MADEIRA: Discovered 600 years ago and only 1h30m by plane from Lisbon, the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo are one of the most prestigious tourist destinations in Portugal. Its privileged geographical position gives the island of Madeira, an astonishing climatic amenity, with very mild average temperatures ranging from 25 ° C in summer to 17 ° C in winter, together with moderate humidity. Due to the influence of the warm current of the Gulf of Mexico, the sea water is also very temperate, presenting averages in summer of 22 ° C and 18 ° C in winter.
The offer of accommodation in Madeira is vast and of great quality. The options range from the refinement of the traditional centennial hotel, passing through the modernity of the hotels of various categories, the friendly hospitality of the rural tourism houses, which allow a close contact with nature, to the traditional Madeiran estates, which have a rich cultural heritage. The original local gastronomy, guarantees unique gourmet experiences.
The mild climate of Madeira and Porto Santo – whose 9 km of golden sandy beach are a reason for a visit – allows you to practice all kinds of outdoor and more or less radical sports and leisure activities at any time of the year. We highlight, for example, the traditional descents from Monte to the center of Funchal in wicker baskets, golf, diving and all kinds of nautical experiences. In addition, there is a great offer of well-marked pedestrian walks along the Levadas and also by the many beautiful gardens of the island that have an exuberant flora.
The city of Funchal – and all over the island – offers a wide choice of quality and unusual infrastructures to welcome corporate events and medium-sized incentives.
AZORES: The Azores Archipelago, made up of 9 islands that are so different in size but so similar in natural and human beauty, has recently been awarded the “Quality Coastal Destination No. 1”, with Gold Recognition, which distinguishes the most sustainable holiday coastal destination, in Europe!
If you are looking for spectacular scenery with endless panoramic views; a beautiful nature almost wild and still untouched by man; vast open spaces where innumerable shades of green prevail, small and quiet villages, deserted and picturesque roads, idyllic coves and charming beaches, a gastronomy inspired and supported in the local natural products of both the sea and the land … then the Azores await your visit !
However, the Azores are not only made of nature. This archipelago also has a fascinating history – due to its strategic position in the North Atlantic, between the triangle of the three European, American and African continents – a fact that has given the Azores a rich cultural heritage and unique traditions, interesting for all who seek explore a little more.
NORTH OF PORTUGAL: Discover the extraordinary natural beauty of the Northern region of Portugal. The landscapes are fascinating and immaculate, with medieval villages, historic castles and spectacular mountains.
Snaking through a widely green landscape of large terraced vineyards and farms, the Douro River stretches from the Spanish border to the city of Porto. Famous for its gastronomy and wines (Port and some of the best table wines in the world), the Douro region is classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is one of the oldest demarcated wine regions in the world.
Do you want to spend some unforgettable moments in the middle of nature? Stroll through the mountains of the Peneda-Gerês National Park and enjoy the beauty of Portugal’s greenest region. The more adventurous can rafting on rapids on the Minho River, while history lovers can be dazzled by the Neolithic formations and Roman ruins scattered throughout the region. The coastal roads will lead you through incredible landscapes full of rivers and waterfalls.
Places to visit in Northern Portugal include the charming cities of Viana do Castelo, Guimarães, the historical citadel of Bragança and the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte in Braga.
CENTRAL PORTUGAL: Central Portugal has been blessed with an eclectic landscape that includes fantastic beaches, charming historic villages and rugged slopes of Estrela mountain – the highest peak in mainland Portugal.
The famous city of Coimbra has the oldest university in the country, with a magnificent library of the thirteenth century and some extraordinary examples of baroque architecture. The historic cities of Viseu and Castelo Branco are worth a visit, as is the city of Aveiro, known as the “Portuguese Venice”, thanks to its estuary, numerous canals and characteristic Moliceiro boats. Further south along the coast lie large stretches of golden beaches and pretty fishing villages, like Nazaré. The city of Fátima is a great center of national and world pilgrimage, attracting thousands of catholics to its sanctuary and basilica. Not far away and a must do visit, is the medieval walled town of Óbidos and the imposing Monastery of Batalha, one of the best examples of Gothic style in Portugal.
Visitors will be delighted by the fascinating landscapes of Estrela mountain. The birthplace of the Mondego and Zêzere rivers, this natural park encompasses Portugal’s largest protected forest area and is filled with crystalline lakes and hiking trails. The valleys and mountain ranges dress differently depending on the seasons: in winter, the slopes cover with snow and attract winter sports lovers, while in spring and summer the scenery suits other adventure sports such as climbing , mountain biking and paragliding.
Cultural attractions in the center of the country include cathedrals, museums, art collections and Roman ruins, as well as fortresses scattered along the Spanish border dating back to the 11th to 13th centuries. This region is also famous for its traditional festivities, the delicious roasted suckling pig of Bairrada and handmade cheeses such as Queijo da Serra – one of the best in the country.