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Portugal: A Quick Overview

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

  • a landscape with a river and mountains
    Riviera Douro Cruise Review – All You Need to Know for 2026
    Last updated on January 1st, 2026 at 01:10 pmAre 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… Read More »Riviera Douro Cruise Review – All You Need to Know for 2026
  • what to do in vilamoura featured image showing benagil cave
    What To Do in Vilamoura – Get Some Great Ideas Here
    Last updated on October 28th, 2025 at 07:17 pm 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 or get some ideas right here 👇 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… Read More »What To Do in Vilamoura – Get Some Great Ideas Here
  • where to stay in vilamoura featured image showing anatara pool area
    Where to Stay in Vilamoura – Check Out These Great Hotels
    Last updated on October 28th, 2025 at 07:21 pmWondering 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 or check out Vilamoura hotels right here 👇 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… Read More »Where to Stay in Vilamoura – Check Out These Great Hotels
  • how to get to vilamoura featured image showing waves and rocks in the foreground with long sandy beach and white buildings
    How to Get to Vilamoura – All the Details You Need
    Last updated on October 28th, 2025 at 07:24 pmWondering 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. You can check flights to Faro right here 👇 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… Read More »How to Get to Vilamoura – All the Details You Need
  • is vilamoura expensive featured image showing marina with boats in it and a seagull hovering over the water
    Is Vilamoura Expensive? Find Out All The Details Here
    Last updated on October 31st, 2025 at 06:15 pmPlanning 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. 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… Read More »Is Vilamoura Expensive? Find Out All The Details Here
  • is vilamoura safe featured image showing aerial shot of vilamoura town with beach and harbour area
    Is Vilamoura Safe? Find The Stats & Info Here
    Last updated on October 28th, 2025 at 07:28 pm 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. 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… Read More »Is Vilamoura Safe? Find The Stats & Info Here
  • prime energise hotel monte gordo
    Prime Energise Hotel Monte Gordo – What You Need to Know
    Last updated on October 28th, 2025 at 07:51 pm The Prime Energise Hotel is a fitness and wellness hotel located at the Eastern end of Monte Gordo. Check out this review based on a 4 night stay at this 4 star hotel. I did a price check for 1 night stay at the Prime Energise Hotel 👇 Booking Site Price Per Night Benefits Book Now Trivago £76 ✓ Breakfast Included Check Price → Booking.com £76 ✓ Breakfast Included Check Price → Trip.com £62 ✓ Breakfast Included Best Deal → Prime Energise Hotel Monte Gordo What I Loved The spacious room… Read More »Prime Energise Hotel Monte Gordo – What You Need to Know
  • Is Monte Gordo Algarve Worth Visiting in 2026? Absolutely it’s Great
    Last updated on January 1st, 2026 at 01:11 pm Are you thinking of visiting the Algarve? Are you looking for a destination that offers great value and the option to easily explore Spain as well? Then check out this guide to Monte Gordo. It’s a popular spot with Portuguese folk and it’s very close to the border. Read on to find out all you need to know 👇 Is Monte Gordo Algarve Worth Visiting? Monte Gordo is a mix of hotels, apartment buildings, and residential buildings. In terms of size, Monte Gordo is small, with only around 3,500 people living… Read More »Is Monte Gordo Algarve Worth Visiting in 2026? Absolutely it’s Great
  • a street with trees and buildings
    Day Trips From Vilamoura – A Beautiful Scenic Drive
    Last updated on October 28th, 2025 at 07:29 pm 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. You can check activities in Vilamoura right here 👇 Day Trips from Vilamoura Vilamoura was the base for a 4-day holiday… Read More »Day Trips From Vilamoura – A Beautiful Scenic Drive
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    Is Vilamoura Worth Visiting in 2026? Yes It’s Great
    Last updated on January 1st, 2026 at 01:17 pm Are you thinking of visiting the Algarve? Trying to decide where to stay? I’ve stayed in Vilamoura and think it’s a great base in the Algarve area. Read on for everything you need to know and see if it’s right for you too 👇 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.… Read More »Is Vilamoura Worth Visiting in 2026? Yes It’s Great
  • Pestana Hotel Vila Sol Review – Fab Resort Style Hotel
    Last updated on October 28th, 2025 at 07:37 pm 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. You can check out pricing and availability for the Pestana Vila Sol right here (I checked prices for a 1 night stay and here’s what I got) 👇 Booking Site Price Per Night Benefits Book Now Trivago £140 ✓ Breakfast Included Best Deal → Booking.com £140 ✓ Single Room Check Price → Trip.com… Read More »Pestana Hotel Vila Sol Review – Fab Resort Style Hotel
  • Vilamoura Garden Hotel Review – Great Value 4 Star
    Last updated on October 28th, 2025 at 07:41 pmLooking 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. Read on for all you need to know or check out my price comparison for a 1 night stay at the Vilamoura Garden below; Booking Site Price Per Night Benefits Book Now Trivago £68 ✓ Breakfast Included & Free Cancellation Check Price → Booking.com £68 ✓ Breakfast Included & Free Cancellation Check Price → Trip.com £60 ✓ Breakfast Included & Free Cancellation… Read More »Vilamoura Garden Hotel Review – Great Value 4 Star
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    My Wonderful Solo Female Holiday in Vilamoura
    Last updated on October 28th, 2025 at 07:43 pm 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. Solo Female Holiday in Vilamoura – A Very Bumpy Start Previously when travelling together we had stayed in adjoining rooms.… Read More »My Wonderful Solo Female Holiday in Vilamoura
  • Is The Algarve Worth Going To? Yes! Here’s How & When
    Last updated on July 2nd, 2025 at 08:01 pmEver 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… Read More »Is The Algarve Worth Going To? Yes! Here’s How & When
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    Monte Gordo Algarve Review – Everything You Need to Visit
    Last updated on October 28th, 2025 at 07:58 pm 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 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Felt safe walking everywhere Cleanliness ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Scenery ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Beautiful beach Friendly People ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very friendly welcome & departure Weather ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 20 degrees Getting There… Read More »Monte Gordo Algarve Review – Everything You Need to Visit
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    Hotel Sol E Mar Albufeira Algarve Review – Great Location!
    Last updated on June 5th, 2024 at 06:38 pmAre 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… Read More »Hotel Sol E Mar Albufeira Algarve Review – Great Location!
  • vidamar hotel algarve
    Vidamar Resort Algarve Review – All You Need to Know
    Last updated on June 5th, 2024 at 06:38 pmAre 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… Read More »Vidamar Resort Algarve Review – All You Need to Know
  • vilamoura holiday
    Vilamoura Holiday Review – Here’s Everything I Did
    Last updated on October 28th, 2025 at 07:47 pm 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? Vilamoura Holidays Getting There From the UK The main airport in the Algarve is Faro Airport. It’s set a little outside the town… 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
    Last updated on March 20th, 2025 at 05:46 pmI’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,… 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

algarve training course

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