Move Over Lisbon! Travelers Are Discovering This Affordable Mediterranean Paradise
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Portugal has had a record-breaking summer season. And its recognition seems to proceed effectively into the autumn.
But whereas the nation as a complete has welcomed large numbers of tourists, one vacation spot particularly has shone as a tourism star this 12 months.
Enter Portimao.
According to the Portugal Institute of National Statistics, Portimao skilled the largest progress in in a single day stays this summer season, with 10.9% extra guests than final 12 months.
As the most important metropolis within the Algarve, Portimao boasts stunning seashores, fascinating native historical past, and interesting low costs.
Here’s why it’s best to think about Portimao as an alternative of Lisbon to your subsequent Portuguese getaway:
Things To Do In Portimao
You can’t speak about visiting Portimao with out mentioning its seashores.
Although Portugal is commonly thought of a Mediterranean nation as a result of its local weather, Portimao truly sits on the Atlantic coast. But that doesn’t diminish simply how stunning 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 surprising scenic attraction.
One of the perfect seashores is Praia dos Três Castelos which not solely has a surprising golden sand seaside but in addition boasts unbelievable rock formations and caves to discover.
This is a good place for watersports, akin to 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 perfect 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 throughout the reign of King Phillip II making it greater than 400 years previous.
The small chapel inside is gorgeous and an fascinating detour, however it’s the views from the highest of the fort that make it price visiting.
The fortress is open to the general public and entry is freed from cost.
Where To Stay In Portimao
Portimao has a status for being one of many extra reasonably priced locations in Portugal, and that is notably true while you go to within the quieter seasons, akin to 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 resort is the Hotel Santa Catarina Algarve which is 50 meters from the seaside, 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 want one thing just a little extra luxurious then the very best rated 4 star resort obtainable (primarily based on time of wanting) for a similar dates is the Jupiter Marina Hotel – Couples & Spa. This resort 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, notably 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 may fly into Lisbon after which take public transport to the Algarve and Portimao. This is more likely to be the most affordable possibility, and public transport is each reasonably priced 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 method journey on this route will cost just $35, and though the concept of an extended prepare journey after your flight may not 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 invaluable expertise in its personal proper.
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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed below are the creator’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, accredited or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the submit.