Portugal City Breaks & Sun Holidays
By Ciara Cantwell
This spring, experience Portugal’s Mediterranean charm on a sun holiday or a city break or a bit of both. From the picturesque, cobbled streets of Lisbon, to the medieval architecture of Porto, to the rugged landscape of Madeira and the sandy beaches of the Algarve, Portugal has it all.
Lisbon
View this post on InstagramLively and colourful #Lisboa. #VisitLisboa 📍 Largo Barão Quintela 📷 thetravelertwins
Lisbon is just 2 hours from Dublin and was voted the world’s leading city break destination at the World Travel Awards 2019. This iconic city is the perfect city break destination for both couples and families alike. The city is famous for its yellow trams that run up and down the narrow stone-paved streets that are full of character and just waiting to be explored. This hilly, coastal capital city offers a rich and varied history with a mix of both traditional and modern architecture, spectacular viewpoints, fun filled attractions and a lively nightlife scene.
Elevador da Bica
One of the top attractions to visit is Elevador de Bica which is one of the most iconic tram routes in Lisbon. Famous for its photogenic scenery and views as it climbs up a steep sloping route creating a dramatic background.
Castelo S. Jorge
Another top attraction to visit is St. George Castle (Castelo S. Jorge). Perched on the top of a steep sloping hill, this 7th century castle provides unrivalled views over Lisbon city.
Ocenario de Lisboa
Ocenario de Lisboa is a popular tourist attraction in Lisbon especially among families. It is said to be one of Europe’s finest aquariums and is one of the largest in the world. Home to a vast array of fish and sea creatures of all kinds, you will look up in amazement at this incredible, underwater world.
Book your Lisbon city break today with Budget Travel from €229 for 3 nights.
Porto
Porto is one of Portugal’s oldest cities with an interesting historical and architectural heritage, just waiting to be explored.
Ribeira district
The World heritage site of Ribeira is one of the most popular areas to visit in Porto. It is located close to the Duoro river in one of the oldest parts of the city and in medieval times, it was a trading district. A visit here will take you back in time, through its narrow, cobbled streets that are dotted with old colourful houses. This charming neighbourhood is a great place to enjoy the beautiful scenery, delicious local cuisine and the many bars and nightclubs.
Porto wine tasting tours
As Porto is well-known for its production of Port wine, It’s only fitting that a visit to this city includes a tour of the Porto wine cellars, along with a few tastings.
Livaria Lello
The enchanting book shop, Livraria Lello, is one of the world’s most stunning bookshops and is rumoured to have inspired JK Rowling’s depictions of Harry Potter’s Hogwarts. It’s astonishing, breath taking architecture has made it one of the most popular attractions in Porto and we can see why!
Book your Porto city break today with Budget Travel from €249 for 4 nights.
Madeira
The island of Madeira is located in the Atlantic and is known for its stunning natural scenery, soaring cliffs, mountain’s and forests. Boasting a warm Mediterranean climate, averaging around 17 degrees in Spring, Madeira is the perfect spring getaway for those looking to enjoy a mixture of sun, beach and an activity holiday. TAP Air Portugal flies from Dublin and Lisbon and onwards to Madeira.
Jardim Botanio (Botanical Gardens)
The colourful botanical gardens are a favourite among visitors to Madeira. These popular gardens are home to an array of exotic plant species as well as many rare species of birds. Perched at the top of a hill they provide stunning views of the capital city Funchal and the coastline of Madeira.
Pico de Arieiro
Pico de Arieiro mountain is Madeira’s third highest mountain at 1,818m and is one of the most popular attractions. Many visitors make the thrilling hike to the top where they can take in the spectacular eagle-eye views of Madeira.
Book your Madeira sun holiday today with Budget Travel from €569 for 5 nights.
Algarve
Visit Europe’s most famous secret this spring. The Algarve is located on the southernmost region of Portugal. Famous for its golden sandy beaches, unspoilt walking trails, fine Mediterranean cuisine, top-class golf resorts and vibrant nightlife. Boasting a warm welcoming climate all year round with little rainfall, the Algarve is an ideal destination for a relaxing sun holiday.
The Algarve has many secrets, one of which is the Bengal Cave which is nothing, but a spectacular rock formation located on the edge of Benagil beach. This hidden gem is a must see, not accessible by foot, only by water. Hop on a boat tour, swim or even rent a kayak and head out on the water and explore this natural beauty.
Book your Algarve sun holiday today with Budget Travel from €229 for 7 nights.
So, to sum up, Portugal is the perfect place for all kinds of holidays from relaxing sun and beach getaways to adventure and activity escapes to lively or cultural city breaks! To book your Portugal Spring holiday, call Budget Travel today on 01 435 0024 or book online at www.budgettravel.ie.
