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Cheap Portugal Package Holidays from Ireland
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Why Visit Portugal?
Portugal is a popular tourist destination bordering Spain, on the Iberian Peninsula. The country has a varied landscape which makes it very visually appealing; from steep, rolling hills and rugged coastlines made up of sandy beaches and glorious shores, to bustling cities and arable land used for growing fresh produce, Portugal has it all. Portugal typically experiences pleasant weather, with warm, sunny days and little rainfall overall.
Part of the reason why tourists are drawn to Portugal is the fact that there's so much to do and see in the country. There are many beaches which are perfect for sunbathing and watersports, historic sites such as Belem Tower will be a hit with any history buff, and there are opportunities to stay active through activities like mountain biking and horseback riding. Portugal is extremely picturesque, and offers tourists the chance to see landscapes that will truly amaze them.
Any holiday maker is sure to love a holiday to Portugal. Due to the varied nature of the country and the assortment of activities on offer, everyone from solo travelers, couples and families will find something to keep them entertained in Portugal.
Flights regularly depart from both Dublin and Cork to Portugal, and from Shannon to Portugal in the summer months. The flight time is an estimated 2 hours 41 minutes. From Faro airport into the city, it is approximately a 13 minute drive. There are always great deals on holidays from Dublin, Cork and Shannon to Portugal.
To learn more about things to do in Portugal, the best time to go and local info see here.
Places to stay in Portugal
Summer Holidays to Portugal
More Information
THINGS TO DO IN Portugal
Attractions
- Visit the beautiful Botanical Gardens of Madeira, which is home to more than 2,000 species of exotic plants.
- See Porto’s oldest and largest church, Porto Cathedral. This is sure to make for a fascinating day out for any history buff!
- Wander through the picturesque cobblestoned streets of Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest district.
- Hike through the various trails and mountains of Ribeira dos Caldeiroes Natural Park.
Nightlife
Portugal offers a wide range of fantastic nightlife options to suit whatever type of night you’re looking for. Regions such as the Algarve and Lisbon are well-known nightlife hotspots, with lots of bars and clubs which open until the early hours of the morning and often host big-name international DJs. If this doesn’t sound like your scene, there are also other forms of live entertainment readily available, such as live bands and comedy acts.
Dining Out
Portugal has many restaurants offering a range of different cuisines to suit all tastes. Trying some traditional Portuguese dishes is a must while here, with seafood dishes such as bacalhau, dried and salted cod, being particularly popular. Portugal is also home to a number of wine regions, including Alentejo and the Douro, so make sure to try something from the Portuguese wine list when you’re dining out.
For Families
Portugal has plenty of fun activities on offer that the whole family will enjoy. No sun holiday would be complete without a trip to the beach, and they don’t get much better than beaches of Portugal. From beautiful sands ideal for building sandcastles on to watersports like kitesurfing, there’s something for kids of all ages on Portugal’s beaches. Everyone is sure to love seeing all the animals that live at Lagos Zoo, a world-class conservation facility with exotic animals like birds and monkeys as well as a farm with domestic animals. Alternatively, if you feel like sheltering from the sun for a while the Lisbon Oceanarium is a great place to spend an educational few hours.
Beaches
Portugal has an estimated 830km of coastline made up of a variety of beaches, each one beautiful and a great spot for tourists to spend the day at. Some of the most popular include Praia da Falesia, a breath-taking 6km beach overlooked by picturesque cliffs and greenery. Families and those looking to take a dip in the water will love Praia das Furnas, a golden sand beach with crystal-clear, calm waters. As Portugal has such a wide variety of beaches, tourists are sure to find whatever they’re looking for on one of them.
Shopping
A trip to the markets is a must while on holiday in Portugal. Here, you can buy everything from foods and fresh produce to clothing, ceramics and furniture! There is also a range of supermarkets and malls located throughout the country, with many malls having hundreds of stores in them including clothes stores, restaurants and cinemas, making for a busy and fun-filled day out.
Carnival
Carnival usually takes place all over Portugal between the last Friday before Lent and Shrove Tuesday. During Carnival, Portugal’s cities are filled with vibrant colours and festivities as people dress up in amazing outfits and perform songs and dances in the streets. Carnival makes for a truly unique and unforgettable experience that any tourist should experience if they happen to be in Portugal during it.
Best Time to Go
Currency
Euro is the currency used in Portugal.
Time Zone
There is no time difference between Ireland and Portugal.
Getting Around
One of the most popular ways of getting around Portugal for tourists is by tram, as this is a great way of seeing the city in a traditional and authentic manner. There is also an extensive railway network throughout the country which is reliable and affordable. If you’re planning on visiting smaller towns and villages away from the coast, the bus is a viable way of doing this as smaller locations may not be on the rail network.
