You may associate Portugal just with sun, sea and summer holidays, but the weather in Algarve and elsewhere remains mild all year round. Autumn and winter are perfect for enjoying all of Portugal’s many attractions – from walking and trekking to nature tours to enchanting city breaks.
Some 1500km from Lisbon, the nine Azorean islands are idyllic locations for a romantic getaway or a family vacation. With year round gorgeous weather, the Azores are perfect for Christmas. When planning a break in these islands, you can choose from five-star luxury or go for a small, romantic or budget option – the choice of Azores accommodation is huge, ranging from manors and inns to pousadas and villas.
If you have an adventurous spirit, you may want to consider Portugal’s Centro region. Centro accommodation is varied, with a range of hotels and guesthouses including unique, period hotels of the 20s and 30s at the spa towns of Luso and Curia. With its ancient towns beautiful forests, snow-capped mountains and Roman ruins, Centro has everything for the more active holidaymaker. Whether trekking, bird-watching or paragliding are your thing, you’ll love this part of Portugal. For Christmas, of course, the earlier you book your Centro accommodation, the more choice you’ll have.
The weather in the centre of Portugal can be chilly in winter, especially inland. You’ll still find it warmer than other parts of Europe though. In summer, expect the weather in the centre of Portugal to be hot and dry – and a few degrees cooler on the coast.
If it’s a gorgeous climate you’re after, the weather in Algarve is perfection! Even between November and March there’s little rain, and there are still long hours of sunshine. Scorching hot July and August are strictly for committed sun-worshippers, although evenings bring a slight drop in temperature and some beautiful sunsets. If you want to explore this region, you’ll find the weather in Algarve in spring and autumn best.
Just north of the Algarve, Alentejo is a region of vast open spaces and plains. Alentejo geography means this very rural region has cork forests, vineyards and lots of farmland. Such rugged Alentejo geography means the region is perfect for nature lovers, and activities including mountain biking, water sports and horse-riding.
But if cities are more your thing – head for Lisboa or Porto. Whether you want shopping and nightlife, culture and history or are an architecture aficionado, the Portuguese capital is a romantic and seductive location which offers everything you could want from a city break. If you’re wondering where to stay in Lisboa, this city has a huge range – from upmarket hotels to small guest houses. Whether you want romantic or boutique, there’s somewhere to stay in Lisboa that’ll be perfect for you.
People who visit Porto, the country’s second city, are invariably charmed by the faded elegance of its buildings, and its steep streets. A hire car in Porto is the most flexible and cost-effective way to get around the city and surrounding Norte region. Why not pick up your hire car in Porto Airport so you have wheels when you arrive? You’ll find driving in Portugal straightforward. Just remember to be clear on what vehicle you want – and what accessories like child seats you may need – before you book.
Wherever you go in Portugal, the Azores or Madeira, book your trip through the Association of Travel Organisers to Portugal (ATOP). See online for more details.
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