- Islands or mainland?
- Useful information about the cheapest resorts in Portugal
- South coast
- Azores in the heart of the Atlantic
Russian tourists do not like this European country on the very edge of the Old World. Most beach lovers in Europe prefer Spain, where everything is clear and familiar. Only those who prefer to try new things fly to Portugal, so as not to lose their taste for life and once again experience the special delight of traveling. This country is so grasping for the soul that you begin to regret parting with it, as soon as the return plane begins its takeoff acceleration in the direction of home. Don't think that the prices here are not too humane! Holidays at the cheapest resorts in Portugal can be afforded without much damage to the family budget and at the same time get a lot of pleasant memories for years to come.
Islands or mainland?
When choosing a destination for your vacation in Portugal, study geography. Climatic, infrastructural and landscape features of each region allow romantics, and party-goers, and singles, and gourmets to choose a place for the best vacation:
- The Azores usually ranks first among the cheapest resorts in Portugal - both alphabetically and in terms of the cost of living in local hotels. The location away from the mainland confuses few people, because in the archipelago there is an opportunity to do active holidays and eco-tourism, and not just sunbathe on the beach.
- Albufeira in the southern part of the country is loved by fans of beautiful landscapes. Its beaches are surrounded by pine and orange groves, and the developed infrastructure of the resort allows everyone to find active entertainment to their liking.
- Setubal does not have the official status of a resort, but there is a beach in its vicinity, and the fame of its beauty has long crossed the borders of Portugal. You cannot call this city the cheapest resort, but if you wish, you can relax in Setubal quite budget.
- The cliffs in the vicinity of Sintra offer beautiful views of the Atlantic. In addition to beach holidays, surfing, fishing and paragliding are popular here, since these shores are not offended by the winds.
Despite the fact that Portugal is not considered the cheapest country for tourists, it is quite possible to organize a vacation here with minimal financial losses.
Useful information about the cheapest resorts in Portugal
Much of the money earmarked for travel is spent on air travel. When traveling to Portugal, try to book your tickets as early as possible. It makes sense to consider options with connections in any European city, because direct flights are often more expensive than interchange ones. Use the Portuguese Airlines website to find tickets. Their services are much cheaper than those of Russian carriers.
The official website of TAP Portugal is www.flytap.com. There is an English version of the interface on the resource
The climate of Portugal is shaped by the proximity of the Atlantic and the Gulf Stream that runs along its shores. These factors make it possible to hope for warm and mild weather even in the winter months, but in summer you should not count on strong heat on the local beaches. The sea breezes bring coolness and help you get the perfect tan much faster than other beaches in Europe.
Be sure to bring a high factor sunscreen for your first days on the Portuguese coast
To avoid spending too much money on food, look for small cafes and restaurants as close to the port or fish markets as possible. Usually it is there that they cook deliciously and inexpensively. The service in such establishments may be a little lame, but on the other hand, you will get much more local exoticism than in the "combed" restaurants at expensive hotels.
South coast
Albufeira was once a fishing village like most of the other Portuguese beach resorts. Today, its coastline is popular among outdoor enthusiasts, experienced party-goers, dancers and other active part of the tourist community.
The beaches of Albufeira - both sandy and rocky - are particularly clean and picturesque. Inatel is suitable for lovers of solitude, you can get to Peneka only after passing through the tunnel, and Pescadores, as the name implies, will give excellent pictures from fishing life and colorful photos as a keepsake.
Restaurants on the shore always have dishes from fresh fish and sea crayfish on the menu, and the wine list includes the famous port, the quality of which makes you forget that there are other drinks in the world.
Young travelers will appreciate walks to the mini-zoo and dolphin shows, and fans of antiquity will enjoy exploring every corner of the ancient fortress of Castelo de Almoada, the foundation stone of which was laid in the distant 12th century.
Just west of Albufeira is another not too expensive Portuguese resort. The town of Portimão is famous for its famous Praia da Rocha beach. It is surrounded by rocky shores with stunning views of the Atlantic. You can rent a room in a two-star hotel Portimão even in high season for 30 euros per day. The only condition is advance booking.
Azores in the heart of the Atlantic
The Azores archipelago is located almost one and a half thousand kilometers from the mainland and tourists who prefer solitude and relaxation in silence arrive here. Sunbathing in the Azores is not the only entertainment. The main attraction of the Atlantic in these latitudes is whales. Huge sperm whales can be observed in their natural habitat even from the shore, but it is best to go to the ocean on a boat that offers boat trips for all lovers of huge mammals.
Do not forget to take a windbreaker and a warm sweater with you, because even in the height of summer on the deck of a ship in the open sea, the wind can be too strong and very cold
In the Azores, it is quite cool and rains can happen in summer, but in general the climate is very popular with those who cannot stand the intense heat.