Portugal: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!
The small country on the Atlantic with the island groups of Madeira and the Azores offers a variety of vacation experiences. In historic places like Porto or the southwesternmost point of Europe, Sagres, you will experience the fascination of Portugal. In the interior of the country, with its gentle hills, golden fields, and extensive vineyards, you can enjoy the tranquility of nature.
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Portugal - 8 most beautiful natural sights
Benagil Cave
The impressive Benagil sea cave can be reached from the surrounding holiday resorts in various ways. Beautiful routes for cycling and hiking tours with breathtaking coastal panoramas lead to the Benagil cave. From above, there is a spectacular view into the cave, but it can only be entered from the water. Families with children can most safely reach the cave from Albufeira, Vilamoura, Lagos, and other places as part of a boat tour. Only about 100 meters separate the grotto from Praia de Benagil beach. From there, you can also paddle or swim to the cave using an air mattress, kayak, or SUP.
Douro Valley
Nature lovers and pleasure travelers find their paradise in Portugal's Douro Valley. Wine has been cultivated in this picturesque region for over 2,000 years. Around the towns of Pinhão and Peso da Régua in the Alto Douro lies the world's oldest protected wine-growing area, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001. Amidst the steep, green wine terraces of the Douro Valley are noble, whitewashed wineries with magnificent views and fine wines to taste. Portugal's most important wine region also boasts picturesque villages and varied hiking trails. A leisurely river cruise, for example from the port city of Porto, offers fascinating perspectives on the beautiful river valley of the Douro.
Piety Point
There are numerous ways to discover the Ponta da Piedade in Portugal: From the center of Lagos, a roughly 2.5-kilometer hiking trail leads to the natural wonder. Along the way, numerous bathing bays invite you to take a break. You can enjoy a particularly beautiful view from the lighthouse at the Ponta da Ponta. Over 180 steps lead from the lighthouse to the sea. Here you will find some providers offering boat tours. Especially in summer, the grotto tours are quickly booked out. The Ponta da Piedade can also be explored with a stand-up board or kayak.
Cape St. Vincent
Arriving at Cabo de São Vicente, you find yourself at the southwestern tip of Europe. The western cape of Portugal is located on a small peninsula and offers a spectacular view of the Atlantic Ocean. The lighthouse there, with its bright red dome, is considered the most powerful in Europe and marks the gateway to the Strait of Gibraltar. At Cabo de São Vicente, a coastal hike to the Fortaleza de Beliche is worthwhile, another attraction in the Algarve. On the way, you should definitely make a detour to the dream beach Praia do Beliche, which, framed by steep cliffs, takes every visitor's breath away.
Ria Formosa Natural Park
The Ria Formosa Natural Park is one of the largest and most beautiful lagoon conservation areas in Europe. It is located between the resort town of Tavira and the port city of Faro. Here, you can spend an unforgettable beach holiday with the whole family, combined with a mix of nature and culture. For amateur ornithologists, the Ria Formosa lagoon is a true paradise: more than 200 bird species can be observed. Highlights for beach lovers are the five offshore islands, which can only be reached from the water side. Here you will find kilometers of sandy beaches like Praia do Faro or Praia do Barril with first-class infrastructure.
Pico Mountain
On the Azores island, the 2,351-meter-high Monte Pico is prominent. The highest mountain in Portugal stretches from east to west and is a paradise for hiking. While breathing in the fresh air on the ridge at altitudes of 800 meters, you enjoy a magnificent view over the Atlantic. If you want to climb Monte Pico in Portugal, a good level of fitness is required. The path starts at Casa da Montanha at 1,300 meters. A charming excursion destination is the highlands, which extend eastward from Monte Pico.
Madeira Laurel Forest
About 20 percent of the island of Madeira is covered by the fragrant laurel forests of Laurissilva. In addition, there are some other tree species that are now home to numerous birds, with delicious fruits and berries. The Laurissilva can be discovered in the mountains on the north side. Many hiking trails lead through nature here. On a hike through the Laurissilva, you will see the rare Madeira laurel alongside some tranquil ferns, violets, and even avocados. In the surrounding area, there are smaller villages for a stroll or a stop at a café. They are a good starting point for numerous discovery tours.
Lagoon of the Seven Cities
The Lagoa das Sete Cidades is considered one of the highlights of the Azores and can be reached by rental car. It is located in the western part of the island and is divided into two smaller lakes. Both offer a wonderful photo opportunity. You can stay nicely in the village of Sete Cidades on the western shore. The entire landscape area with the Lagoa das Sete Cidades was formed by volcanic activity. In fact, these are craters filled with water, creating a breathtaking backdrop for your vacation and hiking. Additionally, it is worth setting off into the mountains.
Portugal - Climate
Portugal has a temperate maritime climate with warm summers and mild winters. For a relaxing beach holiday, it is best to book a holiday home in the months of June, July, or August. You can expect average temperatures of 28°C and about 21°C water temperature. Spring and autumn are perfect for outdoor activities and city tours. Madeira entices year-round with a pleasant climate: the temperature does not drop below 19°C, and the maximum temperature is 26°C. For hiking enthusiasts and those hungry for discovery, the "Island of Spring" is the ideal travel destination in all seasons. In winter, the selection of rentable holiday homes is smaller, so reserve early!
The following graph shows the average weather conditions for the country. Historical weather conditions may vary by region.