Portugal Introduction

Basking in the sun at the western edge of the Iberian peninsular Portugal deservedly remains a top choice for anyone seeking great hospitality and a huge range of things to do, see and enjoy.

Most holidaymakers to Portugal are heading for the year round sun of the Algarve with its golden sandy beaches, well developed tourist resorts mixed up with pretty fishing villages. But Portugal has this and plenty more to offer.

Travel to the north of the country and you'll discover a well-kept secret of rural landscapes and a traditional way of life. The Douro valley is a particular treat, especially because it's here that Port Wine, the country's most famous product, originated.

Madeira is located in the Atlantic Ocean 994 kilometres from Lisbon. Its dramatic landscapes and lush vegetation make for a memorable holiday and it's a popular holiday choice for couples.

From gorgeous beach resorts, quaint towns, intense nightlife, excellent restaurants and many shops visitors are sure to find Portugal a truly captivating destination.

Portugal Location

Portugal is located in Southwestern Europe, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Spain.

Weather in Portugal

The Algarve, Portugal's most southerly and most popular resort has a sensational year round climate that is one of its prime attractions for holidaymakers.

It is not uncommon for day time temperatures in this sunny spot to reach to the early thirties in the height of summer and rarely drop below 15 degrees centigrade in the winter months.

The region's wonderful weather streams are influenced strongly by the warm waters of the Mediterranean and currents which flow around this protected stretch of coastline mean that a quick refreshing dip could actually become a long and luxurious bathe in the height of summer when the sea is surprisingly temperate.

The Algarve's geographical position means it is affected by the climate in Europe and also the north of Africa. Endless cloudless skies throughout the long summer months means that days are dry and hot. In autumn temperatures remain mild and the winter months are more like a typical UK Spring.

Northern Portugal and Porto are cooler and have more rain than the south, particularly on the coast, with winter temperatures hovering around 10-12°C.

Lisbon and central Portugal have milder winters and average around 28°C in the summer, cooled by the Atlantic breeze. Inland is hotter and drier, so head to the coast with the locals.

The Azores' weather is influenced by the Gulf Stream giving it a mild temperature year-round (17°C in winter and 24°C summer) and perfect conditions for sailing. Madeira has a subtropical climate with winter averaging 18°C and summer 24°C, making it popular all the time.

Beaches in Portugal

You could not wish for better beaches than some that are on Portugal. Portugal has the Atlantic Ocean on two of its sides and benefits from over 800km of coastline. Some of its beaches are idyllic with soft fine sand which are simply ideal for those perfect days by the sea. The beaches in the Algarve can vary from being peaceful and quiet to those that are a surfers dream. Good surfing beaches are near Sagres, Praia do Tonel being one of them. To find the best sandy beaches you should head to the west of Portugal and here you will find better waves for body boarding. A good choice for just a lazy beach day is Algar Seco, not only is it a beach to die for, it also has some colourful scenery by way of cliffs and rocks to take your gaze. These are rocks which have been eroded over time by the wind and the sea and this has resulted in some unique rock formations. There are plenty of rock platforms and pillars here to explore, so children will adore splashing about in the rock pools and arches which have the appearance of caves. Snorkellers will find weed-encrusted rocks like miniature coral reefs below the waves. There is not much sand, but the other features compensate, including the colourful show of light and shade that begins as the sun sinks at dusk.

Portugal's beaches have everything you could wish for so if you are looking for banana boats, jet skis and water ski-ing, or simply building sandcastles, you will find it in Portugal.

The eastern beaches of Portugal are very different to the western beaches. Firstly they are sandier than those to the west. There is an axis on which the Algarve encounters a definitive tilt. As you travel westwards the land rises gradually until it reaches the high cliffs and boiling seas of Cape St Vincent. Eventually further eastwards the terrain flattens out and here you will find endless lengths of soft golden sand leading gently into warm, shallow seas.

A collision zone is the cause of the tilt, as the Algarve sits between the Eurasian and African continental plates. The African plate is moving northwestwards, pushing the European land mass slowly upwards. This explains why the junction between land and sea is more dramatic in the west, marked by steep sandstone cliffs, and why the coast is broken up into a series of rock-strewn coves. For some people, this jaggedness enhances the appearance of the coastline.

Car Hire in Portugal

Hiring a car is available from main towns and airports, with or without a driver. The minimum age for driving is 18 (but must be at least 21 to 25 if hiring a car). Under the requirements of the Portuguese Road Code, those wishing to drive a car must possess a valid national/international driving license, other official documentation with photograph, log book or rental contract and adequate car insurance. Failure to produce, on request to the authorities, any of the above will result in an on-the-spot cash fine. A Carnet de Passage is needed for a van. Third Party insurance is compulsory. Traffic signs are international. Seat belts must be worn. Children are not allowed to travel in the front seat. Warning triangles are compulsory. It is forbidden to carry cans of petrol in vehicles. Speed limits are 50kph in built-up areas, 90kph outside built-up areas and 120kph on motorways. Permitted speeds will vary if trailers are being used. Cars may be imported for up to six months.

Transfers from the airport

Arriving at a foreign airport can often be a strenuous affair and with most customers traveling independently these days having a pre-booked airport transfer is an essential part of your holiday package. Local taxis at the airport can sometimes be limited or with long queues, by booking a pre-booked you can not only make a fantastic saving on your transfer but also avoid all the stress of queues and haggling with taxi drivers. Book your airport transfer service here now >>

Airport shuttle bus service

In most of our gateway airports you can pre-book an Airport Shuttle Service. This is a pre-booked only service that operates between the relevant airport and holiday resort. In normal times you can expect to wait up to 30 minutes for your shuttle bus to arrive however as this is a pre-negotiated service and only available to participating travel companies then expect to pay far less to get from the airport to your destination accommodation than other traditional forms or transport such as local taxis. Book your airport shuttle service here now>>

Shopping in Portugal

In Portugal you will have plenty of choice to spend your euros or plastic. Items that might attract you are things like copperware, jewellery, crystal, linen and items that have been hand painted such as pottery and ceramics.

There are some trendy designer boutiques with trendy prices also, but you will be able to find bargains if you look hard enough. Some of the best buys are to be had at the local street markets, where you will find all the above items plus more, such as souvenirs. You will also be able to buy fruit, vegetables, cheeses and meat produce at the markets and you will find the quality is extremely good. The locals usually shop at the markets, so as well as the experience of shopping you will be able to see what local life is like in Portugal, as a market is a big event and not just a means to an end.

Eating out in Portugal

Portuguese people love to cook their food slowly and the heat from the barbeque is a great way to ensure the fullest of flavour in any dish. When you first go into a restaurant and take your seat, you will be offered some home made bread to accompany butter, cheese or paste made of sardines. Aperitifs are usually offered with this and also some nibbles such as vegetables in a garlic dip.

Fish soup can be made from different types of fish including cod and is a thick stew like dish. It is usually called caldeirada. It's a wonderful way to feel the warmth of the Mediterranean seeping through into your tummy. Try an arroz de marisco (shellfish and rice stew) or the cataplana (cockles cooked in a sealed wok with smoked pork sausage, cured ham, tomatoes, and onions) to follow. Many traditional fish dishes include cod such as Bacalhau à Braz, thin strips of cod mixed with onions, thin strips of potatoes bound by eggs or Bacalhau com Natas, fried cod with onions baked in the oven with a cream white sauce and diced potatoes. You will find a dish called bacalhau a braswhich is cod that has been salted, then fried with potatoes, onions, garlic, olives and egg.

The freshest sardines are at their best simply grilled on a barbecue and basted, served with potatoes and salad. You can also find other fish menus with lobster, sea bass, mullet and bream. You will pay a seasonal price for this and it will depend upon weight.

Another popular dish is green soup, called caldo verde. This is usually a starter and contains a variety of ingredients such as potatoes, onions, cabbage and spicy sausage like chorizo.

Shellfish is also popular and there are two Portuguese dishes that mix a combination of clams, fish and prawns together with rice. Seasoned to perfection and often the dishes can incorporate pork or chicken with the ingredients.

Meat eating in Portugal consists of pieces of chicken, beef, pork or lamb being cooked in rich spices and herbs full of warm sunshine and flavour. Frango Piri Piri, or chicken Piri Piri is a typical spicy dish seen in many restaurants. This is small tasty chicken grilled on charcoal while being basted with a special sauce prepared differently by each chef. The essential ingredient is the hot piri-piri and the chicken must be served straight from the grill. Normally chipped potatoes and salad accompany the chicken. How wonderful does that sound? Some dishes involve pigs' trotters with beans and black pudding, liver and rice.

Other popular plates include rump steak and gammon fried with a slice of beef, Bife a Frigideira, Cozido à Portuguesa or meat stew, made from beef, cabbage, carrots, turnips, smoked sausage and rice and Leitao Bairrada or suckling pig, cooked and basted for hours in a stone oven until the meat is soft and melts in the mouth.

It is safe to assume that the majority of the Portuguese have a "sweet tooth". Most deserts and pastry have more than their fair share of sugar content. There are many different sweets created and only a few are listed here.

Desserts are a key part of any meal in the Algarve and you'll be spoilt for choice with a delectable array of sweets designed to put inches on that perfect bikini body you've waited all year to show off! But you're on holiday after all!

Try Bolo Real, an orange and almond flavour cake or Dom Rodrigos, an Algarve speciality of an almondy paste wrapped in silver paper or Masa de Doce Regional, sweet almond paste moulded animals and fruits. Great to take home as presents.

Pastry, figs and almonds with a sprinkling of cinnamon and oranges are all really popular ingredients and are presented in a multitude of mouthwatering ways!

There are many wines to sample in the Algarve - the famous Mateus Rose is a favourite of the region as is the Vinho Verde or green wine. There are plenty of strong liquers to try including the Licor Beirao with aniseed twist; Armaguinha made from almond essence and Brandy Mel, a mixture of local firewater and honey.

Of course we must not forget to mention the Port that Portugal is so famous for. Porto has port wine lodges of Vila Nova de Gaia which are open to the public for tours and tasting. Also across the river in Gaia, is where all the port-making companies are located.

The Portuguese like to start the day with an espresso - but this is no ordinary hit of coffee. These small cups of coffee are called Bica and are incredibly strong. It is said that truck drivers call it rocket fuel because it powers them through their long trips across Europe. To have a Bica with a tiny drop of hot milk is called a Bica Pingo or just Pingo.

The different coffee grains used within Portugal are mainly from Angola and Brazil and brought in by seven major importing companies that act as distributors. It is always freshly ground and is available in many types.

You'll be spoilt for choice in the stunning Algarve with plenty of fabulous fresh food. Holiday makers to this sunny spot certainly eat well here and whilst there are international dishes here to suit all types, the food of Portugal simply has to be sampled. Ola Holidays

Wine

The Algarve produces some local wines, although these are not as sartorial as the wines from the North of Portugal. White Port (porto branco) is usually served as an aperitif rather than the post-prandial red. Dao and the similar Barraida are good all-purpose wines: both red and white versions are aged in barrels to acquire an oaky flavour, but the best remain soft and fruity. In hot weather, try something lighter - such as semi-sparkling vinho verde (green wine - so called due to its youthfulness rather than its colour), with a palate-cleansing lemon tang which you might find very refreshing on a hot day.

Nightlife in Portugal

There is a casino in Praia da Rocha's Hotel Algarve, with free entry to the ground floor where there are slot machines and video games, and no dress code. Passports must be shown as proof of age to gain access to the gaming tables, and there is a small entry charge; visitors must be smartly dressed in jacket and tie. The nightly dinner and floor show starts at 8:30. Gambling is authorised and many resorts on Portugal have casinos, namely Espinho, Estoril, Figueira da Foz and Monte Gordo. The elegant Estoril Casino is the most renowned.

All over Portugal, you will find so many things to do, see and experience, you may not have enough time to do everything. Portugal is full of interesting places, where one can easily pass many hours enjoying the entertainment that can be found in Portugal. The large towns offer every kind of entertainment. There are many nightclubs, theatres, cinemas, stage shows, folk dancing and music performances. The traditional Fado can be heard in many restaurants, and performances begin at about 2200. Fado is unique to Portugal; like the blues, it is claimed to have its origins in African slave music, but the music developed its present form in mid-19th-century Lisbon. Fado means 'fate', and the lyrics of each three-minute song express the sadness and yearning occasioned by lost or unrequited love or the vicissitudes of life. The fadista, or singer, traditionally wears black. The accompaniment is provided by two musicians, one of whom plays the pear-shaped quitarra portuguesa (a 12-stringed Portuguese guitar), while the other provides the bass line on a Spanish guitar.