Popular luxury holiday resorts

People visiting the area aren’t just beach lovers; there are watersports and champion level golf courses in picturesque surroundings to draw sporty tourists. For the history and culture lovers there are plenty of sights and attractions. Mountain bikers love the countryside trails. So the province has it all whether simplicity or luxury is wanted – coast, open countryside and cities to explore.
Although the Algarve is on the Atlantic, its climate is very Mediterranean, so whatever type of holiday is wished for, you can be almost certain that you have hot summer and gentle winter temperatures with plenty of sunshine.
For those looking for a more luxury holiday, the Golden Triangle area of Almancil, Quinta do Lago and Quarteira has luxury resorts with accommodation in beautiful settings, the province’s best golf courses with picturesque backdrops, wonderful beaches, top restaurants, sports for all the family and designer shops.
For nature lovers and birdwatchers the Ria Formesa Nature Reserve, with its lagoons, is at the edge of Quinta do Lago. Another luxurious resort, the Vale do Lobo is described as the equivalent to Monaco in the Algarve. As well as the golf people are drawn here for the tennis academy. Every year a Masters Competition is hosted at Vale do Lobo.

Beautiful beaches

For beach lovers who also love scenic surroundings, the Algarve is popular for beaches with a view. One of these is Armacao de Pera where the Fiesa festival of sand sculpture is held each year during May to August.
Zavial is another scenic beach which also draws body boarders and surfers. This beach is a photographer’s delight with its stunning natural beauty and surfing activity. Praia da Rocha is a popular beach resort with three beaches connected by a pleasant walk-through tunnel in the cliff.

Picture: Fotolia

The Sheraton Algarve and Penha Longa Resort

Portugal has some fantastic and luxurious hotels on offer, located all over the country. These 5-star hotels pride themselves on spectacular views, first class service and unique features that will really make any trip to Portugal a truly memorable experience. 5 star hotels in Portugal are some of the best that Europe has to offer. The Sheraton Algarve is one such hotel, sitting atop a majestic cliff with panoramic views of the surrounding sea and environs. With miles and miles of untouched beaches, this hotel caters to those who want privacy and exclusivity, while also demanding a luxury suite and a host of facilities in a beautiful setting. The Penha Longa Hotel and Golf Resort is another dream hotel for those wanting scenic locations. Set amidst the Sintra Mountains and only a minute’s drive from Lisbon, this exclusive resort offers opulently designed rooms, unique facilities and a world class spa.

The Conrad Algarve and Grande Real Villa

Many of the top hotels in Portugal are located in the bustling cities and tourist retreats of the county, such as Lisbon and the Algarve. The Conrad Algarve offers exquisite style and ultra-modern conveniences with fine dining restaurants, exclusive spa treatments and a whole host of luxury facilities. The Grande Real Villa Italia Hotel and Spa is another precious hotel gem here. Located on the grounds of a former royal palace, the hotel has maintained the luxury standards of the original designs. Lisbon is extremely accessible from here, as is a host of scenic landmarks and countryside landscape.

Picture: maconga – Fotolia

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, offers a combination of ancient and modern sights for you to explore and enjoy. So, once you’ve found your accommodation in Lisbon and unpacked your bags; get out there and explore what this magical city has to offer.

Jeronimos Monastery

A World Heritage site, the monastery dates back to the 16th century and is an architectural masterpiece in the style of King Manuel, with Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque influences. The monastery was built as an expression of gratitude for a successful Indian voyage. It has a riverside setting beside the Tagus.

Belem Tower

Also a World Heritage site, it stands on the banks of the Tagus as a 16th century souvenir of the Age of Discovery. It was originally built as a watchtower in the middle of the river. Today it’s a museum, but one of its functions was to have political prisoners in the water dungeon.

Castelo da Sao Jorge

Lisbon is crowned by St George’s Castle. Parts of the castle date back to the 6th century when the Romans fortified it. Later the Visigoths and the Moors worked on it. When you walk along the ramparts and go up the towers you have wonderful views of Lisbon.

Lisbon beaches

Take a short car journey to nearby beaches for peaceful relaxation on Adraga Beach, or perhaps you are more activity inclined and would enjoy surfing or windsurfing at Guincho Beach. At Cascais Marina you can watch the yachts or take a fishing or sailing trip.

Lisbon’s music

It’s festival season in Lisbon in June. You will not be able to resist the traditional Portuguese Fado music. There are a number of popular Fado events during the annual festival.

In summer, especially June and July, Sao Carlos Square is an open-air theatre for the Festival in the Square, during which you will be entertained and delighted by actors, dancers, musicians and singers.

Picture: WernerHilpert – Fotolia