Touring Portugal - By Request
August 2007

Sunshine and cyan waters are just the tip of Portugal's allure for vacationers around the world. Visitors are drawn in by beautiful, historic architecture, tantalizing cuisine and warm hospitality.

It's easy to romanticize your surroundings where centuries-old villages and ornate churches dot the landscape. In the same setting, soccer is a serious business and nightlife is fine art.

From seasoned history buffs to energetic sports fans, a vacation for every personality and taste can be found within Portugal's borders.

What to See

"Each region has its own gastronomy and wines, typical products and activities. It's a very diverse country," Maria Carmo Sousa Dias of the Portuguese Trade and Tourism Commission.

Igreja da Misericórdia de Monchique, a church in Arraiolos

Igreja da Misericórdia de Monchique, a church in Arraiolos

Portugal is divided into 7 regions: Porto e Norte, Beiras, Lisboa, Alentejo, Algarve, Madeira and Açores. The latter two are autonomous island groups.

In each region, monuments, historical sites and other cultural attractions greet travellers year-round. Dias says, "There are museums all over the country; more then 200 of them."

Popular sights:

  • Castelo dos Mouros
    Also known as the Castle of the Moors, this site's walls and towers create a distinctive figure in the skyline of the village of Sintra. Possibly dating back as far as the 9th or 10th century, and is recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

  • Castle of Guimarães
    A 10th century structure located in the northernmost region of Portugal in the town of Guimarães. Originally commissioned as a refuge from invaders and also known as the Cradle of Portugal, the castle is a national monument that has undergone extensive restoration.

  • São Bento Palace
    This palace is home to the Portuguese parliament, the Assembleia da República which translates to the Assembly of the Republic. In the capital of Lisbon 230 elected members meet in this building that dates back to 1598.

  • Santa Maria Maior de Lisboa
    Lisbon Cathedral was built by the first king of Portugal in 1147 and is the oldest church in Lisbon. Crowned by a rose window, Lisbon Cathedral has both Romanesque and Gothic styles incorporated into its architecture.


RCI in Portugal

Overall, there are 98 RCI resorts in Portugal and 32 have Gold Crown status. A few we noticed are:

Pine Cliffs Resort (#5284)
Pinhal do Concelho - Falesia
Apartado 887
Albufeira, 8200-912, Portugal
Phone: 289-500300
www.pinecliffs.com

Elliott at Vale do Lobo (#0332)
Vale do Lobo
Parque do Golfe
Almancil, 8135-034, Portugal
Phone: 289-353000 elliott@elliottgroup.co.uk

Alto Golf and Country Club (#1966)
Quinta do Alto do Poco
Apartado 1, Alvor
Portimao, 8501-906, Portugal
Phone: 282-410820
www.altoclub.com


Madeira Island

On this mid-ocean island, visitors are treated to natural surroundings cultivated in sub-tropical isolation. Considered a privileged destination by mainland Portuguese, Madeira caters to recreation, relaxation, entertainment and outdoor adventure.

In linear distance, Madeira Island is closer to Morocco in Northern Africa than to Portugal in Continental Europe. However culture and politics on Madeira Island are much closer to European.

What to See

  • Laurisilva Forest
    Another UNESCO world heritage site, the forest is located on the northern slopes of the island. Walk through the forest by following water channels called 'levadas' and marvel at huge trees, exotic orchids and other unique flora and fauna.

  • Flower Festival
    In Funchal every April, flowers fill the streets and a parade celebrates the vast selection of flowers on the island. Other activities include flower carpets, folk performances, flower shows and concerts.

  • Madeira Botanical Garden
    If you miss the festival, stop by the Madeira Botanical Garden just outside Funchal. Experience 2,000 exotic plants from all over the world within the 35,000-square-metre grounds.




Harbour of Câmara de Lobos, Madeira Island

Harbour of Câmara de Lobos, Madeira Island

RCI on Madeira

16 of RCI's Portuguese resorts are located on Madeira Island in the cities of Funchal and Caniço.

The Madeira Regency Palace (#4429)
Estrada Monumental
Funchal, 9000-250, Portugal
Phone: 291-703000
www.regency-hotels-resorts.com

Porto Mare Residence (#6687)
Rua Leichlingen 7
Funchal, 9004-566, Portugal
Phone: 291-708700
www.portobay.com

Pestana Atalaia Hotel (#7718)
Sitio da Tendeira - Pico da Atalaia
Canico, 9125-144, Portugal
Phone: 291-939000
www.pestana.com



Getting Around

Major airports, rental cars, buses and trains all service destinations across Portugal, however no car is needed inside main cities like Lisbon and Porto.

International flights are available direct to Madeira Island. If the Island is part of a larger Portugal tour, a flight from Lisbon to Madeira takes roughly one and a half hours.

Before You Book

Dias suggests that spring and fall are the best seasons to visit. She also says that learning a bit of Portuguese is only necessary to visit more remote areas.

Weather

One of the warmest European countries, an Oceanic climate dominates northern Portugal, while the south is considered Mediterranean. The average annual temperature ranges from 13°C in the north to 18°C in the south.

From start to finish, a trip to Portugal showcases enchanting scenery. You'll be captivated by old-world charm and fascinated by traces of the Roman Empire. Whatever you see, wherever you go Portugal has something distinctive to offer.

Special thanks to Zorida Ali for requesting information on Portugal and Madeira Island.

- Gayle Miller, Director of Owner Services/Education

*Information on Portugal and Madeira Island found on en.wikipedia.org and visitportugal.com.

 

If you'd like more information, your Owner Liaison Team is happy to provide you with that service. Call 1.866.769.6377 to chat with our friendly, knowledgeable staff.

*Request a Destination Profile*

Thank you to all the Owners who have sent in profile requests so far! We will be addressing them in the coming months, so keep them coming.

Tell us where you want to go and we could profile your destination of choice!

Send your suggestion to news@aviawest.com.