Steve's World Blog » Portugal

Tivoli Victoria Vilamoura Algarve Portugal

needahand — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 09:29:03 +0000

Tivoli Victoria Vilamoura Algarve Portugal – Hotels in Vilamoura, Algarve, Portugal. This 5-star luxury hotel has 277 rooms and meets the highest standards for your stay in Portugal. For storing valuables, please contact reception or use the safe in your room. The 24-hour basis and also offers a wake-up call. Both in public areas (WLAN) in your room you can use an Internet connection. It offers you the opportunity at great car rental. You can drop your car for free in the parking lot of the hotel. Children are welcome! There is a playground and of course we wish put a cot in your room this is possible. In all rooms you will have the opportunity make coffee and tea. You can also use the mini-bar and hairdryer in the bathroom. All rooms have a bathroom, some also have balconies. Be pampered in the wellness area of ??the Tivoli Victoria, Vilamoura. You can relax with a professional massage, enjoy a beauty treatment, use of solarium and a couple of times going to the sauna. In the pools of the hotel you can enjoy the cool water of your choice inside, or when the Vilamoura weather is fine, in the open air! Guests also like to use the gym. The Turkish bath at the hotel ensures a pleasant relaxation. Among other conveniences, the hotel also has a jacuzzi. Eating at the Tivoli Victoria Vilamoura is a pleasure and you can enjoy the cuisine at the cafe / bistro or the restaurant (with terrace) – here are special dishes for vegetarians and diabetics. Connect with other guests of the evening in a cozy atmosphere at the bar. Vilamoura is located in the Algarve region of Portugal, to the south-east of the town of Albufeira.

Funchal Cliff Bay Hotel Madeira

needahand — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:21:57 +0000

Cliff Bay Hotel Funchal

A good choice for your accommodation in Funchal on the island of Madeira, the 5 Star Cliff Bay Hotel is located on a picturesque headland looking out on the Atlantic Ocean. The Cliff Bay has over 200 rooms all with bathroom, balcony, TV, safe, internet, air-con, and tea/coffee machine. The hotel has a fantastic range of facilities including 3 bars, 3 restaurants, indoor and outdoor pools for swimming whatever the weather, gymnasium, steam rooms, Jacuzzi etc, it also provides a shuttle bus to and from Madeira airport if you are not using a car hire vehicle. Funchal is the capital city of Madeira and has everything you would need for a perfect holiday on this popular Portuguese island. Rooms are offered in the Cliff Bay Hotel Funchal from around 94 euros per night. Funchal is situated on the south coast of Madeira and is also the location of the island’s airport.

Funchal Map.

Tavira Algarve

needahand — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 12:25:40 +0000

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 8^th 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 Tavira weather 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.

Vilamoura Tivoli Marinotel Algarve

needahand — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 11:37:45 +0000

Hotel Vilamoura Tivoli Marinotel

If you are looking for luxurious accommodation in the Algarve resort of Vilamoura, then you should certainly take a look at the Vilamoura Tivoli Marinotel, which is located right beside the superb marina and benefits from the use of its own beach, for the use of residents. Carrying a 5 Star rating this stunning hotel is the first word in luxury for your visit to Vilamoura, whether you just want to relax and enjoy the fabulous facilities of this wonderful hotel, join in the programme of entertainment, use the super spa facilities or just laze on the beach enjoying the terrific Algarve weather, and top up your tan, the Vilamoura Tivoli will not disappoint. If you are feeling a little more lively you might want to play a round of golf at one of the many fine courses in the area, visit some of the fine surrounding resorts or historic towns, or maybe head into Faro, the capital of the region, where there is plenty to see and do. Faro is also the location of the nearest airport, so this is likely to be your place of arrival into the region, and getting to Vilamoura couldn’t be easier, with the airport only around 20 kilometres from the hotel and resort. Prices in the Vilamoura Tivoli start at around 117 euros per night, not cheap, but hey this is luxury. Algarve Map.

Praia da Luz Portugal

needahand — Sun, 16 May 2010 11:11:32 +0000

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 Praia da Luz weather 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. Praia da Luz Map.

Vilamoura Algarve Portugal

needahand — Fri, 14 May 2010 09:58:15 +0000

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 the resort 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 Vilamoura weather being hot during the summer and mild through the winter, providing ideal holiday conditions.

Vilamoura Map.

Sagres Algarve Portugal

needahand — Thu, 13 May 2010 15:03:05 +0000

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 15^th century. Sagres Map.

Silves Algarve Portugal

needahand — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 13:04:04 +0000

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 12^th 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. Silves Map.

Portimao Portugal

needahand — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 16:35:16 +0000

Tracing its origins back to the times of the ancient Phoenicians, the city of Portimao is the 2^nd 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 the weather in Portimao 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. Portimao Map.

Lagos Algarve Portugal

needahand — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 08:43:04 +0000

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.

Map.

Huelva Costa de la Luz

needahand — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:12:17 +0000

The most westerly city on the Costa de la Luz, Spain, Huelva was founded by the Phoenicians in around 1000 BC. Originally known as Onoba, Huelva was later controlled by the Romans and became part of the province of Hispania Baetica, the Romans established a mint there and coins were produced bearing the name “Onuba”. In the 15^th century the explorer Christopher Columbus sailed from nearby Palos de la Frontera, and the discovery of the Americas brought increased wealth to Huelva, though it was generally overshadowed by the more important city of Seville. Significant mineral deposits in the region led to Huelva becoming the home of the well known Rio Tinto Company, a British mining concern which set up shop in the Odiel estuary and subsequently exported its products throughout the civilised world. Huelva fell into decline after being devastated by the great Lisbon earthquake of 1755, though it has always been a significant port for the region. Located on a stretch of coast known as the Costa de la Luz (Coast of Light), Huelva is experiencing an increase in tourist activity as this less well known piece of coast attracts more and more visitors to its virgin beaches, as yet untouched by mass development. Enjoying a wonderful climate with Huelva weather being somewhat cooler than the neighbouring Costa del Sol, enjoying cooling Atlantic breezes and having a similar climate to Portugal’s Algarve to the south-west. Huelva is located just off the A-45 motoway between the Portuguese border and the city of Seville. Map.

Isla Canela Costa de la Luz

needahand — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:40:26 +0000

Just south of Ayamonte on the border between the Costa de la Luz in south-western Spain and the Algarve Portugal, the relatively new resort of Isla Canela is joined to the Spanish mainland only by a causeway which links it to the town of Ayamonte. Long popular with Spanish tourists, Isla Canela boasts over seven kilometres of superb beaches, an 18 hole golf course, and some wonderful protected wetlands which are home to a wide variety of bird species. Isla Canela looks across the River Guadiana to Portugal and shares a similar climate to the resorts of the Algarve, with Isla Canela weather being perfect for summer holidays though cooler than the Costa del Sol to the north-east. A great area for water sports, this coast gets plenty of wind from the Atlantic Ocean and is good for windsurfing and similar sports. Don’t expect a bustling resort or a vibrant nightlife scene whilst visiting but do expect a peaceful holiday with plenty of time to relax. Isla Canela Map.

Vilamoura Algarve Portugal

needahand — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 18:41:40 +0000

One of Europe’s largest beach resorts, Vilamoura on the Algarve, Portugal, is a built for tourism complex some 14 miles west of Faro. Covering an area of around 20 square kilometres, Vilamoura is built around its huge marina, where there are moorings for over 1,000 boats and numerous large luxury hotels for accommodation in the resort. The development of Vilamoura began in the 1970’s, with an emphasis on sports facilities, very popular with golfers, there are 6 golf courses in the immediate area. Water sports too, are a big attraction with sailing, scuba diving, windsurfing, water-skiing, fishing and parasailing all well catered for. The wonderful Vilamoura weather is of course one of the main attractions of the resort, as is the fine sandy beach which extends for some three kilometres, those looking for a bit of culture may want to head north of Vilamoura beach, where some Roman remains remind visitors of the areas rich history. Vilamoura Map.

The Algarve Region of Portugal

needahand — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 12:26:35 +0000

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. If you are arriving for your visit to the area by air, you will no doubt be arriving at Faro Airport and this is the best place to pick up a car hire vehicle for your stay. 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 bustling 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. Other places that you might choose to visit whilst in the region include Portimao, Lagos, Sagres, Praia da Rocha, Carvoeiro, Tavira and Luz. You can view a map of the country here, the Algarve region is in the far south. Portugal Map.

Praia da Rocha Portugal

needahand — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 11:23:55 +0000

One of the best known and earliest established beach resorts on the Algarve coastline of southern Portugal, Praia da Rocha has attracted large numbers of holidaymakers since at least the 1930’s. Undergoing significant developed since those early times, Praia da Rocha draws an ever increasing multitude of visitors who arrive to delight in the superb beach, the bustling nightlife and the wonderful weather that the resort enjoys. No doubt the main attraction of all of these is the fantastic golden, sandy beach, which lies beside the attractive red sandstone cliffs another notable feature of the resort, the cliffs are formed into numerous weird shaped rock formations, some interesting subjects for a photo or two. The ancient city of Portimao is just a short drive or a good walk away (about a mile and a quarter), Portimao is a busy port and the 2nd largest city in the Algarve region of Portugal. You can view a map of the Praia da Rocha area here: Praia da Rocha Map.

Lagos Portugal

needahand — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 09:42:49 +0000

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, this is of course as well as the delightful Lagos weather which alone attracts many visitors. 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. Lagos is around 65 kilometres from Faro and its airport so you may need to hire a car should you wish to visit. Lagos Map.

Faro Algarve Portugal

needahand — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 10:25:20 +0000

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 of Faro 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. For those wishing to visit this historic place, Faro Airport is situated about 2.6 kilometres to the west of the city centre, it receives mostly tourists heading for the Algarve region and also for the south of Andalucia in Spain. Faro Map.

The Costa de la Luz Andalucia Spain

needahand — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 17:53:41 +0000

Located in south-western Andalucia on Spain’s border with Portugal, a 300 kilometres stretch of coastline called the Costa de la Luz is often called “The Spanish Algarve”. Its name which means “Coast of Light” derives from its clear unpolluted skies, and the subsequent quality of light that can be found there, it is renowned for its stunning sunsets. As yet mostly unspoilt the Costa de la Luz is becoming increasingly popular with holidaymakers, who visit to enjoy the wonderful sandy beaches, the interesting historic towns and cities and the beautiful countryside of its hinterland. Apart form the traditional beach style holiday, many visit for the excellent water sports facilities, especially surfing and windsurfing, where strong winds coming from the Atlantic Ocean provide ideal conditions for these popular sports, one of the finest resorts for these activities is Tarifa in the south-east of the region. The strong winds make temperatures cooler in this area and Costa de la Luz weather is generally a little cooler than the neighbouring Costa del Sol. The Costa de la Luz has a rich history and boasts the oldest permanently inhabited city in Europe – Cadiz – which is well worth a visit if you are in the area. The Costa de la Luz is made up of 2 provinces Huelva and Cadiz, Huelva begins at the border with Portugal and the Algarve, and ends at the Guadalquivir River, Cadiz stretches from the Guadalquivir to Tarifa. If you are flying to the Costa de la Luz, you will probably land at Jerez airport, a modern and compact airport situated north-east of Jerez de la Frontera. If you are on a package holiday you will no doubt be picked up from here, if not you can pick up your Costa de la Luz car hire vehicle directly from the airport. It is advisable to hire a car while you are visiting otherwise you will miss out on some great opportunities to travel around the region, don’t forget a trip into the magical city of Seville. Costa de la Luz Map.

Carvoeiro Portugal

needahand — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 11:17:07 +0000

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 Carvoeiro weather, 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. Carvoeiro Map.

Andalucian Towns – Ayamonte

needahand — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 13:25:17 +0000

Standing on the Guadiana River on the border between Spain and Portugal, the charming little town of Ayamonte has an attractive fishing harbour and an atmospheric ‘old quarter’. Not as important as it once was, since the building of a new suspension bridge to the north, Ayamonte still attracts plenty of tourists and still has a ferry link with the town of Vila Real de San Antonio, on the other side of the Guadiana River in Portugal’s Algarve region. Ayamonte itself has some interesting attractions including the Iglesia de San Francisco (16^th century) and the Iglesia de San Salvador (15^th century). Those seeking a more traditional beach holiday will head for nearby Isla Canela, with many kilometres of wonderful sandy beaches and an excellent golf course, Golf Isla Canela, visitors can enjoy a fine climate with Ayamonte weather being comparable to the nearby Algarve. Isla Canela is accessed by way of a causeway from Ayamonte as it is actually an island separated from the mainland. Surrounding wetland areas are great for birdwatching and they are now a protected nature reserve. Ayamonte Map.