Summer’s is almost here! Sun, sand, the sea disappearing into the distance, a deep blue sky and lots of pleasant moments, are waiting for you in Portugal. The Portuguese coast is extensive: between the mainland and the islands there are more than 2,800 km of coastline, where you can find the 352 beaches awarded with the European Blue Flag, like this one on the photo 😉 This is Praia da Rocha Baixinha, situated in the Algarve, near Vilamoura Marina, one of the major points of attraction on the Algarve. This Beach is divided into two areas - West and East.

The Azores, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, is an archipelago of nine islands showing nature in its purest state, and one of the largest whale sanctuaries in the world. The Azores are currently one of the world’s largest whale sanctuaries. Among resident and migrant species, common or rare, more than 20 different types of cetaceans can be spotted in the Azores. It is an impressive figure and it corresponds to a third of the total number of existing species. This is an an ecosystem with unique characteristics. With majestic whales and friendly dolphins, the blue Atlantic Ocean becomes even more magic around these nine islands. And it brings to the present, when preservation is the keyword, an old cry: “How she blows!”

The Island of Porto Santo is a haven of gold and blue, where the pace of everything is tranquil, inviting relaxation and rest. Right in the Atlantic Ocean, Porto Santo, 11km long and 6km wide, has been long dubbed the Golden Island, for its extensive, stunning 9km-long beach of fine and silky sand, bathed by turquoise waters. The climate in Porto Santo, mild all year round, with a sea temperature ranging between 17ºC and 22ºC, makes this island always attractive, even in the winter.

Piódão, Coimbra District

In the heat of summer, those who are looking for a different holiday in the middle of nature but don’t want to give up going for a swim can exchange the salty sea for the calm, fresh waters of the Portuguese rivers. The river beaches are the ideal solution for those who are looking for places to cool off and that, at the same time, offer peace and tranquillity in a setting surrounded by forest green. The concern over environmental conditions, safety and accessibility in these locations is demonstrated by the growing number of river beaches with a Blue Flag and by the creation of easier accesses for people with reduced mobility and leisure areas with diversified services.

3 Tv. da Quinta da Estrela
Odemira, Beja

To get to know a place, you need to feel the earth beneath your feet. Set off to discover the Vicentina Route, on foot or by bicycle, and discover this network of routes along the Alentejo coast until the Cape of São Vicente in the Algarve. It is a long pedestrian route, extending more than 400 kilometers along the Atlantic coast, one of the most beautiful and well-preserved coastal areas in Europe. It will certainly be a memorable walk…

Right in the middle of Alentejo, the wonderful Alqueva sky is like dark velvet cloaked by a huge blanket of stars. It is a protected area and internationally certified as a Dark Sky Reserve, or "Starlight Tourism Destination", which extends over an area of about 3000 square kilometres. In addition to accommodation and restaurants, the initiative also includes tourism companies and guides with which you can learn more about the area through hiking trails, signposted tracks for observing flora and fauna, canoeing, workshops, astrophotography and other activities during the day or even at night

Alongside its natural beauty, Madeira has another no less surprising beauty to offer: its great network of irrigation channels - the Levadas. These waterways are a living reminder of the titanic effort of past generations to distribute the abundant water that flows from springs at the top of the mountains amongst the slopes and valleys. They cover several protected areas including, most importantly, the Madeira Natural Park and the Funchal Ecological Park.

Arouca, Aveiro

Get to know the Portuguese geoparks that UNESCO has integrated into its World Network. They are unique territories with sites of high geological relevance, where you will discover breath-taking landscapes. In Arouca Geopark you can discover 41 geosites with unique characteristics, of which the Pedras Parideiras de Castanheira (Castanheira’s Breeding Stones) or the Trilobites Gigantes de Canelas (Canelas' Giant Trilobites) stand out. This mountainous territory, which highest points are in the Freita and Montemuro mountain ranges, is crossed by rivers with excellent conditions for canyoning, canoeing or rafting, which has in the Paiva rapids one of the best practice places in Portugal. Other mandatory visits are the Frecha da Misarela waterfall and the Passadiços do Paiva [Paiva Walkways], which cross the geopark along 8 kms, being an excellent way to enjoy i All these territories have very different characteristics, but in common they have the concern for the conservation and protection of natural and cultural values, as well as the promotion of sustainable development involving local communities.

Located 5,7 miles away from Cape Carvoeiro, the archipelago of Berlengas consists of 3 island groups: Berlenga Grande, and nearby reefs, Estelas and Farilhões-Forcadas, all of them geologically different. Berlenga Grande, the main island, is 1.500 meters long, 800 meters large and 85 meters high. Its climate is influenced by both Atlantic and Mediterranean weather influences, which make this archipelago a unique ecosystem in the word. The waters are rich in fish and sea mammals, sea plants and other sea organisms, leading to the classification as a Maritime Reserve. In 2011, Berlenga was classified World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. It is a Natural Reserve since 1981 and a Special Protection Area for Wild Birds since 1999.

Azores

Azores, Portugal

Right in the middle of the Atlantic ocean, the Azores archipelago is acknowledged by specialists as one of the best diving destinations in the country and all the islands offer spectacular underwater views. The sea here has a unique visibility which can reach down to 30 metres, depending on the weather conditions. And diving can be undertaken all year round, although the best time is the summer. The water temperature is an added attraction, ranging from 17ºC to 24ºC throughout the year, and sometimes in winter it is warmer than the outside air.

Benagil

Carvoeiro, Faro District, Portugal

Discover the gorgeous Algarve Coast, and the beaches that are framed by golden cliffs that the sea has carved into some unusual shapes, forming same caves and grottos, that should be on your Algarve bucket list. One of the most famous one, is the Benagil Sea Cave, a spot of amazing natural beauty. Located on the southern coast of the central Algarve between the popular tourist destinations of Praia do Carvoeiro and Armação de Pêra, the cave can be reached from the sea by boat, kayak or stand up paddle.

Ericeira

Ericeira, Lisboa, Portugal

Fifty kilometres from Lisbon, Ericeira is a traditional fishing village, with a lot of tradition linked to the sea, now recognised as one of the world’s surfing reserves. The characteristics of the sea and the coast, where tall cliffs alternate with small sandy coves, the preservation of Mediterranean natural habitats and the surf culture make Ericeira a destination for surfers from around the world. The part of the coast that is considered by the American organisation Save the Waves Coalition as the 1st surfing reserve in Europe and the 2nd in the world is 8km long and includes beaches that are a worldwide reference point for surfers, such as Ribeira de Ilhas, the Baía dos Dois Irmãos, known by the community as Coxos, Empa beach in front of the village, and São Lourenço beach. Here you can find several companies offering surfing lessons that can help you tackle your first waves or perfect your technique.

Ria Formosa, the most important wildlife sanctuary in the Algarve, and the Castro Marim and Vila Real de Santo António marshlands – the River Guadiana wetland zone – are two protected areas waiting to be discovered on foot or by boat. On the long strip of sand that separates the Ria Formosa from the sea you will discover some beautiful, almost deserted, beaches, while the Natural Park, which extends over 60 kilometres between the Ancão Peninsula and Manta Rota Beach, is frequented by about 1500 species of living creatures. Visit the islands of Faro, Barreta, Culatra, Armona and Tavira, and don't forget to enjoy the breathtaking scenery in which the blues of the ria, the sea and the sky coexist peacefully.

The Peneda-Gerês National Park, in the far northwest of Portugal, is the only Portuguese protected area classified as a such and integrates the UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves. The lush vegetation in all shades of green includes a forest of holly, the only one in Portugal, and endemic species such as the Gerês lily, which brightens up the fields with its shades of violet-blue. Rivers and streams flow through the Peneda, Soajo, Amarela and Gerês mountain ranges, which comprise the park, rushing down in waterfalls and then spreading out into reservoirs. Immerse yourself in the crystalline waters of its waterfalls, and enjoy the surrounding breathtaking landscapes.

Lousã, Coimbra District

Hidden between mountain slopes of leafy vegetation, the schist villages are one of our best kept secrets, but one that their pleasant, friendly inhabitants enjoy helping to reveal. In this magical world, where time passes more slowly, the hospitable people always have the time to welcome visitors, and to share their stories, crafts and traditions. Just as we like to savour their gastronomic delights, made from recipes passed down from generation to generation! Or take with us a handmade article in linen or wood into which the local craftsmen have put all their knowledge. Relax, explore and enjoy a true natural experience.

Lisbon

Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal

When we make a trip or discover a new place, we like to take a souvenir home or take the opportunity to buy some gifts. We usually look for objects or products that are representative of the country and its culture, which are unique. It won’t be difficult to find any of the pieces mentioned when visiting Portugal, but you can always include older and traditional stores in your programme, which you can find in the “Comércio com História” [Trade with History] project. This way you buy local and support the local economy😉.