Archive for the Category »Portugal «

Top 5 Attractions for Kids in Portugal
Tuesday, March 06th, 2012 /

When taking a family vacation, especially in a place as exotic and culture-filled as Portugal, wine tasting, fine dining, and shopping often take a back seat to more kid-friendly activities.  Parents are then left wondering why they didn’t just cash in their tickets and opt for a theme park instead.  Luckily, Portugal has amazing attractions that are child-centered but still have enough culture and history to keep adults interested as well. These top 5 attractions for kids in Portugal are the must-see places for families looking to learn and enjoy at the same time.

The Oceanarium

100 different species of ocean life inhabit one large tank at this impressive aquarium.  Located riverside, the building actually projects into the water.  What could be a more perfect way to learn about fish?  This site is definitely one of the most popular in the city of Lisbon.  It entrances kids by giving them an up close look at the fish that are abundant in the water right outside; even though they can’t see them.  This is great for families of all ages, and even mom and dad will enjoy watching the incredible creatures and learning along with the children.

Saint George’s Castle

For the most part touring castles means repeatedly telling your kids to “look with their eyes, not with their hands.” Your child’s curiosity gets the best of him and you end up angry and end up leaving.  At Saint George’s Castle, there are no limits, and your child can look, touch, and climb to his heart’s content.  There are winding staircases, huge courtyards, and turrets that will keep your child busy for hours.  Even the trip to and from the castle is an adventure.  You can take the old railway up the hill and then travel the winding streets of Alfama to come back down.

The Children’s Museum

This is a museum filled with rooms; each with a different child-centered activity taking place.  Your child can choose a few favorite activities or make a day of it and move from room to room.  What’s even better is that the museum is located inside of a zoo.  You can plan an entire day of animal watching and then hands-on fun.  There are gallery assistants throughout the museum that can assist you and even help translate from Portuguese to make your visit even more fun.

The Marionette Museum

An incredible collection of marionettes all housed in what used to be an 18th century convent; does it get any cooler than that?  The museum houses over 1000 knight, princess, devil, prince, and other puppets; many of which are from as far back as the 17th and 18th centuries.  While the majority of the puppets are of course from Portugal, you can also expect to see puppets from China, India, and a few other locations as well.  If you’ve got a child who loves puppet shows, the Marionette Museum allows them to experience a true original while getting a history lesson as well.

The Knowledge Pavilion

After your trip to the Oceanarium, you can jaunt over to next door where the Knowledge Pavilion; an incredible science museum, is awaiting eager minds.  The museum includes a wide array of exhibits, many of which are permanent, but many others that are constantly being changed.  If you frequently visit Portugal, this is one stop that you can make each time and find something different.  Both English and Portuguese is offered in speech and writing throughout the museum and there are many hands-on activities to keep your child’s hands and mind busy and learning.

Photo courtesy of Filipe Varela

If you are planning on visiting the Silver Coast Portugal why not stay in one of the many child friendly rural retreats?  There are lots to choose from and there is no better way to spend a family holiday.

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Tips for a Winter Holiday in the Off-season
Tuesday, February 14th, 2012 /

Perhaps you are planning to escape the snow and cold and head to the Algarve region of Portugal, but you are not quite sure what there is to do in this destination during the winter months? Although the winter weather will be a bit cooler than the peak tourist season in the summertime, winter is still an excellent opportunity to visit the Algarve. You might even be able to take advantage of some off-season deals on accommodation and tours!

Algarve

What is the weather like?

Winter in the Algarve might not be scorching hot enough to work on your tan, but it is still pleasant. The cooler temperatures are perfect for exploring historical sites and ancient ruins and going hiking. Although winter will seem cold in comparison to the amazing temperatures here during the rest of the year, it will still likely be one of the warmest places in Europe during the winter season.

During the winter months of December, January and February the Algarve experiences its coldest weather. However, the temperature rarely dips below 10 degrees Celsius and is often in the low 20s. During the night the temperatures can drop to only a few degrees before freezing but snow is unheard of. It will rain more frequently during the winter months, but overall the weather is pleasant, fresh, and spring-like. By the end of February the trees will have started to blossom and the wild flowers will begin to appear.

What can I do when I am there?

There  are lots of things to see and do in the winter in the Algarve, and since there will be less crowds you will find that exploring is a lot easier and less hectic. During the summer months the resorts will be overflowing with families but during the winter when children are at school there is a much quieter atmosphere. Certain attractions, such as water parks, might be closed for the season but there are many other things that you can do.

Algarve Golf Resort

Golf resorts such as Monte da Quinta Club offer excellent golfing facilities since the weather is warm enough to tee-off all year round. If hiking is your favourite pastime, there are many beautiful places to explore in the area. The Ria Formosa is a protected wetland and one of the most important bird sanctuaries in Europe, and it has several guided walking trails that you can explore. There are also many breathtaking coastal cliff walks along the Algarve coast, but these can be dangerous so take care and be sure that you know your path.

You could also take a boat cruise, which are offered in the marinas of the main coastal cities throughout the Algarve. If the sun is shining you can enjoy several blissful hours sailing off the coast and getting a great view of the stunning cliffs and beaches. 

If you are visiting during Christmas, many ex-pat pubs in the popular resort areas will offer a Christmas dinner which is a great opportunity to meet new people and make friends. There are also plenty of celebrations on New Year’s Eve such as fireworks and free outdoor concerts.

There is certainly a lot to keep you busy when visiting the Algarve in the wintertime and with less crowds and cheaper prices this beautiful destination is certainly an enticing escape!

Are you planning to visit the Algarve region of Portugal this winter? Check out Select Resorts for more information about the very best places to stay, such as the elegant Monte da Quinta Club.

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Alvor Algarve
Friday, June 04th, 2010 /

Portugal However this traditional coastal town is currently a very popular vacation location the surrounded narrow streets possess retained development to a minimal. A number of these streets now feature pubs with live music and several types of dining establishments, however leading off from most of these you can remembrances from the older reef fishing town. Inside the location are lots of holiday resorts that the tourists enjoy visiting it and it is attractions. The town is most certainly positioned facing an all-natural lagoon opening onto the sea. There is a collection of long open exotic seaside or a number of small coves tucked underneath the cliffs. The originally 16th Century Parish Church was refurbished after the earthquake of 1755 and still has a excellent example in its most valuable doorway belonging to the great design belonging to the Manueline era of architecture. It was the only real construction that pretty much live through from the earthquake.

The fishing small town of Alvor is found about the estuary of the river, Rio Alvor. It can be well recognized in Algarve heritage because King João II passed on in there in 1495.

Although the earthquake destroyed most of the conventional Moorish village in 1755, you’ll be able to still see continues to be of Alvor background in areas for example the 16th century Igreja Matriz which consists of attractive Manueline arches and pillars.

Regardless of constant innovations since the dawn of tourism within the 1960s (especially within the southern side) the structures are mainly low-rise and the charm of the old town with all the narrow stoned streets leading down to the harbour within the lagoon on the river estuary still resides.

The village of Alvor was based definitely earlier than Christ and most likely utilized by seafaring Carthaginians, like a harbour for ocean going transportation.

At present it is a fishermens’s village, with narrow streets leading down to the river. The viewpoint along side river is completely new but adds to the attraction of the old village.

Alvor offers a spectacular long beach of white-colored sand, a great climate, good dining establishments, and many types of the conveniences you will need for any relaxing stress free holiday break.

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