Portugal Holidays

Portugal Holidays - Destination Profile

The Algarve is the most popular holiday destination because of its idyllic setting for the perfect beach holiday. The region has a long stretch of coastline with over a 100 sandy beaches, many overlooked by rugged limestone cliffs. Holidays in the Algarve, Portugal are great for families with perfect conditions for sunbathing and swimming. Many of the holiday resorts in the Algarve were originally fishing villages, many of the resorts still retain much of the original charm. This is evident from the whitewashed houses and cobbled streets. For visitors taking holidays in Portugal the Algarve region is varied, offering everything from lively bars and English style restaurants to small villages brimming of tradition and culture.

Portugal continues to be popular for package holidays, Portugal holidays are available from a wide range of UK airports including London Gatwick and Manchester. Faro in the Algarve are well served by most airports around the UK including London, Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow. As well as package holidays to Portugal Olympic Holidays also offers cheap flights to the Portugal.

Away from the busy tourist areas of Algarve are many unknown gems including the stunning landscapes of Costa Verde. The area is very hilly with acres of vineyards and is an opportunity to explore the less well known Portugal holidays. Due to the emergence and popularity of low cost airlines city breaks are an increasing area of Portugal holidays, visitors return year after to discover the elegance of Oporto and cultural city of Lisbon.

Portugal continues to be popular for package holidays, Portugal holidays are available from a wide range of UK airports including London Gatwick and Manchester. Faro in the Algarve are well served by most airports around the UK including London, Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow. As well as package holidays to Portugal Olympic Holidays also offers cheap flights to the Portugal.

Value Holidays to Portugal with Olympic Holidays

Book your holidays to Portugal with Olympic Holidays the leading specialist tour operator to Cyprus and Greece with over 40 years expertise in offering quality holidays at great value. As well package holidays to Portugal we also offer an excellent range of flights the Algarve in Portugal. For great savings on holidays to Portugal book online.

Holidays in Portugal - Things to see

Holidays to the Algarve region of Portugal are filled with opportunities to explore the fantastic towns and villages.

Cape St Vincent: Europe's most South Westerly point and is still an important shipping landmark, with it's very own lighthouse that is visible from 50 miles away. The history of Faro is there for all to see if you visit this lively town. Some of the old town is still surrounded by the old Roman walls that date back to the 9th Century.

Lagos: A major port and was the home of Prince Henry the Navigator. There are still many architectural signs of its ancient past and even a building dating back to around 1445.

Loule: A historical town. The walls of it's 12th Century castle still stand, and now surround the town's museum, displaying yet more treasures of this beautiful town's past.

Ponta de Sagres: The fortress of Henry the Navigator. It is here that he once collected the the greatest minds of his day to aid him with his voyages.

Tavira: Escape the more 'modern' resorts of the Algarve and surround yourself in the history and architecture of probably the Algarve's most elegant town.

Things to do on a Holiday in Portugal

There's no doubt that the Algarve is perfect for long lazy days in the sun and relaxing strolls into town and along the coast. But what if you prefer to break up your days with a bit more action?

Golf: Well the Algarve can offer you that too, Probably the most popular pursuit in the Algarve is golf. The Algarve is home to many of the world's top courses and has played host to many international tournaments and competitons. Whether you are a skilled-amateur looking for new challenges, or just a beginner looking for a relaxing break from the stresses of everyday life, the golf courses of the Algarve are the place for you.

Bowls: There can be few things more relaxing on holiday than a spot of outdoor bowls... and there are few more relaxing settings for the sport than the algarve. The beautiful climate, glorious sunshine, calm sea views and cooling sea breezes make the Algarve the ideal surroundings for your game.

Watersports: With the beautiful coastline and beaches that the Algarve has to offer tourists... it's no wonder that some of the most popular and enjoyable pursuits are water sports.

Eating/Drinking During Portugal Holidays

Food and drink is one of the pleasure when taking holidays in Portugal, the country is popular for its cafes serving traditional Portuguese cuisine. Many people assume Spanish and Portuguese cuisine to be very similar but in fact the food and style of cooking is very different. Portugal is well known for good wine so for those of you who enjoy good wines, Portugal holidays are a must. Areas such as Lisbon as very popular for seafood, the Algarve popularity for holidays means the cuisine is much more international.

Portugal Holiday Weather

The weather in Portugal is perfect for holidays, this is because Portugal is one of Europe's driest and warmest countries. The summers are hot and dry with some areas reaching 45C, winters are colder but still very mild.

Max Temp C	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct
Portugal	19	22	25	28	28	27	22
London	13	16	20	22	21	19	13
Sunshine Hours	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct
Portugal	13	14	15	15	14	12	11
London	5	6	7	6	6	5	3

Getting Around on Portugal Holidays

Travelling to and around the Algarve is a very simple process. Flights into the region arrive at Faro airport and are available from most major airports around the world, making it the quickest and easiest way to travel.

Once in the Algarve, getting around is just as simple. There is a wide range of public transport which is reasonably priced and very efficient. There is a train service from Vila Real de Santo to Lagos that stops off at all the major towns along the way. There is also a comprehensive network of buses that cover the whole region, including the smaller villages.

And if that's not enough, the mini-cabs are well priced and easily found in all major town centres and resorts. But for those who prefer to travel around without the hustle and bustle of public transport, car hire is a viable option.

Driving in the Algarve isn't too difficult to get along with, as long as you remember the cars drive on the right hand side of the road.

Portugal Holidays Shopping

Holidays to Portugal offer the perfect opportunity to pick up bargain wine, liqueurs, spirits, cigarettes and tobacco. As long as your purchases are for personal consumption there is no limit to how much you can take home.

Locally produced arts and crafts make wonderful gifts with items such as pottery, crystal, copperware, embroidery and jewellery widely available. Leather goods are particularly cheap in Portugal and bags, belts and shoes are available are a fraction of the cost at home.