Portugal is vastly changing landscapes, preserved history and secret paradises in a kaleidoscope of colour and dramatic terrain.
Portugal is renowned for some of the world’s best beaches. Visit the Algarve for golden sandy beaches, glimpses of dolphins and secret caves.
Visit the Algarve while staying at Club Med Da Balaia.
Portugal also has incredible towns and cities, whether you are looking for a cosmopolitan city such as Lisbon, or interested in the medieval culture and kaleidoscopic beauty of Porto.
Porto
Porto offers the best of both worlds: sun-bleached cities sitting by the beach and rivers, Gothic churches such as Igreja de São Francisco and the UNESCO World Heritage site, Ribeira Square.
Coimbra
Coimbra offers beautiful Old World architecture, cobbled streets, a preserved medieval old town, a university built from the remains of a palace with a well-preserved baroque library, an 18th century bell tower and a 12th century cathedral. Coimbra has preserved history in a beautiful riverside city.
Sintra
Sintra sits in the foothills of the Sintra Mountains. Emblazoned with forests and boasting two palaces – Sintra National Palace and Pena National Palace – Sintra looks more like a fairytale setting than a Portuguese city.
Lisbon
Lisbon, the Portuguese capital, stands resolutely between hillsides and the Atlantic. The Gothic-inspired city tantalises history buffs with architectural masterpieces such as the Belem Tower, São Jorge Castle and the Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge.
Discover a tour of Portugal here.
Azores
Not many people have heard of the green gem that is the Azores archipelago but the secret islands are now beginning to be discovered. São Miguel is one of the most popular islands, equipped with a stunning crater lake called Lagoa do Fogo (the Fire Lake). Hiking the mountains surrounding the lake you can see beautiful vistas of green mountains and the breathtaking blue lake.
The vineyards of Pico on the Azores have earned their status as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The volcanic island of Pico is surprisingly fertile, creating wine in some of the most unusual vineyards. The volcanic soil is littered with lumps of black basalt and yet they have still produced wine since the 15th century.
Peneda Gerês National Park
The only national park in Portugal, Peneda Gerês National Park is a stunning destination for hiking, with views over winding rivers and rolling hilltops, wild horses, hidden waterfalls and shallow lagoons.
Sintra Mountains
The Sintra Mountains jut from the edge of Portugal and stand resolutely in the sea, battered by the oceans. The pointed peaks and lush forests have made the list for UNESCO World Heritage sites and with good reason. The mythical mountains have inspired songs, poetry and fables over the years.
For more information on a sun holiday in the Algarve, an adventure holiday in the Azores or a tour around the cities, call us on 0800 707 6229.
