PORTUGAL. Atlantic Ocean. Portugal has it all; beaches, mountains, culture, gastronomy, sports and the downright unusual.

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1 38 PORTUGAL PORTUGAL Portuguese sailors of old were an intrepid bunch who braved the high seas to take the essence of their native country s style across the globe. Given their influence was so strong it is easy to see why the identity of Portugal has not been lost over the centuries and it still has a quintessential charm. Riding Lusitano horses across stunning terrain, sampling Port wine produced exclusively in the Douro Valley and eating Belem (custard) tarts are pure Portuguese pursuits. Portugal s location on the west side of the Iberian Peninsula on the Atlantic Ocean means that fantastic water sports are on offer in many of its excellent holiday spots. As famous for its beaches as its 39 golf courses, the Algarve is a firm favourite with couples and families. There is both a busy and a quiet side to the Algarve. As well as the bustling resort towns there are stretches of beach broken up by fishing villages, and Roman ruins occassionally come into sight. The stretch of coast which heads west from Lisbon brings visitors to Cascais. Its beaches are popular meeting points for locals as well as for both kite and windsurfers. This once small fishing village gained fame as a resort for Portugal s royal family in the late 19th and early 20th century and is now a vibrant costal town with many excellent seafood restaurants and chic boutiques. The Portuguese eat more fish and shellfish per head than any other nation, which is an endorsement of the fare that their waters have to offer. An intriguing and interesting excursion is to Montado. Most of the world s cork comes from this delicate, bio-diverse ecosystem in southern Portugal. Here not only the largest number of cork oak on earth can be found but also a wild collection of flora, fauna and endangered species. Atlantic Ocean Centro Norte SPAIN Portugal has it all; beaches, mountains, culture, gastronomy, sports and the downright unusual. Cascais Lisbon Alentejo PORTUGAL Flight time: 2.5 hours Time difference: GMT +1 hour Possible Airlines: British Airways, low cost carriers Months J F M A M J J A S O N D Temp ºC Rain mm Sagres Algarve Albufeira Faro

2 PORTUGAL - ALGARVE 39 PINE CLIFFS RESORT If you are looking for more than just sun, sea and sand, then this action-packed resort is perfect for your family as its fabulous beach is a base for many sporting activities and a variety of accommodation makes this a very easy choice. The hotel accommodation has the easiest access to the kids club and Porto Pirata Children s Village where children arrive and experience a magical adventure, playing on extraordinary facilities like two giant pirate ships, mini-golf or in the pools. It also is nearest of all the accommodation to the beach where you take a lift down from the hotel gardens and then go along the boardwalk. The Residences are located at the far end of the resort and have their own restaurant, supermarket and pool. They are a great option for families and due to their location they are extremely quiet, plus there is a train that runs around the resort every 30 minutes to save walking. The Terraces are also good for families as each has a kitchen with everything you would need and they all have easy access to a pool which is exclusive to guests in this part of the resort. There are also four bedroom Deluxe Villas on large private plots, two storey townhouses and apartments set near the golf course. The golf and tennis facilities make a great sporting playground for adults and children alike, with lessons available to all ages. You may like to spend time together taking a bike ride or family banana boat ride, or learn individually to waterski or windsurf - the sporting options on and off the water are endless. Delicious regional and international buffet food is the forte of the main restaurant Jardim Colonial, O Pescador specialises in fresh seafood and Piri Piri Steak House serves a selection of prime meat grills. Some restaurants and facilities are seasonal. In all, it is bliss for everyone. BEACH FAMILIES Facilities: 503 rooms, suites & villas; 6 pools, gym, tennis, golf, water sports, kids club (6mths-8yrs), junior club (9-12 yrs), 4 restaurants, 2 bars Transfer time: 35 minutes drive from Faro airport Price guide: from 750 low season and 1,440 high season per person, 2,375 low season and 5,670 high season per family, 7 nights, B&B. Half board and full board available at extra cost

3 40 PORTUGAL - ALGARVE MARTINHAL BEACH RESORT & HOTEL Martinhal has one thing at its core families. The entire resort is geared towards providing the best holiday experience for those with young children. This is evident not only in the accommodation but also in the facilities provided. The central village has a playground at its heart and is surrounded by family friendly restaurants plus a supermarket for those taking a self-catering option. High chairs are provided in the main restaurant and in the breakfast area there is even a soft play centre so parents can enjoy a long breakfast while the children play. Youngsters of all ages are especially welcome and the crèche, Raposinhos Kids Club and Fox Club will surpass your expectations. During the holiday season 9 to 18 year olds may enjoy themselves at the Explorer & Adventure Club. For adults there is mountain biking and horse riding, as well as the beach which is a renowned water sports location. To get children to the beach only a few minutes away you can hire a pushchair or if your little one is slightly older get them a bicycle complete with stabilisers. Adults are not forgotten and non-motorised water sports let you indulge your adventurous side with a spot of windsurfing, body boarding or take advantage of the clear waters and go scuba-diving. After a day of sandcastles, kids club or sports, three types of accommodation meet the needs of families or multigenerational groups. You can take a room or suite in the main hotel, an open-plan house with kitchenette or hire a privately owned self-contained villa. Finisterra Spa meaning end of the earth perfectly describes Martinhal s location, where land and ocean embrace. This is reflected in the spa menu where a range of carefully designed treatments honour the Sagres region and its seafaring culture. The Algarve is a great place for a family holiday and if ever there was a resort that truly caters for those with young children Martinhal is it. FAMILIES BEACH Facilities: 237 rooms & villas, 5 pools, gym, spa, tennis, golf, water sports, crèche(6-23 mths), kids club (2-8 yrs), junior club (9-18 yrs), 3 restaurants, 5 bars Transfer time: 1 hour 20 minutes drive from Faro airport Price guide: from 930 low season and 1,310 high season per person, 2,780 low season and 3,995 high season per family, 7 nights, B&B. Half board available at extra cost

4 PORTUGAL - ALGARVE 41 VILA VITA PARC Uber luxurious and family fun do not often sit in the same sentence, but at Vila Vita Parc they sit so harmoniously together that neither disturb the other. While food and wine are a particular focus at Vila Vita Parc, from the adults-only 2 star Michelin awarded Ocean fine dining to The Whale serving kids favourites, pizza and pasta, it cleverly leads couples and families to believe the other does not exist in the resort. The pools are no different with stylish, relaxing hammocks and daybeds around the adultsonly pool, to the inflatables and kids games in the family pool, everything seems to work perfectly. The hotels country estate, Herdade Dos Grous, provides abundant produce for the eight restaurants and the signature wine you can experience is made from grapes harvested during a 1 hour period under a full moon in August. You can take a drive to the estate to enjoy a morning of horse riding followed by lunch and wine tasting. Back in the heart of the resort zen or action awaits, from a yoga or spa experience to waterskiing, canoeing and a plethora of golf courses to play. Children can join in with sporting pursuits or enjoy the activities, playground and playroom at Annabella s Kids Park. If after all that you still want to get out and experience the Algarve then do it in the height of luxury on the VILA VITA yacht. Captain José and crew will escort you along an unforgettable journey exploring secluded beaches and enchanted grottos, you might even be lucky enough to spot dolphins in their natural habitat. Accommodation at the resort comes in many forms from deluxe rooms in the main building which can interconnect for families, to the Oasis family suites surrounded by the gardens which have a separate twin room for the little ones. Any type of holiday here will not only meet, but exceed the highest expectations of the most discerning traveller. COUPLES FAMILIES BEACH Facilities: 180 rooms, suites & villas, 8 pools, spa, gym, golf, tennis, water sports, crèche (6mths-3yrs), kids club (4-11yrs), 8 restaurants, 7 bars Transfer time: 45 minutes drive from Faro airport Price guide: from 760 low season and 1,695 high season per person, 2,940 low season and 6,890 high season per family, 7 nights, B&B. Half board available at extra cost

5 42 PORTUGAL - ALGARVE VALE DO LOBO Vale do Lobo is known as a golf and beach resort, feels very exclusive throughout and is well maintained with attractive, mature gardens. You can discover dream experiences for all the family with golf, tennis, sailing, beach, pools, bars, restaurants, concerts and sporting and cultural events. The sheer range of activities and experiences on offer means there is something for everyone, but there can be no doubt that the jewel in Vale do Lobo s crown is its two golf courses - The Royal and Ocean. Both of these links courses will see you driving into some fabulous seaside vistas, particularly the famous 16th hole of the Royal course which passes over cliff side ravines. Vale do Lobo is also a prime location for tennis lovers as the facilities are outstanding and are the largest in the Algarve with 14 courts. The full list of sports facilities available range from football to beach and water sports, plus there is a fitness centre and a wealth of group classes to join. Kids can head to the beach or go and play tennis leaving you free to relax on the golf course or in the spa. There are 2 kilometres of fully serviced golden beach and the emblematic ochre cliffs offer the perfect backdrop. Beside the main beach there is a communal pool (payable), and a kids club with indoor games, a pool, sand pit, bouncy castles and mini-golf to keep the most active child amused. However, 6 month-3 year olds can only use the facilities if accompanied by a parent. Vale do Lobo is a self-contained community offering endless facilities and services in a unique location. There is a wide range of accommodation throughout the resort including apartments, townhouses and villas. Apartments have sea views, pool or rooftop Jacuzzis, while large detached villas have beautiful gardens and pools. A golf lover s dream with 15 restaurants and bars, an amazing beach, excellent accommodation and peace of mind for all. FAMILIES BEACH Facilities: 1,500 apartments, townhouses & villas, 3 pools, gym, spa, tennis, golf, water sports, kids club(6 mths-12yrs), 15 restaurants & bars Transfer time: 30 minutes drive from Faro airport Price guide: from 630 low season and 775 high season, 2,270 low season and 2,740 high season per family, 7 nights, room only

6 PORTUGAL - CASCAIS 43 THE ALBATROZ SEAFRONT HOTEL The Albatroz Seafront Hotel is located in the fishing town of Cascais next to Conceição beach. This beachfront hotel has kept the architectural trace and natural beauty of the different historical buildings within its midst. You can take advantage of the salt water pool on the large outside terrace, sunbathe at leisure or enjoy a meal in the constant company of the sea. The Albatroz is also just a short walk from the centre of the Cascais, while Lisbon is a mere 30 minutes away on the scenic coastal train. Each room has been decorated to its own style offering you modern comfort and a unique atmosphere. The bar and terrace are the perfect place to experience an unforgettable sunset, the view stretches from the Estoril Coast up to the marina. Some of the best views of the magnificent coast can also be enjoyed from the Albatroz Restaurant which serves gourmet fish and seafood specialities. This luxury boutique hotel overlooks the Atlantic Ocean with views that are impossible to ignore. COUPLES Facilities: 52 rooms & suites, 1 pool, 1 restaurant, 1 bar Transfer time: 35 minutes drive from Lisbon airport Price guide: from 575 low season and 750 high season per person, 4 nights, B&B. Half board and full board available at extra cost POUSADA DE CASCAIS CIDADELA HISTORIC HOTEL AND ART DISTRICT This luxury hotel is set within the walls of the historic fortress, the emblematic 16th century Cidadela of Cascais, and is within walking distance of Cascais town. The Pousada is a member of Leading Hotels of the World and is renowned for its hospitality and providing excellent experiences for its guests. It is set directly above the town s marina among palm trees and charming plazas. The Taberna da Praça restaurant in Praça das Armas Square serves Portuguese tapas, and the Maris Stella restaurant with a view looking over the marina sets the tone for a menu that breathes freshness. The variety of fish, Mediterranean-style snacks, fruit options and desserts are the main elements of the menu and the starting point for a trip with a sea breeze taste. The hotel is the perfect base from which to explore the vast array of cultural, sports and tourist attractions of Cascais and Sintra. Depending on your requirements the hotel boasts a wide variety of rooms, some with a view of the ocean and marina, others overlook the square. COUPLES SPA & RELAXATION A heated pool offers astonishing views over the Atlantic Ocean, while a treatment at the Magic Spa will make for a memorable stay. Facilities: 126 rooms & suites, 2 pools, spa, gym, 2 restaurants, 1 bar Transfer time: 35 minutes drive from Lisbon airport Price guide: from 580 low season and 810 high season per person, 4 nights, B&B