Your Guide to Last Minute Holidays in Portugal

Getting There and Around Portugal

Do not let travel put you off your late deal holiday to Portugal from Teletext holidays. There are plenty of last minute direct flights, charter and scheduled airlines to capital Lisbon, as well as smaller cities like Porto and Faro, from regional airports throughout the UK. Normally airport transfers are included in your holiday package, but if you are travelling on holiday independently, there is a regular bus from Lisbon Airport to the city centre or plenty of taxis. From Faro, there are buses and taxis the four kilometres into the town.

From Porto there is a subway into town and a bus service to Santa Cruz, Leca, Matosinhos, Guifoes and Custoias. It's best to hire a car if you want to explore the countryside; however, if you are staying in a resort or city it's unlikely to be worth the extra cost.

Beaches in Portugal

If you are a beach lover then you have picked the right holiday destination. Your late deal could see you relaxing on one of Portugal’s gorgeous stretches of sand. The first stop should definitely be the Algarve. It has a warmer year-round climate than Spain's Costas, and from mid-April to October there's almost unbroken sunshine with which to enjoy your beach experiences. Popular resorts include touristy Albufeira and upmarket Vilamoura, which also has a smart marina full of sleek yachts and plenty of upmarket stores and al fresco eateries.

From swanky Quinta do Lago to Cacela Velha you'll find the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve, a protected treasure trove of unspoilt beaches, deserted islands and motor-sport free waters.
Other areas of Portugal with lovely beaches include the Alentejo coast, next door to the Algarve or the cosmopolitan resort of Estoril near Lisbon.

Sightseeing in Portugal

Your late deal holiday would not be complete without exploring the charms of Portugal. On your late deal you should make sure you visit the National parks where you can indulge in outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking and caving include Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela and northerly Parque Nacional da Peneda Geres. Inland, Unesco world heritage listed Evora is a historic, walled city containing a Roman temple and classic Renaissance architecture.

If you go to Madeira, head to Funchal boasting a stunning mountain backdrop and nearby valleys. Explore its pretty gardens and visit its impressive cathedral. The island's coastline is great for sailing and fishing while there are also two excellent golf courses.
If you are staying on the Algarve, visit the wildlife-rich, natural beauty of Ria Formosa Natural Park where you can hire sail boats or go windsurfing. Alternatively, watch surfers take to the waves down at Sagres or Cabo de Sao Vicente. A day trip to the Algarve's capital city, Faro with its compact Cidade Velha (Old Town) is also well worth leaving the beaches/golf course for.

For those staying in Porto, a trip along the Douro Valley is a must. Go walking, hiking or cycling along the Upper Douro or visit some of the historic port lodges that are situated here. Port was developed here around the 17th century by British merchants trying to keep their Douro wine fresher for longer by adding brandy to the mix. The towns of Peso da Regua and Pinhao are the main grape-growing areas. The charming riverside town of Amarante is a delightful spot to have lunch or dinner.
If you are taking your holidays in Lisbon, take a trip out to the spectacular coastline around the popular beachside resort of Estoril. The area is an up-and-coming golfing destination to rival the Algarve. Nearby Sintra's rich pine and oak forests dotted with verdant ferns are a delight to explore by foot.

Eating and Nightlife in Portugal

Portugal has some delicious cuisine to offer. So why not jet off on your late deal Teletext holiday to this perfect destination and soon be tucking into some of the finest European foods. The Portuguese enjoy simple ingredients like fresh fish, meats, olive oil and tomatoes, flavoured by delicate spices - a throwback to Vasco da Gama's international travels back in the 15th century - and features hearty soups, homemade bread and a variety of cheeses.

If you are a meat lover, head to a churrasqueira where you'll find a selection of succulent grilled meats. Fish (peixe) is a favourite and you'll see bacalhau (salted cod) everywhere. Those with a sweet tooth can rejoice too, in Portugal you'll find rich chocolate mousse, custard tarts and lemony rice pudding which you can wash down with copious amounts of delicious port.

Lisbon's latest nightlife addition is the Casino which opened in 2006, situated in the Parque das Nacoes, the former site of Expo '98 and there's a lively atmosphere in the evenings. For more traditional nightlife Lisbon style, head to Bairro Alto, home to fado music and countless bars. Cafe A Brasieira in the Chiado region is to Lisbon what Cafe de Flore is to Parisians. A place where literary minds came together to debate, in an intellectual fashion.
In Porto the riverside region of Ribeira is jammed with colourful houses on narrow streets which have been converted into lively bars or restaurants.

Portugal Shopping and Family Attractions

If you fancy a day off the beach and away from the sights then why not head to one of the many family attractions Portugal has to offer. The Zoomarine aquatic park near Albufeira has dolphin shows and performances from seals and parrots. Zoolagos in Lagos has 120 types of animal and for natural fun, the old copper mines and prehistoric reconstructions at the Cova dos Mouros Mining Park in Alcoutim is a must. Portugal dos Pequenitos in Coimbra is a miniature park of Portuguese houses and monuments aimed at kids. Porto's river boat rides are great fun and in Lisbon you can visit Parque das Nacoes, which has Europe's largest Oceanarium.

In Madeira, take the kids on a hot air balloon ride over the city or enjoy a ride in a two-seater wicker toboggan through Funchal's steep streets. The capital has a lido, which is excellent for bathing. All these could be yours to enjoy in just a few days with your late deal holiday from Teletext holidays.

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