Praia do Guincho (Guincho Beach) is regarded as one of the best places to surf and windsurf in Portugal. Located northwest of Lisbon, 5kms from Cascais, conditions here are excellent for surfers, windsurfers, kiteboarders and bodyboarders. There are more than 20 surf schools and several surfcamps in the area. The white sandy beach of Praia do Guincho is part of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park and has a magnificent backdrop of the Serra de Sintra Hills. The Sintra-Cascais Natural Park is one of the 13 natural parks in Portugal. Protected since 1981, although it has only been one of Portugals natural parks since 1994, it includes the Serra de Sintra mountain range.

There are plenty of bars and restaurants in the area, the restaurants specialising in fish and seafood cusine.

The pre-title sequences of the James Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service were filmed here in the surf at Guincho Beach.

July and August are the best months to visit however, the winds start to blow here from May right through to October. Water temperatures average 13-19C, 17-19C in the summer months.

The north side of the beach has the best conditions for windsurfers and the south of the beach has the best conditions for surfers.

This is a beautiful beach, not only for watersports but also one of the best places in Portugal to watch magnificent sunsets. You can also walk a long way out to sea and you will still only be waistdeep.

If you enjoy watersports there are no end of travel deals available to Portugal for you to enjoy.

For cheap package holidays, there are always great offers available throughout the internet.

For those of you considering a holiday to Portugal, have you considered staying on the Lisbon Coast?

There is so much to do and see along the Lisbon Coast, why not take advantage of one of the many holiday packages to Portugal that are available throughout the internet. Before booking why not have a look at a great destination guide for Portugal that i have just come across.

Sintra is the main town on the coast of Lisbon, full of character and with plenty of attractions on offer. An ideal way to view the town is by horse and carriage ride so that you can view the wonderful old manor houses and other delightful buildings at a leisurely pace.

Sintra beach is a long stretch of clean golden sand set against a backdrop of lush forests and mountains. There is a 100 year old tram which runs from the centre of Sintra to some of the other beautiful beaches.

The nightlife here is mainly centred around dining out but there are also a few discos and bars.

Trevor Butler set up his first ‘travel’ related business in 2004 and has written many other destination articles with tips and information. I have found these articles both interesting and helpful, hope you do too.

Portugal has some of the finest breeds of horses in the world. Portuguese horses are very beautiful and are also highly functional.

There are 3 prominent breeds of horses from Portugal.

Lusitano

LUSITANO (also known as Iberian)

Originally bred in the Iberian Peninsula this breed has a very courageous nature. It was originally bred for the military and in latter days for bull fighting and dressage.
Most are grey, although some of solid colour are found.
The characteristics of the Lusitano are concave head, arched neck and round in shape.

Sorraia

SORRAIA

This breed also originates from the Iberian Peninsula and has very primitive features. Hence in the past it was used by farmers as it had the ability to withstand harsh conditions.

GARRANO

Believed to be related to the Galician Pony and the Andalusian, this breed is able to cross steep, harsh terrain.

Why not treat yourself to a day at one of the many riding schools on offer

Garrano

 when you book one of the many bargain holidays to Portugal available throughout the internet. A must for all horse riding enthusiasts.

Thinking of visiting Portugal for your summer holidays or might be considering visiting at a future date?

Personally, I love the Algarve in the south of Portugal and have just come across a really informative travel article for Portugal which may help you when planning your holidays.

The Algarve has everything, including beautiful beaches, great dining-out venues, 35 golf courses, watersports and outdoor activities, and lots of attractions for the whole family to enjoy.

With many tourist attractions, as well as the usual beaches, the Algarve offers a new world to explore if you book a holiday to this area, either for the renowned sports activities or just for a nice break away from home.

Trevor Butler set up his first ‘travel’ related business in 2004 and has written many other destination articles with tips and information. I have found these articles both interesting and helpful, hope you do too.

Review supplied to us by our reader Colette Moore

“We looked for cheap holidays to Portugal on the internet and found a week here at the Auramar was about the cheapest. We were a bit dubious as we had read some bad reviews but as it was so cheap decided to give it a go. We had a good clean room which was cleaned every day and a small kitchen which was sufficient for my mother and me. We had a lovely view and spent quite a bit of time just sitting on our balcony taking in the view and totally relaxing. Breakfast (we booked b&b) was plentiful and good and there were some very nice restaurants in the area where we ate in the evening, we particularly enjoyed the fish. Staff were friendly and helpfull although some struggled with our Yorkshire accent! We were told that you could walk along the beach to the old town but we didn’t try it as my mum wasn’t sure if she would make it!All in all we enjoyed our stay, you get what you pay for, and we will go back again one day and we do recommend the Auramar for a nice, cheap getaway.”

AURAMAR BEACH RESORT HOTEL OVERVIEW

Location

A few metres from the beach, 10 minutes away from Albufeira’s downtown and about 40 km from Faro airport.

Accommodation

All rooms have Air Conditioning, Bathroom with bathtub or Shower, Satellite or Cable TV, Telephone, Terrace Balcony.

Sport and Leisure

Aerobics, Aqua Aerobics, Beach Volley, Bike Rental, Darts, French Bowls, Gym, Mini Football, Mini Golf, Sauna, Swimming Pool for Children, Swimming Pool Indoor – Heated, Swimming Pool Outdoor – Fresh Water, Table Tennis, Tennis Court, Volleyball.

Facilities

24hrs Reception, Animation Programme (International), Bar(s), Buffet Restaurant, Car Rental, Childrens (Kids) Club, Childrens Playground, Conference Room Facilities, Currency Exchange Service, Games Room, Internet Services, Karaoke, Laundry Service, Massage, Mini Market, Parking, Pool Bar, Pool Table, Reading Room, Restaurant(s), Safety Box, Sauna, Snack Bar, Taxi Service, Turkish Bath, TV Lounge.

This hotel review was supplied to us by our reader Mark Walters

“The hotel was located close to the marina, restaurants and bars. We were on a bed and breakfast last minute holidays, so the hotel was ideally situated for going out for our evening meal. The buffet breakfast was ok, just the usual hotel offerings.Our room was clean, quite large and we had a good view of the marina and the sea from our balcony. The outdoor pool was quite large with plenty of sunbeds and there was also an indoor pool which we used once or twice.There wasn’t very much evening entertainment but we didn’t mind as we strolled into Vilamoura each evening, very pleasant. The hotel pool seemed very quiet during the day but we were told that the hotel is popular with golfers who are out most of the day! We would recommend this hotel and hope to return one day.”

VILA GALE MARINA HOTEL OVERVIEW

Location

100m to the marina, shops, bars and restaurants, 300m to Marina Beach, close to the casino, 2km to Falesia Beach, 150m to bus-stop, courtesy shuttle service to Vilamoura golf courses, 2.5km away.

Accommodation

243 rooms, all with air conditioning/heating, cable TV with radio channels, telephone, WiFi/internet access, hairdryer, minibar, safety deposit box, balcony.

Swimming pool

Swimming pool with terrace, indoor pool, sunbeds, towels and mattresses, pool bar (seasonal), outdoor Whirlpool Bath.

Dining

Restaurant with buffet service meals or table d’hote at dinner, a la carte menu available, snacks available 10:00-01:00.

Activities

Table tennis, pool table, video games, Health club with small gym, Turkish bath and whirlpool bath, spa, tennis and putting green available at sister hotel Vila Gale Ampalius, together with tennis and golf pro.

Entertainment

Daily entertainment programme, Evening entertainment includes live music and shows in high season only, lounge/bar.

For Families

Children’s section of pool, unsupervised Kids’ room (4 yrs and over), cots and highchairs.

Other facilities

Shop, laundry service, 24-hour room service.

Because the Algarve has very little rain and more than 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, it is the ideal location for golfers.

The International Association of Golf Tour Operators voted the Algarve as the best golfing destination.

Vilamoura

The Algarve has more than 30 top class golf courses, including courses designed by Henry Cotton, Arnold Palmer and Rocky Roquemore, and is visited by golfers from all over the world. San Lorenzo and the Old Course in Vilamoura are ranked among the best in Europe.

Faro is home to 10 of the top 100 courses ranked by the renowned Golf World magazine.

There are Acadamies at the David Leadbetter in Carvoeiro and at the Grotter, at the Alto Golfe in Portimao and at the Vila Sol at Vilamoura, all of which can help you improve your swing!

Course Locations

Central Algarve – Balaia, Faldo, Laguna, Laranjal, Millenium, Ocean,  O’Connor, Oceanico Academy, Old Course, Pine Cliffs, Pinhal, Pinheiros Altos, Quinta do Lago North, Quinta do Lago South, Royal, Salgados, San Lorenzo, Victoria, Vila Sol.

Western Algarve – Alamos, Alto Golf, Boavista, Gramacho, Morgado, Palmares, Parque de Floresta, Penina Championship, Penina Academy, Penina Resort, Pinta, Silves Golf, Vale do Milho.

Eastern Algarve – Benamor, Castra Marim, Colina Verde, Monte Rei, Quinta da Ria, Qunita de Cima, Quinta do Vale. 

On your golfing holiday to Portugal you can also enjoy the beautiful beaches, watersports, nightlife, casinos, restaurants, bars and shops.

You can book direct holidays to all of the Algarve’s golfing destinations

Algarve Beach

 through the internet, you just have to experience this wonderful country of Portugal yourself.

With much, much more than just golf on offer here watch out for the great holiday deals that are around at the moment and book that holiday of a lifetime.

For more information on Portugal and to view my latest articles please visit my Portugal Blog.

The following review was supplied to us by our reader Ellis Ward

“Having read several reviews on this hotel we should not have been suprised with what we got! We booked the hotel for our last minute holidays and got a really good, cheap deal so we shouldn’t off been expecting too much. Still all in all we did have a good time and got what we paid for. The hotel was clean but a bit old fashioned. Tavira is a quaint, quiet little town but it was about a 30 minute walk and a ferry ride to the beach!We only ate at the hotel once as there were quite a few different restaurants close by, the food at the hotel was ok but nothing special. Wouldn’t like to go to Tavira with children because of the long drag to the beach but for us we had a nice relaxing break, not too sure if we would go again, but never say never”

Porta Nova Hotel

Situated near the centre of Tavira, the Porta Nova is just a short walk from the town centre and Tavira Castle. The beach is about 2 kms from the hotel.

Accommodation

All 137 rooms have a bath or shower, wc, satellite tv, internet access, minibar, safety deposit box, balcony or terrace.

Facilities and Activities

Pool and terrace, children’s pool, billiards, sauna, room service (8am-10pm), laundry service, baby-sitting (subject to availability).

Food and Drink

Buffet-style restaurant, a la carte dining on the outdoor terrace, bar serving snacks.

This review has been supplied by our reader Darren Hedges

“My partner and I booked our last minute holidays to the Aquamarina, not really knowing what to expect as we didn’t have time to do any research! How lucky are we….our 2 weeks were the best we have ever had.
Hotel, room, staff, food and surroundings were great. The complex and the room was spotless. We always managed to get a sun lounger by the pool and had the benefit of being right on the beach. There was a seperate pool for the children, leaving the big pool for us adults, which we liked. There was an indoor pool but we didn’t use it as we wanted to make the most of the weather.
In the evenings the entertainment team kept us well entertained, I even got up for a boogie which i don’t usually do!
We would definitely recommend this hotel to anyone thinking of holidaying in Portugal.”

Aquamarina Beach Club

The Aquamarina Beach Club is located between the resorts of Albufeira and Vilamoura.
The Aquamarina is situated just 200m from the beach, directly accessible via a staircase of 83 steps and about 4kms from the restaurants, bars and shops.

Accommodation
All 439 Rooms have a full bathroom, hairdryer, air conditioning, satellite TV, telephone, fridge and balcony.

Features
Two free-form outdoor pools with sun terrace and loungers, free-form heated indoor pool, three seperate children’s pools, two restaurants, three bars, satellite TV lounge, disco, hotel-run kid’s club for 4-12 year olds, souvenir shop, laundry service, internet access, 24 hr reception.

Activities
Six tennis courts, table tennis, mini-golf, pool table, bicycle hire, gym, keep fit, aerobics, beauty treatments, sauna, Turkish bath, whirlpool, massage, daytime and evening entertainments programme, sand court for volleyball and mini-football, French bowls.

If you are looking for a bit of adventure on your holidays then Portugal has plenty to offer.

Parque Nacional da Peneda-Geres

In the north there is the Parque Nacional da Peneda-Geres, offering mountain biking and hiking through the granite massifs where you will pass ancient villages that seem to have stood still in time. Red kites, eagles and goshawks will soar above you until you are ready for a bit of relaxation at one of the many river pools or an invigorating  dip at the Arado or Homem waterfalls.

In the middle of Portugal you will find the Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela which is dominated by alpine-like mountains, icy lakes and rough meadows. This area is ideal for the more experienced hiker and even for a spot of

Linhares da Beira

skiing. Linhares da  Beira, a serra village complete with a medieval castle and ancient buildings, offers mountain paragliding and the Caramulo mountains offer mountain biking, rock climbing, canoeing and horse riding.

The Levada trails on the island of Madeira take you through the ancient rainforests in the north of the island, where you can explore wonderful waterfalls and secluded valleys hidden in the mountainous landscape.

From the Azores you can take part in whale-watching, either from the land or from boat. Sperm whales and pilot whales are common here, with dolphins often coming close enough for you to touch.

Top 10 Adventures

Rafting in the Paiva or Tamega rivers in Porto e Norte.

Para-gliding in Linhares da Beira.

Climbing the mountains of the Serra da Estrela.

Climb the Pico volcano on Pico Island in the Azores.

Faial Island

Whale and dolphin watch in the Atlantic near Faial Island in the Azores.

Diving off the Azores and discover blue marlin and tuna.

Scuba diving in Berlengas or Sesimbra.

Mountain biking in the Serra da Arrabida.

Trekking the Levada trail on Madeira.

Hiking in Pico do Areeiro on Madeira.