Buzzing with clubs, bars, and pubs, Portugal is the place to be for wild nights of fun and dancing, a haven for party animals. If you want to party in style, head to Lisbon; the capital’s after-dark nightspots around Avenida 24 de Julho, the site of loads of bars and pubs where ultimate parties await.
Want to mingle with gorgeous people? Try the hip, 3-storey club Kapital, the party refuge of Portugal’s young and beautiful. If you’re staying at a resort in Algarve, you’re in luck, for this region hosts more than 70 clubs, bars, and discos; visit Melting Pot for a round of refreshing beers from England, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Mexico, USA, and Dublin, or have a drinking fest matched with fun activities at O-Bar. A little off-the-beaten-path, Porto offers a night of on-stop partying as well. If you want a round of sophisticated thrills, drop by Bogani Café, a classy bar where frequent poetry readings take place. Mingle with the locals in one of the noisy taverns at Ribeira and try some local medronho, a strong Portuguese brandy.
Feeling a little lost in Portugal? We'll guide you through the best hotspots in town! Algarve, a hilly region in southern Portugal, is probably the most known to tourists; its stunning beaches and endless sunshine are extremely appealing. For some intense partying, Lagos is the place to go; what's probably the most popular tourist resort in Portugal was once a small fishing village, heavily influenced by the Arabs. Today, you can take trips around the harbour, go dolphin-watching, see their quirky crafts, enjoy al fresco dining, and swim in the pools.
The resort in Madeira, 230 miles away from Gran Canaria, is also immensely popular with visitors all over Europe.
Awash in cultural attractions, Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is a hit with families, lovers, and lone travellers alike. The Historic City Centre in Oporto is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; among the sights to see are the Luis I Bridge, the Augustinian convent of Serra do Pilar, the wall of Porto, Matosinhos port, and the 17th century mansions of Amarante. Another World Heritage Site is Evora, in the Plains region, with its beautifully preserved town centre, medieval walls, and monuments. Walk the cherry paths of Centro de Portugal; stay in the heart of nature at Serra da Estrela Natural Park; feel the city pulsing in the squares and streets of Rossio; taste the wines of Buçaco Luso Curia; and gaze upon the magnificence of Castelo Rodrigo, Linhares, Almeida, Sortelha, and Monsanto.
Tucked away on the Iberian Peninsula and boasting a moderate climate all year round, Portugal is a tourist haven where one can simply kick back and escape from the hustle and bustle of the city life. If you want a romantic adventure,set off to Sintra and visit one of the most elegant Portuguese palaces, Palacio Nacional; marvel at the palace’s extensive design and woodwork, see the collections of the royal family in the Throne Room, and take a relaxing boat ride on a canal lined with decorative tiles.
Be like fairytale characters and take romance a notch higher by riding a horse-drawn carriage with your honey; tour the romantic town and bask in its scenic views. For a feel of the Portuguese culture, see the impressive wax museum, the animated crib and village of Bethlehem, and visit the town of Loca de Anjo in Valinhos to see the homes of the 3 children who are believed to have seen the Virgin Mary. If family fun and excitement is what you’re after, visit the Peneda-Geres National Park and watch out for the Garranos, the wild horses of the Geres mountains; see the famous sheepdogs in Castro Laboreiro and visit the Santuario de Senhora de Peneda, a shrine surrounded by majestic mountains. Want to bask under the sun? Head to the beaches of Carvalhal and Melides, which are huge golden sand dunes that mingle with the lakes of Santo Andre and Sancha Nature Reserve, an ideal place for moments of escape and tranquillity.
