Portugal

Destination Information

Cutting a chunk off the western side of the Iberian Peninsula and jutting into the Atlantic with dramatic cliffs and sumptuous sands, Portugal was the perfect starting point for great explorers of the past. The country’s contemporary character is equally ideal for discovery... but this time within its own boundaries.

Most modern visitors sail no further from the shore than their windsurfer will safely carry them. Many look to the mountains for hiking, biking and horseriding trails, while championship courses dotting the southern landscape are an irresistible draw for golf aficionados. And for history buffs there’s a heritage of riches to explore, from the seven hills of Lisbon to Moorish market towns.

Our collection of villas in Portugal, along with houses and apartments, focuses on three regions: the Algarve, Monchique and the Costa Azul and Lisbon area.

Algarve

Stretching for a hundred miles on Portugal's southern shore, the glorious Algarve beaches put soft sand at your feet from headland to spectacular rocky headland. Behind them are some of Europe's finest golf and sporting facilities - horse riding at the coast and in the country, and water sports galore from a treasure trove of resorts. From stylish Quinta do Lago in the east to the region's longest beach at Armação de Pera, the picturesque port of Carvoeiro and, almost at the western tip, to pretty Praia da Luz, our range of villas in Portugal ranges from beachfront apartments to luxury villas - most with a private pool.

Serra de Monchique

Running behind the renowned resorts and beaches of the Algarve and stretching to the unspoilt western coast, the Serra de Monchique mountain range is Portugal's best kept secret, although it is now within an hour's drive from Faro Airport. Cloaked in woodland greenery and soaring to heights around 900 metres, the slopes are dotted with terraced hillside villages - the best seats in the amphitheatre for open views to the ocean. Steeped in two thousand years of history, but boasting 21st century treatments in its renovated spa, Caldas de Monchique is ideal for perfect pampering or soak up the atmosphere of an area of outstanding natural beauty, and lends itself to wonderful walks and brilliant birdwatching.

Coastal Lisbon

A fishing village in a former life, modern Cascais has a variety of restaurants, great beaches, bars and nightlife. In the hills behind, historic Sintra draws you to its intriguing Moorish castle and the enchanting Pena Palace. The delights of cosmopolitan Lisbon are within easy distance for a day's sightseeing. A Moorish castle, seafood restaurants and brightly painted fishing boats combine to form the character of Sesimbra. A jewel on the waterfront of the Costa Azul, it is backed by the beautiful 'green zone' of the arabida hills. South of the Sado estuary lies an area of outstanding beaches, including Praias do Carvalhal and Pego, which stretch for miles.

Quinta do Lago, Vila Sol and Vale do Lobo

Well placed for golf, tennis and water sports, these are some of our best villas in Portugal for sports lovers. The area is also idea for forays into the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve. It’s exclusive but not reclusive.

Costa Azul

A Moorish castle, seafood restaurants and brightly painted fishing boats combine to form the character of Sesimbra. A jewel on the waterfront of the Costa Azul, it is backed by the beautiful 'green zone' of the Arrabida hills. South of the Sado estuary lies an area of outstanding beaches, including Praias do Carvalhal and Pego, which stretch for miles. Woven into a rich tapestry of scenery, flora and fauna, is the timeless and traditional Alentejo way of life. At its heart is Evora - a fascinating city and a World Heritage site and visit Arraiolos to choose a locally crafted carpet as a souvenir.

Capital city

Lisbon

Population

10.7 million (UN, 2008)

Area

92,345 sq km (35,655 sq miles)

Time difference / local time

GMT +0

Language

Portuguese

Currency

Euro

Events and festivals

National Holidays

January 1 - New Years Day

April 6 - Good Friday

April 25 - Freedom Day/Liberation Day

May 1 - Labour Day/May Day

June 7 - Corpus Christi

June 10 - Portugal Day

August 15 - Assumption Day

October 5 - Republic Day

November 1 - All Saints Day

December 1 - Restoration of Independence

December 8 - Immaculate Conception Day

December 24 - Christmas Eve

December 25 - Christmas Day 

Telephone dialling codes

+351

Internet domain .pt
Electricity

220 V

Climate data for this region.

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