Portugal offers a uniquely diverse and exciting range of cultures, climates, and landscapes. From the sunny white-sand beaches of Algarve, the restful Alentejo, the gorgeous sceneries of the Center and North, the tropical-like Madeira Islands and the one-of-a-kind Azores Islands, Portugal invites you to savor its culture, traditions and friendly people.

Portugal features some of the best golf courses in Europe, great Hotels, historic Pousadas, quaint Manor Houses and a multitude of activities from hiking to sailing.

Lisbon and Porto, spanning centuries of history and culture mixed with contemporary life styles, are world-class cosmopolitan destinations that will leave you longing to return. Book your dream trip to Portugal here or by contacting one of our travel specialists.


World Golf Destination

Enhanced by being on the western edge of the continent, by being possessed of a friendly climate and, paradoxically, by being known for having lagged decades behind Spain in the development of tourism, Portugal has retained an aura of mystery pretty well extinct in her Mediterranean neighbours.

Many golf lovers things Portugal and Spain would be much the same, given the similarity of location. Not so. In Portugal, aside from the inland plains in autumn, the countryside is greener, most of the seaside topography wilder, the temperatures cooler and the people quieter.

International influence has been less pronounced than in Spain. You may eat pizzas all over the Algarve and in Lisbon too; authentic Portuguese cuisine reigns in other parts of the country.

Where to stay is also a matter of choice. On the Algarve, massive hotels cater to those who enjoy them. There are many from which to chose; golf packages to the area usually include accommodation in these hotels. That is, however, not the whole story.

If you look at a map of Portugal and run a pencil along the Algarve, there is barely a centimetre distance between one Tee and the next. Roll comfortably along the EN-125 motorway from Faro and all exits lead to golf. The greatest concentration of Algarve courses are less than an hour away from Faro; there are 25 golf clubs along this particular coastline. Quinta do Lago launched Portugal's reputation as up and running in the holiday resort stakes. It was created to cater for sporty people; it does just that and golf is its paramount attraction. The Quinta do Lago and Ria Formosa courses are the focal point of a 2,000 acre golf and leisure complex. Also set in Quinta do Lago is Pinheiros Altos which features two contrasting halves of the 18 holes, each with diverse and stimulating hazards. San Lorenzo is currently the star at Quinta do Lago. Inaugurated in the late '80s it has been rated the Number 2 course in continental Europe.

Portugal is a joy to play. A great part of the appeal can be traced to the fact that golfers can choose their preferred ambience. Whether it be the hustle and bustle of the Algarve with its coastal attractions, the newly opened Alentejo facility, golf in the mountain air or the courses situated around venerable Lisbon, contrasts in atmosphere are as diverse as the courses themselves.

Portugal Nightlife, Food and Wine

The Portuguese like to party so the clubs and bars are open until dawn. Spot celebs at Vilamoura's marina bars, join in the party at Lisbon's Alcantara docks or listen to haunting fado in a family-run restaurant.

The Portuguese dine late and like to linger over their meals. Typical dishes include bacalhau (salted and sun dried codfish) served countless ways, caldo verde (green cabbage soup), cabrito (roast kid) and seafood cataplana (fish stew).

There are wine-growing regions all over the country, the best known being the Douro in the north, where rich reds and port wine are produced in the cellars of Oporto, the Alentejo and Minho, famous for the white, lightly sparkling venho verde.


Shopping & Touring in Portugal

Colourful markets selling leather goods, embroidery and brightly-coloured hand-painted tiles and ceramics are everywhere. You'll find department stores in Lisbon and large cities.

Hire a car and tour the 'Real Portugal' in the north, staying in a pousada (a building of historic interest) along the way. Head inland to the Alentejo plains or north to the Serra da Estrela mountains.

So - a holiday in Portugal offers a land of fabulous sandy beaches backed by dramatic honey-coloured limestone cliffs and neatly-terraced vineyards producing vintage port and robust wines. Sleepy white-washed villages nestle in the hills not far from the Algarve's holiday resorts while vibrant historic cities bustle with life and brim over with culture and history. With plenty of discount flights to Portugal to be had from all over Europe, now is the time to think of your Portugeuse idyll.

With many tourist attractions, as well as the usual beaches, Portugal offers a new world to explore if you book a holiday to Portugal, either for the renowned sports activities or just for a nice break away from home.