Lots of holiday villas in Portugal are situated in the ‘Algarve’ region, where they are neatly decorated with whitewashed render and topped with orange coloured pan-tiled roofs. The Algarve Coast is very popular with northern European visitors who are looking for the warmth of the sun in a quieter location than its bordering neighbour, Spain. The warm climate here ensures that Portugal is blessed with almost 230 days of sunshine each year, plus very little rain.

Did you realise that most tourists who visit Portugal will head for the coast? With clean sandy beaches, quaint fishing villages and manicured golf courses, it’s easy to see why the Algarve is often the no1 attraction. The beautiful cultural city of Lisbon is the cosmopolitan capital, situated on the River Tagus. It’s also a favourite city-break for thousands of trippers who flock here each year. Interesting Oporto, has long been the centre for exporting locally grown Port wine and there’s plenty of opportunities to visit a vineyard and sample a drop of the local product. Nearby is the pretty coastal resort of Cascais which is frequented not only by the rich and famous but also many of Portugal’s most glamorous – it’s well worth a visit.

Holiday apartments in Portugal can be rented or booked close to glorious beaches that are ideal for family beach-holidays and offering alternative attractions for the children nearby. The resorts of Tavira, Figueira, Silves, and Vale de Parra are also popular holiday destinations that cater well for groups and families of all ages. Albufeira and Vilamoura, arguably two of the Algarve coast’s most well known resorts, are both an easy drive from Faro Airport, and benefit from superb beaches and plenty of fun facilities for all.

Golf in Portugal: There are many magnificent golf courses that will really test the serious player. The mild climate permits play all year round and, and boasting around 70 courses it’s why Portugal has quite naturally become a golfer’s paradise. You will find the most gorgeous golf villas in Portugal, each having their own private swimming pool, ideal to return to after a game on the fairways.

Contact the writer or visit the Holiday Rental Centre website for more information about self-catering holidays, holiday villas in Portugal or other holiday destinations worldwide.

Stuart Johnston is a UK based travel writer,specialising in reviewing holiday destinations worldwide. Managing the busy Holiday Rental Centre website, he incorporates the ‘Holiday Advice’ section at Holidayrentalcentre.co.uk, where you can view holiday accommodation in Portugal and other forms of holiday rentals worldwide!

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The Algarve is one destination that has seen rapid growth in the development of villa and apartment complexes. Golf resorts in particular have gained special licensing attention and the investment by established developers such as Oceânico has added bespoke quality to the Algarve holiday rental market and attracted holidaymakers from far flung corners of the earth.

Portugal as a whole is up to 35% cheaper than other European destinations, but with the introduction of a F1 race track in Portimao and numerous award winning golf courses and beaches, Portugal is capable of attracting all sorts of tourists.

Portugal Villa Renters is just one source for holiday villas and apartments. The site has over 300 owner listed properties, many of which start as little as EUR200 per week. Portugal Villa Renters is also Portugal’s most visited vacation rental website as verified by Compete.com. Its little wonder that holiday home owners are choosing Portugal Villa Renters as the authoritative rental advertiser for Portugal. As a niche site for Portugal, there are no confusing destination ideas that spring up and put the site visitor off course. We only advertise vacation rental properties in Portugal and that’s how we’ll keep it.

So, in conclusion, Portugal may surprise you as a destination. You may have visited the Algarve before, but you can be assured that there is more to Portugal than resort style package holidays. Renting a villa with a pool or apartment with a golf fairway view may be cheaper that what you paid on your last package holiday and it may surprise you just how much you get for your money. The economic crises has posed some great holiday rental opportunities for travellers. Not only have airfares dropped by around 12%, but hundreds, if not thousands of holiday property owners are struggling to keep up with their payments. Renting out their holiday property is a great idea to stay financially afloat and perhaps make a decent profit out of the process too. In the end, you gain a fantastic holiday in Portugal for a fraction of what it costs elsewhere.

For more information or to book your next holiday villa in Portugal, please visit Portugal Villa Renters

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Portugal is a country full of a vibrant culture and proud heritage. Many families come to Portugal on vacation and stay in self catering accommodation and use these holiday homes as a base to explore the local countryside. Many stay in self catering apartments and visit the local museums that are full of art treasures.

Portugal has some of the best luxury holiday villas with swimming pools in Europe. These holiday homes are available to rent direct from their owners. Many nestle in the mountain sides and offer spectacular views of the stunning scenery. Other holiday villas are nearer the coast and it is possible to rent some luxury villas with swimming pools right by the beach.

When taking a vacation to Portugal some families stay in self catering apartments in some of the beach resorts. These self catering holiday homes are very popular with families who are able to sample the local cuisine and wine. By staying in a holiday home in Portugal enables families to sample the local culture and way of life.

Portugal is a relatively small country but is regarded as one of the most rewarding travel destinations in Europe. The coastline stretches some 800km and all along it are some stunning holiday villas and self catering cottages. To the south and west lies the Atlantic Ocean and to the north and east lies Spain.

Lisbon sits on a hilly terrain beside one of the most magnificent harbors in Europe. There are some fabulous holiday homes to rent in this area with luxury holiday villas and self catering apartments looking over the harbor very popular with tourists. The area also has excellent beaches on the Costa do Sol.

The Algarve coastline stretches 161km and has some of the best beaches in Europe. The whole area is popular with tourists taking a family holiday to Portugal. There are many holiday cottages and villas to rent direct from their owners in this part of Portugal. Many tourists also come to this area on golfing holidays or short golfing breaks.

The Algarve has some of the best golf courses in Europe and caters for golfers of all abilities and budgets. For those holiday makers wanting to splash out, they can rent luxury villas with swimming pools. For those golfers on a golfing holiday to Portugal on a tighter budget, there are many self catering apartments available to rent direct from their owners.

Portugal is very popular with lovers of a sun and beach holiday. It is a country blessed with some of the best beaches in Europe. It also has a tremendous selection of self catering accommodation to rent to suite all budgets. The people are extremely friendly and the food is good and cheap. It is little wonder that Portugal is such a popular holiday destination with families staying in self catering holiday homes.

Lisbon sits on a hilly terrain beside one of the most magnificent harbors in Europe. There are some fabulous holiday homes to rent in this area with luxury Portugal holiday villas and self catering apartments looking over the harbor very popular with tourists. The area also has excellent beaches on the Costa do Sol. You should also look at a Spain holiday villa if you like Portugal.

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Spring

Spring is an ideal season to explore Portugal. The days are warm and sunny but there are far less tourists around than in the peak of summer. The landscape comes alive with an abundance of wildflowers which carpet the hills and verges and, as the season continues, the vibrant hues slowly transform into the more muted palette of summer. This mild yet sunny time of the year is arguably the most picturesque season for walking holidays in Portugal. Alentejo in the south central region of Portugal is a wonderful place to visit in spring. The vast tracts of rural farmlands are studded with olive groves and splashed with fields of sunflowers, and the temperatures are ideal for long rambling walks, exploring the hill towns and vineyards for which the region is famous.

Summer

Obviously the peak season for holiday-makers, summer in Portugal is an extremely busy time! Portugal has over 800 kilometres of coastline and the beaches, renowned for their pristine sandy stretches, come alive during the hotter months. The better known beaches in the Algarve area become packed solid, but without too much effort it is still possible to escape and discover your own secluded cove. If the hotter climate feels a little exhausting for a full-on walking holiday, Portugal has many accessible historical sites which you can visit for a day excursion to get your fill of a fascinating culture.

Autumn

As temperatures fall and the slow burn of summer slips into autumn, Portugal seems to exhale a warm sigh and again take on a quieter, softer edge. Like spring, the climate is wonderfully mild; still warm enough to enjoy sunbathing and water sports, but cool enough to be able to do some serious hiking. During autumn, the north of Portugal can receive quite a bit of rain, but on the sunny southern coast it remains mostly fine, with only a few wet days a month. The highlight of an autumnal visit is the opportunity to combine some fantastic bird watching with your walking holiday. Portugal is home to many spectacular species of birds of prey which are a magnificent sight as they move down the coast along with other colourful migrating communities.

Winter

Even in winter, the spectacular Algarve region is popular with the Euro-tourist in search of some much-needed winter sun. As much of Europe puts its head down and settles in for the big freeze, the sun is still shining in Portugal! A warm current and temperate breeze ensures that, even though the evenings are cool, blue skies and plenty of sunshine during the day makes for a wonderful holiday respite. With cooler temperatures, some walking aficionados say that in fact, winter is the best time for a walking holiday in Portugal.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Operating since 1946, they now offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in more than 90 different countries. On walking holidays in Portugal with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, you can walk the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.

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Whilst the climate in Portugal has both Atlantic and Mediterranean influences, the coastline is formed entirely by the Atlantic ocean, a fact that some visitors are surprised to learn because we tend to think of Portugal as Mediterranean. This may be due to the bright colours, long days of sunshine and influences from cultures that have also become a vital part of the culture in Spain and along the south coast of France for example. The Mediterranean influence is particularly evident in the southern parts of Portugal. The River Tagus (Rio Tejo) divides Portugal into its distinctly different northern and southern halves. In the north the population has Celtic and Germanic origins, more traditional farming methods and a cooler climate. South of the Rio Tejo people have darker skin as this area was Roman and then Moorish territory, and farming tends towards figs, cork and oranges rather than the potatoes and corn of the north. In fact, Portugal produces more than 50% of the world’s wine corks, around 15 thousand million each year.

The main cities in Portugal are the capital Lisbon, with its diverse selection of Portuguese culture; the second-largest city of Porto, which is also Portugal’s economic capital; and university towns such as Coimbra and Évora, and the ancient capital of Guimarães. There are few really large cities in Portugal but a plethora of small, provincial towns that are worth visiting. Essentially, the beaches in Portugal are the main draw for tourists, especially in the Algarve. There are beaches all the way up the west coast, but the sea tends to be cooler and even cold as far north as Viana do Castelo.

Apart from the mainland, Portugal consists of Madeira and the Azores, islands colonized in the 15th century. Madeira is 900km southwest of Portugal off the west coast of Africa, and the Azores archipelago consists of nine islands 1440km west of Lisbon. Both are too far away to form part of a trip to Portugal but are popular tourist destinations in their own right.

Jeanie Leigh is a freelance writer and has contributed to a number of publications, both on and offline. Most recently she has written articles for The Pink Fridge and IndigoGuide.com

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Blessed with stunning natural beauty and year-round sunshine, Portugal offers crystal clear seas and a wealth of activities to suit even the most discerning world traveller.

The Portuguese coastline is a holidaymaker’s dream. Frequently hailed as one of the best golf destinations in the world, high-end resorts and world class courses sit side by side with an abundance of health and wellness spas that make the most of the scenery and tranquility on offer.

For the adventurous, Portugal offers some of Europe’s best deep-sea fishing as well as every kind of water sport an enthusiastic tourist could dream of. But it’s where the ‘rolling plains end in unspoilt beaches’ that’s the real attraction.

The Portuguese coastline boasts nearly 200 Blue Flag beaches, many hidden from the main tourist trails by sheltered coves or decorated by countless colourful boats in picturesque fishing villages like Sesimbra – which also doubles as the fashionable weekend retreat of ‘well to do’ Lisbon families.

Alongside all the sunshine, beaches and activities – not to mention the glorious climate – Portugal’s history and heritage can almost be overlooked. Almost. From its Moorish legacies to modern day Lisbon, Portugal combines the past and the present with a timeless elegance. Whether you’re a history buff or simply in need of some old world culture, you can choose from UNESCO World Heritage sites like the magical cliff top village of Sintra or simply take in the quiet charms of historic towns like Guimarães, Évora or Angra do Heroísmo.

More than anything, it’s the pull of a more sedate and relaxed pace of life that bewitches visitors and keeps bringing them back for more. Perhaps it’s no wonder that over a third of Portugal’s tourists hail from the UK with many choosing the laid back lifestyle of evening strolls on the promenade at Sesimbra or the café terraces of Porto as ideal holiday home destinations.

Given all that Portugal has to offer it’ll come as no surprise to know that tourist figures have risen dramatically over the last decade – extending well beyond the traditional Algarve destinations. So what now for the future?

The world wide economic woes of 2008 have hit tourist figures in Portugal as they have in many other destinations – although gross guest numbers for the first eight months of 2008 are actually up on the same period last year. It’s clear that the hey day of cheap flights and even cheaper properties has gone; but while hotel stays from international tourists have fallen by around 4%, the home grown market has blossomed – attracting almost 4% more overnight stays from Portuguese citizens in 2008. It seems that the Portuguese are increasingly discovering Portugal for themselves and helping to keep tourism as one of the country’s most important industries.

Portugal is almost uniquely blessed by the perfect climate and stunning natural beauty but it offers much more than just golf resorts and beach holidays. Even the government’s plans for the promotion of tourism in Portugal realise what makes ‘Europe’s west coast’ so special. They are promoting four things: ‘climate and light,’ ‘history, culture and tradition,’ ‘hospitality’ and ‘diversity.’

Four great reasons to visit any country.

For information on buy to let hotel room developments and the tourist market in Portugal visit >> Owner Invest [http://ownerinvest.com/]: Buy Hotel Rooms and Invest in Tourism.

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The Coastline

For the perfect Portugal holiday, or any dream vacation for that matter, Portugal’s coastline is definitely one of the major attractions. The Atlantic ocean surrounds the south and west of Portugal and stretches 800 km. The coastline is also home to some of the most gorgeous and popular Atlantic islands including the Azores and Madeira. There is also a rich abundance of large fishing game within this coastline, as well as beautifully maintained waters and beaches which are clear and clean.

Lisbon is the most popular city on the coastline for tourists, and it is also the capital of Portugal. Not only this, but Lisbon has a unique twist as it also borders the Tagus river at the point where it flows into the ocean. You may also find the best coastlines to be located in Southern Portugal, as the beaches are better maintained.

One of Europe’s major harbors, the estuary of the Tejo river, is located right alongside Lisbon. However the beaches of the Costa do Sol are the most glamorous in the entire country, with world renowned resorts including the Estoril and Cascais.

Estremadura

Filled with one of the country’s most richest fishing banks, Estremadura includes the territories of Nazaré, Fátima, and Obidos. A historical province of Portugal, Estremadura was the foundation for one of the early civilizations of the Iberian Chalcolithic. It is also a wine region, which is the largest producer of wine by region, with a wide variety of principal grapes used. Thus you may want to consider this region if you are going to be wine tasting during your Portugal Holidays.

The Algarve

Known as one of the best tourist destinations, and boasting a 100 mile coastline, the Algarve has some of the best beaches in all of Europe. Located on the south-western top of Portugal, the Algarve, like the Estremadura, is also permeated with historical influences from the Moorish occupation. The coast is also know to be extremely clean and kept very clean, as well as having clear waters.

Alentejo and Ribatejo

Known as Portugal’s agrarian heartland, Alentejo and Ribatejo is best known for their fields and grasslands, as well as the bull and horse-breeding territories. Full of medieval cities including Estremoz, Elvas, Beja, tomar and Evora they harbor some famous examples of Manueline and Roman architecture. The region is also best if you want to experience a less populated area, but still have the cultural and architectural experience, during your Portugal holidays.

Coimbra and The Beiras

Located between two of the country’s most vital rivers, the Beiras were part of the medieval kingdom of Portugal. They were incorporated earlier than Lisbon, and are part of the most traditional Portuguese regions in the country. Coimbra is best known as the highlight of the region, because it is filled with spas and often draws in tourists because of the legendary forest of Buçaco.

We recommend a visit to Portugal Holidays website, where you will find excellent tips and updated road maps for some beautiful holidays in southern Europe.

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Here are a few of the regions you should consider when considering from a range of walking holidays in Portugal…

The Algarve

The Algarve is famous as a destination for golfers and beach lovers, but this spectacular coastal region also offers great walking for keen hikers. The rocky coastline has some great routes to walk along and some glorious golden beaches to see, but venture inland and you’ll be treated to a beautiful landscape of rolling hills, orange groves, lush forests and traditional villages. The walking here, in general, is not especially arduous, making it the ideal choice for a relaxing walking holiday in Portugal.

The Emerald Coast

The Algarve may be Portugal’s most famous and popular holiday region, but in the north-west, there is a little known coast that at the very least matches the Algarve for natural beauty. The Costa Verde (Emerald Coast) offers some of the best hiking in Portugal, with the old paths through the Serra d’Arga mountains and the valley walk through the Ancora Valley being two of the best routes in the area. As the name suggests, it is a lush and verdant landscape that is a delight to explore on foot.

The Douro Valley

The Douro River is one of the most spectacular natural features in Portugal. Stretching from the heart of Spain all the way to the coast of Portugal, this 900 kilometre river offers some excellent opportunities for walkers, especially in and around the Douro Valley in Portugal. In addition to some beautiful riverside walks, the area also offers charming villages, handsome cities…and the famous local port! This area receives far fewer visitors than Portugal’s coast, and so is a great way to get away from the crowds.

The Northern National Parks

The north of the country is seldom visited by tourists, yet it contains numerous national parks and some of the most dramatic countryside in Portugal. It is a landscape of sprawling forests, parkland, deep gorges and an abundance of natural wildlife. Mountain lovers in particular will not want to miss out on this area, with several major mountain ranges (including the Alväo and Moräu) all providing some great places for Portugal hiking.

These are just some of the great places for a walking holiday in Portugal, offering everything from high mountains to golden beaches, easy half day hikes and tough multi day walks. You could even venture across into Spain or out to the Portuguese island of Madeira if you wanted to go further afield – the entire Iberian Peninsula is truly a walker’s paradise!

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Operating since 1946, Ramblers Worldwide Holidays now offer over 250 holidays in more than 90 different countries. On a holiday with RamblersWH you can enjoy the best hiking Portugal can offer at the best value prices.

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With many fishing fleets operating along the coast, fish is a major part of Portuguese cuisine. The country has the highest fish consumption per capita of any country in Europe and is one of the top four fish-eating nations in the world. As a result, Portugal is a mecca for lovers of fishy food, with a huge selection of fish dishes from soups through to stews and boiled or fried recipes. Sardines and Atlantic tuna are the most popular ingredients in many fish dishes, although dried and salted cod is still an important part of the cuisine. Shellfish also features heavily on the menu, and one of the most basic forms of Portuguese cuisine is a fish stew that allows visitors to sample a wide selection of flavours in one simple meal.

Self-catering holidays rather than hotel stays make trying different cuisines easier.

Portugal’s villas can be very luxurious, offering visitors premier quality accommodation whilst still retaining a real ‘feel’ for the true Portugal. Portugal’s clement climate allows villas to be designed with an airy layout, making them light, airy and luxurious, with all modern conveniences. This includes the cooking arrangements, so for visitors who prefer to do their own catering the opportunities to explore the markets of the local towns and fishing ports and combine the best local ingredients into their own dishes are well catered for.

Meat lovers are well looked after too and although traditionally eating meat on a daily basis was the privilege of the upper classes, it is now universally found on restaurant menus across Portugal. Whereas many Mediterranean menus major on poultry and even goat, the Portuguese favour their beef and pork, such as the Algarve speciality of fried pork with clams. Red wine is used extensively in Portuguese cooking, giving meat dishes a rich, full flavour that is complemented by the use of herbs and spices such as onion and coriander.

Getting to Portugal is amazingly cheap these days. Portugal holidays offer food lovers the chance to try a totally different cuisine, and only a couple of hours from home. Links to Portugal are convenient, with modern, efficient transport systems and plenty of international flights to the main centres such as Faro. A combination of fantastic sporting facilities, luxury villas and a rich and varied culture make Portugal a popular destination for those seeking a more exotic holiday experience without travelling out of Europe. In the major resorts many people speak English, but for a real taste of Portugal, try visiting the local markets with a travel guide book and a willingness to try out new flavours, new ingredients and a warm, Portuguese welcome.

To experience all this wonderful food villas in Portugal are one option of taking holidays in Portugal this summer. Mark advises travellers to read up about the various destinations before booking their break.

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Outside of the Algarve, Portugal has a long and illustrious history. An independent nation since 1143, Portugal is one of the oldest nations in Europe and it’s location on the Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula dictates a long history of sea faring and discovery. A vast monumental and cultural legacy has been left for modern visitors to enjoy. The tourist information site gives an interesting and informative overview of the cultural and historic attractions of the country as well as useful guides to the regions and cities of Portugal.

The capital city, Lisbon, is an ideal location for a short break and is rapidly gaining a reputation as such. A thriving and bustling mix of the old and new, Lisbon retains a respect for its historic past whilst offering the visitor the attractions and amenities that could be expected of a main European city. The city is dominated by the old port area – the departure point for explorers such as Magellan – and recent regeneration of the area is sympathetic and impressive. Lisbon comes to life at night as the locals descend on the pavement restaurants and bars creating a relaxed, sociable and informal atmosphere.

Further North and the impressive, World Heritage status city of Porto can be found. The city, of course, lends its’ name to the world famous variety of wine but the city’s baroque and Romanesque architecture leave a lasting and perhaps not as regrettable impression. Although the Algarve signs to mind when you mention beaches and Portugal, the coastal region of Minho, to the north of Porto have perhaps the most stunning beaches in the country. The area has some resorts, but these are quieter and smaller in scale to their southern counterparts and offer a quieter, perhaps more relaxed beach holiday than the Algarve.

Travelling to Portugal via, Lisbon, Porto or Faro is relatively easy from the UK with most operators offering direct flights from a range of UK airports. Internal flights are relatively inexpensive and the rail system is cheap and efficient. Portugal is a relatively small country and is negotiable by road for those looking to traverse wide areas. Car rental in Portugal is abundant – especially in Lisbon and Porto and most of the major car hire firms offer one way or return car hire in Portugal.

The Algarve is an ideal family holiday destination and has many charms but Portugal as a country has much more to offer for those willing to explore a little further.

Submitted by: Michael Hanna

About Michael Michael is a keen writer, and internet marketer living in Scotland:

Contact details: E-mail: samqam@googlemail.com Phone: 0131 561 2251 Michael’s Website: Taxi Belfast

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