Great Holiday Destinations in Portugal That You Can Go to Today
As travelers wonder if there is ever going to be a light at the end of the tunnel for tourism in 2021, we want to point UK holidaymakers towards some already available great holiday destinations in Portugal.
As Portugal is on the UK’s green list, it has the lightest restrictions for returning travelers. You must provide a negative Covid test result in order to return to the UK and take a PCR test within two days of arrival. However, no quarantine is required upon arrival to Portugal or return to the UK.
Here are some great holiday destinations in Portugal that you can go to today!
Madeira Island, Portugal
You have probably heard someone talk about Madeira as one of the best islands to visit before. This is true. This tiny volcanic island has been repeatedly voted as Europe’s and even the world’s best island.
What’s the weather like?
Temperatures increase up to 19 degrees from May through summer.
Can I swim?
Yes. There are natural lava pools all over the island such as Porto Moniz natural pools, which are formed by volcanic rocks. There are also beautiful beaches, like Calheta beach but beware that the ocean is cold.
What else can I do?
Hiking is a popular activity here, and there is also plenty of marine life to explore by swimming, snorkeling, or diving.
The local markets sell beautiful fresh produce such as vegetables, fish and seafood. The villages around the island such as São Vicente, Ponta do Sol, and Santana are a must-see for their natural surroundings.
Lisbon, Portugal
The European city of 7 hills is the perfect laidback destination with city lifestyle for culture vultures. With a rich history that blends in with a bustling restaurant and bar scene, one feels both young and old in Lisbon.
What’s the weather like?
Get ready to soak up that sunshine and well-missed vitamin D. The weather in Lisbon is between 25-29 degrees.
Can I swim?
Portugal’s most popular beaches are perhaps in the Algarve region but just a taxi ride away from Lisbon, you can soak in the sun and jump in the crystal clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean at Costa da Caparica.
What else can I do?
There is so much to do in this city. More laidback than Barcelona, as artsy as Paris and with a great bar & restaurant scene to make Milan jealous, Lisbon is also budget-friendly. Taste the most delicious fresh seafood, grab a drink at the rooftop bars looking over the historic part of the city, explore the beautiful and green West side, visit the hip neighborhoods where walls are covered in eye-catching graffiti.
Algarve, Portugal
The Algarve region boasts incredible views of soaring cliffs, rock formations, sea caves, and golden beaches. Popular with surfers, the beaches are surrounded on two sides by the Atlantic and the cold waters are not for the faint-hearted.
What’s the weather like?
Slightly chillier than Lisbon, and on the windy side. However, you will still experience a lot of sunshine, and will probably only need a light jacket for temperatures ranging from 23-25.
Can I swim?
Yes. Surfing is the ultimate favourite activity in Algarve and you can surf, dive or swim with proper equipment.
What else can I do?
Hike up to the mountains on foot or hop on a mountain bike, because you can witness the most wonderful views in Algarve. You can visit the historic castle towns and whitewashed villages or visit the lagoons and the protected natural park of Parque Natural da Ria Formosa. In Faro, you will find a buzzing nightlife with many clubs to choose from or the beach bars on Praia de Faro. If you’re looking for a calmer way to spend your time, walk along Faro Marina and discover the surrounding historical areas in Faro. You will also find many good restaurants in this area.
Porto, Portugal
The most famous northwestern city of Portugal is popular for the Douro River, stately bridges and port wine production. From the narrow cobbled streets of the medieval Ribeira district to contemporary buildings such as Casa da Música, Porto is a charming city with artistic energy.
What’s the weather like?
As it’s in the North of Portugal, Porto can get a bit windy and chilly. Though the sunshine is ever-present during the day and temperatures are between 18-21 until the sun goes down.
Can I swim?
The Atlantic coast of Costa Verde in Porto is not popular with tourists for swimming but Matosinhos beach is still a good option for the brave ones who want to test the cold waters and for those who want to safely watch them from their sunbathing spot.
What else can I do?
Eat. Eat. Eat!
Porto is the gourmet hot spot with many trendy and Michelin-starred restaurants. For those who love food, culture, music, live performances and more, Porto is easily the best destination. The views from the riverside or over the city from Sé Cathedral terrace and Gaia’s hilltop Jardim do Morro are must-see. If you stay in Porto for a week, you would have enough time to see all the landmarks from Porto Cathedral, Bolsa Palace, Livraria Lello to Luís I Bridge and more.
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