Stunning coastline, mountainous terrains and wide plains and valleys all contribute to the overall picture of Portugal. Towns and villages with history dating back centuries with links to royal and military presence is a dominating attraction in this established European country as is the traditional lifestyle locals consistently embrace in every town. Other Cities of Interest: Situated closely to the Portuguese capital Lisbon is the delightful town of Castelo de Vide. A town renown for its Jewish presence, Castelo de Vide boasts the oldest synagogue in Portugal. Found on the opposite side of Lisbon is Cascais. Once quaint fishing village, Cascais has now developed into a thriving coastal town that still embraces the fishing trade as a unique attribute of the local lifestyle. Neighbouring Estoril, another stunning seaside city, is home to the largest casino in Europe. The cosmopolitan lifestyle of Estoril brings about trendy restaurants and bars and elegant beaches. Mesao Frio is a small but charming village with the typical one main street and the highlight being the church of São Nicolau. In the Algrave you will come across Praia da Rocha, a flourishing beachside resort in its own right. Towering hotels, bright shopping precincts and a large selection of bars and restaurants are enough to keep you occupied. Faro, located on the southern most point of Portugal, was the last city to be conquered by the Moors. Faro’s sandy beaches and rugged cliffs provide an attractive contrast not to mention an extensive range of water sport activities to enjoy. West of Faro is the city of Lagos. Historic forts, churches and cobblestone streets fill the day’s agenda while the vibrant nightlife takes over as the sun sets over the glorious Lagos beachfront. Situated neatly between Faro and Lagos is Albufeira, a town recognised for its attractive beaches, traditional whitewashed houses and narrow streets. This thriving town appeals to tourists as a unique fishing village with the impressive Largo Duarte Pacheco square as a highlight. Upmarket Vilamoura is a typical seaside resort and home to the imposing Vilamoura Marina. Well known golf courses, stylish restaurants and cafes, and Portugal’s leading nightclub are all, as expected, found in this one location. Those seeking a less extravagant holiday should consider Tavira. One of the most appealing and unspoiled towns of the region, Tavira is found surrounding the River Gilao and River Sequa. While home to over three dozen churches Tavira consists mainly of low rise buildings allowing the prominent Roman style seven arched bridge to occupy a dominating presence. Located in Portugal’s north region is Bussaco or more commonly known as Buçaco, once home to monks, this unique forest offers visitors the chance to explore its delights with the Buçaco Palace remarkable positioned in the forest’s centre. Situated further north is Viana do Castelo, a town offering a remarkable contrast of beachfront, river and mountainside. Fine architecture is frequent throughout this town, with the beautifully presented Renaissance design fountain centrally located in the main Praça da República square. A historic wonder, the town of Guimares is recognised as the birthplace of Portugal’s first king Dom Alfonso Henriques and consequently Portugal’s first capital. Medieval castles and churches and the remarkable Palace of the Dukes of Bragança are star attractions.
Stunning coastline, mountainous terrains and wide plains and valleys all contribute to the overall picture of Portugal. Towns and villages with history dating back centuries with links to royal and military presence is a dominating attraction in this established European country as is the traditional lifestyle locals consistently embrace in every town.
Other Cities of Interest:
Situated closely to the Portuguese capital Lisbon is the delightful town of Castelo de Vide. A town renown for its Jewish presence, Castelo de Vide boasts the oldest synagogue in Portugal. Found on the opposite side of Lisbon is Cascais. Once quaint fishing village, Cascais has now developed into a thriving coastal town that still embraces the fishing trade as a unique attribute of the local lifestyle. Neighbouring Estoril, another stunning seaside city, is home to the largest casino in Europe. The cosmopolitan lifestyle of Estoril brings about trendy restaurants and bars and elegant beaches.
Mesao Frio is a small but charming village with the typical one main street and the highlight being the church of São Nicolau.
In the Algrave you will come across Praia da Rocha, a flourishing beachside resort in its own right. Towering hotels, bright shopping precincts and a large selection of bars and restaurants are enough to keep you occupied. Faro, located on the southern most point of Portugal, was the last city to be conquered by the Moors. Faro’s sandy beaches and rugged cliffs provide an attractive contrast not to mention an extensive range of water sport activities to enjoy. West of Faro is the city of Lagos. Historic forts, churches and cobblestone streets fill the day’s agenda while the vibrant nightlife takes over as the sun sets over the glorious Lagos beachfront. Situated neatly between Faro and Lagos is Albufeira, a town recognised for its attractive beaches, traditional whitewashed houses and narrow streets. This thriving town appeals to tourists as a unique fishing village with the impressive Largo Duarte Pacheco square as a highlight. Upmarket Vilamoura is a typical seaside resort and home to the imposing Vilamoura Marina. Well known golf courses, stylish restaurants and cafes, and Portugal’s leading nightclub are all, as expected, found in this one location. Those seeking a less extravagant holiday should consider Tavira. One of the most appealing and unspoiled towns of the region, Tavira is found surrounding the River Gilao and River Sequa. While home to over three dozen churches Tavira consists mainly of low rise buildings allowing the prominent Roman style seven arched bridge to occupy a dominating presence.
Located in Portugal’s north region is Bussaco or more commonly known as Buçaco, once home to monks, this unique forest offers visitors the chance to explore its delights with the Buçaco Palace remarkable positioned in the forest’s centre. Situated further north is Viana do Castelo, a town offering a remarkable contrast of beachfront, river and mountainside. Fine architecture is frequent throughout this town, with the beautifully presented Renaissance design fountain centrally located in the main Praça da República square. A historic wonder, the town of Guimares is recognised as the birthplace of Portugal’s first king Dom Alfonso Henriques and consequently Portugal’s first capital. Medieval castles and churches and the remarkable Palace of the Dukes of Bragança are star attractions.