Experiences in Portugal

Family Fun
Portugal is a friendly, safe country, with a mild climate and an excellent cuisine, ideal to tour with the family. There are numerous activities designed for the little ones, both outdoors and indoors, in castles, museums, zoos, theme parks and aqua parks. Following the footprints of dinosaurs, watching dolphins and whales at sea or learning about the stars are just some ideas of what you can do.

Bicycle or donkey rides in natural parks and reserves are also much appreciated and a relaxed way to learn about and discover nature.

On the fine sandy beaches, with their calm waters and pleasant temperatures, children can run and play at will, swim and make sandcastles. But the greatest fun of all is to take advantage of the waves and introduce the whole family to surfing. As for rest, it’s easy to find a quiet hotel where parents and children will feel comfortable and recharge their batteries for the following day.

Religious Tourism
Portugal offers a roadmap of temples, devotions and religious festivals that you can follow out of faith or driven by a more universal spirituality, whether in search of the sacred or on a journey of self-discovery.

Starting in Fátima, Capital of Peace and one of the world’s most important Marian pilgrimage sites, there are many reasons for visiting, whether you are following the Cathedral route or to discover the simple shrines and chapels in honour of the local patron saint.

The Jews have also left their mark, particularly in Central Portugal, providing another reason for exploration. And there are also many paths travelled by pilgrims today, retracing the steps taken long ago to Santiago de Compostela.

After all, we are united in the same spirit of equality in difference, joined in a common cause which is the ancestral openness to others that is characteristic of the Portuguese. Motivated by this genuine predisposition for empathy and hospitality, in which we believe, we gladly welcome our visitors, whatever their religious belief.

Accessible Tourism
Holidaying in Portugal, visiting cities, touring the country to get to know its heritage or enjoying relaxing holidays at the seaside is within the reach of everyone.

Portugal has a good climate, with a great diversity of interests at short distances from each other and an assorted array of activities and tourist services, all prepared to receive all visitors equally, with our customary congeniality and friendliness.

Thinking about who needs special care or has greater difficulty when travelling, albeit temporarily, we have drawn up itineraries for 20 cities, indicating accessibility and suggesting routes that enable you to get around safely so that you can visit the main attractions in each place comfortably. There is also information about the various accessible beaches on the Portuguese coast.

Gastronomy
Portugal’s cuisine is as rich and varied as its landscape.

The most distinctive feature of Portuguese cuisine comes from the sea. As you enjoy a simple grilled fish, always fresh like the seafood that abounds from end to end along the coast, you can be sure that you are in Portugal! Cataplanas, bouillabaisses and any other fish or seafood dish are also excellent choices.

For meat dishes, our main suggestion is cozido à portuguesa, a mix of meats, vegetables and various sausages, cooked in a delicious way. We have excellent DOP (Protected Denomination of Origin) meats, from north to south, whether it’s beef, pork or kid. Many vegetables and fruit also preserve the taste of the old times, and some also have the DOP label, especially as many are produced organically.

Portuguese olive oil is of prime quality and is part of every dish, including cod (for which it is said that there are 1001 recipes!), which we excel at preparing and enjoying.

Each dish is matched to the right wine. The whole country produces wine and, while Port wine is famous, the Douro, Alentejo and many other table wines are no less superior.

And the cheeses! While Queijo da Serra (mountain cheese from Serra da Estrela) tops the bill, all the cheeses from Centro de Portugal, Alentejo and the Azores are delicious.

The sweets, whose roots go back to the many convents where they were originally prepared, even today make us “give thanks to heaven”. And a pastel de nata (custard tart) is a must. It is delicious with coffee, which we drink in the form of espresso.

At the end of a meal, we might make a toast with some Port or Madeira, fortified wines that have been spreading our name to faraway lands for centuries. Or with an excellent sparkling wine produced in Portugal, to celebrate a memorable meal provided by the country’s talented chefs.

Youth Tourism
Sun and sea, radical sports, natural parks, festivals and concerts – there’s a bit of everything in Portugal for a great holiday. However, just one holiday may not be enough, and you may have to keep coming to enjoy so many experiences.

The white sandy beaches are full of possibilities for fun-filled days, with calm or rough seas and countless activities to indulge in; or for sunbathing, being with friends and dancing the night away.

Inland, there are mountains and valleys to explore, observing nature or taking part in radical sports. There are also villages here that will take you back in time, where you can breathe clean air and discover ancient customs. And for the more cosmopolitan, there are plenty of cities with popular neighbourhoods and many monuments and museums to visit. Everyone needs a rest, and there is accommodation for every mood and budget, including Youth Hostels and Camp Sites.

But before chilling out, you must enjoy the nightlife vibes. With famous DJs in discos and cult bars; or in concerts and festivals featuring the best bands. The key is to join in, get into the mood and have fun into the night!

Surfing
Surfing is a 365 days a year activity in Portugal. Or 366 if it’s a leap year. This is not an exaggeration, since the extensive Portuguese coast offers great waves every day. And there are many ways to tackle them, it all depends on your skill and enthusiasm.

The diversity of natural conditions and an exceptional climate provide memorable experiences within everyone’s reach, from beginners to pros. It’s even said that there’s no other coastline in the world with so many spots so close to each other.

We have waves for every taste and discipline: from perfect tubes for surfing and bodyboarding, which are the setting for major international events, to giant waves, posing a challenge for the boldest surfers striving to ride their crests, and long waves that are among Europe’s longest. But there are still a few secrets waiting to be unveiled.

The wind is a great ally and offers unique conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing, but there are many other sports for making the adrenaline run. And after a day at sea, the good vibes continue on shore, where there’s always a party, a festival, a bar or a nightclub to provide unending fun every night.

Nautical Tourism
The extensive Portuguese Atlantic coast is a paradise for lovers of pleasure boating, who will find here the perfect sea for them.

With calm waters for quiet sailing, or rough waters ensuring higher levels of adrenaline, the ocean displays its various moods that present no difficulties for those who know it well. The beauty of the landscape is a constant, with its towering cliffs, sand dunes and beaches, providing excellent settings for all water sports.

Some areas are considered among the best regatta locations in the world, so they often host international events and races. In the depths of the sea, divers can discover a world of biodiversity, with fish of every colour and even ancient treasures.

The History of Portugal is full of exploits by explorers who crossed uncharted seas, sailing beyond capes and braving storms, to reach the other side of the world. These days, sailing is done with the support of the latest technology, but the love of the sea, of adventure and of welcoming those who come to visit remains.

And visitors arriving by sea will find marinas and yacht harbours all over the country, with excellent facilities and services, where they can dock safely to then explore other wonderful places ashore.