Libon - Portugal

Lisbon Portugal is a popular destination and flights are readily available for travelers. When looking for cheap flights to Lisbon from the UK, London is usually a good bet. From London flights can be found for as little as 60 Euros at certain times of the year. British Airways, Iberia Air and TAP Air Portugal are just some of the airlines that offer cheap flights to Lisbon. Booking ahead is definitely one way to find an affordable flight as is booking last minute if flexible with dates and times. When your flight is secured and your Lisbon hotel is arranged you’re off to the races!

Lisbon tourism can be enjoyed year-round and has an average temperature of 63 degrees Fahrenheit. Lisbon travel is the best in the summer time if planning to revel in the warmth of Portugal shores and experience the coast at its best. This is also a good place to enjoy surfing in Portugal. Lisbon tourism peaks in the summer months so it’s best to book accommodations well ahead. Also keep in mind that cheap flights to Lisbon are not as easy to find during the summer. With winter comes the cooler weather but off season prices make Lisbon vacations very affordable.

If choosing Lisbon travel in spring note that the weather is still warm but can be rainy. Rain is sporadic and unpredictable but it doesn’t truly impede on a trip to Lisbon. There is plenty to do indoors while the rains pass. Transportation is readily available to take you where you want to go. Take a ride on one of the old trams and see the history of the city reveal itself along the ride. Jump off in the fabulous shopping district of Chiado and browse and shop to your heart’s delight.

Visit gardens in bloom, take in monuments and relish in the agreeable climate. When in Lisbon visit the many museums in the city. The Gulbenkian Museum has an incredible collection of art. Art lovers should also visit the Berardo Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art during Lisbon travel. The National Azulejo Museum, or Tile Museum, should be visited during Lisbon vacations. It has a wonderful collection of religious, decorative tiles many which were made in Lisbon Portugal.

Discover the city’s narrow streets and many barrio’s, or quarters, that have made Lisbon tourism famous. With over 20 centuries of history Lisbon travel offers guests a look back into the past that shaped the country. The old quarters of Mouraria and Castelo are perfect for interesting day trips. Lisbon travel is excellent in June as the streets come refreshingly alive with feats that honor patron saints. People come out in festive moods and walk through medieval streets celebrating. Alfama is also a great area to celebrate in at this time of year. It’s one of the biggest tourist attractions and one of the oldest quarters of the city.

Lisbon vacations should include a walk to the Tagus River where there are a variety of leisure areas and historical monuments to see. Here you can view the Torre de Belem in all her glory and get great views of the city. A short walk from the tower is the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos which is a highlight of Lisbon tourism. This historic monastery’s architecture and mere presence awe people during Lisbon vacations. When in this area of Lisbon travel to the Museu acional de Arte Antiga and view impressive antique art pieces.

Take a walk to the Moorish Sao Jorge Castle and see breathtaking views of the city below. Lisbon vacations along the coast offer fine sandy beaches at storil and Cascais as well as old fishing villages such as Sesimbra. For a beautiful nautical view hop on a boat ride along the Tagus or Sado and watch Lisbon life from the sea.

For excellent nightlife during Lisbon travel. head over to Bairro Alto and soak in the music drifting through the streets. At night some shops open their doors and divulge small bars and restaurants perfect if you’re not into the clubbing scene. In the smaller bars there is more of an opportunity to meet locals personally and maybe even learn some of the secrets of the city!

A mild climate and solid surf with seaside breezes blowing in most mornings makes Portugal one of the popular things to do and a surf destination for surfers outside and inside of Europe. Portugal surfing offers a great variety of swell sizes and waves which make it an ideal surfing hotspot ideal for surfers of all abilities.

Portugal surfing is also great because of its situation west of Spain. It picks up south, north and west swells bestwoing the area with consistent conditions which is one thing surfers love about Portugal surfing. When to go is a question often asked. In the winter months the waves can reach around six feet in height and in other areas the waves reach up to 15 feet providing a challenge for those more adept. Portugal surfing in the summer will provide waves roughly three to five feet in size.

There are about seven regions which are best to surf Portugal. These regions run all along the west coast of the country and slip just under the southern tip of Algarve. In each region there are numerous different spots to surf Portugal. Up north in the Porto surfing area there are 18 specifics spots great for surfing. Eight spots are great for beginners to surf Portugal.

Portugal surf can be found south of Porto in Leira where there is the largest expanse of coastline with conditions catering to surfing. Going further south down the coast there are the surfing areas of Peniche and Ericeira and then on to Lisbon. This is a popular place to surf, not only because of the great Portugal surf conditions but also because of all that the capital has to offer. Surfers don’t often surf at night and need something to do!

Beginners can surf the breakwater and jetty while intermediate surfers can catch waves at the beachbreaks and pointbreaks. There is some wicked expert Portugal surf at the rivermouth

Many people aim to learn to surf in Portugal while on holiday and it’s a great place to learn with many companies offering packages and lessons. At the peninsula at Peniche in northern Portugal along the coast, the surf conditions are extremely consistent because of it’s north and south facing coastline making it a fantastic place to learn to surf in Portugal. Peniche Surfcamp is a popular camp that offers one and two weeks of surfing.

Depending on the season between 306 and 430 Euros will pay for 5 days of lessons at 2 sessions per day less than 50 meters from the beach. Also included is seven nights of accommodation in the camp (less than 50 meters from the beach), 2 video sessions, surfboard and wetsuit, full insurance and wireless internet access. There are also daily classes and packages not including lessons for those who want to stay in the area but are already experienced surfers.

For those wanting to learn to surf in Portugal there are several camps in the Lisbon area as well as other parts of Portugal such as Algarve. Make sure to book early to avoid disappointment. The best thing about many of the surf camps is that everything you will need for the week or two is included with the exception of meals but some camps provide meals as well. Learning to surf from an expert can be exactly the guidance beginners need rather than learning on their own. It promises one thing as well, that they can take future vacations to Portugal and surf on their own!

From the picturesque wine region in the north to the gorgeous beaches of the Algarve in the south there are definitely lots of things to do in Portugal. Portugal has heaps of UNESCO World Heritage sites, an extensive history, excellent cuisine and best of all, affordable prices. Events in Portugal seem never-ending with many exciting festivals kicking off throughout the year. The weather is sublime and traditional Portugese hospitality make visitors feel right at home.

Alfama
Alfama is the oldest quarter found in the capital of Lisbon. Winding and narrow medieval streets offer unique views of the area. This ancient quarter is a village inside a city with whitewashed homes, tiny squares, interesting churches, and wrought iron balconies strung with flower pots and drying laundry. Alfama is a revered destination when in Lisbon and provides many things to do in Portugal.

Algarve
If looking for things to do in Portugal that include seas side activities head south to the very appealing Algarve region where Portugal’s best beaches are found. Comprised of three distinct cities as well as many quaint towns and villages, this area of Portugal skirts on the edge of the Atlantic and provides endless entertainment.

Torre de Belem
One of the many UNESCO sites in the country, Torre de Belem lies on the banks of the Tagus River in Lisbon. It is an attractive and unique monument and the tower’s distinct shape is sharply defined by the water and sky providing a beautiful visual. It was built as an integral aspect of a defensive system at the mouth of the river.

Conimbriga Ruins
Things to do in Portugal include a visit to the Conimbriga Ruins which is like a step back into the lives of the Romans. Greek mythological characters are portrayed among the ruins and can be seen via a walk through the old streets and houses with courtyards full of vibrant mosaics in one of the oldest Portugal attractions in the country.

Convent of Christ in Tomar
The Knights Templar occupied many different locations throughout their early existence and the Convent of Christ in Tomar is one of them dating back in history from Medieval times through to the Renaissance. This wonderful collection of buildings is a one of the Portugal attractions receiving thousands of visitors each year.

Gulbenkian Museum
A favorite of Portugal attractions is the Gulbenkian Museum which displays an incredible private collection of ancient paintings, Middle Eastern art and Egyptian sculptures. This attraction is free to all visitors on Sunday as are many other Lisbon museums.

Igreja de Sao Roque
Don’t let the bland exterior of Saint Roch Church deter you from a visit. The Portugal attractions interior is exceptionally beautiful and when all lit up it’s bound to please visitors taking the time to explore it.

Museu Nacional do Azulejo
The Tile Museum, as it’s known to English-speaking visitors, is one of the more treasured tourist attractions in Portugal. It houses a wonderful collection of decorative tiles both from Portugal and abroad that date back to the 15th century. As far as tourist attractions in Portugal it is often visited, fascinating tourists with its historical time lines and fantastic tile paintings.

Historic Center of Oporto
Tourist attractions in Portugal also include the historic center of Oporto which enjoys a lengthy 1,000 year old history. Here a Douro river cruise is the best way to float down the waterway and see life along the riverbanks as well as fertile vineyards and beautiful olive groves.

Carnaval
Tourist attractions in February include Carnaval which is the most exciting festival in the country. Feast your eyes on colorful costumes, traditional dances and boisterous marches and tourists and locals alike celebrate this pre-Lent feat in style and with great fervor and excitement!

In the history of Portugal the Greeks, Phoenicians, Carthaginians and the Romans have successfully occupied the area in Portugal that is now known as Lisbon. The Tagus River with its natural harbor was an obvious attraction. The Romans extended control in the history of Portugal over what is now current-day Portugal from their main base of power in Spain.

Romans left remnants of their culture behind, the biggest one being the Portugese language which is derived from Latin, as well as wine production which the Romans were famous for. Certain layers of the Conimbriga ruins were also built by the Romans. Christianity in the history of Portugal began to spread around the region from roughly the first century A.D.

Events in Portugal history after the collapse of the Romans includes the arrival of the Moors in 711. Their influence can be witnessed in the Algarve region of the country which used to be called al-Gharb. Agriculture advanced and urban centers grew. The Moors were gradually ousted by the Christians in the mid-1100's in Portugal history. Around that time the first King of Portugal took power and the Knights Templar established the Convent of Christ in Tomar.

The year of 1255 in Portugal history saw Lisbon become the capital and Portugal expanded its trade of olive oil, wine and salt fish to Spain and northern Europe. Portugal early history sees the threat of Spanish domination subsided for some time and Portugal became allies with England through the Treaty of Windsor in 1386. Throughout the 1400's in Portugal early history Portugal’s King’s expanded their territory into North Africa and beyond.

The Portugese utilized new developments in navigation, cartography and ship-building which brought prosperity to the country via the ports of Lisbon and Porto. Great profits at this time in Portugal early history from new trade helped fund ambitious projects such as the building of Torre de Belem, though the new wealth did not trickle down to general society.

In 1578 the death of the childless King Dom Sebastiao led to the conquest of Portugal and rule by Spain. He ruled until 1640 when a palace coup was stage and the throne was taken back by the Portugese. History on Portugal shows that Napoleon’s army invaded in 1807 and the Portugese royal family fled to Brazil. Napoleon was later defeated in 1811 by Anglo Portugese forces led by British generals. The monarchy continued destabilizing in the later

part of the 19th century. In the early 1900's the history on Portugal includes several coup d’etats and political assassinations that led to the overthrow of the monarchy in 1910. 1916 saw Portugal move into position in WW1 and economic problems began running rampant in the country.

In 1926 Antonio de Oliveira Salazar became prime minister and held the position until 1968! Toward the end of his rule, wars of independence broke out in Portugal’s far-flung colonial territories such as Goa, which was seized by India in 1961. In the history on Portugal an almost bloodless coup ended the authoritarian regime in 1974 and it was then that Portugal granted independence to most of its colonial territories. In 1975 Colonel Eanes became president after another failed coup.

Portugal joined the E.U. in 1986 under presidential rule of Mario Soares and economic growth continued with large-scale E.U. funding. 1997 history on Portugal shows the country’s last colony of Macau being handed back to China and two years later East Timor gained independence after a Portugese-supported UN referendum. Today tourism thrives and Portugal beaches and attractions such as Carnaval draw thousands of tourists to the region every year.