Portugal

Official Language : Portuguese
EU Member
Time Difference : +0 GMT
Flying Time : 2.5 hours approx.
Currency : Euro
Capital : Lisbon

Useful Websites
www.portugal.org
www.portugal-info.net

Portugal has long been a holiday destination for many people, there is no need to worry about the weather reports as Portugal offers its visitors summer days that are long and hot. If it dose rain, it will be warm and brief.
Portugal’s  relaxed attitude to life coupled with fantastic entertainment, food, scenery and weather.

The beautiful Algarve region, which adjoins Spain’s Costa de la Luz in the south western most tip of the Iberian peninsular, it is particularly popular with holiday makers from around the world and has long been a favourite holiday playground for the British.  Increasingly in recent years, it has also become popular with those wanting to retire to sunnier climates, or contemplating a lifestyle change.
There are two quite distinct parts to the Algarve.  To the west of Faro, the coastline comprises a series of rocky coves and small bays, broken up by rocky outcrops and fascinating grottoes.  The major resorts in this area are Albuferia and Lagos-but if you are looking for something a little quieter and more relaxed, than Salema or Burgau are more likely to suit you tastes.

East of Faro offers a dramatic contract.  Here, a whole series of low-lying sandy islands run parallel to the coast, almost enclosing lagoons where the seawater is markedly warmer than it is further west.  This entire stretch of coastline, designated the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, is now a protected area.  Away from the coast, the Algarve offers a wealth of interest for lovers of history and culture, including the Roman ruins of Estoi and the old Moorish town of Silves.

With extraordinarily mild winters and, of course, gorgeously warm summers, the Algarve is an attractive destination all year round – with spring and autumn particularly attractive for those who enjoy a calmer, out-of-season atmosphere. And it’s easy to get to as well, with frequent and highly affordable flights from the UK all year round.