Holidays in Portugal

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Portugal is a fascinating country and a wonderful holiday destination; Keycamp brings you the opportunity to holiday on the popular Algarve, or on the more peaceful Western coast, just a short stroll from the fabulous beaches and windsurfing of the Atlantic. Portugal really is a land of contrasts, with everything you could need to meet your every mood, including hours and hours of gorgeous sunshine.

The Algarve
If you’re holidaying with children, the superb beaches and popular coastal resorts of the Algarve will prove a major attraction. It’s worth spending some time exploring the less well-known parts of the Algarve; however, to truly appreciate what this region has to offer. The Algarve is also home to some of the best golf courses in Portugal, including San Lorenzo and Quinta do Lago.

The Algarve has only really been a popular holiday spot since the 1980s, and just a little way from the main tourist resorts you’ll still find spectacular sandy bays and fascinating, unspoilt rocky promontories, while inland, the Algarve presents a cultivated landscape, rich in orchards and orange groves. Vineyards flourish here and heady red wines as well as crisp white aperitifs are produced.

Western Portugal
This is a region of wonderful countryside, spectacular beaches and excellent windsurfing. Western Portugal is also renowned for its fine art treasures, lead crystal as well as gastronomy that is strongly influenced by the sea. The excellent Bairrada red wines are produced locally.

Golf in the Algarve

Portugal and the Algarve in particular have numerous quality golf courses, making it a great destination for a short golfing trip or a round as part of your holiday.

Faro (Algarve)

The capital of the Algarve, Faro surrounds a pretty harbour and has a wide lagoon. With its traditional white houses, designer boutiques and coffee shops, this is a relaxing place to explore. The oldest part of the town sits behind fortifications and has a Renaissance cathedral. The Rua do Prior is the place to go if you’re looking for nightlife.

Lagos (Algarve)

For something a little more arty and bohemian, head over to Lagos at the western tip of the Algarve. In Lagos you will find not just the arty crowd, but also the jet-set in their natural habitat. This is a great place for people watching. Find a well-placed pavement café and watch the world go by.

Olhao (Algarve)

This little fishing town, with its attractive architecture, provides a reminder of the importance that fishing has in the region. This is a good place to buy some tasty crab or fresh fish for the BBQ.

Ria Formosa Nature Reserve (Algarve)

With its peaceful beaches and clearly marked paths, the sandbanks of the Ria Formosa provide a perfect opportunity to spot a wide number of birds and marine life. Look out for the herons.

Quarteira (Algarve)

This bustling seaside resort still holds a regular fish market, as well as the largest gypsy market on the Algarve. There is also Atlantic Park, a popular waterpark which the children will love.

Albufeira (Algarve)

Sitting on a hillside over a picturesque bay, Albufeira is easily the most popular resort on the Algarve. There is an 18-hole golf course here.

Rio Formosa National Park (Algarve)

Natural splendour and endless, quiet beaches on the sandbank islands close to Faro and our Quarteira site.

Lisbon (West Coast)

Here at this wonderful capital city you will find deserted beaches, quiet coastal walks, pretty fishing villages and harbours of pure charm. Inland, however, you will find fairytale castles, towering mountains and lush, green forests.

Alcobaca (West Coast)

The town of Alcobaca is famous for its delicious peaches and is home to a magnificent abbey, Mosteiro de Santa Maria that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The world-famous Atlantis Crystal is made here.

Peniche (West Coast)

A deep-sea fishing port, Peniche is also famous for its lace-making industry and, even today, lace makers can be observed at work.

Nazaré (West Coast)

A popular summer resort, Nazaré is still a fishing town at heart and proudly offers some of Portugal’s finest fish and shellfish dishes. The town has a wide sandy beach that is hemmed by fish restaurants and concludes at an imposing cliff face.

Pinhal del Leiria (West Coast)

Originally supplying wood for the sailing ships of years gone by, this magnificent pine forest is a superb spot for a stroll, a picnic, or both!

San Martinho do Porto (West Coast)

The calm warm waters make San Martini do Porto’s sheltered beach a popular place for children to swim and paddle. Pedalos and jet skis can be hired here and the resort centre is quite stylish and peaceful.

Parc Natural da Serras de Aire e Candeeiros (West Coast)

Covering almost 100,000 acres, this beautiful natural park is rich in olive groves and has spectacular rocky promontories. There is also a series of incredible underground caves.

Quarteira Atlantic Park (Algarve)

Great waterpark which the children will love.

Surfing at Praia do Amado (Algarve)

Whether you like to get out there amongst the breakers or simply sit and watch, you will find some of the world’s best surfers at Praia do Amado, in Alijezur, considered to be one of the best surfing beaches in Portugal.

Silves (Algarve)

The remnants of many different cultures overlap in this splendidly historic town. The castle and walls are of Arab origin, the Gothic Cathedral stands on the site of an ancient mosque and the 12th century bridge stands on the site of the original Roman bridge.

Lagos (Algarve)

If you are looking for something a little more arty and bohemian, why not head for Lagos at the western end of the Algarve? Here you will find not just the arty crowd, but also the local jet-set in their natural habitat. It’s a splendid place to find a pavement café and just watch the world go by.

Lisbon (West Coast)

A magnificent capital city since 1255, nestling along the banks of the River Tagus. The fortress which was the original city is now encircled by medieval streets and picturesque houses whose façades are adorned with lovely ceramic tiles. Yet beyond the city and the golf courses, you will also find deserted beaches, quiet coastal walks, pretty fishing villages and harbours of pure charm. Inland, however, you will find fairytale castles, towering mountains and lush, green forests.

Obidos (West Coast)

Beautifully cared for, this walled medieval town, with its narrow winding streets, whitewashed houses and tiny tavernas is like a living, open-air museum. Try the local cherry liquor!