If you are considering a trip to Europe, purchasing a Portugal vacation package that is all inclusive might just be your best choice. I personally enjoy knowing a little about each country before visiting, so the first part of this will explain Portugal and what is surrounding it. Second, we will dive into what is best for tourist and vacation packages.
Portugal is in the southwest corner of Europe with a population of just over 10 million. Its only neighbors are Spain and the Atlantic Ocean. The Azores Islands are also included with Portugal’s territory. There are a total of 9 islands named Corvo, Flores, Graciosa, Sao Jorge, Faial, Pico, Terceira, Santa Maria, and the largest island with the only international airport for travelers, Sao Miguel. All of the Azores Islands are of volcanic origin.
The Madeira archipelago is also within Portugal’s territory in the Atlantic Ocean. There are 2 inhabited islands there named Porto Santo and the largest with an international airport, Madeira. There are cruises and boats that go back and forth between the islands for tourists.
Portugal has many vacation destinations that offer family run hotels or self-catering apartments, if you are considering staying for an extended length of time. These self-catering apartments are very affordable if you go in the off-season. They are located inside cities and resorts that have been converted from country villas and local farmhouses. If you are looking for luxury hotels or restored palaces, Portugal has those to offer as well. The majority of tourists stay in a small number of cities that include Lisbon, Oporto, and the coasts of Algarve and Estoril.
The Portuguese tourist authority has two classifications for their hotels called hotels and pensoes. Hotels are intentionally built dwellings for the use of tourists renting them out. Pensoes are shared dwellings that consist of different floors being used for different purposes. You might have 3 floors that are apartments and 4 floors used for apart-hotels, which are hotels with self catering apartments. The hotels are usually meant to serve all meals of the day, so you don’t have to worry about eating while you are on your Portugal vacation package that is literally all inclusive.
For the more luxurious hotels, you may consider the York House Hotel in Lisbon, which is a 16th century convent that has been converted. More of the luxurious hotels and lodgings are known as pousadas, that are known as special types of lodging that falls under four categories; historic, historic design, charm and nature. The most luxurious hotel is the Historic pousadas that are castles, palaces, or convents converted to hotels that offer luxurious accommodations.
The Algarve and Madeira along the coast line offers international luxury hotel groups such as the Orient-Express and the Le Meridien. They are also in the Oporto and Lisbon area. Portugal also offers smaller luxurious hotels to stay at operated by Tivoli Hotels with hotels in Lisbon, Sintra, Algarve, Madeira and Coimbra. There is also another big player in town called the Pestana Group with hotels in Madeira, Algarve, Cascais, Lisbon, Oporto, and Sintra.
If you are looking to save money and still enjoy Portugal, you can stay at some of the more popular know Choice Hotels Portugal, such as Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, and Best Western Inn.
Budget accommodation is also available at youth hostels for a very low daily, weekly, or monthly rate. They are open all year long with a total of 54 locations in Azores and Madeira. You will be required to have a valid IYHF card to stay that can be obtained at the Youth Hostel Association. You can find out more information from Movijovem, which is the office head of the Portuguese Youth Hostel Association.
Camping is also available in your Portugal vacation getaway package that is optionally all inclusive. With over 100 campsites offered, you can find a great, attractive place to stay in the popular tourist spots. They are mainly run by a company called Orbitur. You will usually pay a per person and tent rate when staying. The Portuguese Tourist Office is a great place to find more information about all the camping available. The consideration of purchasing an international camping carnet from the Camping and Caravanning Club is also optional. They help assist finding great locations in the countryside to avoid forest fires.
All of the different destination hotels have a one star, two star, three star, four star, or five star rating, with 5 star being the best. You will need to look into which you feel more comfortable lodging at while you are on vacation. Remember, the higher stars and quality hotel, the higher the price of accommodation.
I personally have seen a Porter a the Lisbon Olissippo Lapa Palace that offered some of the finest, breathtaking views there and also at the Hotel Tivoli Carvoeiro, located in the resort of Carvoeiro, the Algarve.
Another great luxurious hotel is the Tivoli Marina Marinotel located at the resort of Vilamoura in the Algarve.
Be prepared to spend top dollar at these premier locations and resorts. We hope you enjoy staying in Portugal for your vacation getaway that can be all inclusive and very enjoyable. You may also consider hiring a Portugal travel agent.