A Guide to Portugal

Algarve Silver Coast

Situated on the western edge of the Iberian peninsular, Portugal enjoys a year round climate of hot, dry summers and mild winters and has become one of the most popular destinations in Europe.
This beautiful country has spectacular scenery; the entire length of the coastline boasts unspoilt, sandy beaches washed by clear Atlantic waters and many small traditional villages of pretty, tile-fronted houses. The three main regions of Portugal are Lisbon, Porto and the
Algarve.

Lisbon (Lisboa), on the south western coast, is the capital of Portugal and is a legendary city with over 20 years of history. Visitors will find themselves wandering through colourful 18th century squares and getting lost in the medieval maze of the Alfama district overlooked by an ancient castle. In the evening you can relax in one of the many bars, restaurants or cafes and sample the local cuisine.
Porto (Oporto), is Portugal's second largest metropolis and is an ancient port steeped in history and tradition. Home of the famous port wine, it has over 50 port wine lodges some of which offer free guided tours to explain the origin and the wine making process.
The Algarve, sometimes referred to as the jewel in the crown, is situated at the southernmost point of Portugal and offers an unhurried and sophisticated way of life. An international resort, the Algarve has many top sporting facilities including cycling, golf, tennis and riding as well as a wide range of water sports. Praia da Rocha is considered by some to be the best beach in the whole country.
The people of Portugal radiate warmth and hospitality, making this an ideal destination to relax and unwind.

Average Temperatures

 
Currency: Euro

 
Time: GMT

Getting There: Budget airlines have recently begun flying to Portugal, making getting there cheaper and more accessible. Flying time is two to three hours. The Portuguese airports for each region are Faro for the Algarve, Lisbon for the Silver Coast and Porto for the north of the country.