Algarve, Portugal
With an abundance of sunshine, fabulous beaches, great wine, and affordable accommodation, Portugal is an appealing destination for winter-weary Canadians.
Ancient monuments, castles and churches dot the landscape of the Algarve. Enjoy the contrasts between the verdant and fertile Northern region, with its fig trees, orange groves and almond trees and the southern coastline with its long stretch of fabulous sandy beaches, broken up by extraordinary rugged cliffs and fantastic grottoes.
The Algarve's 200 kilometre stretch of southern shoreline is one of Europe's most popular holiday destinations. The region's capital, Faro, is built around a charming harbour at the edge of a wide lagoon. Its main attractions include a maritime museum and a 13th century cathedral. The resort town of Vilamoura is located in the centre of the Algarve. The 1,600 hectare development comprises several high quality hotels, restaurants and an impressive range of sports facilities. Albufeira to the west is the region's largest holiday resort, alive with tourist activity right through the year.
Airport: Fly into Faro International Airport.
Weather: Winters in Portugal are generally mild and usually accompanied by bright blue skies, and temperatures range from 10 -18 degrees Celsius.
Things to Do in Algarve
So much to do including golf, beach time, private wine tastings and tours can be arranged in the home of the renowned Port wine and so much more.
Parque Nacional da Peneda Gerês: The crown jewel of Portugal's national parks, with pine forests, boulder-strewn peaks and idyllic rivers.
Porto: An enchanting and verve-filled historic city with Roman ramparts, Parisian-style squares and chic clubs.
Castelo de Vide & Marvão: Tiny hilltop towns of flower-lined lanes, inspiring vistas and brooding old castles.
Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela: Stunning alpine scenery complete with rounded peaks, crisp lakes and marvellous views, ideal for trekking.
Sintra: Fairy-tale setting of castles and misty forests, with a jewel-box sized village at its heart.
Lagos: Surfer-packed bars, diverse restaurants and endless beach - one of the Algarve's most happening destinations.
Tavira: Set along a peaceful river, remains elegant and laid-back, with a history dating back to the Romans.
Evora: This walled town has seemingly been dropped into a field of vineyards, olive trees and flowers. The cathedral and Roman temple provide popular focal points, but the Ossuary chapel, made from thousands of human skulls and bones, is too bizarre to miss.
The Rossio, Lisbon: The actual name of this plaza is Praca D. Pedro IV, but if you want to sound like a local, go with "Rossio". With a new face-lift, the plaza looks better than ever, and it still acts as the heart of Lisbon.
Explore the ruins of St George's Castle, Lisbon: Used to defeat the Moorish invaders, St George's offers the classic panoramic overlook of Lisbon, with a great view of Santuario do Cristo Rei, the 34-metre replica of Rio de Janeiro's Christ the Redeemer statue, and the remains of a cathedral destroyed in the 1755 earthquake.
Taste some port: With its low lighting, squidgy sofas and soft music, the Institute of Port Wine in Lisbon (a short tram-ride uphill from Praca dos Restauradores), is a great place to while away the hours with friends. A glass of the national snifter costs anywhere between €1 and €25 and goes best with Serra – a viscous cheese scooped up with crackers.
Eat a meal to the sound of Fado: Fado is the traditional music of Portugal and in a Fado-themed restaurant, classic Portuguese food is served while guitar players and singers perform their lament.
Pick up a bargain at the Alfama market, Lisbon: Originally named Fiera da Ladra, or "Thief's Market", Alfama market has been selling tschoskes to bargain hunters for over hundreds of years. Hand-painted pottery and lace are among the most popular items, but you can find loads of deals on rugs, glassware, jewelery, books, old sailing gear and art. Sat and Tues 5 a.m.-1 p.m.
Jan 2012: In January the Algarve region hosts the Festa das Chouricas (Smoked Pork Sausages Festival) which is to honor St. Luis, the patron saint of animals. The Portuguese do love their pork! In Portugal events and celebrations there is a procession and a roasted "chourica" tasting.
Feb 2012: Art & Antiques Fair: Around eighty art collectors and antique dealers gather at the Lisbon Congress Centre to sell their valuable goods. The fair attracts approximately 10,000 people who are looking to buy unique pieces, from religious artifacts to ornate silver plates. Lisbon Congress Centre.
In the spring Portugal events run rampant. In Lisbon the annual International Half Marathon kicks off and is considered to be one of the most important athletic events in Lisbon. Other Portuguese events in spring include the World Fencing Cup, International Guitar Festival, May Fair and Wine Festival.
Parque Nacional da Peneda Gerês: The crown jewel of Portugal's national parks, with pine forests, boulder-strewn peaks and idyllic rivers.
Porto: An enchanting and verve-filled historic city with Roman ramparts, Parisian-style squares and chic clubs.
Castelo de Vide & Marvão: Tiny hilltop towns of flower-lined lanes, inspiring vistas and brooding old castles.
Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela: Stunning alpine scenery complete with rounded peaks, crisp lakes and marvellous views, ideal for trekking.
Sintra: Fairy-tale setting of castles and misty forests, with a jewel-box sized village at its heart.
Lagos: Surfer-packed bars, diverse restaurants and endless beach - one of the Algarve's most happening destinations.
Tavira: set along a peaceful river, remains elegant and laid-back, with a history dating back to the Romans.
Evora: This walled town has seemingly been dropped into a field of vineyards, olive trees and flowers. The cathedral and Roman temple provide popular focal points, but the Ossuary chapel, made from thousands of human skulls and bones, is too bizarre to miss.
The Rossio, Lisbon: The actual name of this plaza is Praca D. Pedro IV, but if you want to sound like a local, go with "Rossio". With a new face-lift, the plaza looks better than ever, and it still acts as the heart of Lisbon.
The Marina in Vilamoura: The largest Marina in Vilamoura is a bustling area with shops, bars, live entertainment and restaurants lining the Marina. Watersports and boat trip outlets from deep sea fishing trips, fishing, para-sailing, sailing, water-skiing, scuba diving and jet skiing are available from the Marina.