SUMMER


With vivid blue crater lakes ringed by forested volcanic slopes, tumbling waterfalls and subterranean lava tubes, the islands of the Azores are real beauties


Lisboa is surrounded by a coastline that offers everything


from quiet surf spots to great family beaches, so city visitors can complement their trip with a break at the beach. The almost guaranteed good weather makes staying in accommodation that brings you close to nature an attractive prospect. Go glamping with safari-style tents set in wild nature reserves, or embrace the country's simpler charms by bedding down in a yurt for a real back-to-nature break. When the weather hots up, there’s nothing better than a relaxing boat ride, and Portugal can oblige, with everything from sightseeing yacht trips on the Tagus in Lisbon to cruises through the beautiful scenery of the Douro Valley from Porto. Summer is a great time to spot some of Portugal’s marine life,


including dolphins off the coast of Madeira and at the Sado Estuary Nature Reserve outside Lisbon, as well as whales in the Azores. The natural paradise


Long, sunny days where the warmth lasts well past cocktail hour characterise Portugal’s summer months, and British visitors are well accustomed to spending them enjoying a holiday on the country’s beautiful beaches – particularly on the Algarve. Those who prefer to avoid the crowds can find secluded sands,


both in the Algarve’s hidden beauty spots, and in other just-as-pretty corners of the country’s coast. In the Algarve, the sandbar island of Praia de Tavira is so long


that even in high summer quiet areas can be found, and the area between Armação de Pêra and Centianes is full of quiet coves. A short boat ride from the fishing village of Benagil brings adventurous visitors to a vast sea cave the size of a cathedral. Portugal’s northernmost beach, Foz do Minho, is a hidden gem,


while the southern coast of the Alentejo is beloved by domestic tourists for its sandy coves, with a glut to choose from around Porto Côvo.


Wellness in summer


With a huge coastline, it’s little wonder that Portugal is famous for thalassotherapy. Sea water is a source of vital trace minerals and seaside spas use water and marine extracts such as algae, sand and mud for their rejuvenating effects. Sessions in saltwater pools are combined with techniques such as aromatherapy, hot-stone massage and meditation. Madeira and Porto Santo are particularly noted for these types of treatments, which have beneficial effects on problems from arthritis to gout. But thalassotherapy centres are to be found all over the country, with a wide selection in the Lisbon region.


of the Azores is at its best in summer, with little rain, calm seas and warm temperatures. With vivid blue crater lakes ringed by forested volcanic slopes, tumbling waterfalls and subterranean lava tubes, the islands of the archipelago are real beauties, and offer walking and hiking for different abilities, and a wide range of water sports and diving alongside whale and dolphin watching.


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