112 HEALTH MATTERS traVel


Karen Creed stakes out three of the best spots for bargain breaks at home and abroad this summer.


PORTUGAL


Portugal is the perennial holiday favourite for families. With its sun, sea and beaches and the sleepy traditional fishing towns. While it is hard to go wrong with a holiday in Portugal, there are inevitable tourist traps that you might want to avoid. The Algarve is a firm favourite for five million visitors annually, with over 200 kilometres of dramatic coastline. The west, running from Faro to Sagres, is mixed in its charm but away from the bustling resort towns, you can find many areas that have retained much of their Portuguese roots. The countryside surrounding the western part of the Algarve is dotted with picturesque hamlets, clusters of whitewashed cottages and sleepy cobbled streets where a traditional open air market is still the highlight of the week. For more life, the historic town of Lagos with its cobble- paved streets is brimming with restaurants and bars. The old fishing village of Salema is worth considering if you rather a tranquil holiday with its intimate beach setting and enticing sea-view apartments.


STRIKE IT LUCKY this summer


The incredible golfing and tennis facilities have earned Portugal the nickname Sportugal. It lives up to this reputation with extensive facilities across many resorts ranging from impressive golf academies to clay and grass tennis courts. You can expect the complete holiday lifestyle and rest easy that your children will have an active holiday whether they are swimming in one of the resort pools or making friends at the kids club. There are plenty of day outings to water parks and other attractions if you want a break from the beach. The best way to get around is by renting a car. Graced by one of Europe’s most chilled-out capitals, you can spend time in one of Lisbon’s many parks or beaches or wander through the museums and the cobblestone streets of the Bairro Alto district. Two of the lesser known but equally beautiful cities are Porto and Evora. There is also the region of Alentejo, north of the Algarve, which boasts many wine trails with its numerous vineyards. The Portuguese love children, so follow their lead and enjoy long open-air evening meals. To taste something typically Algarvian choose the cataplana stew of shellfish,


or chicken piri piri. Nearly every region of Portugal has a variety in shapes and sizes when it comes to restaurants. Depending on location and style, prices are very reasonable and the servings are normally plentiful. Savouring life is a Portuguese passion and this can all be enjoyed by taking in some of the traditional folk festivals, sumptuous food drowning in olive oil, and markets overflowing with fish, fruit and flowers.


For package holidays to Portugal visit www.topflight.ie or www.surfholidays.com


IRELAND


It may not bask in a sun-drenched climate, but Ireland exhumes an energetic whirlwind of culture, and enough outdoor activities to entertain those ‘staycationing’ this summer. Music, dance, food and craic play an integral role in holidays at home and you can be sure no matter what part of the country you visit there are always things to do and see. In Cork, for example, it isn’t the city’s charm alone that bewitches its visitors. Kinsale is one of the most picturesque resorts and a


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