Portugal has a maritime temperate climate that varies according to elevation and proximity to the ocean. The average temperature ranges from 13 to 24 degrees centigrade in the north and from 16 to 28 in the south. Golf is played all year round – several of the courses are of championship quality, especially in the Lisbon area and the Algarve. Walking in the Alentejo, the driest region of Portugal is particularly good between March and Mid-June due to the interesting birdlife (mating season in March) and the colourful landscape covered with spring flowers.
Northern Portugal
The north of Portugal is blessed with some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. Lush countryside, terraced hillsides adorned with port wine estates, rugged mountains and long sandy beaches can all be found in this region. Coupled with the historic towns of Porto, Viana do Castelo, Amarante and Guimaraes, this region has something for everyone!
Featured areas: Minho, Tras-os-Montes, Douro
Festivals: 08-18 February Chocolate festival, Obidos. View our North Lisbon accommodation > 08-12 April Holy week celebrations in Braga.
23-24 June Festival of Sao Joao, Porto: throughout the year the city of Porto plays host to a number of festivals, this is one of the largest. Celebrating the patron saint of lovers, this is one of Europe’s largest street festivals and sees the streets of the historic centre bustling with life. Stalls selling grilled sardines and peppers, musical performances, streets adorned with bunting and illuminations and local residents (old and young) celebrating together. As the night progresses fireworks begin to rumble through the night sky above the port wine cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia – this is a spectacular sight!
View our Douro accommodation >
Activities: Douro river cruise – Helicopter flight – Guided city tour of Porto – Port wine tasting
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Central Portugal
This vast area is a land steeped in history and legend. Here is a rich heritage of fortified towns and castles, idyllic villages with slate roof houses painted in white and ochre and a world of Roman columns and mosaic pavements as in Conimbriga.
Featured areas: Alto Beira, Baixo Beira
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Lisbon Region
To discover an area that combines city, sea and mountains is rare enough. To find such beauty and variety in such a compact area is unique. Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, can rightly stand amongst the loveliest of all European cities. Here, past and present stand side by side in harmony.
Featured areas: Lisbon Coast, Ribatejo, Estremadura
Festivals: 24-26 April Classical music festival, Lisbon and 12-13 June Festival of Sao Anthony, Lisbon. View our Lisbon city acccommodation >
01June – 15 July Sintra Music Festival, Sintra and 02-04 October Portuguese Motorcycling Grand Prix, Estoril. View our Lisbon coast accommodation >
Activities: Guided city tour of Lisbon – Full day sightseeing tour to Sintra, Arrabida, Fatima and Evora – Golf.
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The Alentejo
A magnificent landscape of sweeping fields of wheat and sunflowers dotted with tiny whitewashed villages, forests of pine and cork and mighty rivers await visitors to the Alentejo. This beautiful, unspoilt region is ideal for walking (excluding Jul-Aug) and visits to the medieval hilltop town of Monsaraz and the UNESCO world heritage city of Evora, one of Portugal’s oldest and most interesting cities, are well worth the effort.
Featured areas: Alto Alentejo, Baixo Alentejo
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The Algarve
Think of the Algarve... mile upon mile of golden sands interrupted only by craggy outcrops of rock. But, the Algarve, although well known as one of the sunniest areas of Europe, is much more than just a beach lover’s paradise. For five centuries this was the land of the Moors and their intriguing legacy is evident in local architecture, music and language.
Featured areas: Estoi, Moncarapacho, Quinta do Lago, Tavira
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Call Sunvil Discovery on 020 8758 4722 or email discovery@sunvil.co.uk
for a tailor-made quotation.
