Portugal is a beautiful country located in Southern Europe, officially known as The Portuguese Republic. On the Southwest of the Iberian Peninsula , the mainland is bordered with Spain to the North and East and the Atlantic Ocean to the West and South. The Portugal territory also includes a cluster of islands notably, Madeira and Azores. The climate is mostly mild winters and pleasant summers, however it varies from region to region.
From the stunning city of Porto to the charming city of Lisbon, the calm beaches of Algarve and the lively villages found all over the country doesn’t make it hard to decide why Portugal is such a popular vacation destination. Though the official language is Portuguese, don’t let it stop you from visiting the place and English is commonly spoken in the tourist areas.
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How to plan your trip to Portugal
Since you have decided to spend your vacation in Portugal, but unsure where to start from, don’t you worry as you are in the right place. In this blog we will explain to you what are the top places to visit, what activities you can perform that you enjoy doing. We will also help you with the best cuisines that Portugal is famous for.
Hence we suggest the best time to travel is late September or early October. As most of the day will be sunny and daytime temperature in most places will be warm or hot. But Evening will be cool and pleasant. The air will remain fresh and it won’t feel much humid.
Flight tips on Portugal Travel guide
If you are traveling from the UK and from anywhere in Europe, you can fly directly to Lisbon, Faro and Porto Airports. Although , you can even consider driving, rail traveling or ferry. This could enhance the joy of vacation by getting to see more of the landscape but it will be a little more expensive.
Famous places to visit in Portugal
Lisbon
The hilly capital of Portugal is Lisbon in which its coastal city is the westernmost capital of Europe. The city gives you the vibe of being colorful and historic. The city looks very lively with people and its architecture as if it has some secrets to tell. The landscape of Lisbon is truly exotic , filled with both hills and golden sand beaches. One thing you cannot miss out on in this city is the mouthwatering range of food, especially seafood. Have a plate of Balchao, a traditional seafood dish. It is so delicious that it will leave you wanting more.Visit the Ajuda National Palace. Get a tour of the entire city on a tram ride. Explore the vintage LX factory for art and galleries. Don’t miss the Time out market where you get fresh meat and vegetables.
Porto
Porto is a unique city filled with hilly areas. The city has a beautiful river , the Douro river. The city is filled with swarmed streets, beautiful colorful houses and is home to some of the best wines. One of the highlights is Ponte Dom Luis I, a double decker bridge. Other attractions include the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art, the Church of Sai Francisco, the Clerigos Tower and the Porto Cathedral. You can also take a river cruise on Douro river or enjoy a traditional Portuguese meal at one of the many restaurants.
Alentejo
Towards the South of Lisbon, Alentejo has been known as the most elegant beach destination. Hotels and Boutiques are filled in this place. Apart from that , there are many charming towns to visit such as Monsaraz and Vila Nova de Milfontes. Then there’s the region’s highly attractive capital, Evora, as notable for its food scene as its Roman temple and hauntingly impressive Chapel of Bones.
Algarve
Algarve has quite a warm climate and some of the most beautiful beaches in our country. But it’s also home to quiet villages, each one seems prettier and can be reached by a scenic rail journey. Visit the local pubs in the flavor of the local tascas and tasty food dishes like fresh Fish, Seafood and spicy piri piri chicken. If you are looking for a big city vibe you will find it in Faro, the region’s lively capital and the surfing capital hotspots are Lagos and Sagres.
Lagos
A beach paradise for travelers where the main intention of visitors is swimming, sunbathing and water sports. If you want sun. sea and sand with stunning beaches, delicious seafood and rich culture. Don’t forget to visit Lagos. Not only the beach, but the city has quite plenty of historical sites such as the Ponta de Piedade lighthouse, the ancient walls of the Castelo dos Governadores and the ruins of the Roman baths. There are loads of delicious seafood restaurants which are a boon for food lovers. You can even visit nearby towns and villages , like the fishing village of Burgau and the Unesco World Heritage site of Sagres.
Best Things to do in Portugal
Portugal has an ideal climate for a variety of adventure activities with many places offering paragliding, abseiling, rafting, canyoning, caving and mountain biking.
Portugal is also famous for its picturesque beaches and stunning sea waters. This makes it a great experience for windsurfers and sea surfers, both beginners and professionals.
Portugal has one national park, the Parque Nacional da Peneda Gerês in the north . It is a protected area which offers incredible walks, such as hiking, though you might want to hire a local Portugal guide with hiking specialist.
Steps to Apply for Portugal Visa with us
- Fill the online Application Form and complete the online payment.
- We will book your Next Day Appointment with VFS.
- Visit the Visa Centre with all your Documents & Submit Biometrics.
- Receive your Passport with Visa Via Post.
Get Professional Assistance for Portugal Visa Appointment
In order to obtain a Portugal Tourist Visa from London to explore the beautiful country you have to first book a visa appointment with VFS center as walk-ins are strictly not allowed. A visa officer will verify your documents during the appointment and may also ask you a few questions regarding your trip.
Hence you might need professional assistance to prepare your documents and secure appointment for successful visa application. We provide complete guidance to obtain Portugal Schengen Visa and manage the entire visa appointment process from start to finish with a little service charge.
Once you get ready to apply for Portugal Visa Appointment our experts at Portugal Visa will cross check the application for accuracy and remove errors if any. We are committed to provide supreme quality services to avoid delays with your visa application so that you can enjoy your trip according to your planned schedule.
How to Book Portugal Visa Appointment?
It is really important to prepare early if you intend to go for a Portugal holiday in the near future. Securing the necessary travel documentation including our VFS Portugal appointment is a crucial step in ensuring a worry free and magnificent holiday. Our simple and convenient appointment process is outlined below.
- Visit our website and fill the online Portugal Visa form with all your details and complete the online payment to proceed further with reserving your express appointment slot at VFS Visa center.
- One of our experts will get in touch with you, will ask you for your preferred date and time of appointment and will book a fast-track visa appointment for you and also check your required documents.
- Visit the VFS visa center with all the required documents and submit your biometric information like fingerprints and digital photo.
- Pay the VFS Portugal tourist Visa for London fee using your Debit/Credit card at the time of appointment for further visa processing and you will get the passport and visa back in a few days via courier.
Anyone residing in the UK with a current resident permit is eligible to use our Portugal Schengen Visa to Apply for Portugal Visa Appointment or any other Schengen nation!
Portugal Visa Types
- Portugal Tourist Visa – Short term Portugal visit visa generally valid for 90 days.
- Portugal Business Visa – Granted to individuals traveling with business purposes.
- Long Stay National Visa – Valid for staying for more than a year in Portugal. Generally British citizens need this visa for 3 months travel, they do not need to apply for a visa for any Schengen countries but to stay for more than they will need to apply for a visa in advance.
Conclusion
This city amazes every person to whoever visits. It has really old and awesome historical buildings emerging between really colored and narrow streets that create a beautiful landscape that’s worldwide known. The food is incredibly good and the prices are low compared to other European Countries. Very nice people are always ready to help anyone and each other. Come and discover the hidden treasure of the magnificent city of Porto.
