inland the traveller will find
a different attractive holiday location away from the usual crowds and
mainly Portuguese in flavour.
Azores
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Islands - Corvo, Faial, Flores, Graciosa, Pico, Santa Maria, São
Jorge, São Miguel, Terceira. |
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Located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean with its temperate climate, this
group of Islands of different sizes and characteristics lend themselves to
lovers of nature and unsophisticated holidays. An excellent choice for those
visitors who enjoy walking holidays and the study of flora.
Costa Prata
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Main Locations - Alcobaça, Aveiro, Batalha, Caldas da Rainha,
Coimbra, Fátima, Leiria, Óbidos, Tomar. |
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This area is located to the north of Lisbon and stretches up a coastal plain
towards the major town of Porto. With the Atlantic coastline on its west
side there are many small coastal tourist fishing villages from which to
choose. Further inland to the east there are the some interesting main towns
offering their own extensive history and culture. Two historic locations not
to be missed are Batalha and Óbidos.
| Costa Verde |
Main Locations - Amarante, Braga, Guimarães, Porto, Viana do Castelo. |
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It was here that Portugal was originally created as a country. Its ancient
monuments and historic buildings are to be found everywhere. Well known for
its wine industry it is also the most densely developed from a manufacturing
point of view. Bounded on the west by the Atlantic Ocean this coastal plain
area reaches from Porto northwards to the Spanish frontier. To the northeast
there is a popular mountain Nature Reserve named Gerês.
Lisbon &
Coast
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Main Locations - Cascais, Estoril, Lisbon, Mafra, Queluz, Santarém,
Sesimbra, Setúbal, Sintra. |
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Lisbon being the capital offers all types of entertainment and interesting
cultural choices to fascinate the visitor. It is small city compared to many
other European capitals and as a result retains its personality and
individuality. To the west along the north side of the estuary leading to
the sea are Cascais and Estoril, both quite sophisticated locations for
holiday makers. Across the same estuary and further south are the Sesimbra
and Troia, both popular with tourists. Two locations not to be missed are
Mafra and Sintra.
| Madeira |
Main Locations - Funchal, Porto Santo |
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Situated in the Atlantic off the coast of Africa, Madeira is popular
throughout the year as a holiday destination because of its mild climate. It
is an island which consists of narrow coastal locations for tourists which
quickly turn into the steep sides of its mountains. Close by is the much
smaller Island of Porto Santo which is much flatter and has sandy beaches.
Transmontana
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Main Locations - Bragança, Castelo Branco, Chaves, Covilhã, Guarda,
Vila Real, Viseu |
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As the name suggests this area is the eastern inland area of Portugal which
varies from wooded valleys to the mountain area of Serra de Estrela. It
commences to the north of the Alentejo and stretches northwards bounded on
the west by the Spanish boarder and again to the north of Bragança. This is
a lovely area which retains its Portuguese character and rarely caters for
the mass tourist.
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