Vacation Rentals in Portugal

The spectrum of possible leisure activities for active holidaymakers in Portugal is at least as varied as the breathtaking landscape. Particularly on the coasts of the Algarve and on the coastline facing the open Atlantic Ocean, water rats get their money's worth thanks to considerable waves and a stiff breeze while windsurfing and kitesurfing. In the quieter bays in the south as well as at the mouth of the Tejo you can go on a stand-up paddling trip or a diving trip. A kayak tour on the Tejo itself, which takes you through wild and romantic gorges, promises even more action. If you want to stay dry, you can explore the coasts, the hinterland and the mountains by mountain bike or hiking boots from your finca.

Portugal's past, in which the country was alternately under the rule of Romans, Teutons, Christian kings and Muslim caliphs, has left numerous traces worth seeing for cultural tourists. Among the absolute highlights are the countless castles and fortifications such as the Castelo de São Jorge in Lisbon, the Christ Knight Castle in Tomar, the city palace of Sintra and the Castelo do Queijo in Porto. In addition, there are impressive sacred buildings such as the Cathedral of Faro and interesting museums such as the Museum of Modern Art and the Tiled Museum, which is one of the most beautiful museums in the country.

Thanks to the geographical differences between the mountainous north and the slightly hilly south, which is also close to the African mainland, Portugal is in principle worth a trip all year round. While the Algarve and the west coast are particularly attractive for bathing tourists between June and September, active holidaymakers should plan their stay in the southern half rather for spring and autumn, as it is significantly milder at this time. City tours through Lisbon are also much more relaxed outside the high season. However, you should book your vacation rental in the north for the summer because of the much lower rainfall.

Religious holidays play an important role in Portugal and are therefore often celebrated with pompous processions, to which tourists can also feel warmly invited. Particularly worth seeing are the festivities during Holy Week (Semana Santa), on the Festa da Cruzes in May and on Saint Anthony's Day in June. Other highlights are the music festival Vilar de Mouros, the jazz festival in Estoril and the Festival de Marisco in August, where everything revolves around seafood in Olhao. The programme is rounded off by the Dias Medievais in September, when countless knights, jugglers and craftsmen populate the castle of Castro Marin.