Posts Tagged ‘portugal’
Breathtaking Lisbon Sights
November 9, 2011
If it’s your first trip to the city of Lisbon then you discover that Lisbon sights are one of a kind in the world. This city is one of the prettiest and most romantic cities in Europe; you will find yourself succumbing in to its elegant charm.
This capital city of Portugal is home to a lot of colourful and lively streets, monuments, authentic sights, heritage towers and classic and contemporary pieces which attract millions of tourists every day, every year. Not only are the architectural pieces the fascinating sights of Lisbon, you might also want to consider the many festivities that are being held over its squares.
You will find that the city itself is one of the main attractions. It has a lot of charming shops and tiled storefronts as well as cobbled pathways, hilltops, ancient quarters and tiled facades. The architectural styles are also quite elaborate. You will want to take a stop over the Manueline of the Belem and the Pombalie downtown.
Lisbon has a lot of castles and one which will reward you with an amazing sight is the Castelo de Sao Jorge. This castle is located above a steep hill which you will have to climb. Once you reach the castle you will be rewarded with a breath taking sight: the Old town of Lisbon, Tejo-Bay, 24th April Bridge, Christ the King Statue and the ocean can be seen at one glance. There are books which also display this sight but the experience is not quite rewarding compared to seeing it firsthand.
You also do not want to miss the cathedral of Lisbon. It has been built over the ruins of the Moorish Mosque. This cathedral has the appearance of a fortress. It has two massive towers which make it stand out. It has no entrance fee but if you visit the old convent and museum you will be asked t pay a small amount.
Do not miss going to the elevator Santa Justa. This breath taking trip will whisk you away to a lot more of amazing Lisbon sights.
Harvin Gulfill is writting for the website Miniferie. Visit it to read more articles about Sevaerdigheder i Lissabon.
Exactly What You Must Know About the Spectacular Attraction of Porto
January 18, 2011
Porto is Portugal’s second largest city and also the capital of the Northern region. This is the hectic business and financial center. The location itself isn’t really populous (about 240,000 inhabitants), but the Porto city area (Big Porto) rates high about 1,500,000 residents within a 50 km radius, along with cities like Gaia, Matosinhos, Maia, Gondomar and Espinho.
Porto includes a partially-Mediterranean local climate, even though it is strongly stricken by the Atlantic Ocean that makes it much cooler than other Mediterranean cities. However, temperatures can rise as high as 40C in August during infrequent prolonged high temperatures. Winters are moderate and humid, along with infrequent cold nights exactly where temperatures may drop under 0C.
Porto has always been a mercantile city, which is evident within the type of structures that top onto the Avenida dos Aliados, the center of the downtown region. The center town, unlike other major Portuguese cities, which tend towards the baroque, is granitic and breathtaking. Inhabitants of Porto are referred to as Tripeiros (tripe eaters) allegedly because of the fact the city went without meat in order to supply the fleet which eventually left to conquer Ceuta in North Africa coupled with to subsist on tripe soup, still a specialty of the city.
The city is fairly variegated architecturally, along with ancient and also modern living as well. Porto’s geography is hard on the feet, however pleasurable to the eye. The city is very hilly, with lots of structures built into a high cliff face that overlooks the river. Stairs cut into the stone go up and down the cliff face and offer a laborious however satisfying walking trip. Across the river from Porto proper, in the suburb of Gaia, are located the warehouses of significant companies managing Port Wine, like Clem, Fonseca, Sandemans, Kopke, among others.
Should you speak in Spanish to some local, you will end up largely comprehended and as a rule they are going to freely converse on you, yet every once in awhile, much more with the older generation, you might be pleasantly reminded that you’re in Portugal and also the native language is Portuguese.
Want more informations about attractions and property investments in Porto? Feel free to visit Property for Sale in Portugal and find the perfect Property in Porto that will truly match your taste and perfectly fit your lifestyle.
Exactly What You Must Know About the Spectacular Attraction of Obidos
December 21, 2010
Obidos is beautiful and very simple town associated with about 3,100 inhabitants and also the seat with the municipality of the same, situated within the district of Leiria and subregion Oeste in Portugal. It is surrounded in the northeast as well as east with Caldas da Rainha, in the south by Bombarral, within the southeast by Lourinh, in the west by Peniche and in the northwest by the attractive and very charming Atlantic Ocean.
The magnificent town of Obidos is located on the hill and is nevertheless encircled by a fortified wall. The well-maintained medieval appearance of the streets, squares, walls and its gigantic castle have transformed the beautiful village into a preferred traveler’s attraction in Portugal. Like an open-air museum, this walled ancient town continues to be preserved to become a picture-postcard, having its ancient monuments, small winding streets and white-washed houses along with terraces and windows full of flowers. Being the wedding gift of a particular queen, the conserved medieval town of Obidos lying 100 kilometer north of Lisbon is actually without doubt among Portugal’s most classic walled habitations. Walking the ramparts, guests can also enjoy sights of farmlands, vineyards and windmills. In the non commercial region, narrow cobblestone streets are layered with whitewashed houses sporting terracotta roofs. The stores are stacked high with local handicrafts, while in spring the town is ablaze along with bougainvillea, morning glories and geraniums.
Perched on a hill soaring from an agricultural area, Obidos is one of Portugal’s beautiful treasures.
Local delicacies, crafts and liquors are readily available in the local shops which line the main street, including the famous local tipple Ginginha, an absolute fairly sweet brandy liqueur made out of localized cherries.
Even though away from the coast, nearby is the large lagoon Lagoa de Obidos where one can sunbathe, swim or even hire windsurfing equipment.
Want more ideas about attractions and property investments in Obidos? Feel free to go to Property for Sale in Portugal and find the perfect Property in Obidos that will truly match your taste and perfectly fit your lifestyle.
Want to Enjoy a Cheap Vacation to Lisbon?
December 19, 2010
Enjoy the capital city of Portugal with a cheap vacation to Lisbon. This is entirely possible if you get an affordable trip if you know just where to look. A trip to Lisbon will refresh you as well as inspire you with the different architecture and sights that blend in with nature.
Get all inclusive packages to Lisbon and discover the magnificent city at an affordable rate. You will in that most inclusive packages include meals, accommodations and flights therefore the next thing to do in this place is to enjoy it. All inclusive packages allow you to move around in the city more freely.
The climate in Lisbon can be described as mild. The peak season is around summer therefore it is best to avoid that time in travelling to Lisbon to get more affordable rates. The best way to travel cheap is to go on off season, during the weekdays and also during the unusual hours of the day such ad early morning and late night.
There are many attractions that you can enjoy here; some of them are the Tiepolo, the Brugeghel at the Medeiros E. Almeida Museum and the rare and exotic flora at the Tropical Gardens. You can also treat yourself to the Rossio Square and the San Carlos Theatre. You can also enjoy the aqua ducts here for free!
The Coliseu Recreios and the Atleantic Pavillion are some of the venues where you can enjoy live concerts as well as party till the morning. The nightlife rocks away till the wee hours of midnight. A lot of foreigners go here just to enjoy the pulsing crowd.
You can dine out in one of the bistros or delis in the streets. Here you can enjoy a sumptuous meal of Portuguese cuisine. You will find that prices here are cheaper compared to those restaurants found i the hotels. With cheap travel to Lisbon , you can enjoy a luxurious vacation for an affordable price.
Do you want to read more articles from Harvin Gulfill? Then visit the website Storbyrejser, where you also can read about Billige rejser til Lissabon.
Tips And Hints On Finding A Cheap Holiday In The Algarve
June 12, 2010
Vacationing in the Algarve is something that is very popular and continues to grow in popularity. This is one of the most beautiful places in the whole of Europe to visit, and to anyone looking to travel to the Iberian coast, the Algarve is a particularly special venue. Anyone from Europe who is looking to go on a fantastic summer holiday will often put it out of as the destination, and it is wonderful in catering to any sort of group. If you are looking for a cheap holiday, then here are some tips on finding a cheap holiday in the Algarve.
Your first port of call will be specialist travel services. Any specialist travel provider who has deep knowledge of the area, and deep links with different travel companies who are able to offer cheaper flights, and cheaper hotel accommodation, will be able to get you a very good package deal for a much better rate than you might find at a local high street travel agent.
Yet this is not to say that you should not spend time also doing your own research and looking to find if you can build up your own travel package. Often if you’re able to book flights and accommodation separately, you might find that you are able to get a better overall deal rather than paying for the services of a travel company to create a package for you.
Another tip is to book well in advance. You need to work out when exactly you want to be going, and if you’re able to book your holiday a long time before you are due to go, you are more likely to get a cheaper deal.
If you are not to stringent with your time, and are more flexible, then it is also going to be possible for you to book a last minute deal. There are lots of places where you can look for a last-minute deal, and this will enable you to get bargain rates.
These are if you tips on finding a cheap holiday in the Algarve.
Thompsons Holidays 2010 offer a great holiday solution for holidays in the Algarve, find out how to save money on a visit to the Algarve with Nicole Hill of travel web site A Travel
Top 5 Resorts And Locations For Golf Holidays In Portugal
May 29, 2010
Golf in Portugal is thriving. The past two decades have seen a massive increase in the number of course and resorts. Best of all, the quality of regular and championship courses is making this a golfing destination to compete with the British Isles in European golf.
Most of the best courses are in the Algarve region in the south of Portugal, but it is worth noting that the Estoril and Oeste coast are fast improving on the quality & quantity of their resorts and courses. This top 5 list attempts to give a mix of courses from each region.
Praia D’El Rey: Just a short drive from Lisbon, this tough links course provides challenges on each hole. Some are wide open to the Atlantic Ocean breezes. Others are partly sheltered by forestation. The quality of the greens throughout is consistent and this makes for a great setting on a summers days.
San Lorenzo – Quinto do Lago: This course regularly makes the European top-ten course lists. The architecture makes the most of the woodlands through which the course winds and the Bermuda grass fairways are a joy to play from.
Penha Longa: Home to the 2010 Portugal Open, this course has many surprises over its 18 holes. The sight of old ruins marking out of bounds for one. While the tough par-four 16th will be a challenge to even low handicap players to make par.
Quinta do Lago: This estate sports 2 golf course, both of which regularly make the top 25 of courses in Europe. The one to play though is the links-style south course with its Atlantic views (and consequently, breezes) and well aged greens and fairways.
Parque Da Floresta: This is partly notable as being the most westerly course in Portugal. But once played, it will be the memory of how the courses 18 holes run along a steep hillside with magnificent views that will remain with you.
As with any good golf holidays Portugal has plenty of courses which will stick in the memory as highlights of a trip. Just make sure to pack sun-block in summer and practice low ball-height shots prior to playing the links courses.
For the perfect golf holiday Algarve, Estoril and the other Portuguese regions have it all. Visit Golf Holidays Portugal for more details.
Golf Holidays In Portugal – Where Are The Best Places To Go On Golfing Breaks
May 18, 2010
Portugal has been competing with Spain for many years to draw in holiday golfers. Its combination of excellent courses, great infrastructure (hotels, resorts, restaurants, etc) and inviting weather conditions has elevated the county to being a highly desirable destination.
The country’s main regions are Estoril (around the capital of Lisbon), the Oeste region, the Algarve and Madeira. Each provides a good mix of golfing/touristic options that will suit any golfing itinerary.
The Estoril region around the Portuguese capital has 10 high quality golf resorts so makes a good spot for those wishing to mix golfing with the cosmopolitan life of Lisbon. Some golfing highlights included the Rocky Roquemore designed Golden Eagle and the two Aroeira courses. While the one must-play course has got to be the Praia d’El Rey.
The Oeste region is included here for the sake of completeness as the area is playing catch up in golfing terms. That said, it is one of the up and coming areas as new resorts and courses are being constructed in Sizandro, Vimeiro and Rainha.
The Algarve is the principal golf destination for the large majority of golfers due to its range and proliferation of courses. The west coast plays host to excellent courses like the Penina Championship Course and the two Oceanico courses (giving you the option to play the O’Connor designed links course or the Faldo designed desert-style course).
Heading east in the Algarve brings you to Vilamoura town and its dozens of courses and resorts. Certainly there is enough variety to base yourself there and take day trips out to the Vale Do Lobo Ocean and Royal courses or play the more mature Oceanico Old Course.
While the tropical island of Madeira (500 km south-west of Portugal) provides something quite different in terms of golf holidays Portugal can offer. Visitors here enjoy the islands three courses, each embedded into the volcanic hills and valleys with awe inspiring vertical cliffs.
When it comes to golf holidays Portugal has the broad range of courses necessary to make for a great holiday. And while many gravitate to Vilamoura, it is well worth venturing further afield to enjoy the scenery and golf that is available.
For the perfect golf holiday Algarve, Estoril and the other Portuguese regions have it all. Visit the Golf Holidays Portugal website for more details.
Finding Perfect Hotels In Lisbon
May 5, 2010
When you’re looking around for a hotel in Lisbon, you should start by asking yourself what it is that you actually want from the place you’ll be choosing. Although you might think this is obvious, in my experience it’s easy to forget this simple rule that you should keep in your mind.
So let’s examine the question in more detail, so we can develop a set of criteria to use when sifting through the list of Lisbon hotels we can find on the internet. Once we’ve done this, we are in a much better position to choose the ideal hotel for our particular purposes.
Starting at the beginning, you’ll obviously have a reason to be staying in a hotel in the first place. There are plenty of possible reasons here – visiting people you know, attending a function etc. – but the two we find the most common are for a break or holiday, or for work purposes.
Next, you need to think of where it actually is in Lisbon that you want to be staying. For instance, do you want to be near to the sights, the nightlife or the town centre, or is it essential that you stay near to where you’ll be working, or perhaps there are other factors that will come into play.
Now you know this, you’ll want to decide on the kind of facilities that the hotel should have. It’s pretty certain that every modern hotel will come with an en suite bathroom, though you can potentially save some cash if this isn’t necessary for you. And you should think whether you want the place to have a bar or somewhere you can eat.
Back in the day, it was unusual for holiday accommodation to include a gym or swimming pool within, but this is much more common now. And if you feel the need to go online while you’re away, you should check if the hotel has wifi internet access, which is increasingly the norm.
Having mentioned money, this is a very obvious issue that you’ll want to address. No point looking for five star luxury if you simply can’t afford to pay the amount it would cost per night. Lisbon certainly has its fair share of places to choose from in all price brackets, so you should easily find something suitable with just a few minute’s investigation.
So, knowing whereabouts you want to be, and the kind of things you want from your hotel, you’ll want to check out all the hotels in Lisbon that match your criteria. You can compare them all against the list of features you’ve decided upon, and home in on the best match.
Finally, of course, you’ll need to include the dates of your stay. Many hotels will not be available for all the days you want to be there, so you’ll want to check against each of them to ensure you can get the hotel you want when it comes to booking online.
Tris Jackson is a hotel booking expert with many years of experience in helping people find their ideal hotel accommodation.
The Top 5 Resorts And Locations For Golf Holidays In Portugal
April 17, 2010
It is never going to be easy to single out five special golf courses in any one country. Compiling such a list for Portugal is made even more difficult due to the huge range and styles of courses on offer.
This list reflects five great courses that are enjoyable to play as much for their beautiful scenery as for their range of game play and quality of fairways and greens. Each one could provide a memorable highlight to any golf holiday in Portugal.
On a hot summer’s day the 6000 yard Estoril course is an enjoyable treat. The course requires skill around the 18 holes to navigate the well placed bunkers and difficult rough.
The Penha Longa course is finally playing host to the Portugal Open (in 2010) so has been receiving some recent modifications to tighten up the course design. Amateurs will enjoy the scenery around the course as some holes play through ancient ruins.
The south course in Quinta do Lago is the more mature of the two courses available to play at this resort. Some holes prove challenging due to the stark Atlantic Ocean breeze, while other holes are sheltered by lush vegetation and forestry. Given the courses maturity, the greens play exceptionally true and fast as one would expect.
The Oitavos Golf Club is a well architected course that makes the most of the surrounding countryside. It has played host to the Open and as a result the front nine and back nine holes require long tee shots and accurate second shots in order to avoid the bunkers that are dotted around most greens.
No trip to the Algarve would be complete without playing the Vale da Pinta. This is an interestingly designed course that is embedded within a natural valley. The fairways undulations make for some odd bounces which some would deem unfair but this does aid golfers playing short off the tee.
Given the range of courses in Portugal, and the proliferation of clubs in the Algarve, a top 5 list of courses will always be quite subjective. Hopefully this list gives you food for thought about your next golf break.
Looking for European golfing breaks? For the perfect golf holiday Algarve, Estoril and the other Portuguese regions have it all. Visit the Golf Holidays In Portugal Guide to learn more.
Discover Holidays In Portugal This Year
April 17, 2010
Thousands of people enjoy holidays in Portugal each year, and with such a rich variety of culture, entertainment and interest, it is not surprising. No matter whether you are a culture vulture, or simply want to soak up the sun, there is sure to be something for you.
Portugal can trace its history back through the ages, and was once a major nation across the world. These traditions are traced back no more so that in the proud capital of Lisbon. A modern and vibrant city, there is always something going on.
Being on the coast too, it makes not just for a cultural visit, but a shopping mecca amongst a vibrant and lively atmosphere. Whether visiting the flea markets, dining in the world class restaurants, or dancing the night away, it is always a great place to be.
Popular holidays in Portugal often include golf. This is unsurprising too, as it boasts many of the leading courses the Iberian Peninsula offers. Though these are littered throughout, it is in the Algarve that they are particularly grouped.
The Algarve is of course synonymous with holidays in Portugal, and it is no wonder with a wonderful climate, a host of water sports and amazing facilities in all the resorts.
There are those of course that do not want to be tied to a resort holiday, and here again Portugal excels. Horse riding expeditions are becoming increasingly popular, particularly in the hills. For something a little less taxing, walking holidays allow the wonderful country to be enjoyed too.
Though the mainland is exceptional, a trip to Madeira just off the southwestern coast makes a trip with a difference. The island boasts not just a wonderful year round climate, but with its picturesque villages set amongst the greenery it has fans aplenty.
There are many more holidays in Portugal to enjoy too; from wine trails to fishing trips, clubbing extravaganzas to cooking schools. It is a destination that many will never tire of visiting and really, that is not surprising.
Thomson Holidays 2011 offer great value holidays arount the Algarve, Portugal as well as and many other vacation destinations. Discover the best deals with advice and tips from Craig Walker travel expert of Travel Bites