Move Over Lisbon! Travelers Are Discovering This Affordable Mediterranean Paradise
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Portugal has had a record-breaking summer season. And its reputation seems to proceed nicely into the autumn.
But whereas the nation as an entire has welcomed large numbers of holiday makers, one vacation spot particularly has shone as a tourism star this yr.
Enter Portimao.
According to the Portugal Institute of National Statistics, Portimao skilled the largest development in in a single day stays this summer season, with 10.9% extra guests than final yr.
As the most important metropolis within the Algarve, Portimao boasts lovely seashores, fascinating native historical past, and interesting low costs.
Here’s why you must contemplate Portimao as a substitute of Lisbon to your subsequent Portuguese getaway:
Things To Do In Portimao
You can’t discuss visiting Portimao with out mentioning its seashores.
Although Portugal is commonly thought of a Mediterranean nation attributable to its local weather, Portimao really sits on the Atlantic coast. But that doesn’t diminish simply how lovely its seashores are.
The entire shoreline right here is fringed by tall cliffs, and also you’ll see beautiful rock formations jutting from the water simply off the shoreline.
It’s a shocking scenic attraction.
One of the most effective seashores is Praia dos Três Castelos which not solely has a shocking golden sand seashore but in addition boasts unbelievable rock formations and caves to discover.
This is a superb place for watersports, resembling kayaking or paddleboarding, which the shoreline right here is legendary for. You can take a sundown cruise from Portimao to the Benagil caves, that are shut by and are the most effective instance of caves within the space, for just $19.
Away from the seashores, different unbelievable points of interest to discover in Portimao embody the Fortaleza de Santa Catarina, which is a medieval fort within the metropolis.
It was constructed in the course of the reign of King Phillip II making it greater than 400 years outdated.
The small chapel inside is gorgeous and an fascinating detour, however it’s the views from the highest of the fort that make it value visiting.
The fortress is open to the general public and entry is freed from cost.
Where To Stay In Portimao
Portimao has a fame for being one of many extra inexpensive locations in Portugal, and that is significantly true once you go to within the quieter seasons, resembling fall and winter.
In the autumn you will discover good, comfy 3 star lodging in Portimao from as little as $50 per evening.
Looking at a 3 evening keep from October 16 to October 19, the very best rated 3 star lodge is the Hotel Santa Catarina Algarve which is 50 meters from the seashore, with all the rooms having their very own balconies.
A 3 evening keep for two folks sharing is $240 or $40 per person, per evening.
If you’d prefer to splurge or choose one thing just a little extra luxurious then the very best rated 4 star lodge obtainable (based mostly on time of wanting) for a similar dates is the Jupiter Marina Hotel – Couples & Spa. This lodge is 100 metres from Portimão’s riverside and has a rooftop infinity pool and exquisite spa.
A 3 evening keep for two folks sharing is $434 or $73.60 per person, per evening.
Getting There
One of the issues that makes Portimao so interesting is that it is just a little off the crushed path, significantly in fall/winter when there isn’t any nonstop flight to the Algarve for American vacationers.
You may take an oblique flight into Faro airport, or you might fly into Lisbon after which take public transport to the Algarve and Portimao. This is prone to be the most affordable choice, and public transport is each inexpensive and dependable in Portugal.
You can fly to Lisbon from New York, Miami, Washington, Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, and San Fransisco.
To give an instance of costs, I checked out flights from New York departing on October 17 and returning on October 23. Nonstop flights with Delta on this route are costing $769 return.
The flight time on this route is 7 hours quarter-hour outbound and eight hours quarter-hour inbound.
Once you’re in Lisbon, the prepare from Lisbon to Portimao takes 3 hours 26 minutes on common. A a technique journey on this route will cost just $35, and though the thought of an extended prepare journey after your flight won’t be interesting, why not spend a few days in Lisbon first?
When you’re feeling refreshed, it is a splendidly scenic prepare journey, and a useful expertise in its personal proper.
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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed below are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, authorised or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the submit.