You're probably here because you're looking for a Portland Holiday in 2013 - well, Portland Holidays have become part of
Thomson Holidays now. In fact,
Portland Holidays has been owned by Thomson for several years, but since 2011 the Portland brand has been stopped, and all holidays
are now sold through Thomson. All's not lost though - it's still worth having a look at Thomson to see what they can offer you in the
way of a good deal.
Algarve
The Algarve has drawn visitors, siren-like, to its sun-drenched shores for years - its gently
shelving beaches and warm air currents make for a tempting mix of ingredients. The coastline
is simply beautiful - long stretches of golden sands are washed by refreshing seas and red
sandstone cliffs seclude delightful bays.
Food & Wine in The Algarve
Cuisine in the Algarve is adventurous, rustic and hearty with fresh fish dominating most menus.
Try the local version of paella - 'arroz de marisco' - with prawns, clams, rice, onions, tomatoes
and peppers, or the spicy north African-inspired chicken dish - 'frango piri piri'. 'Cataplana'
is a mouthwatering dish of pork, onions, tomatoes and garlic, steamed in a unique copper pot,
which also make bespoke souvenirs. 'Armaguinaha' - a local almond liqueur can be enjoyed on
its own or with ice and a squeeze of fresh lemon. 'Medronho', the local firewater, made from a
fruit which is a relative of the wild strawberry, is high in alcohol and not for the faint hearted!
Days & Nights in The Algarve
Nightlife in the Algarve ranges from quiet evenings enjoying long dinners beneath a starry
sky to late night dancing beneath multicoloured strobe lights, so whether you're looking
for romance or parties, you'll find a resort that's perfect for you. Praia da Rocha's main
esplanade bustles with people enjoying the excellent choice of bars, restaurants and clubs.
If you're feeling lucky, you could try your hand at the casino. Alvor is rather low-key, unlike
S�o Jo�o and Albufeira where you will find the famous �Strip' with a wealth of lively open-air bars,
restaurants and discos.
Sights & Sounds in The Algarve
Sightseeing: Behind the Algarve's picture-postcard coastline is a rural landscape of sleepy villages,
patchwork fields and citrus and olive groves. Each spring the countryside is cloaked with wild flowers.
Beyond are the eucalyptus, pine and cork-oak covered foothills and the Monchique and Caldeirao
Mountains that separate the Algarve from Alentejo further north. The views from the 900m summit
of Foia Mountain are spectacular.
Sun & Sand in The Algarve
The Algarve has one of the world's finest natural shorelines - 167km of golden beaches
swept clean by the Atlantic - rated by many as the best in Europe. The European Foundation
for Environmental Education has awarded 1/3 of all beaches at the Algarve �Blue Flag" status.
Secluded bays framed by red sandstone cliffs give way to seemingly endless sandy beaches while
the warm waters are perfect for swimming and snorkelling. The coast west of Faro is craggy,
with ochre-coloured cliffs, secluded bays and delightful coves. East of Faro there are
offshore islands, blue lagoons, longer and straighter beaches and warmer water.
Portland Holidays have 1000's of package holiday resorts around the world. We have provided details
of the most popular locations. However, you can use the search facility at the top of this page to
search for a holiday in any of Portland Holiday's package holiday resorts.
Thomas Cook Holidays have over 100 package holiday resorts around the world. We have provided details of the most popular locations. However, you can use the search facility at the top of this page to search for a holiday in any of Thomas Cook's package holiday resorts.
Thomson Holidays have over 100 package holiday resorts around the world. We have provided details of the most popular locations. However, you can use the search facility at the top of this page to search for a holiday in any of Thomson Holiday's package holiday resorts.
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