Portugal is one of the 20 most visited countries in the world, with a mild climate and 3,000 hours of sunshine per year to offer intrepid tourists.
The country is home 850 kms of splendid beaches and can be visited relatively inexpensively from Ireland, with the Algarve remaining a popular spot for summer travellers.
Lisbon
Lisbon is the country’s capital but is the second oldest capital in Europe and retains a rustic and charming feel. The city was home to the world’s greatest explorers including Vasco da Gama, Magellan and Prince Henry the Navigator so it is bathed in history and culture. It’s also one of Europe’s least expensive capitals so you’ll get more bang for your buck.
Make sure to hit up the stunning Jerónimos Monastery, as well as Sao Jorge Castle and the Igreja de Sao Roque.
Fly Ryanair from Dublin to Lisbon on Monday April 13th and return on Sunday April 19th with a stay at the four-star Exe Lisboa Parque Hotel (via Trivago) for seven nights for €370, based on two sharing.
Faro
Faro is a city in the Algarve region in Southern Portugal and attracts a lot of holidaymakers so your best bet here is to visit on the off-season when things are a little quieter. This is the perfect base to explore and is you want to enjoy some R&R and some leisurely strolls in the sun, this is a great spot.
Don’t miss the opportunity to see Ria Formosa, one of the seven natural wonders of Portugal, which is a unique coastal lagoon that is constantly changing due to the movement of winds, currents and tides.
You can fly to Faro with Ryanair via Dublin on Monday April 27th and returning to Sunday May 3rd, with a stay at the four-star Hotel Eva (via Trivago) for €370, based on two people sharing.
