Excursions in Portugal

Sightseeing from Porto

Approximately 75 km from Poroto lies Portugal’s smallest natural Park - the Parque Natural do Alvao. Characterised by spectacular waterfalls and rugged granite cliffs, the Park provides ample opportunities for hiking and spotting the local wildlife - you could be lucky enough to spot eagles and peregrine falcons as well as wild goats and even a lone wolf in the more protected areas! And there are certainly plenty of activities on offer in the locality to keep everyone occupied - choose from climbing, mountain biking, orienteering or even 4x4 off-road tours.

To the south of the Park lies the River Douro - arguably one of Europe’s most beautiful rivers - which flows past rural villages, Baroque houses, vineyards and almond groves on its way to the sea and historic Porto. Here, you can take things at a more leisurely pace with a gentle boat trip, whilst the more adventurous can try their hand at white-water rafting or canoeing.

Close by is the Casa de Mateus, an 18th century palace which is considered to be one of the finest examples of baroque architecture in the whole of Portugal. The interior is equally impressive with ornate carvings and an extensive collection of paintings, silverware and ceramics.

Boasting a long and eventful history, the thousand year old city of Braga should not be missed on a trip to this part of Portugal. Its ornate cathedral is the oldest in the country, standing testament to the once powerful bishops whose reach extended across the whole of Galicia.

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Sightseeing from Lisbon

Follow the coast from Lisbon to Porto and you’ll discover the delights of the Costa de Prata (Silver Coast). This rugged coast, with its long sandy beaches has long been a holiday favourite, offering opportunities for sunbathing, windsurfing as well as sightseeing amongst the many small local villages which have retained their Portuguese charm and fishing heritage.

The historic town of Sintra has been granted World Heritage status due to its many attractions including the 19th century Pena Palace, which can be seen all the way from Lisbon on a clear day. The Castelo de Mouros was abandoned long ago but has been romantically renovated, providing a stunning viewpoint from where you can admire the surrounding countryside. Spend a pleasant afternoon wandering around the narrow streets of the Old Town or enjoy the diverse fauna within the exotic Pena Park.

The sandy beaches south of Lisbon are popular with locals and holidaymakers alike - nicknamed the Costa Azul. Along the coast here lies the historic town of Setubal, famous for its fishing heritage boasting a good choice of fantastic fish restaurants. Continue along the coast and you will come across the Arrabida Natural Park. From its wooded hills to its small coves, nature lovers will enjoy the ample opportunities on offer here for birdwatching whilst the more active may prefer to try their hand at hiking or mountain biking.

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Sightseeing from Faro

The Ria Formosa lagoon is a large nature reserve stretching from Faro to Monte Rosa. A number of sandy barrier islands mark the outer boundary and protect a huge tidal lagoon, renowned as an important breeding ground and resting point for a number of threatened and migratory birds. The beaches here are some of the best the Algarve has to offer and nature lovers will enjoy the many local walks.

A visit to Lagos is a popular excursion. This historic town is home to Europe’s first slave market, the old Customs House, the church of Santo António and Forte Ponta da Bandeira. But no trip here would be complete without taking one of the many boat excursions available from the harbour. The coastline here is characterised by a series of limestone caves, rocky coves and weathered grottoes, many of which are only accessible by boat such as the famous “Ponte da Piedade”.

The Rio Guadiana can be found in the eastern Algarve, forming the border with Spain. With the exception of the summer boat trips, the river valley is little visited by holidaymakers and offers a unique excursion through otherwise hidden countryside. The old road follows a picturesque route along the river, through the village of Foz de Odeleite, past the 'River Museum' at Guerreiros do Rio, the Roman villa at Montinho das Laranjeiras and up to the Moorish castle at Alcoutim.

Caldas de Monchique is a pretty town within the Serra de Monchique, approximately 18km north of Portimäo. Founded as a Spa in Roman times, visitors today can also sample the naturally warm spring waters in the recently renovated Termas de Monchique. Nearby is the small town of Monchique with its 17th century Franciscan monastery and cobbled streets, overlooked by the mountainof Foia which offers unparalleled views to the coast.

And, if you are really looking to get away from it all, then head for the mountains of the surrounding Serra de Monchique. The highest of the southern mountain ranges, the Serra offers an abundance of quiet picnic spots surrounded by lush vegetation, alongside rushing rivers and deserted villages.

Car hire in Faro

Car hire in Portugal

Hiring a car in Portugal allows you to make the most of your holiday, whether you choose to explore the beauty of the Natural Parks, discover hidden rural villages, take in the local culture and historic buildings or simply make your way to one of the many sandy beaches along the coast.

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