Leiria Detached House for Sale

Brand new detached 5 bedroom house for sale in the city of Leiria in the Centro region of Portugal. Enjoying super views, this fine property is located in the heart of this historic city and within easy driving distance of the coast and Lisbon airport. The house comprises 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, entrance hall, large lounge, fitted kitchen, office, terrace, BBQ, air-con, solar panels, double glazing, garage etc. The area enjoys a pleasant climate with Leiria weather ideal for summer time rentals, though winters can be a little rainy. The current asking price for this lovely Leiria property is 475,000 euros. The property is situated on a plot of 1,900 square metres, and there is room for a property extension of an additional 290 square metres. Leiria Map.

3 Bedroom Property Offered in Coimbra

Never lived in, this 4 year old Coimbra property is offered for sale near to the University city of Coimbra in central Portugal. Situated in an attractive park-like setting it is near to the beach at Mira and is handy for transport links including Porto airport, it is also close to a proposed new golf course. Offering 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms this semi-detached property has an open plan ground floor with large lounge / dining area with fireplace, it benefits from gas fired hot water and central heating. The area enjoys a fine climate with Coimbra weather experiencing temperatures in the range of 7-27 degrees Celcius and rainfall in the range of 18-480mm per month. This would be a good buy for someone looking to invest in Portugal property and the current asking price is a very reasonable 200,000 euros. Coimbra Map.

Algarve Resorts – Praia da Luz

Praia da Luz (“Beach of Light”) is one of the prettiest of the Algarve coastal resorts, with life centred around the sandy beach, one of the finest in the region. Developed around the original fishing village, the resort of Praia da Luz attracts large numbers of visitors during the hot summer months, but is still a relaxed resort with a great appeal for families and also for water sports enthusiasts, who are well catered for. The climate is one of the biggest attractions of the resort, with the weather in Praia da Luz perfect for holidays right through the year, though especially appealing between May and October. Praia da Luz is situated about ten kilometres west of Lagos and can be reached from the N-125 coast road. Map of Praia da Luz.

Silves – A Brief Guide

A town which formerly rivalled Lisbon in prosperity and influence, Silves on the Algarve, Portugal was known as Xelb by the Moors and was their stronghold in the region, having a huge fortress and a population of around 30,000 by the 12th century. Silves was an important trading town with boats arriving via the River Arade and leaving packed with cargoes of citrus fruit, figs and cork, the town was a buzzing community filled with mosques, bazaars and minarets. This all came to an end in 1189, when the town was subjected to a siege by Sancho I together with a band of English crusaders. After holding out for some months, the Moorish occupants finally surrendered due to a lack of water, the town was subsequently sacked and many of its citizens killed. Silves today is a busy town, still important for citrus fruits, figs and cork, but with an emphasis on tourism, its attractive old town, a maze of narrow, cobbled streets dotted with cafés, restaurants and souvenir shops, its castle and a number of its older buildings, survived the 1755 earthquake. Map of Silves.

Algarve Resorts – Lagos

One of the busiest tourist centres on Portugal’s Algarve coastline, Lagos was in fact one the capital of the region and its harbour welcomed in the great Henry the Navigator as he returned from his historic voyages. The ancient fortress and sections of the old city walls survived the devastating Lisbon earthquake of 1755, as did a couple of its churches. In the old town, you will still find narrow, cobbled streets, which look much as they have for centuries. To view the best of the town’s attractions head for the Praça da Republica, the centre of life in Lagos. Modern day Lagos is a bustling holiday resort, popular with the younger set, it offers a superb sandy beach, plenty of bars, shops and restaurants, a good choice of facilities and a wonderful climate, with Lagos weather ideal for summer holidays and also suitable for winter breaks and sporting holidays. Lagos is at the western end of the Algarve, near to Portimao, and provides a good base for exploring this part of the region, other towns worth a visit include Sagres and Portimao. Lagos Map.

Holidays on the Island of Madeira

What can you expect from a holiday in Madeira? Well – holidays in Madeira are perfect for those who enjoy wonderful scenery, with plenty of sub-tropical flora and a dash of old colonial charm, it also has a rich history and was known to the Romans in the centuries BC. One of Europe’s oldest tourist destinations, Madeira, which belongs to Portugal has long attracted travellers from many locations and with many interests, be it for the superb water sports facilities, the fine coastal resorts or just to enjoy the wildlife and picturesque scenery. The capital, Funchal is also the largest city on the island and has a population of around 100,000. Madeira has some of the world’s finest hotels and features in the brochures of most major tour operators. Lapped by the Gulf Stream, Madeira has a distinctly subtropical climate, with relatively high rainfall, it is perfect for all-year round holidays and Madeira weather is warm during the summer and very mild during the winter.

Carvoeiro a Family Resort

Carvoeiro a Family Resort - If you are looking for a decent family resort for visiting the Algarve region of Portugal, you could do little better than the former fishing village of Carvoeiro, situated between Portimao and Albufeira. A charming little town with an emphasis on self-catering apartments, Carvoeiro has a friendly feel and boasts a fine sandy beach, attractive coastline and some decent facilities. A good base for touring some of the historic towns in this section of the Algarve, the town enjoys a super climate with the weather in Carvoeiro, sunny and warm throughout the summer months, and mild during the winter. One of the highlights of a trip to Carvoeiro is a boat trip to Algar Seco, a local beauty spot where cliffs have been moulded by the sea into stone arches, grottoes and fascinating shapes. Map of Carvoeiro.

Praia da Rocha a Superb Beach Resort

One of the most popular and longest established holiday resorts on Portugal’s Algarve coast, Praia da Rocha has been welcoming tourists since the 1930’s. Much developed since these early days, Praia da Rocha attracts an increasing number of visitors who flock there to enjoy the wonderful beach, the lively night life scene and the fabulous Praia da Rocha weather. The biggest attraction of all is the golden, sandy beach, backed by red sandstone cliffs, it features lots of weird shaped rock formations. The historic city of Portimao is just 2 kilometres away, a significant port and the second largest city on the Algarve. Map of Praia da Rocha.

Algarve Resorts - Sagres

Well known as a surfing resort, the town of Sagres is situated in the far south-west of the Algarve region of southern Portugal. Famously the home of on of Portugal’s most famous sons, Henry the Navigator, Sagres was also where he set up his renowned sailing and navigation school for the training of seamen to man his extensive voyages which established Portugal as a great sea power and colonial nation. Situated on a wind swept peninsular, once believed to be the edge of the world, Sagres is today popular with surfers, divers, golfers and hikers. Surfers find the Sagres weather conditions ideal for their sport and there are a number of surfing and diving schools in the town, the rugged coastline is attractive and ideal for walking. Sagres also has four excellent beaches, though these can be very windy and beach lovers may prefer to head to more tranquil parts of the Algarve. Worth a visit is the massive Fortaleza de Sagres fortress, originally built in the 15th century. Map of Sagres.

Faro and the Algarve Portugal

The beautiful region of Algarve in southern Portugal is one of Europe’s most popular holiday destinations and rightly so as it a stunning area of coastline with some fine resorts. The capital of the Algarve region is Faro, and it is here that you will find the main airport for the region, once a fishing port and trading centre called Ossonoba. To the west of Faro is the resort town of Albufeira, dating from Roman times it still has some remains from these ancient times, in recent years it has grown considerably and is now one of the regions most visited resorts. Another resort experiencing rapid growth is Quarteria, formerly a small fishing village, it is now a bustlng resort with a fine beach and a very long promenade. While prices in the area have risen with its popularity it is still possible to pick up some bargains and suitable products are leather goods, pottery and decorated tiles. The Algarve experiences a splendid climate with some of the best weather in Portugal, summers are hot and winters mild, rainfall is mostly experienced during the winter months. Portugal Map.

Algarve Resorts - Albufeira Portugal

Around 35 kilometres west of Faro on the Algarve, Portugal, the town of Albufeira used to be a traditional fishing village, typical of the area. In recent years it has grown into one of Portugal’s main tourist destinations, resulting in much development and growth in the town. You can still find much of the original fishing village, with narrow winding streets and alleys, lined with whitewashed houses and cottages. Many visiting today would think it a modern resort, but Albufeira can trace its origins back to Roman times and beyond when Phoenicians, Greeks and Carthaginians stopped off here on their travels around the coast. The Romans called the town Baltum and there are still some remains of aqueducts and walls, built by the Romans over 2,000 years ago. The Moors developed the area for agriculture and also a significant fishing industry flourished over the ensueing centuries. 1755 was a bad year for Portugal and for Albufeira in particular, as a huge earthquake rocked the region and virtually destroyed the town. The main attraction these days are the fine sandy beaches and luxury hotels, where visitors can relax and enjoy the wonderful Albufeira weather in preparation for a night out along the famous “Strip”, located in the Montechoro district of the town. Albufeira boasts over 170 hotels of all standards many are aparthotels such as the Ondamar Aparthotel Albufeira which offers a good standard of accommodation in relaxed surroundings. If beaches are your thing then you will not be disappointed by Albufeira, as there are at least 20 wonderful beaches within easy reach of the resort, two of the best being Praia de Oura and Praia de Gale, others include Praia do Castelo, Praia dos Pescadores and Praia do Evaristo. Albufeira can be easily reached from Faro airport which is about 40 minutes drive away. Albufeira Map.

Portimao Algarve

Tracing its origins back to the times of the ancient Phoenicians, the city of Portimao is the 2nd largest city in the Algarve region of Portugal (after Faro). A busy commercial port and tourist centre, Portimao is an ideal base for touring the Algarve, beimng within a hour’s drive of Faro International Airport and being close to some excellent sandy beaches including Praia da Rocha, Praia da Vau and Alvor. Perfect for a fishing or golfing holiday, Portimao harbour is the place to book deep-sea fishing trips and boat trips around the port and to neighbouring resorts. Golfing facilities are plentiful with fine courses such as the Alto Golf and Country Club and the Penina Golf Resort situated nearby. The are of course is renowned for its climate and Portimao weather is ideal for family holidays as well as being just the job for golfers all year round, with long hours of sunshine and low rainfall. Portimao can be reached from the A-22 motorway and is about 65 kilometres from Faro. Map of Portimao.

Coastal Resorts of Portugal – Alvor

Coastal Resorts of Portugal – Alvor - In an estuary location between Portimao and Lagos on Portugal’s Algarve coast, the ancient fishing town of Alvor has recently developed into a significant tourist destination, whilst retaining much of its original charm. Thought to have been originally founded by the Carthaginians, Alvor Portugal has a long and rich history and saw much conflict between Moors and Christians during the 12th and 13th centuries. Present day visitors benefit from the wonderful golfing and spa facilities and the fine sandy beach while enjoying the fabulous Alvor weather and the peaceful fishing village atmosphere. Alvor is easily reached from Faro International Airport which is about 65 kilometres away. Alvor Map.

Tavira – Venice of the Algarve

Tavira – Venice of the Algarve - Located in the eastern section of the Algarve in Portugal, the historic city of Tavira is one of the oldest in the region. Established by the Phoenicians in the eighth century BC it developed into a significant trading port. In the 8th century AD, Tavira came under the control of the Moors and the current name is derived from the Arabic Tabira (“hidden”). Conquered by the Christians in 1242 much of Tavira was rebuilt only to be later destroyed by the great Lisbon earthquake of 1755. Present day Tavira is a popular holiday destination with some fine facilities, nice sandy beaches and superb golf courses. The region enjoys a super climate with the weather in Tavira being especially pleasant between May and October. Easily accessible from Faro airport, which is about 35 kilometres to the west, Tavira can also be reached from southern Spain. You can view a map of Tavira here: Map of Tavira.

Historic Sites of Faro Portugal

Offering an interesting mix of architecture, Faro on the Algarve, Portugal, is a worthwhile place to visit. Much of the old town was destroyed by the great earthquake of 1755 but some old buildings and much of the old city walls survived and can still be seen today. The Acro da Vila post earthquake entrance welcomes you to the old town, sporting its statue of St Thomas Aquinas, narrow cobbled streets lead to the main square where the old Cathedral sits, originally built in the 13^th century, it is though to have occupied the site of a former Arabic mosque, and previous to that probably a Roman temple. Much of the existing building was reconstructed after the earthquake. Beside the Cathedral you can see the Convento de Nossa Senhora da Assuncao which dates from the 16^th century and houses the Municipal Museum, also in the main square is the 18^th century Bishop’s Palace. Visitors can exit the square by way of the Arco de Repousa (Gate of Rest) and head out towards the Ferry Pier from the pier you can take a boat trip to Praia de Faro beach and relax after your busy day. Other interesting museums in Faro include the Museu Maritimo and the Museu Regional do Algarve. Faro Map.

Towns of the Western Algarve

The windward western section of the Algarve coastline of southern Portugal is rockier and more dramatic than the eastern areas,in the extreme south-west Sagres is the most south-westerly point of Europe, and battered by the Atlantic Ocean is a famous spot for surfing boasting some wonderful beaches ideal for this sport. Sagres has a number of surfing schools providing tuition as has Lagos a little to the east and neighbouring Luz. For the best beaches in the region head for Praia da Rocha, a bustling resort with a huge sandy beach one of the best in Portugal, nearby Portimao is a great place to enjoy a fishing trip or even a dolphin watching expedition, don’t miss out on the shopping while you are there, its centre is a great place for a bit of retail therapy. Sandwiched between Lagos and Portimao is the laid back resort of Alvor, dotted with luxury villas, it was formerly a small fishing village which still clings to its fishing tradition. Further east around Carvoeiro the coastline becomes a string of spectacular rock formations broken up by attractive fishing villages and sandy coves, Carvoeiro, another fishing village turned resort, still retains much of its traditional Portuguese charm. Golfers will not be disappointed with a visit to this region and a number of fine courses line the areas behind the coast. The western Algarve really has it all – stunning beaches around Praia da Roche, fishing and dolphin watching in Portimao, surfing in Lagos, Luz and Sagres, golfing around Carvoeiro and Alvor.

Portugal Resorts - Vilamoura

One of the main tourist destinations on the Algarve, Portugal, Vilamoura is still a relatively new resort, only developed since the 1970’s, but don’t let that put you off, this is a splendid resort with a great range of facilities. A large and attractive marina provides a wide range of water sports facilities and a number of boat and fishing trips, the wonderful sandy beaches, perhaps the main attraction, and a number of fine golf courses all add to the attraction of the place. Although Vilamoura is new, there are Roman remains at Cerro da Vila Archaeological Museum, plus some historic towns nearby for instance Portimao and Lagos. For families one of the major attractions is the Atlantic Park Waterpark and also the Roma Mini Golf course, both of which attract large numbers of visitors. The climate of course is wonderful, with the weather in Vilamoura being hot during the summer and mild through the winter, providing ideal holiday conditions. Map of Vilamoura.

The Algarve Town of Lagos

One of the highlights of the Algarve region of Portugal is the historic town of Lagos, former headquarters of the famous explorer Henry the Navigator. Crammed with historic buildings despite being severely damaged in the great earthquake of 1755, Lagos has some of its old city walls, a 17^th century castle and many interesting post earthquake buildings and monuments. Also a well known area for surfing, this part of the Algarve coast is windswept and battered by the Atlantic Ocean, with numerous prime locations between Lagos and Sagres in the extreme west. For beach lovers, Lagos is perfect as there are lots of wonderful beaches in the area and some charming little seaside resorts nearby. Despite this, the old town is the main draw, best explored by foot, visitors can wander the narrow winding streets taking in the atmosphere and imagining what the place was like when Portugal was a major seafaring nation. The port area dates from Roman times and was at that time called Lacobriga, it would have been a major trading town, servicing ships going along this busy coast. Later controlled by the Moors, it came back into Christian hands in 1241 and enjoyed the boom created by Portugal’s growing Empire in Africa and South America. Present day Lagos has a population of around 18,000 most of which is concentrated near to the coast, the main industry is tourism.