Portugal belongs to those countries that are not accustomed to participate in tourist racing. This country is more suitable for wealthy tourists who prefer elite vacation. Here they value history and culture, create a comfortable rest in all respects for themselves and guests. A trip to Portugal will allow you to better know the beautiful and proud Europe.
How to get there
On the territory of Portugal there are 4 international airports: in Lisbon, Madeira, Faro and Porto. From Moscow, St. Petersburg and some other Russian cities, airplanes regularly fly to Lisbon. One-way fare is about 455 euros during the high season and only 105 euros for the low season. To save on the flight, you can choose a route with a transfer of approximately 215 euros.
The flight from Moscow to Porto will cost about 115 euros in the winter and from 145 euros in the summer.
Some air carriers make regular flights from Moscow to Faro. The ticket price is about 150 euros.
You can get to Madeira from Moscow with a connection in Lisbon. Tickets cost between 160-190 euros.
There is no direct railway connection between Russia and Portugal. Lovers of land routes can get here by car. On the road from Moscow will have to spend about 45 hours from St. Petersburg for 2 hours more. Will have to go through the territory of Belarus, Poland, Germany, France and Spain.
Holidays in Portugal in 2018: prices
Basically in the country all hotels have a high level of service. They work mainly on the basis of breakfast, less often half board. Beloved by many Russians, the system "all inclusive" is not here. This is due primarily to the fact that Portugal has a very diverse and tasty cuisine, so tourists here like to eat in different places. So you can get better acquainted with local culinary traditions.
In Portugal, most hotels have 4-5 stars. The prices for rooms here start from 2300 rubles per day and can reach 20 thousand rubles or more. There are also historical “pousadas” - ancient fortresses and castles that have been converted into luxury hotels. All of them are built in a typical architectural style. Guests are offered to try the best dishes of national cuisine.
For budget tourists here are hostels that are considered among the best on the continent. The cost of a bed in a hostel starts from 10 euros per night. The cost of a room in a cheap 2 star hotel will cost 30 euros and more. Also, tourists can rent a small apartment with a kitchen for 30-35 euros per day.
Nutrition
The most budgetary option for food in Portugal are small restaurants that are open at supermarkets. The cost of lunch in them starts from 7 euros. In this case, the portions here are so large that they are quite enough for two.
The budget restaurants include those that offer Japanese and Brazilian cuisine. Here you can eat well for 9-12 euros.
Eating in restaurants will be more expensive. The minimum check in a regular Portuguese restaurant starts from 25 euros per person.
Holidays in Portugal in 2018: the best places
Of course, the most popular tourist destination in Portugal is a beach holiday. However, this is not the only thing that this colorful country can offer tourists. Each resort here has a number of its features.
Lisbon
A special atmosphere always reigns in the capital. Here you can walk around the cozy streets of Lisbon all day long, looking at the buildings built in the Art Nouveau style. In addition, the city boasts an abundance of historical and architectural sights, as well as many sightseeing tours. Shopping fans will not be bored here either. In local stores you can always find the best collections of famous designers.
Algarve
The resort area of the Algarve is located in the south of the country near the coast of the ocean. Here are concentrated the best beach complexes and luxury hotels. Charming atmosphere, white sand, warm sea and infrastructure, are the best suited for a comfortable stay.
Sintra
The resort will appeal to lovers of active pastime, sightseeing trips and cultural values. Here, travelers are waiting for ancient castles and other sights, ready to tell about the fascinating history of the region.
Madeira Island
This place is ideal for family holidays in a cozy atmosphere. The island has a large number of small sandy beaches, the most popular of which is Calheta Beach. The sand here was specially brought from Morocco.
Thermal spas
In a special account in Portugal thermal spas Caldas de Saude, Gerês and Chaves. Thermal springs of Chaves were known in the times of ancient Rome. For many centuries, people with diabetes, overweight and other metabolic problems have come here for healing. Sources Caldash de Saude help get rid of asthma and many problems with the musculoskeletal system.
Holidays in Portugal on the ocean
Absolutely all the beaches in the country are municipal. The cost of an umbrella and lounger for two will be 8-10 euros. The beaches of the Algarve and the Lisbon Riviera are covered with fine white sand. In Madeira, most beaches are pebbly. On the beaches you can see the flags, the color of which indicates the state of the water. A red flag indicates a stormy sea, so on such days it can be dangerous to swim in it. Yellow - warns of danger, so vacationers need to be careful during the swim. Green - says that swimming in water is safe.
Very popular in the country is the beach in the town of Carcavelos, located near Lisbon. It is crowded here at any time of the day. During the day you can sunbathe on the wide sandy beach with a convenient entrance to the water. In the evening, Carcavelos becomes a party center where discos last until the sun rises.
Surfers, windsurfers and kiters are attracted to Ginshu Beach, located in Cascais. In this place there are always big waves. For those who prefer a relaxing beach holiday, the nearby beaches of Riberia and Torre will do.
Ribeira da Illyas beach, located in Ericeira, is recognized as a world surf reserve.
The southern coast of Portugal is littered with beach resorts, the most popular of which is recognized by the Algarve. There are recreational areas, secluded corners chosen by nudists and rocky tunnels.
Those seeking solitude should go to Madeira.
Diving in portugal
The resorts of this country attract divers to the picturesque underwater world and the purest water. Usually diving enthusiasts choose Madeira because of the magnificent underwater scenery. Not far from the coast there are underwater caves, underwater reefs and rocks, sunken ships, around which colorful fish float.
To look at the tuna, grouper and barracuda, you should go to the underwater reserve Garazhau, located near Machico. Also here you can see unusual black corals.
Professionals choose the Azores. Despite the fact that diving here is not simple, it can give experienced divers a lot of fun. There are whale sharks and manta near the island of Santa Maria, and dolphins, whales and blue sharks are close to File and Pico.
For beginners in diving suit archipelago Berlengash. Here you can explore sunken ships, underwater caves, swim with sea bass and bream.
Learn the art of immersion offered in the Algarve. Here, near the coast, are located underwater grottoes and sheer cliffs, around which nimble fish scurry around.
Sights and Entertainment of Portugal
On the territory of the country, numerous castles and fortresses, medieval monasteries and cathedrals have survived to this day. Visiting Lisbon, you definitely need to visit the Castle of St. George, which thrills with its impressive appearance. The palaces of Marfa and Keluš are no less popular among tourists. The symbol of the city is the aqueduct Aguas Librish.
Porto is called the city of monumental buildings, ancient wine cellars and noisy markets. Here you should definitely visit the Ribeira region, which is striking in its originality, in the picturesque Botanical Garden and the Museum of Port Wine.
The religious center of the country is the city of Braga. It is here that the residence of the Archbishop is located and the main Catholic shrine is located - the Church of Christ on Calvary.
Medieval monasteries and ancient universities are in the city of Coimbra. And pilgrims have been visiting the neighboring city of Fatima for more than 100 years to see the place where the Virgin Mary appeared.
No less varied entertainment that can be found in Portugal. A zoo is open in Lisbon. To explore the city from a bird's eye view, you can use the Gloria funicular. Tourists with children should definitely visit the metropolitan oceanarium, where there is a huge collection of representatives of the underwater world who live in all the oceans of the planet.
Going to Madeira, travelers will be interested to climb the mountain Piku-Ruivu, and in Sintra to Cape Roca, which offers an amazing view of the surroundings.
Extreme lovers are invited to the water park of the Algarve.
Pros and cons of vacation in Portugal
Like any other tourist destination, Portugal has a number of advantages. Among them are:
- short flight;
- beautiful nature and clean sea;
- a huge number of interesting sights and excursions;
- tasty national cuisine;
- great service in hotels.
Of the disadvantages of holidays in Portugal, many tourists call the high cost of tours.
