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Forget the cold. Long live holidays in the sunshine!
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5 minutes
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For you
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In the spotlight
The days are getting shorter and the cold more intense. You’re digging out the coats, scarves and woolly hats. Evenings are spent snuggled up in the warm with a mug of hot chocolate. Oh yes, winter’s definitely arrived! But what if you forgot all about it and instead started thinking about a holiday in the sunshine? See, the very idea already has you smiling! So get those bags packed, we’re off to Portugal!
Why go to Portugal in the winter?
Known as the “Florida of Europe”, the country enjoys over 300 days of sunshine, so heading there for a winter holiday means you can be certain of getting a hefty dose of vitamin D. A few more reasons to convince you?
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An attractive price for transport and accommodation
- Far from the summer crowds and their hustle and bustle
- A calm restful atmosphere
- A chance to get much closer to the local population
- Shorter queues to visit the monuments and museums
- A milder climate, particularly in the Algarve
- The superb colours of the scenery
So yes, there are plenty of reasons to treat yourself. And what about the activities? No need to worry, there’s a wide range of entertainment waiting just for you!
Just as many activities as in the summer!
Surfing the waves
The Algarve is renowned for its superb beaches of soft fine sand with the Atlantic Ocean stretching as far as the eye can see! And winter is when the best rollers form off the Faro coast, perfect for all watersports lovers. The brave of heart can take to the waves at one of the 286 surf spots (don’t forget your wetsuit). And then of course, there’s kitesurfing, wakeboarding... Discover that delicious feeling of freedom and get happy!
Hiking with the family
Isn’t it great to be able to get out and enjoy nature when the weather’s mild and there’s no-one else around. Head off on one of the many footpaths and explore the marvels of Portugal. A few recommended addresses for you? How about trying the national parks: Rocha de Pena, Monchique or Ria Formosa for bird watching. With a bit of luck you might even spot dolphins off the coast at Faro. Recharging the batteries amidst unspoilt flora and fauna, far from the winter cold; what could be better!
Swinging a golf club
Golf-lover? Then you probably already know that the Algarve is a leading golf destination. And the perfect season just happens to be from February to March. You’ll have more than forty courses to choose from, most of them in protected areas with awesome panoramas. A veritable golfers’ paradise! So whether you’re simply curious to give it a try, a keen amateur or a seasoned expert, you’re certain to find your ideal course.
And how about celebrating the festive season in the sunshine?
The Christmas celebrations are particularly important in Portugal. Immerse yourself in the local customs. Stroll through the amazing Christmas markets in search of typical Portuguese produce such as the “bolo de rei”, a brioche-like cake with dried and candied fruit, admire the giant Christmas trees with their superb decorations and soak up the festive ambiance filled with magic and conviviality. The Christmas festivities come to an end on 6 January, Epiphany, with the Janeiras, traditional songs to wish everyone a happy new year. So many fabulous traditions to share!
