Adventure Holidays in Portugal | Cycling & Hiking

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ABOUT PORTUGAL

Located at the southwestern coast of Europe, Portugal and its capital, Lisbon, have been at the center of various waves of “globalization” linking Europe to Africa, the Americas and Asia.

Its propitious location, amongst other factors, allowed for an age of Portuguese “discoveries” during the 15th and 16th centuries that brought the Portuguese language to other continents, making it the world’s 6th most spoken language.

Main Info Holidays Climate References Currency

Capital and largest city: Lisbon
Other important cities: Porto, Braga, Coimbra, Faro
Official language: Portuguese
Ethnic Groups (2011): 96,3% Portuguese / 3,7% others
Total Area: 92.212 km2 / 35.603 sq mi (including Azores and Madeira)
Population 2017 Estimation: 10.290.000
Currency: Euro (€) (EUR)
Time Zone: WET (UTC) in Mainland Portugal and Madeira – WET / WEST, AZOT (UTC-1) in the Azores islands – AZOT / AZOST
Antipodes: New Zealand and Pacific Ocean
Driving way: Drivers on the right
Calling code: +351

1. January – New Year’s Days
25. February – Carnival / Shrove Tuesday
10. April – Good Friday
12. April – Easter
25. April – Freedom Day
1. May – Labour Day
10. June – Portugal Day
11. June – Corpus Christi
13. June – Feast of St. Anthony
24. June – Feast of St. John the Baptist
29. June – Feast of St. Peter and Paul
15. August – Feast of Assumption
5. October – Republic Day
1. November – All Saints Day
1. December – Restoration Day
8. December – Feast of the Immaculate Conception
25. December – Christmas Day

Portugal has a mild Mediterranean climate with over 300 days of sun per year.

It is the perfect place to spend time outdoors biking, hiking, sunbathing, or spending the afternoon in an outdoor cafe with friends. Lisbon is the sunniest European capital. It has some of Europe’s mildest weathers in the winter and pleasant summers.

The summer season is 6 months long, lasting from May to October, with average temperatures of 25°C (77°F) during the day and 16.2°C (61.2°F) at night. December, January and February are the coldest and rainiest months, with an average daytime temperature during these 3 months of 15°C (60°F) and 9°C (48°F) at night.

World Travel Awards – Portugal 2017
“Portugal was voted Best Destination of the World at the World Travel Awards. Lisbon is the Best Destination for City Break”

Source: World Travel Awards
December 2017

20 tasty ways to eat your way through Portugal
“From the freshest seafood to its golden olive oil, Portuguese food may be the most underrated cuisine in Europe. Even better, the seaside nation boasts a wide range of wines to go with its dishes.”

Source: World Travel Awards (Paul Ames)
October 2017

The most famous secret in Europe
“It’s known as the most famous secret in Europe – The Algarve. Discover why the southern coast of Portugal is perfect for a Great Escape.”

Source: CNN
June 2017