This ever-popular Atlantic Ocean destination has much more to offer than the beach breaks for which it’s justifiably famous, especially in the southerly Algarve region. We’ve looked at some wonderful ways of exploring this richly historic and varied destination with its year-round sunshine and mild winters, from its maritime architecture to its world-class wine estates.
Portugal is one of the oldest countries in all of Europe, with a history moulded by Iberian tribes, the Roman Empire, Islamic invaders, the Christian Reconquista and world exploration. Today it’s also one of the world’s most forward-thinking destinations and one that should be high on your list if you want your holidays to be eco-friendly and to make a difference in local communities. After being named Best European Destination for Sustainable Tourism at the ITB Berlin trade fair in 2019, it announced a new national sustainability strategy in 2020. The following destinations are all very much a part of that drive.
This part of Portugal embraces the Algarve and the Alentejo regions, the first with its splendid Blue Flag beaches (88 in total), water parks, historic towns and charming whitewashed fishing villages, the second with its traditional feel, hearty, rustic cuisine, pretty cork farms and stargazing hotspots. We can offer a range of tours of southern Portugal, including the Unknown Algarve, Beaches of the Algarve, golf programmes taking in a different course each day, heritage and nature tours, and hiking, yoga retreats and gastronomic or wellness tours – the latter taking in the region’s many rejuvenating spas.
From ancient forest, mountain ranges with the highest peaks in Portugal, deep valleys and granite villages to fishing towns and cosmopolitan beaches, this region is dominated by both nature and history. Monasteries, convents, castles and churches abound, many of them listed by UNESCO. And then there’s both Fátima, religious centre of Portugal, and Lisbon, Europe’s second oldest capital, with its vintage trams, medieval remnants and lively nightlife. Tours of Centro can take different themes to suit you, including Romantic Destinations and Castles, Palaces and Fortresses. We also love the 7-night Lisbon-to-Algarve route taking in Sintra, Evora and Tavira, among other destinations.
Northern Portugal is famous for its medieval villages, historic castles and spectacular mountain ranges, but above all for the Douro river that flows all the way from the Spanish border to Porto, bordered by terraced vineyards, grand wine estates and rolling hills. Indeed, the World Heritage-listed Douro is one of the world’s oldest wine regions, known above all for its Port wine and also for its wonderful gastronomy. A visit to vibrant Porto is a must, as is a hike through the greenest region in Portugal, the mountains of Peneda-Gerês National Park. Tour options in this part of the country include the round-trip Pilgrimage Route and the Wine Route.
By water is another great way to see different parts of Portugal in one trip. This trip starts in lovely Lisbon, from where you travel on to Porto to board your Emerald Waterways Star-Ship and venture out through the enchanting surrounding countryside with its vineyards rising from river banks, historic landmarks dotting horizons and delightful hillside towns. In Pocinho you can also get even closer to the water with a spot of canoeing, while optional onboard extras during your journey include a Portuguese cooking demonstration.
This Atlantic archipelago is full of adventurous activities for those who like to embrace the great outdoors, as well as gardens and trails to explore. In one trip, you can ride a cable-car ride up to Monte (and take a toboggan down if you wish), tour the Botanical Gardens, sign up for Madeira wine tasting, go canyoning and walk the levadas – mini-canals crisscrossing the mountains, of varying degrees of difficulty. Also popular are full-day Jeep safari tours, visits to the little village of Porto Moniz with its volcanic swimming pools, and kayaking and snorkelling in the marine nature park of Garajau.
For more information on a Portuguese itinerary, contact your Travel Counsellor today and take advantage of exclusive benefits including our 24-hour duty office ready to assist you before, during and after your stay.
Barbados' Sweetest Summer Escape is a seven-night vision of island elegance, where world-renowned hospitality meets simple luxury. Every moment is planned to feel special, from the VIP-style arrival at Grantley Adams International Airport to sunset cocktails and candlelit dinners at premium restaurants.
The Maldives has no shortage of exceptional resorts, but Six Senses has carved out a reputation for doing things a little differently. Here, luxury goes hand in hand with sustainability, wellness is woven into every stay, and experiences are designed to help guests reconnect with nature rather than simply admire it. Two of the brand's most remarkable island escapes are Six Senses Laamu and Six Senses Kanuhura. While both deliver the barefoot luxury that Six Senses is known for, each offers its own distinct personality. Whether you're dreaming of pristine reefs, laid-back island living, or some of the Maldives' finest beaches, here's how these two extraordinary resorts compare.
Thailand has long been a favourite for island escapes, but rather than choosing just one destination, why not experience several? Island hopping through the Gulf of Thailand allows you to discover a different side of the country, where each island has its own personality, from lively beach towns and world-class diving to hidden bays and peaceful luxury retreats. With reliable ferry connections making travel between the islands straightforward, it's never been easier to combine multiple destinations into one unforgettable holiday. Start with a few days in Bangkok before heading south to Koh Samui, then continue your adventure to Koh Tao and Koh Phangan, creating a trip that balances culture, relaxation, and adventure.
