Portugal

Portugal’s capital city, Lisbon, is located on the country’s southwestern coast. One of the oldest quarters in the city is the Alfama, which still retains much of its original, centuries-old layout. The Castle of São Jorge sits atop the highest hill in the historic city, and the Mouraria and Castelo quarters lie along its northern and western slopes. Each June these three quarters come to life with annual feasts honoring their patron saints.

The Estoril Coast and Cascais resort area, which sit on the Mediterranean Sea, enjoy pleasantly mild winters and summers. Fall is like a second spring. Estoril beaches boast fine sand and calm waters. Surfers prefer the wide, long beach at Carcavelos. Wind-surfing has become popular on the Atlantic-facing Guincho beach. And the beach at Torre sits between the between the St. Julian of Barra fortress and the calm Ocean Swimming Pool.

Madeira is a tropical island known as the “Island of Flowers.” Interestingly, the island is also home to Laurisilva Forest, the largest evergreen forest in the world. Porto Santo, also located in the Madeira Islands, features five and a half miles of sandy, golden beaches where visitors swim in the clear, warm water all year long. A thriving spa industry is found on the islands, with Thalassotherapy—using sea water and sea products—being one of the most popular types of treatments.

The southernmost portion of the mainland is known as the Algarve. Here, the unique architecture—such as terraces, chimneys and whitewashed houses—bear evidence of the Moorish influence on the area prior to the Portuguese king’s conquest in 1292. This is the lushest and most fertile region of the country, with the Algarve’s northern hills providing shelter for the fig trees, almond trees and orange groves. The coastline along the southern portion of the region includes a long stretch of sandy beaches broken up by rugged cliffs. The sea is warm and calm, and the area draws visitors to its numerous marinas and dozens of golf courses.

For additional information or to book your vacation please call 1-800-882-6864 or visit InterhomeUSA.com today!