Portugal: my favorite Portugal. Caring for the environment
The Azores Islands are an archipelago in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, on which the autonomous region of Portugal of the same name is located.
The archipelago consists of 9 islands with a total area of 2322 km². The largest island is San Miguel, and it is here that the capital of the autonomous region is Ponta Delgada. Pico Island is famous for the fact that it has the highest point not only of the archipelago, but of all of Portugal: the active volcano Pico (2351 m).
Almost 247,000 people live in the Azores. The bulk of the population is Portuguese, there is also a small part of Spaniards and French.
The main language spoken by the people of the Azores is Portuguese. But at the same time, the local dialect has significant differences from the dialects characteristic of other regions of Portugal.
The most popular entertainment in the Azores
The Azores Islands of Portugal are considered to be somewhat unique: there is not a single factory here, and virgin nature has been preserved. Lovers of ecotourism, active recreation, and water extreme sports come here: trekking, diving, surfing, and hiking. Due to the presence of a large number of good beaches, these islands are also perfect for beach lovers.
Ocean fishing is considered one of the most popular entertainment in the Azores, and the waters between Flores, Faial, Sao Jorge and Pico are considered ideal places for it.
Almost every local travel company can organize such a tour, although you can simply rent a boat or yacht with the required equipment and go fishing on your own.
The most suitable time for ocean fishing on the islands of the Azores archipelago is July, August and early September.
The world's largest whale habitats include the waters of the Azores.
Anyone who wants to get the most out of their stay on the archipelago can go out on a small boat into the ocean and watch whales in the wild. As a rule, the boat comes quite close to the whales - so close that you can feel the whale’s breath and take great photos.
Whale watching is completely safe, you just need to follow the captain's instructions.
The best time for whale watching in the Azores is considered to be spring (from March to early May) and autumn (second half of September).
Beach holiday
The archipelago was created as a result of volcanic activity, so most of the local beaches are covered with solidified lava. However, on the islands of Santa Maria, Faial and San Miguel there are beach areas with black and even light sand.
Porto Pim Most beaches are concentrated on the island of Faial, and almost all of them are covered with black sand. The exception is the picturesque Porto Pim, where the sand is light. Castelo Branco, surrounded by rock formations, and located at the foot of the Comprido volcano are good places to relax. The secluded Praia de Pedro Miguel is ideal for a romantic, serene getaway. The busiest of all the beaches, where various concerts and performances are organized during the season, with a huge number of bars and restaurants along the coast, is Praia do Almoxariffe.
There are beaches on the island of San Miguel. In the village of Ribeira Grande there are the most picturesque beaches of the Azores, which are especially popular among surfing fans.
What to see in the Azores archipelago
Each island is interesting and attractive in its own way. Each of them is a unique natural attraction with volcanic craters, volcanic lakes, waterfalls, healing springs, and parks. To see the best of the Azores, one trip will not be enough. In any case, you will have to make a choice about what you need to visit. So, the TOP 10 most interesting attractions of the archipelago, most of which are concentrated on the island of San Miguel.
The extinct volcano Sete Cidades
Traces of volcanic activity are very visible on San Miguel. For example, just 10 km from Ponta Delgada there is a unique local attraction: the huge crater of the inactive Sete Cidades volcano with the lake of the same name located in it. Lake Seti-Sidadish looks like two separate reservoirs with water of different shades (blue and green), and is popularly called the Blue and Green lakes.
The most stunning view of the crater and the twin lakes of Sete Cidades, recognized as one of the most unusual attractions in Portugal, opens from the Miradouro da Boca do Inferno observation deck. From it you can also see a cave through which the entrance to the Boca do Inferno bay with waves crashing against it opens. From the site, from different angles, you can take many stunning photos of the unique attractions of the Azores. Entrance to the site is free, there are no restrictions.
Miradouro da Boca do Inferno Behind the site there is an abandoned hotel building; many people climb onto its roof and inspect the area from there. There are several restaurants nearby, a small parking lot, and a public toilet.
The second most beautiful attraction of the archipelago after Sete Cidades is the Lake of Fire. It is located on the way from Ponta Delgada to Seti Cidades.
Lagoa do Fogo can be observed even from the road, along which there are several small viewing platforms. Leaving the car by the road, you can go down to the water on foot - trekking is simple and will take about 25 minutes.
The water is warm and crystal clear, there are small beaches. The area is “wild”, not equipped at all, everything is completely free.
Terra Nostra Gardens
The huge and amazingly beautiful Terra Nostra park area is another attraction of the Azores on the island of San Miguel.
On the territory of Terra Nostra there is a Botanical Garden (one of the best in Portugal) and Thermae. Admission is paid: for adults 8 €, for children from 3 to 10 years old – 4 €.
The botanical garden, one of the largest in Portugal, has many unique plants. But perhaps the most amazing of them are giant tree ferns that look like small palm trees. The garden is home to white and black swans, ducks - both ordinary mallards, and sorrel ducks and mandarin ducks. There are many winding paths on the territory leading to ancient bridges, mysterious grottoes, and beautiful sculptures.
The Baths are considered a local attraction, the water in which contains a large amount of iron and is heated to + 40 ° C. Scientists have proven that this water, colored sandy-brown, has a rejuvenating effect. There are changing rooms and showers next to the outdoor pool, and towels can be rented for an additional fee.
The thermal water pool is located very close to the entrance to the Terra Nostra park area.
The thermal baths, with a very pleasant name (“Poca Da Dona Beija” in Russian translates to “Kisses of the Little Lady”), are a great place to relax after exploring the local attractions. The water here, although it contains a large amount of iron, is much clearer than in Terra Nostra.
Exact coordinates: Lomba das Barracas, Furnas, Povoaço, Sao Miguel 9675-044, Portugal.
The work schedule is very convenient: daily from 7:00 to 23:00. There is a small free parking area nearby.
Entrance to the Baths for adults is 4 €, for children under 6 years old – 3.5 €. For 1 € you can rent a safe, for 2 € you can rent a towel.
Everything inside is very modernly decorated. There are changing rooms and a toilet (you can use it for free), there is a paid shower.
The most important thing is the swimming pools. In the shallowest and furthest one the temperature is +29 °C, in the other 4 the temperature is +39 °C. The depth of the pools varies: from 90 to 180 cm.
What else you need to see in the Azores is the main attraction on the island of Sao Miguel. We are talking about the Salto do Prego waterfall, whose coordinates: Faial da Terra, Povoação, Sao Miguel, Portugal.
The route to the beautiful, high and quite strong Salto do Prego begins in the village of Sanguinho. The walking trail goes along low hills, through a forest and several villages, along the way there are small waterfalls. The route, pleasant and uncomplicated, is suitable for people of any age, but comfortable shoes are a must.
Mount do Pico
Nature lovers should definitely visit Pico Island, the main attraction of which is the active volcano of the same name. Montanha do Pico (2351 m) is not just a landmark of the archipelago, but also the highest point in Portugal.
Climbing Mount Pico on a tour of the Azores is one of the most exciting adventures.
Sturdy sports shoes are required for the climb, otherwise you will not be allowed onto the official trail. Since the mountain is windy and often foggy, warm clothes and a windproof jacket will be useful. You need to take gloves and walking poles with you to help you move. You also need to bring food and a few liters of water.
You can get to the starting point where the ascent begins by taxi. A trip from nearby cities will cost 40 € for a “minivan” designed for 6-7 passengers.
It’s better to arrive early, if possible, before sunrise. Noon is the deadline. For people with poor physical fitness, climbing to the top of the volcano and descending from it will take 7-8 hours, so it is better to devote a whole day to getting to know this attraction of Portugal.
Upon arrival, you must register at the Tourist Assistance Center, undergo safety instructions, receive a GPS navigator and phone “in one package,” and pay for the climb. Payment for the climb to the crater is 10 €, with the climb to the top itself – 12 €.
Along the entire trail there are posts numbered from 1 to 45, which should help you navigate along the way. The distance between columns No. 1 and No. 2 is quite long, then the columns appear more and more often. The most difficult section of the route, where the mountain is steepest, is between marks No. 7 and No. 25. After column No. 34, the mountain slope is more gentle, but at the same time, there are many pebbles and tuff on the path, on which you can stumble and slide down. At column No. 45 there is an overview of the old crater and the top of the volcano. Further ascent to the top, to a height of 2351 m, continues without marks or obvious paths. The view from the top is breathtaking: you can see the entire island of Pico, the ocean, and nearby islands. The main thing is to be lucky with the weather, since the summit is often covered by clouds.
The descent from the top to the crater can take place on the other side of the mountain. On the way there are fountains of steam, gushing directly from under the stones. Some stones are so warm that you can warm your hands. By the way, the descent is just as difficult as the ascent.
To climb the highest point of the Azores, the Pico volcano, it is advisable to take a guide, although the cost of travel in this case will be higher. Sometimes, even if there are markers, you may not notice the necessary turn, and the guide has a detailed map of the area. The services of a guide will be especially relevant if the ascent is made at night or if the ascent is not in a group, but on your own. It is also convenient that the guide can successfully replace the photographer, capturing a famous landmark of Portugal against the backdrop.
Natural Park and Caldeira
On the island of Faial, covered with thickets of lilac-blue hydrangeas, there is a beautiful natural park. Almost its entire territory is occupied by a huge basin of volcanic origin. It is known as Caldeira.
This landmark of the Azores reaches a diameter of 2 km, its depth is 400 m. The slopes of the Caldera are covered with impenetrable cedar forests.
There are several walking routes around these picturesque places, one of them is around the Caldera. But if such a route seems long, you can see this famous landmark from the Miradouro da Caldeira observation deck.
The main tourist attraction of the island of Faial is the Capelinhos volcano and the “New Land” that emerged as a result of its activity.
This attraction is located in the western part of the island, from the city of Horta it takes about 40 minutes to get there by car.
The eruption of the underwater volcano Capelinhos occurred in 1957-1958 (it lasted 13 months). Traces of the eruption can be seen everywhere: dilapidated buildings covered with mountains of frozen lava, a lighthouse half buried in ash, and also a new peninsula. Before the Capelinhos eruption, where the lighthouse stands was the edge of the island. As a result of the action of the volcano, a new peninsula was formed, increasing the area of Faial by 2.5 km². “New Land” is what the locals call it.
Below the lighthouse there is a museum of volcanology, the only one of its kind in Portugal. In the museum you can get acquainted with the history of the emergence of the Azores archipelago and learn a lot of interesting things about volcanism. The ticket costs 10 € and also allows you to climb the lighthouse.
Monte Brasil is essentially a park area in the center of Angra do Heroísmo on the island of Terceira. Exact coordinates: Freguesia da Se, Angra do Heroismo, Terceira Island, Third, Portugal.
You can climb to the top by car, but it is still better to take this path along well-prepared walking paths and get the maximum impression. At the top of Monte Brasil there is an extensive recreation area, a small zoo, and several observation platforms. From there you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the city and the ocean. If you're lucky with the weather, you'll get beautiful photos to commemorate your trip to Portugal and the Azores.
Flores Island is for those who like to go on walking tours.
The village of Fajan Grande is a beautiful place on the west coast of the island. On one side it is covered by huge rocks with lush green vegetation, on the other side by the ocean, pouring its waters onto the coastal cliffs.
From this territory you can see another landmark of Portugal: the small island of Monchique, which was once used as a starting point in maritime navigation. Monchique is a small basalt rock standing apart in the ocean waters, reaching a height of 30 m.
Exact address Faja Grande: Santa Cruz das Flores, Flores 9970-323, Portugal.
Holidays in the Azores: the price of the issue
Holidays in the Azores are not as expensive as many people think. If you try, you can fly there inexpensively, find a budget hotel and eat quite economically.
Accommodation
Hotel Comfort Inn Ponta Delgada In Ponta Delgada, 3* hotels offer double rooms for an average of 100 € per night, and prices start from 80 €. So, for 80 € you can rent an excellent room for two at the Hotel Comfort Inn Ponta Delgada.
Prices for apartments start from 90 €, for example, a good option is Apartamentos Turisticos Nossa Senhora Da Estrela or Aparthotel Barracuda. Average prices for apartments in Ponta Delgada remain at 160 €.
By the way, it is advisable to book hotel rooms in advance, especially if a trip to the Azores is planned during the holiday season. The best place to find the best deals is on booking.com.
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Mane Cigano Food prices in the Azores are not much different from prices in Portugal. So, in Ponta Delgada, in a mid-level restaurant, you can have dinner for two for 40 €, and this amount also includes a bottle of wine. You can eat in the cafe for 6 € per person.
If you have such an opportunity and desire, you can buy food in stores and cook it yourself. Below are prices in euros for some food products:
- loaf of bread – 1.5;
- package of milk (1 l) – 0.5;
- bottle of water (1.5 l) – from 0.5;
- eggs (12 pcs) – 2.5;
- locally produced cheese (kg) – 7;
- fish and seafood (kg) – from 2.5 to 10;
- rice (kg) – 1.2.
Weather conditions in the Azores
The Azores have a subtropical maritime climate.
The average air temperature in the winter months is around +17 °C, and in the summer months – about +25 °C, although in July and August it can sometimes rise to +30 °C. Ocean water warms up to approximately +22 °C in summer.
The rains in the Azores are short-lived, they can last only a couple of hours, and mainly in autumn and spring. Summer is usually dry and clear. The close location of the Atlantic Ocean means that the weather here is changeable - it can change several times a day.
Interesting fact: The Azores are a year-round resort. At the same time, it is advisable to choose different times for a beach holiday and for trips to local attractions. The best season for relaxing on the beach is from June to September, and the spring months are more suitable for walks and sightseeing trips.
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How to get to the Azores
The only way to get to the Azores archipelago, which is part of Portugal, is by plane. There are several airports here, but most of them are used for domestic flights, and only 3 have international status: Santa Maria on the island of the same name, Terceira Lakes on the island of Terceira, and the largest - Ponta Delgada on the island San Miguel.
Ponta Delgada Airport There are no direct flights from the CIS countries to any of the named airports, so you have to fly with a transfer in the capital of Portugal, the city of Lisbon. In 99% of cases, tourists from the post-Soviet space fly to Ponta Delgada airport, from where there are constant flights to all the islands of the archipelago.
There are no problems with getting from Lisbon to the Azores. Twice a day, at 6:30 and 19:00, there are direct flights from the capital of Portugal to Ponta Delgada, the flight lasts from 2.05 hours to 2.30. A ticket can cost either 20 or 220 €, and even more - it all depends on the air carrier (Tap Portugal, Sata International), time of year, day of the week, etc.
At Lisbon airport, domestic flights to the Azores depart from the small terminal No. 2, which can be reached from Terminal No. 1, which receives international flights, by a free bus (it runs every 5-7 minutes).
Prices on the page are for June 2018.
Useful video for those wishing to visit the Azores archipelago.
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The mild climate, a large number of attractions and exciting excursion tours annually attract a huge number of vacationers from all over the world to Portugal. Of course, the main tourist destination in the country is beach holidays. The two main regions where comfortable Portuguese beaches are located are the Algarve region and the Lisbon Riviera. This is where the most comfortable places for tourists and active leisure are concentrated. We have collected the best vacation spots on the ocean in Portugal, where you can fully enjoy comfort, beautiful weather and service.
Climate at the resorts of Portugal - when to go on vacation?
The popularity of Portuguese resorts is due, first of all, to climatic conditions - mild winters, cool summers, and the absence of sudden temperature changes throughout the year.
Weather in Lisbon The full beach season begins in the first half of June. On the Lisbon Riviera, daytime temperatures reach +25 °C, and water temperatures up to +18 °C, in the Algarve province +26 °C and +20 °C, respectively. In mid-summer, during the peak tourist season, the maximum air temperature is +27 degrees, and the ocean temperature is +19 °C near Lisbon; in the south of Portugal the air heats up to +29 °C, water up to +21°C.
At the beginning of September, the velvet season begins - daytime temperatures drop to +26 degrees. The water temperature in the Atlantic Ocean in Portugal at this time of year remains quite comfortable for swimming - +23 degrees (in the Algarve) and +19°C in the west of the country.
Temperature in Algarve In October, the rainy season gradually begins; there are more and more fogs in the mornings, although during the day it is quite warm - +24 degrees. This time in Portugal can be devoted to excursions and sightseeing. October is the time to look for cheaper resorts in Portugal on the ocean, as accommodation prices drop.
Resorts in the Algarve province
This is the southernmost province of Portugal with picturesque nature and a rich historical and architectural heritage. In the west of the province the rocky coastline predominates; in the east of the Algarve the coastline is predominantly flat.
Good to know! The best months for an ocean holiday in Portugal are August and September.
Most of the Algarve province is a protected area; people come here to visit a natural park where flamingos live in natural conditions. Conditions have been created for sports - there are golf courses, diving and surfing centers. For a holiday with children, you can also find everything you need - water parks, sea shows, yacht trips, visits to grottoes, lighthouses, exciting excursions.
The length of the coastline of the Algarve province is about 200 km. Today, the Algarve in Portugal is a resort with good beaches that is included in the list of the best holiday destinations in Europe. Many Algarve hotels have their own green area where you can relax comfortably.
If we compare the resorts of the Algarve province with vacation spots on the Lisbon Riviera, we can highlight the following differences:
- The ocean in Portugal in the Algarve region is warmer.
- The Algarve's tourist infrastructure is more developed.
- Getting there is more difficult, longer and more expensive.
Albufeira
Albufeira was once a small fishing village, and today it is one of the best resorts in Portugal and a wonderful place to relax. In the central part of the city, life does not stop even at night. At the local market you can buy a wide variety of fish and seafood caught on the same day.
The resort is surrounded by pine trees and orange groves. There are a large number of discos, cafes, restaurants here, you can go diving and go sailing.
There are about two dozen beaches in the vicinity of Albufeira, some marked with the Blue Flag for the cleanliness of the coastline and ocean. A huge number of tourists come here. The city is very beautiful, small, with a rich history.
Pescadores Beach Interesting fact! The name of the resort translated means “castle by the sea”.
Of course, the main reason for traveling to Albufeira is the beautiful coastline and developed infrastructure. The best place to relax is Peneku, its second name is Tunnel Beach. It is located in the old part of the city; to get to the ocean you need to go through a tunnel in the rocks.
The longest coastline within the city is Rybatsky Beach. There are many cafes and taverns where you can order delicious fish dishes. There are many boats moored; vacationers can rent any and enjoy a trip on the ocean.
San Rafael Beach A few kilometers from the city center there is San Rafael Beach. This place attracts tourists with its bizarrely shaped rocks; the shore resembles the surface of a distant planet. Here you can take the best pictures among the numerous grottoes and rocks formed by sandstone. This is an ideal place for snorkeling.
Another Albufeira holiday destination that is included in the list of the best in Europe is Falesia. It is surrounded by red rocks. If you like a relaxed holiday, this part of the Algarve with its fine, white sand and pine forest is perfect for you.
Praia da Oura is located next to the party areas of Albufeira, there are many discos here, life is in full swing even at night. The sandy coast is picturesquely decorated with steep cliffs of bizarre colors.
Distinctive features of the Albufeira resort
- A beautiful city that is pleasant to walk around for hours.
- The tourist infrastructure is well developed: a large selection of cafes, restaurants, entertainment.
- The central beach is large, comfortable, but crowded.
- It is convenient to get to from the airports of Lisbon and Faro - buses run regularly and frequently.
- An ocean holiday in Portugal at the Albufeira resort is the most expensive in the Algarve region - all of the above advantages are reflected in the prices, the demand for housing is high.
Portimao
The resort is 66 km from the capital of the Algarve. In fact, the resort is divided into 2 parts - the Old Town with historical buildings and attractions, but further from the beach and a new area - Praia da Rocha - directly next to the ocean. The latter is where most of the hotels are located and all the infrastructure necessary for tourists is concentrated.
Traveling to Portimão is not limited to just a beach holiday; there are excellent conditions for sports – golf, diving, windsurfing, yachting, and deep-sea fishing.
Undoubtedly, the main attraction of the resort is Praia da Rocha. This place is included in the holiday destinations in Portugal. There are wooden paths along the entire shore, there are shelters for changing clothes and showers (in the cafe). Another popular beach, Three Castles beach, is nearby, separated from Praia Da Rocha by a cliff.
Prices in Portimao
There are many hotels along the ocean from three-star to luxurious five-star. A room for two in a mid-level hotel will cost from 70 to 110 €.
Interesting fact! The main attraction is the massifs of rocks, from the tops of which a picturesque view of the resort of Portimao opens.
Lunch in a cafe in high season will cost 8.50 €, in a restaurant – 30 € (for two persons). A snack “burger + drink” costs 6 €.
Advantages and disadvantages of the city
- The tourist infrastructure is well developed - there is everything for a comfortable stay.
- Picturesque cliffs and a huge beach, where there is enough space for everyone even in high season.
- The waves are almost always big, not the best place to relax with small children.
- Getting from the airport of the capital of Portugal is not difficult, but it takes longer than to Albufeira (all buses go through it).
- It is convenient to visit neighboring cities and natural attractions in the Algarve region; the journey in any direction does not take much time.
More detailed information about the resort of Portimao is presented in.
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Alvor
Resort fishing village located 5 km from Portimão. The Ria de Alvor National Park is nearby. A huge number of birds live in natural conditions, and exotic plant species grow on the embankment. For fans of active recreation there is a golf course. The sandy beach is located a kilometer from the resort center.
Interesting fact! The town is small, there are few attractions here, since after the earthquake in 1755 the village was completely destroyed.
Beaches of Alvor
The main part of the coastline runs along a wide barrier that isolates the recreation area from the ocean. Alvor has an exclusively sandy beach where children love to play. Comfortable conditions have been created for vacationers - there are sun loungers, umbrellas, changing cabins, you can rent equipment for water sports or rent a catamaran or yacht. When going to sunbathe in this part of Alvor beach, you need to take food and water with you - there will be nowhere to buy it nearby. You can get from the city to the beach on foot. There is parking nearby.
Good to know! Alvor is a favorite holiday destination not only for tourists, but also for residents of Portugal.
Three Brothers Beach Three Brothers Beach is located in the eastern part of Alvor Beach. The resting place is surrounded by three rocks, which gave the name of the attraction. In this part of the resort there are hotel complexes. It also has everything you need for a comfortable stay.
The cost of a double room in a three-star hotel in the summer months ranges from 120 to 300 €. Apartments can be rented for 85-100 €.
Eating in cafes and restaurants will cost approximately the same amount as in other places on the Algarve coast.
Distinctive Features
- Compared to other ocean holiday destinations in Portugal, the Alvor resort is less picturesque - there are no steep cliffs, and there is a large wasteland near the beach.
- Here, as a rule, the ocean is calm and without waves - the best place to relax with children.
- The choice of accommodation is not very large; the most profitable options are booked several months in advance.
- The resort is small, you can get around everything in a day.
Lagoa
The resort is located east of Portimão. There is beautiful nature here, quiet and calm, many interesting places for history and architecture lovers.
Not far from Lagoa there are cultural attractions, water sports, spas and beauty treatments. The tourism infrastructure is well developed, so tourists from all over the world come to Lagoa with pleasure.
Good to know! Lagoa is a wonderful place in Portugal, where a beach holiday can be combined with excursions and sports.
In summer, accommodation in a double room at a mid-level hotel will cost from 68 to 120 €. Food prices are not much different from neighboring Portimao and Albufeira.
The best places for a beach holiday in Lagoa
Praia de Benagil
A small section of the Praia de Benagil coastline is notable for its large crowds of vacationers and trips to the caves. A boat departs from the shore every 30 minutes and takes tourists to the caves; the largest is located 150 meters from the beach. To get there on your own, you can rent a kayak or kayak.
Good to know! Getting here is more difficult than other holiday destinations.
Praia da Marinha
Among the oceanfront resorts in Portugal, Marinha is considered the most picturesque and unusual place. It has repeatedly received the highest international awards. It is one of the hundred most picturesque places in the world. The landscape on the shore is somewhat reminiscent of the Martian landscape, but getting down to the shore is quite difficult, so this place is not suitable for families with children. To get to the water, you need to go down the steps and walk through thorny bushes.
This is important! The only way here is by car; you can leave your vehicle in the parking lot; there is also a sign here that will help you get to the shore.
To fully admire the beauty of Marinha, it is best to buy a boat excursion.
Characteristics of Lagoa
- It has picturesque cliffs, bays and beaches.
- The beaches are small in size, but very popular among tourists; in high season they can be crowded.
- Good transport accessibility and developed infrastructure.
- For historical sights, it is better to go to neighboring settlements.
- Overall, Lagoa is one of the best places in terms of price/quality ratio.
Lagos
One of the oldest cities, located on the banks of the Bensafrin River. It's nice to stroll through the narrow, cobbled streets, sit in small courtyards and climb the fortress walls that surround the city. Lagos is rightfully included in the list of the most beautiful places in Portugal; people come here not only to relax on the shore, but also to visit interesting sights.
This is important! Holidaying with children in this part of Portugal is not very convenient, since the road to the ocean is difficult.
2. Meia Praia
Not a typical coastline for Portugal, there is only sand and ocean. There are no large crowds of tourists, and the length of the coastline is about 5 km. The tourist infrastructure is quite developed - there are sun loungers, umbrellas, and changing cabins. The distance from the city center is only 1.5 km.
3. Camilo Beach
The place is beautiful, but crowded, the interest of tourists is quite obvious, because it is incredibly beautiful here. On the shore there are sun loungers, umbrellas, cafes, and toilets. The distance from the city center is 10 km, so it is better to live in a hotel near the beach.
4. Praia do Porto de Mos
It is spacious and calm, a wonderful place for a relaxing holiday. The ocean is almost always calm, since the area is fenced with rocks. There are enough sun loungers and umbrellas on the shore, changing cabins are installed, and you can leave your car in the parking lot. There are also cafes and comfortable terraces from where you can admire the picturesque landscapes. The distance from the city center is about 3 km.
The Lisbon Riviera is no less attractive for tourists, however, it is worth noting that the water in this part of Portugal is cooler than in the south of the country, and the hottest month is August - the ocean temperature does not exceed 19°C.
Food prices here are slightly lower than in the Algarve province:
- lunch in a cafe – 8 €;
- lunch for two in a restaurant – 26 €;
- You can eat at a fast food establishment for 5.50 €.
This is important! The main holiday destinations are concentrated at a distance of 15-20 km from Lisbon and form the Lisbon Riviera - this is the area from Cape Roca to the mouth of the Tagus River.
The western part of the Iberian Peninsula is occupied by Portugal. This country also owns the island of Madeira and the Azores. Madeira is an archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean. It is separated from the main part of the country by 1000 km. It includes the inhabited islands of Portugal - Porto Santo and Madeira, as well as small uninhabited areas of land.
General characteristics of the islands
Madeira has a mountainous terrain. Its highest point is Mount Pico Ruivo, reaching 1861 m. The main city of the island is Funchal. Pineapples, bananas, sugar cane and grapes are grown in Madeira. Transoceanic communications and tourism form the basis of the island's economy.
Portugal's other islands, the Azores, are located in the North Atlantic. They form an archipelago 1,300 km from the coast. These islands are of volcanic origin. The largest islands of the country are Pico, Sao Miguel, Sao Jorge, Terceira, Flores and Faial. The highest point in Portugal is Ponta do Pico Alto. It reaches a height of 2351 m. Previously, the inhabitants of some islands were engaged in whaling, but after the reduction in the number of whales, their fishing was prohibited. Currently, the population of the Azores is engaged in tourism, fishing and agriculture. These islands are considered unique due to their picturesque nature. There are beautiful lakes, volcanic formations, green hills, flowering plants, ocean waters.
The largest island of the archipelago is San Miguel. Its attraction is Sete Cidades, a crater surrounded by lakes. The island of Graciose is famous for its Sulfur Cave and underground lake. The cave, formed after a volcanic eruption, is located on the island of Terceira. The cave contains stalactites, stalagmites and an underground lake. There is a sulfur spring located next to the lava cave. Flores Island is farthest from the mainland. It became famous for its waterfall, extinct volcanoes and lakes. The islands of Portugal attract travelers with ancient buildings, churches and cathedrals. The islands of Santa Maria, Faial, and San Miguel are suitable for a beach holiday. There are sandy beaches covered with lava.
Climatic conditions
The weather in Portugal corresponds to a subtropical temperate climate. In the southern regions the Mediterranean climate predominates, and in the northern regions the maritime climate predominates. Moist oceanic winds cause mild winters and warm summers. Vegetation cover varies in different parts of the country, which is determined by different climatic conditions. Portugal has deciduous evergreen forests, oak forests, bush thickets, and alpine meadows. The coastline is dominated by flora typical of the African coastal strip. Cacti and agaves grow there.
