Portugal: A Quick Overview

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Portugal is located on the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe. It has a population of about 10.3 million people and covers approximately 92,212 square kilometers (35,603 square miles), making it slightly smaller than Indiana. Portugal boasts 1,794 kilometers (1,115 miles) of Atlantic coastline. It features diverse landscapes, including:

• Mountains in the north
• Rolling plains in the central regions
• Beautiful beaches along the southern coast

Key Destinations

Explore some of Portugal’s most famous places:

• Lisbon: The capital city has historic neighborhoods like Alfama and Bel?m. You can ride iconic yellow trams and enjoy stunning viewpoints (miradouros). Don’t miss architectural gems such as S?o Jorge Castle and Jer?nimos Monastery.
• Porto: Known for its port wine cellars, the iconic Dom Lu?s I Bridge, and the historic Ribeira district (a UNESCO World Heritage site). Be sure to visit the magnificent azulejo-covered train station (S?o Bento).
• Algarve: This southern coastal region is famous for dramatic limestone cliffs and golden beaches. You can explore charming fishing villages like Lagos and Tavira, along with world-class golf courses.
• Sintra: A fairytale town near Lisbon, Sintra features colorful palaces such as Pena Palace, Moorish Castle, and Quinta da Regaleira, known for its mysterious initiation wells.
• Douro Valley: The world’s oldest demarcated wine region offers terraced vineyards along the Douro River. This creates breathtaking landscapes and exceptional wines.

What Portugal Is Famous For?

Portugal is well-known for many things:

• Its maritime history and Age of Discovery explorers (Vasco da Gama, Ferdinand Magellan)
• Port wine
• Cork production (the world’s largest producer)
• Traditional Fado music
• Azulejo tile art
• Custard tarts (pastel de nata)
• Excellent seafood

Portugal also has strong traditions in ceramics and textile arts. It maintains one of Europe’s oldest continuous borders.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to visit Portugal depends on your interests:

• Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-October): These shoulder seasons offer pleasant temperatures (15-25?C/59-77?F), fewer tourists, and lower prices. Spring brings wildflowers while autumn offers wine harvests.
• Summer (June-August): This season is hot and dry, with temperatures reaching 30-35?C (86-95?F), especially inland. Coastal areas enjoy refreshing Atlantic breezes. Expect more crowds, particularly in August when many Europeans vacation.
• Winter (November-February): The south (Algarve) averages mild temperatures of 15-18?C (59-64?F), but it is cooler and rainier in the north. This is low season with fewer tourists, though Lisbon and Porto remain lively year-round.

Each season showcases different aspects of Portugal’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.

All My Portugal Posts

• 
  Riviera Douro Cruise Review – All You Need to Know
  Are you considering a Riveria Travel cruise on the Duoro river? This review of the Riviera Douro cruise is based on a close look at the itinerary and the river cruise ships. It includes: If you want to find out if a Riviera Douro river cruise is right for you, this will help. Take a look at this introduction video from Riviera Riviera Douro Cruise Review Just before we start I wanted to highlight a couple of things; Now let’s look at what is included Riviera Cruise Headlines The following excursions are included: Let’s have a look at the prices.… Read More »Riviera Douro Cruise Review – All You Need to Know
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  What To Do in Vilamoura – Get Some Great Ideas Here
  Wondering what to do in Vilamoura? There are plenty of things to do, including lovely boat trips, water-based activities and tours. There is also a lovely marina to enjoy, beautiful beaches and a Roman villa for a bit of history. Read on to get some ideas for your trip. Recommended Reading What to Do in Vilamoura Vilamoura is blessed with beautiful beaches. They are located on either side of the marina area and have cafes, bars and restaurants dotted along them. Praia De Vilamoura, the beach to the East of the marina, is smaller, but you can walk around to… Read More »What To Do in Vilamoura – Get Some Great Ideas Here
• Where to Stay in Vilamoura – Check Out These Fab Stays
  Wondering where to stay in Vilamoura? I’ve been lucky enough to stay in two great hotels in Vilamoura. Here are my reviews plus some details of alternatives that you might like in the area. Read on to get the details. Recommended Reading Where to Stay in Vilamoura? I stayed for 3 wonderful nights in the Pestana Vila Sol review. It’s one of the places that I often think back to when I am craving a nice relaxing stay. The accommodation was cute little bungalow-style rooms with a terrace. I loved the green areas around the bungalows that featured ponds, trees… Read More »Where to Stay in Vilamoura – Check Out These Fab Stays
• How to Get to Vilamoura – All the Details You Need
  Wondering how to get to Vilamoura in Portugal? Check out all the details you need so you can start planning your visit to this lovely spot in the Algarve. Recommended Reading How to Get to Vilamoura The main way that visitors reach Vilamoura is by flying into Faro airport in Portugal. This is the main airport for the Algarve region of Portugal. The airport is located just outside the town of Faro itself. There are lots of low cost flights available to Faro from the United Kingdom. There are direct flights from the following UK airports to Faro; Flights generally… Read More »How to Get to Vilamoura – All the Details You Need
• Is Vilamoura Expensive? Find Out (Based on My Trip)
  Planning on visiting Vilamoura and wondering ‘Is Vilamoura expensive?’ Read on to find out based on my experience of visiting this lovely spot in the Algarve and details about costs. Recommended Reading Is Vilamoura Expensive? The Algarve is a popular tourist area and that can often increase prices, compared to areas where there are more locals. Monte Gordo for example is a holiday area that attracts a lot of Portuguese folk, and the prices seemed lower than other Algarve resorts I’ve visited. Vilamoura is a popular tourist spot in the Algarve, but it still has plenty of locals – around… Read More »Is Vilamoura Expensive? Find Out (Based on My Trip)
• Is Vilamoura Safe? Find The Stats & Info Here
  Are you thinking of visiting Vilamoura? Wondering ‘Is Vilamoura safe?’ Check out my post which includes my experience of visiting Vilamoura as a solo female traveller, plus facts and stats to help you with your decision. Recommended Reading Is Vilamoura Safe? I stayed in Vilamoura as a solo female traveller, having actually arrived with a friend of mine. We parted ways after 1 night and I moved to another hotel, staying for a further 3 nights. I walked alot around the local area and I also drove all round the area in my rental car too. Walking felt safe in… Read More »Is Vilamoura Safe? Find The Stats & Info Here
• Prime Energise Hotel Monte Gordo Review
  The Prime Energise Hotel is a fitness and wellness hotel located at the Eastern end of Monte Gordo. It has the following facilities; Check out this review based on a 4 night stay in November 2023. Prime Energise Hotel Monte Gordo What I Loved The spacious room with a separate bedroom and two balconies. Prime Energise Hotel Professional Traveller Review I booked a junior suite package for 2 people at this hotel including half board. It was November 2023 so out of season which caused some issues. Whilst the room was good the issues with facilities and service let it… Read More »Prime Energise Hotel Monte Gordo Review
• Is Monte Gordo Algarve Worth Visiting? Absolutely it’s great
  Visiting Monte Gordo is great option if you are planning on visiting the Algarve. In addition to long sandy beaches, the area has great restaurants and is within easy reach of the Spanish border too. It’s a popular spot with Portuguese holidaymakers. Many of them have holiday apartments in the town. Read on to decide if it’s a great holiday spot for you too. What Is Monte Gordo Algarve Like? Monte Gordo is a mix of hotels, apartment buildings, and residential buildings. Size and Population In terms of size, Monte Gordo is small, with only around 3,500 people living there. However,… Read More »Is Monte Gordo Algarve Worth Visiting? Absolutely it’s great
• Day Trips From Vilamoura – A Beautiful Scenic Drive
  Are you looking for day trips from Vilamoura? Check out this amazing scenic driving route that I did while I was on holiday in Vilamoura. It was the highlight of the trip, chock full of great scenery and wonderful moments. Read on to find out what I discovered and the easy driving route you can easily do in a day from Vilamoura, or anywhere in that area of the Algarve. Day Trips from Vilamoura Vilamoura was the base for a 4-day holiday that I took with a friend of mine. However, a parting of the ways after the first night… Read More »Day Trips From Vilamoura – A Beautiful Scenic Drive
• Is Vilamoura Worth Visiting? Yes It Is. Here’s Why!
  Wondering ‘Is Vilamoura Worth Visiting?’ Yes it is! Read on for why I think Vilamoura is a great spot to stay in the Algarve and why I chose it for my stay. Recommended Reading Is Vilamoura Worth Visiting? Many people head to Albufeira in the Algarve. It’s a very busy destination that attracts a large number of British visitors. As such there are lots of places catering to the British. They offer full English breakfasts and menus in English for example. That’s absolutely fine if that’s what you want but for me, Albufeira is a little too busy. Vilamoura is… Read More »Is Vilamoura Worth Visiting? Yes It Is. Here’s Why!
• Pestana Hotel Vila Sol Review – Fab Resort Style Hotel
  Looking for somewhere to stay in Vilamoura? The Pestana Vila Sol is a 5 star, Pes resort style hotel that I stayed at. Check out my Pestana Hotel Vila Sol review based on a 3 night solo stay in 2018. The hotel cost 160 pounds in total. Recommended Reading Pestana Hotel Vila Sol Professional Traveller Review I stayed at this hotel for three nights in Vilamoura. I loved the accommodation and the lovely green areas to enjoy. The indoor swimming pool was great, the staff were super friendly. It was a lovely relaxing stay. What I Loved Cute little bungalow-style… Read More »Pestana Hotel Vila Sol Review – Fab Resort Style Hotel
• Vilamoura Garden Hotel Review – Great Value 4 Star
  Looking for a great hotel in Vilamoura? Check out my Vilamoura Garden Hotel review – it’s a great 4 star hotel just at the top of the town of Vilamoura. A 4-night stay for 2 people including breakfast and flights from the UK cost ?250 in total (2018). Recommended Reading Vilamoura Garden Hotel Algarve Review Professional Traveller Review I stayed at this hotel for one night in Vilamoura. The location was great, with plenty of free parking onsite. The restaurant did a nice breakfast and the pool area was pretty and attractive. What I Loved Lovely suite with lounge area… Read More »Vilamoura Garden Hotel Review – Great Value 4 Star
• My Wonderful Solo Female Holiday in Vilamoura
  Here’s how an argument led to my first solo female holiday in the Algarve and started my love for solo female travel. Several years ago I took a trip with a friend – an ex-partner. We had travelled together several times before and things were mostly OK. It didn’t start well but I am grateful for that argument because without it I may not have experienced the joy of solo travel. Recommended Reading Solo Female Holiday in Vilamoura – A Very Bumpy Start Previously when travelling together we had stayed in adjoining rooms. This had worked well given we both… Read More »My Wonderful Solo Female Holiday in Vilamoura
• Is The Algarve Worth Going To? Yes! Here’s How & When
  Ever wondered ‘Is the Algarve Worth Going To?’ – well read on. I’ve been to the Algarve a number of times, with groups as a Tour Manager and on my own holidays. Check out why you should put this destination on your to-do list and when to go. Is The Algarve Worth Going To? The Algarve is located along the Southern edge of Portugal. It has a fabulous coastline, huge sandy beaches, great places to visit and it’s very easy to travel to from the UK. The Algarve is suitable for family holidays, solo trips, golfing holidays, beach, activity and… Read More »Is The Algarve Worth Going To? Yes! Here’s How & When
• Monte Gordo Algarve Review – Everything You Need to Visit
  Are you looking for a holiday in the Algarve? Monte Gordo Algarve is a wonderful beach resort. It’s close to the Spanish border making it ideal for trips there as well as exploring the Algarve coastline. Check out this Monte Gordo review including everything you need to plan your visit. Monte Gordo Algarve – Summary of Visit 1 = Poor, 5 = Excellent Comments Personal Safety 5 Felt safe walking everywhere Cleanliness 4 Scenery 5 Beautiful beach Friendly People 5 Very friendly welcome & departure Weather 4 20 degrees Getting There 5 Flights to Faro from Glasgow Prestwick Facilities 4… Read More »Monte Gordo Algarve Review – Everything You Need to Visit
• Hotel Sol E Mar Albufeira Algarve Review – Great Location!
  Are you looking for a great hotel in Albufeira? Right on the beach? With great facilities? Well fab. You are in the right place. Check out my review of a the 4 Star Hotel Sol E Mar Albufeira. (Since my stay this hotel is now changed to being for adults only) Hotel Sol E Mar Albufeira – Location The Sol E Mar is located in Albufeira. This is one of the main resorts in the Algarve. The hotel itself is located beside the sea in a great location for exploring the old town and beach areas alike. Sol E Mar… Read More »Hotel Sol E Mar Albufeira Algarve Review – Great Location!
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  Vidamar Resort Algarve Review – All You Need to Know
  Are you looking for a great resort-styled hotel with everything in one place? Then check out my review of a 3-night stay at the Vidamar Resort Algarve. It’s a lovely hotel, with great rooms, plus spa facilities, beach access and a choice of restaurants. Check out my review or just put your travel dates in below to find the best prices Vidamar Resort Hotel Algarve Vidamar Resort Hotel Algarve Address The address of the Vidamar Resort Algarve is: R. da Boca da Alagoa Lote 1, 8200-424 Guia, Portugal The telephone number of the Vidamar Resort Algarve is: +351 289 038… Read More »Vidamar Resort Algarve Review – All You Need to Know
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  Vilamoura Holiday Review – Here’s Everything I Did
  Vilamoura is a lovely holiday resort set in the beautiful Algarve region of Portugal. Not only does it have lovely beaches, it also has lots of green areas, golf courses, great hotels and a marina. Check out my Vilamoura holiday review for everything you need to plan your own trip Vilamoura Vilamoura Holiday (If you want a bit more detail check out my article ‘Is Vilamoura Worth Visiting? You might also like; Is Vilamoura Safe? Is Vilamoura Expensive? My Solo Female Holiday in Vilamoura Vilamoura Holidays Getting There From the UK The main airport in the Algarve is Faro Airport.… Read More »Vilamoura Holiday Review – Here’s Everything I Did
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  Are The Azores Worth Visiting? Here’s 9 Reasons Why They Are
  I’ve been lucky to have visited the Azores 5 or 6 times taking touring holidays there. The Azores are an amazing destination to visit. Before I jump into the list let me just explain where and what they are! Are the Azores Worth Visiting? The Azores is an archipelago of 9 islands set off the coast of Portugal (about 1.5 hours flying time) The Azores is an autonomous region of Portugal. They have their own President and some of their laws. Each of the 9 islands is different with different dialects, cultures, food and drink. Are the Azores Worth Visiting… Read More »Are The Azores Worth Visiting? Here’s 9 Reasons Why They Are

Qualifications Relating to Portugal

Here are details of the training I’ve done that relates to Portugal

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