Alentejo, meaning ‘Beyond the Tagus’ or ‘Across the Tagus’, is a region in south-central Portugal. Separated from the rest of Portugal by the Tagus River, the Alentjo is the largest region in Portugal, stretching southward where it borders the Algarve. The area is ideal for outdoor holidays and people who just want to explore the beautiful countryside that Portugal has to offer.

Walkers, hikers and cyclists can wander along the quiet roads and paths that are little-used and offer a tranquil break from the more visited areas of Portugal. Then there are the olive groves, cork and oak forests where you can take in the fragrant smells of the citrus trees and marvel

Porto Covo

at the fields of beautiful sunflowers. Read more »

Altura is a purpose-built beach resort on the east coast of Portugal’s Algarve near to the Roman town of Tavira and the busy resort of Monte Gordo. The eastern side of the Algarve is less developed and unspoilt than the other parts, making it an ideal destination for families looking for a relaxing holiday in Portugal. The coastline of Altura falls within the 37 mile coastline of the Parque natural da Ria Formosa which is

Altura beach

protected from overdevelopment. This lagoon area is a haven for numerous species of birds that make it home, a place to shelter in the winter or as a migration stopover. Most of the accommodation in Altura, including hotels, villas, apartments and seafront properties, is within walking distance of the beautiful sandy beach. Read more »

Nuns Valley (Curral Des Freiras) is a small village located on the island of Madeira. Nestled at the foot of a deep basin in the heart of Madeira, the village is surrounded by almost perpendicular mountains. This isolated village was once only accessible by foot or by donkey but can now be reached by road. It is believed that the deep ravine in which Nuns Valley sits was formed as a result of volcanic activity or gradual erosion which has taken place over hundreds of years.

Nuns Valley Madeira

Nuns Valley is the central point for many of the islands scenic walks and hikes thus attracting visitors looking for a quiet relaxing retreat set in beautiful rural scenery of lush green forests and jagged mountain peaks. The hotels and guesthouses in the valley offer amazing views and a tranquil atmosphere. The many walking and hiking trails that criss-cross the surrounding countryside take walkers through some beautiful scenery.

It is believed that the village was formed in the 16th century by nuns from the Santa Clara convent in Funchal who were seeking refuge from attacking pirates. The fertile soil in the valley enabled the nuns to be self-sufficient, even today the valley is still known for  it’s cherries and chestnuts which are used in many local dishes and drinks. On November 1st every year the ‘Chestnut Festival’, which dates back to the time when the nuns had a surplus of chestnuts, is still celebrated in Nuns Valley.

When you want a change of pace the capital city of Funchal is just 20 minutes from Nuns Valley. Here you will find restaurants, shops, museums and botanical gardens. A trip to Funchal Beach during the summer months

Funchal Beach

 will see warm waters of 22C, even out of the peak season the water is still around 17C making holiday packages to Madeira a perfect choice at any time of the year.

Nuns Valley enjoys long hot summers and short mild winters. The sheltering mountains make the valley a sun trap with summer temperatures often exceeding 30C with 300 dry sunny days a year. The average annual temperature is around 20C with July and August seeing temperatures above 25C and around eight hours of sunshine a day. Spring and autumn are ideal times for package holidays to Madeira as the weather is comfortable with temperatures around 20C. At this time of the year the islands countryside is in full bloom and the warm breeze makes walking or hiking easier than in the hot summer months. If you are looking for a quiet, relaxing holiday in an isolated location then Nuns Valley is just the place for you.

Vilamoura is located in Portugal’s Algarve and has a fairly central

Vilamoura Marina

location on the country’s south coast. It is about 6 miles east of Albufeira and 20 miles from Faro Airport. The resort overlooks the beaches on the Atlantic Ocean and Vilamoura Marina. Vilamoura is backed by resort and residential development, five golf courses and the Algarve hills.

Vilamoura experiences a mild climate all year round, with low rainfall and temperatures averaging 25°C (77°F) between May and September.

The purpose built resort of Vilamoura was designed back in the 1960′s and now covers 8 square miles, with sandy beaches, upmarket hotels and deluxe apartments. The resort has a wealth of restaurants, shops, bars and clubs. The main attractions of Vilamoura are luxurious yacht charters, sailing schools, boat excursions and the many watersports. On the land there are golf courses, a riding school, tennis courts and a shooting club.

Vilamoura Beach Hotel

Vilamoura’s main beach is located on the doorstep of the resort’s waterfront hotels. Watersports, with everything from banana boat rides to parascending and jet ski hire are available here.

Water-based excursions leave from Vilamoura Marina. These include a dolphin-watching cruise, yacht cruises along the Algarve coastline and big game fishing.

Vilamoura is perfect for families and children. Not only is there the beautiful beach and watersports, but there is also crazy golf, tennis and horse riding, and Alcantarilha’s water park Aqualand Algarve.

Aqualand

Vilamoura boasts an eclectic choice of national cuisines including Thai, Italian, International, Japanese, Chinese, Brazilian, French, Spanish, Mexican and Indian, alongside first-rate Portuguese dishes, with lots of opportunities for alfresco dining.

Vilamoura’s nightlife is low-key, with British pubs, Irish bars and discos on offer. For a fun filled evening of gambling and cabaret there is Vilamoura’s casino.

Albufeira

The resort of Albufeira lies in the southwest of Portugal in the Algarve region. To the east there are many resort towns and the Algarve’s main town and airport at Faro, while to the west are more resorts and beaches.
The resort hugs the main beach and what is left of the old fishing village, with ‘The Strip’ out at Montechoro home to much of the nightlife action.

Albufeira is one of the Algarve’s busiest tourist destinations for cheap holidays. It was once a sleepy fishing village but has now bloomed into an international resort with well equipped beaches, a massive choice of eating and drinking venues and plenty to keep families happy.

The climate in Albufeira is mild, with very little rainfall and plenty of sun throughout the year. July and August are the hottest months of the year, with temperatures averaging 27°C (80°F).

Praia do Peneco

The Praia do Peneco is the town’s main beach and is reached through a tunnel from the old town. A variety of watersports, including windsurfing and jetskiing, is available here. To the west and east of Albufeira are the quieter beaches such as Balaia and Praia da Gale (particularly popular for watersports).

Albufeira’s old town, with its narrow streets, lies just back from the main beach and is well worth a visit. Here you will find lots of small shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. In summer there are regular bullfights at the Praia da Oura bullring. Unlike in Spanish bullfighting the bull is not normally killed.

Silves Castle

If you wish to explore further afield try the inland town of Silves. This charming little settlement oozes history, which can best be appreciated at its landmark castle. Enjoy a coffee by the Arade river before strolling through the sleepy backstreets, and then indulge in a meal of spicy piri-piri chicken cooked on the grill as you sit overlooking the water.

Albufeira offers many different eating venues, serving up the fatty diet of burgers, cooked breakfasts and chips that is popular with many holidaymakers. The old town has more interesting options, including restaurants offering the fresh seafood that the Algarve is so famous for. The Praia dos Pescadores is home to some very nice seafood eateries.

The Strip' at Montechoro

In and around the old town in the main resort there are plenty of bars, with some on the waterfront overlooking the Atlantic. For those who want to go clubbing, ‘The Strip’ at Montechoro is the place to be. Here you will find countless bars and clubs bashing out dance music and cheap drinks promotions late into the night.