What is the best time to travel to Portugal?

The weather in Portugal is mild all year round, so it is always a great time to visit! There are, however, the best times of the year to enjoy the sun and have less chance of rain.

Destiny	Recommended Season	Temperature
Lisbon	From April to September	Summer - maximum:  35°C [95°F]; minimum: 16°C [60.8°F]. Winter - maximum: 16°C [60.8°F]; minimum: 8°C [46.4°F].
Porto	From May to September	Summer – maximum: 25°C [77°F]; minimum: 15° C [59°F]; Winter – maximum: 13°C [55.4°F]; minimum: 5°C  [41°F].
Braga	From May to September	Summer – maximum: 25°C [77°F]; minimum:  14°C [57.2°F]; Winter – maximum: 15°C [59°F]; minimum: 5°C [41°F].
Coimbra	From May to September	Summer – maximum: 29°C [84.2°F]; minimum: 15°C [59°F]; Winter – maximum: 13°C  [55.4°F]; minimum: 5°C [41°F].
Évora	From April to June / in September to October	Summer – maximum: 30°C [86°F]; minimum: 16° C [60.8°F]; Winter – maximum: 12°C [53.6°F]; minimum: 5°C [41°F].
Guimarães	From May to September	Summer – maximum: 25°C [77°F]; minimum: 15°C [59°F]; Winter – maximum: 13°C  [55.4°F]; minimum: 5°C [41°F].
Algarve	Spring and Autumn	Summer – maximum: 29°C [84.2°F]; minimum:  15°C [59°F]; Winter – maximum: 18°C  [64.4°F]; minimum: 8°C [46.4°F].
Azores	From May to September	Summer – maximum: 25°C [77°F]; minimum:  18°C [64.4°F]; Winter – maximum: 17°C [62.6°F]; minimum: 11°C [51.8°F].
Madeira	Spring and Summer	Summer – maximum: 25°C [77°F]; minimum:  19°C [66.2°F]; Winter – maximum: 19°C [66.2°F]; minimum: 13°C  [55.4°F].
Porto Santo	All year	Summer – maximum: 25°C [77°F]; minimum:  20°C [68°F]; Winter – maximum: 18°C [64.4°F]; minimum: 13°C  [55.4°F].

The Azores, Portugal: Five reasons to visit

According to Aicep, the Azores is like a tropical version of 'Middle Earth', the mythical world brought to life in The Lord of the Rings flicks.

This far-flung archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean is home to other-worldly scenery. But being more Fern Gully than Frozen, these Portuguese islands are painted in shades of verdant green and blue, and boast temperatures to please both the nature- and sun-seekers among us.

Like Middle Earth's real-life New Zealand locations, the Azores' steep valleys, dramatic volcanic rock formations and soaring mountains all scream for adrenaline-charged adventures – and plunging into its temperate seas will reap rewards, too.

So time to strip off and dive deep into the valleys and waters of the Azores' biggest island, São Miguel, to discover why you should visit Europe's Eden.

1. Natural wonders

São Miguel has many star natural attractions but the Loagoa do Fogo (Fire Lake) and Caldeira Velha are its hottest – literally.

Located in the centre of São Miguel, the strikingly blue Fire Lake – a two-kilometre-long body of water nestled in a volcanic crater – was formed during an eruption in 1563. It ticks all the boxes of biological beauty with its white sand beaches, lush plantation surrounds and high mountains, reminiscent of New Zealand's verdant topography.

Meanwhile, Caldeira Velha combines stunning scenery with relaxation by way of its cascading thermal waters, where visitors can enjoy a relaxing soak in the sulphurous pools, which maintain a steamy 38-degrees all year round.

2. Adventure

Rev up your adventurous side and discover Sete Cidades, one of 'The 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal', from a different viewpoint – and at a thrilling pace.

Azores Holidays offer off-road buggy rides through a hidden labyrinth surrounded by walls of green to discover the volcano of the 'Seven Cities' – comprising of quaint towns, lakes and volcanic topography. The Sete Cidades Lake, São Miguels' main water source, is best viewed from up high, so that you can fully appreciate the spectacle of the famous crater twin lake (one green, one blue) set in a dormant volcano.

The same tour company also run canoeing trips where you can get right into the thick of this natural splendour, floating along the placid lake, appreciating its gentle flow and forest surrounds.

3. World-class diving

Put the flippers on to discover the Azores unique underwater playground by scuba diving or snorkelling – Spirito Azul run PADI diving courses and trips that take you to stunning off-shore reefs.

Dive sites Arcos da Caloura and Baixa das Castanhetas both resemble rocky playgrounds, with their arches, caves, deep drops and thoroughfares made up of old lava flow. The way the natural light shines through these distinctive dive sites may leave you feeling like you've uncovered the Lost City of Atlantis.

If you are on the lookout for ocean giants, whale sharks and orcas can also be spotted in the waters off the Azores.

4. Unusual culinary delights

Ahoy seafood lovers – and meat lovers, too – São Miguel has foodie types covered.

Those with adventurous palettes should try the region's speciality dish, cooked below ground – the Cozido das Furnas. Besides the Furnas' long-list of natural draw cards (thermal baths, geysers, volcanic mud to name a few), many bold eaters come to the region seeking out this unusual one-pot meal. The dish, featuring either meat or fish with vegetables, is buried beneath the soil and cooked with natural volcanic heat for hours, giving the meal a distinct flavour.

Argentina may be known for its succulent steaks, but the Azores' regional steak may just be the best. Savour each heavenly forkful at the world renowned Alcides Restaurant with its signature steak dish Bife à Alcides, cooked to perfection.

5. Lavish ways to treat yourself

The Azores is also home to luxurious spa retreats worthy of your riches. The contemporary chic Pedras Do Mar Resort and Spa not only delivers in views, but spa treatments, too. Try the Oriental-inspired herbal hot pouch massage, in which heated rice, cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom are tied in cloth bags and placed on targeted areas. You'll feel heavenly and smell delightful, too.

Located along the coast, a pit stop at the Termas da Ferraria offers visitors two pools of thermal water to stew in, as well as a range of lavish spa treatments.

Source: Portugal Global - Aicep | See the original article here.

Are Azores the new Iceland?

News agency Bloomberg considers that Portuguese islands are the “hot new adventure destination”. This is at least the opinion of the America news agency Bloomberg in an article called "Move over, Iceland: the Azores are the hot new adventure destination.”

Compared with the neighbor to the north, journalist Brandon Presser refers to “gorgeous no-filter landscapes, a palpable not-in-America vibe and an ultra-convenient stopover locale on your way to Europe”. However, he says the Azores remain off the tourist radar, instead of Iceland where, he says, it is predicted that in 2017 there will be more tourists than residents.

For Bloomberg, Azores are “a quiet realm of quaint Iberian charm and dazzling vine-draped greens carved out by a dramatic history of volcanic events.”

São Miguel is noted for being the largest island, the most populous and accessible, but the advice is for the traveler to not stop there and to take at least a week to "jump" to some of the other nine islands of the archipelago. In São Miguel island, he highlights the lagoons of the Sete Cidades, the village of Furnas, "a spa for 300 years", with the fumaroles, Terra Nostra garden and the stew as a business card, and the capital, Ponta Delgada, with its narrow streets, religious architecture made of porous volcanic stone and street art. In Pico he focus the "soaring volcanic peak whose shadow moves across the landscape like a sundial", the cultivation of the vineyard and the observation of whales. He also mentioned São Jorge for its cheese and Faial for its prepared fish in a restaurant in Horta.

If they are the new Iceland, we do not know, but the Azores are increasingly in the mouth of the world.

Source: Fugas

This other Eden: the Azores, Europe's secret islands of adventure

For in-the-know travellers, the Azores have long represented a beckoning blip on the radar of possible destinations. Recognition from Unesco and other organisations has helped that blip to pulse more brightly over the years.

But most people still know little, if anything, about this far-flung archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic. And yet it is hard to imagine a place better suited to nature lovers, fans of adventure sports, or anyone looking for a beacon of sustainability.

As if that wasn’t tantalising enough, there is a new reason to visit this autonomous region of Portugal: restrictions on air routes to the Azores recently eased, which means more carriers, more choice and cheaper fares for travellers trying to reach this other Eden.

The exposed tips of vast underwater mountains, the Azores lie on the nexus of the European, American and African tectonic plates, and they bear witness to the forces forever shaping our planet. This is a world of fumaroles, mudpots and scalding springs; of caverns, columns and grottoes formed from once molten rock; of blue lakes ringed by forests of laurel and cedar, and green pastures patterning the slopes of calderas.

Unesco designated three of them (Graciosa, Flores and Corvo) as biospheres, and the archipelago also contains 13 Ramsar sites (important wetlands) and over 30 Blue Flag beaches. Combine mineral-laden soil with a subtropical climate surrounded by Gulf Stream-warmed waters, and the result is a crucible for life.

Thankfully, Azoreans seem intent on preserving their treasures – the built environment covers just five per cent of the land; the rest is a patchwork of protected areas and marine reserves. The regional government aims to produce 75% of the islands’ energy from renewables by 2018.

Little wonder then that last year the Azores were named as the world’s top destination for sustainable tourism by Quality Coast, a European Commission-supported certification programme. In fact, it is the only place in the world to receive a Platinum Award, the organisation’s highest accolade.

Adventures at sea

Whale watching

The Azores are best known for whale and dolphin watching; the archipelago is a pit stop or home for about a third of the world’s species of cetacean.

Year-round residents include sperm whales, common dolphins and bottlenose dolphins. Many other species (including blue whales – the largest animal in the history of the planet) pass through on migration routes.

Well-organised tours run from the larger islands and go to great lengths to whale watch responsibly. A code of conduct governs how many boats can congregate near a whale, the direction from which they must approach the animals, and how long they’re allowed to shadow them.

Not so long ago, of course, people came armed with harpoons rather than cameras. Whale hunting – introduced by Americans in the 18th century – played a part in the Azorean economy until as recently as 1987. In one of many ironies, the vigia (watchtowers) once used for hunting these leviathans now help to steer tourist boats to their quarry. The Whalers’ Museum on Pico (espacotalassa.com) and the Whaling Station at Porto Pim on Faial tell the story of the industry and its demise.

Diving

Nutrient-rich water welling up from the deep – or rather the life it supports – is what attracts the whales; this is also what makes the Azores one of, if not the, best diving locations in the Atlantic. Warmed to between 17C and 24C, the seas truly teem, and visibility reaches 30 metres between May and October.

The kaleidoscope of species – from yellowmouth barracuda to devil rays, loggerhead turtles to slipper lobsters – arises from the extraordinary range of habitats. Wrasse, damsel fish and moray eels dwell in the coast’s jade-green bays; marlin, tuna and shark swirl around the peaks of barely submerged volcanoes; jacks, bonitos and grouper patrol the walls of underwater cliffs; more delicate life forms shelter in caves formed from lava tubes; and countless other species take up residence in the shipwrecks cluttering the seafloor.

All the islands apart from São Jorge and Corvo have accredited dive centres offering excursions and equipment hire (dive.visitazores.com).

Watersports

The mild weather, warm water and variety of the coastline also make the Azores a year-round destination for watersports.

The attractions for sailors are obvious and Azorean harbours host a calendar of regattas and events. Horta, the main town of Faial, is the cosmopolitan centre of this transatlantic traffic, and its marina has become an open-air gallery of murals painted by superstitious crews before they depart on their voyages.

Over the last decade, word of the Azores’ consistent, crowd-free surf has spread; Santa Maria and São Miguel have reliable beach and point breaks; aficionados, meanwhile, head to the fajãs (flat land at the foot of cliffs) of São Jorge, where the Atlantic crashes upon reefs to create longer, tube-shaped waves.

The conditions also make for great windsurfing, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, and other water-based activities, while those seeking something more restful can always take a dip in one of the swimming holes formed by lava as it cooled flowing into the sea.

Adventures on land

Geotourism

Anyone remotely interested in geology will be in their element. The islands’ topography speaks of their volcanic origin in dramatic fashion, but there is more to see than just craters and cones; cave systems, rock formations, hot springs, and further ‘mistérios’ (mysteries, the name given to lava-covered patches of land) await investigation.

The Capelinhos volcano that surged up from the seabed off Faial in 1957 is one of the best documented sites in the world (turismo.cmhorta.pt); the interpretation centre beneath its now abandoned lighthouse does a superb job of explaining the Earth’s occasional convulsions.

On Pico, you can descend into one of the world’s longest lava tubes, the Gruta das Torres (parquesnaturais.azores.gov.pt), to inspect rare stalagmites of lava, as well as bizarre forms resembling benches, balls and lengths of rope.

Aside from a beautiful lake, the parish of Furnas on São Miguel has crowd-pleasing volcanic activity, including fumaroles and mudpots; Azoreans use the thermal heat to slow-cook their traditional cozido, a stew of meat and vegetables, under the ground. Try it, pig’s ear and all, at the art deco Terra Nostra Hotel (bensaude.pt/terranostragardenhotel), then slip into the thermal pool in the adjacent botanical gardens.

Hiking

At 7,713ft, Mt Pico is Portugal’s highest mountain. If conditions are right, the three-hour climb to catch sunrise or sunset is the Azores’ premier hiking experience; however, it faces stiff competition with about 60 marked trails crisscrossing the islands (trails.visitazores.com).A brochure shot par excellence, the twin crater lakes of São Miguel’s Setes Cidades are the focus of several routes. The two-hour trip from the Vista da Rei viewpoint to the caldera’s floor is a good primer to Azorean walking, but a hike down to the shore of mist-obscured Lagoa do Fogo has the edge.

Composed of a sheer-sided ridge, São Jorge is a hiker’s daydream, but those whose eyes are forever drawn to the edges of a map should probably look to far-flung Flores, the westernmost point of Europe, a real-life Jurassic Park praised for its beauty even among Azoreans. And they should know.

Other adventure sports

Fans of adventure sports might find themselves paralysed by indecision, such is the choice on offer.

The many waterfalls cascading into ravines make for world-class canyoning. Between them, São Miguel, Santa Maria, São Jorge and Flores have more than 50 equipped routes, from small drops for beginners to hair-raising descents for pros.

Horse riders and mountain bikers are well catered for, and both forms of transport fit the islands’ eco-friendly ethos. São Miguel, Terceira and Faial have stables, and you can hire bikes on São Miguel, Santa Maria, Terceira, São Jorge, Pico and Faial, with trails ranging from ultra-technical tracks to gentle lakeside circuits.

The Azores have also hosted a paragliding festival for the past 20 years (asassaomiguel.com). The rims of São Miguel’s craters make for ideal take-off points, and there can be no better way of appreciating this fantastical landscape than from above.

Source: Lonely Planet

THE MISSING ISLAND

You probably heard of Atlantis an island kingdom mentioned in Plato’s work. Controversy abounds around the real versus mythical nature of this island. Atlantis is one of the biggest mysteries in world history and literature.

What’s this to do with Portugal?... Well some say the Azores are the lost Atlantis… of course some others say Atlantis is now underwater and closer to the Bahamas, and still others that it never really existed. Those trying to push the Azores theory argue based on the location, its natural setting, and more recently even tried to use some underwater vestiges as extra evidence. Regardless of the real truth, the Azores and their pure untouched vegetation are a magical destination.

An archipelago with nine islands, the Azores are the result of a cultural melting pot which cooked over many centuries. Here you can see dolphins and whales flirting in a boundless ocean. In fact, the Azores are currently one of the world’s largest whale sanctuaries. You can spot more than 20 different types of cetaceans... that’s a third of the total number of existing species! Diving is another exciting activity available in the Azores. Day or night, sand or rock, caves or shipwrecks, you chose which diving experience you want… or you can also bring it down a notch and enjoy some calmer snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters around the islands. Finally if you want to pay homepage to those courageous whale hunters, the Azores are a world top destination for big-game fishing. The Azores are known among others for its large quantities of bluefin tuna and enormous blue and white marlins.

The Azores are much more than its surrounding water though. Of volcanic origin, its islands display blue and green lakes, deep green pastures, extinct volcanic craters, and rare plant species. One of its islands, Pico Island, is classified as World Heritage and boasts the highest mountain in Portugal (“Pico”). With its pristine vegetation, Mount Pico is home to some of the best views and hikes in the world. The volcanic origin of its islands also allows for some unique food experiences. In the Azores you can cook underground using the heat from special holes on the ground called “fumarolas”. Finally, other experiences include horseback riding, hiking, golfing, canyoning, bird watching, surfing and paragliding.

Whatever brought these nine islands together, made sure each of them kept its own identity. When you visit the Azores, make sure to save time to visit as many as possible. You’ll understand why being Atlantis or not is irrelevant, and how magical places still exist just a few hours away from Europe’s mainland.

Don’t wait until Atlantis disappears again: visit the Azores!

AZORES – ADVENTURE HOLIDAYS

If you're looking for adventure, Azores is the right place to go! Not only you'll be able to experience several different adrenaline-pumping activities, you'll do so in beautiful and unique islands with amazing sceneries. About 850 miles west of Portugal, Azores is a volcanic Atlantic archipelago that offers all sorts of activities to fit everyone's liking.

You can visit Azores to relax, enjoy its beaches, explore the countryside and enjoy the scenery. However, you can also explore ravines and waterfalls, canoe in volcanic craters, or simply climb and cycle in different places of the islands. There are also some things more out of the ordinary, like swimming with dolphins and, if you're feeling particularly brave, diving with sharks.

PORTUGAL'S BEST ROMANTIC HOTELS - HOTEL TALISMAN

At the historical center of Ponta Delgada, in Azores, we can find a charming hotel overlooking a beautiful park, the Hotel Talisman.

Its interior reveals the secret of good taste from open colors, textures and a hint of luxury, to the flow of the stairs and the warm glow of the winter garden. The old wing is elegantly furnished in a classical style, whilst the new wing offers accommodation in a more minimalist style.

BAY OF SAN LORENZO

 

The mostbeautiful vineyards in the world are in Portugal and Italy. Things areas they are and this is so. Vineyards like this Dorado called San Lorenzo Bay.

  

You cannot love the wine and stay in the cellar. An obvious truth that's hard to believe during the first years of a wine lover. These first years in which everything is beautiful and we collect corks and bottles and we visit wineries. Majestic Wineries, designed by artists such as Calatrava, Foster or Genhry. Wineries with paintings by Antoni Tàpies and Eduardo Chilida and rooms with more computers than one room at MIT. Wineries that are castles, where a man who is also winemaker speaks of the cup mix and you look and nods saying "aha".

The Best SPA's in Portugal - South and the Azores

TravelTailors offers you the relaxing and innovative properties of the best Portuguese SPA´s, located in naturally soothing landscapes; the finest options were selected, enhancing your beauty and well-being experience. Massages, trips and nature are in harmony in Lisbon, Alentejo and Azores.

More information here

The Best SPA's in Portugal - South and the Azores

TravelTailors offers you the relaxing and innovative properties of the best Portuguese SPA's, located in naturally soothing landscapes; the finest options were selected, enhancing your beauty and well-being experience. Massages, trips and nature are in harmony in Lisbon, Alentejo and Azores.

More information here

The Best SPA's in Portugal - South and the Azores

The Best SPA's in Portugal - South and the Azores 6 days TravelTailors offers you the relaxing and innovative properties of the best Portuguese SPA´s, located in naturally soothing landscapes; the finest options were selected, enhancing your beauty and well-being experience. Massages, trips and nature are in harmony in Lisbon, Alentejo and Azores.
DAY 1  LISBON - BEJA Journey to Beja. Alentejo is a region of plains, without high altitudes, where rest and tranquility are capital gains, offering a vast landscape where the cork and olive trees are joined. In the place where Beja is located there is evidence of occupation since ancient times, but it was the domination of the Roman Empire that contributed the most to its development. The site was renamed Pax Julia and was promoted to administrative and judicial capital. The current urban plan of Beja is based on the Roman city and the doors of Évora and Mértola that mark the ancient wall entries. Conquered for the first time by the Christians in 1162, it suffered several attacks from Muslims and only had definitive peace in 1253, with King Afonso III. At the end of the century, King D. Dinis had the Castle built, whose keep became the ex-libris of the city. The royal patronage was marked by several monuments that are worth a visit, namely the Convent of Conceição, the Church of Misericórdia, the Convent of São Francisco, that is now a Pousada, the Church of Santiago, and the Church of Pé da Cruz. To discover the city of Beja, the Golden Plain Tourism Region has 30 Petras available (bicycles). Relaxation activity in SPA, in Albernoa. At the heart of Alentejo, wrapped in the bucolic landscape, inspiration for countless poets, the muse of many songs, this SPA is located in a luxurious rural mountain that is quite harmonized with the region . Whitewashed walls match the modern and bold decor that prevails in the interior. In this SPA you can enjoy an invigorating, tonic and aromatic environment. An unforgettable experience. Face Rituals: Eucalyptus and Cypress Skin Gourmet oxygenates, rebalances and provides vitamins. The skin regains comfort, elasticity and well-being. Sandalwood and Sage Skin Acqua : moisturizes, calms, removes the skin�s stress. The skin irradiates health. Rosemary and Mint Vital Skin : tones, smooth the features, revitalizes. The skin rejuvenates. Body Rituals: Relaxing Ritual : concentrate of active relaxing ingredients, lotus, bamboo and water lilies. Using relaxing motions, pressures and stretching, this ritual relaxes, harmonizes and rebalances as well as offering well-being. Toning Ritual : a energy cocktail for energizing tired and devitalized skin. A treatment focused on invigorative active ingredients: lotus flower, white tea and hibiscus. Detoxing Ritual : concentrated in detoxifying active ingredients, lotus flowers and essential oils. It favors drainage and the elimination of toxins, remodeling the silhouette and providing well-being. Around 20h30: suggestion for dinner in a signature cuisine restaurant, in Albernoa. This is a modern and welcoming space, marked by glass walls that allow the surrounding nature to accompany you to the table. Here a signature cuisine is offered, where regional products are privileged. Each week, the team prepares different tasting menus, being also possible, by appointment, to order typical Alentejo dishes such as rooster stew or lamb stew. Overnight in hotel of the selected category. DAY 2  BEJA - ÉVORA - MARVÃO Journey to Monsaraz. Monsaraz is a medieval town, the oldest in the municipality of Reguengos de Monsaraz and it has evidence of settlements since prehistoric times. In 1157 it was conquered from the Moors by Geraldo Geraldes The Fearless, in 1167 donated to the Templars and in 1319 to the Order of Christ. For centuries, the Castle of Monsaraz played an important role as a sentinel of the Guadiana River, watching the border with Spain. Besides all the historical, architectural and social patrimony, Monsaraz is surrounded by a wonderful landscape, and from the top of its castle, you can see it in its entire splendor. Suggestion: boat ride on the Alqueva. Enjoy a boat ride on the great lake of Alqueva, from the harbor of Monsaraz, allowing you to overlook the riverside villages, castles and all that the nature of Alentejo has to offer. Around 12h30: suggestion for dinner in panoramic restaurant, in Portel. This panoramic restaurant is located on the waters of the Great Lake, the Alqueva Dam. A quiet place, of serene waters and green hills dotted with white houses. The restaurant is part of the landscape, featuring a modern line and a sensational terrace. The cooking is typical of Alentejo, but with a touch of sophistication. Journey to Évora. Évora is one of the most emblematic Portuguese cities. Its beautiful historic center has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Places of unavoidable visit are its imposing Cathedral, built between 1186 and 1204, the notorious Roman Temple (popularly dubbed the Temple of Diana), built between the I and III centuries AD, the Church of São Francisco and its famous Chapel of Bones, the beautiful Lóios' Church (15th century), or the Palace of D. Manuel. The nearly 20 churches and monasteries of the city denote their religious and historical significance. A very local and central attraction is the famous Praça do Giraldo, with Arabian-style arches and a fountain dating from 1571, a meeting place for all generations, animation and special performances. Around 20h30: suggestion for dinner in signature cuisine restaurant, in Évora. Located on the ground floor of an ancient palace, the restaurant selected by TravelTailors has the gastronomical signature of a chef known for his wisdom when it comes to herbs. The menu has as its starting point Alentejo cuisine and develops its creative inspiration through Mediterranean flavors. The beautiful dining room with vaulted ceilings is elegantly decorated. Spacious tables, beautiful linens, proper glassware and service are adequate to the culinary excellence inspire refinement. Overnight in hotel of the selected category. DAY 3  ÉVORA - COMPORTA - LISBON Relaxation activity in SPA, in Évora. We offer you an experience in what was considered the best SPA in Portugal . It is a perfect retreat with a luxurious atmosphere, a place where the most modern therapies meet history. From the quality of the treatments, the wonderful view of the relaxation room and indoor pool, everything is designed to provide tranquility and rejuvenation of mind, body and soul. This SPA is installed in a luxurious hotel, fascinating for its history and authentic for its charm, considered National Heritage. Some proposals: Body Exfoliation with Salts and Oils 25 min. Exfoliation helps the removal of dead cells, restoring the vitality of the skin and protecting its hydration. It is an ideal treatment as preparation for any other body treatment. Eastern Head Massage 25 min. A deeply relaxing treatment, where pressure is made on vital energy points, relieving tension accumulated in the areas of the head, neck and shoulders, stimulating circulation and giving a pleasant feeling of well-being. Eye-Lift 25 min. Perfect for all skin types that are beginning to show the first signs of aging around the eyes. A fantastic reaffirming and moisturizing treatment. It may be added to any facial or body treatment. Aromatic Back Massage 30 min. Exfoliation treatment and back massage for an absolute relaxation, balance and well-being. Journey to Alcácer do Sal Located south of the district of Setúbal, the municipality of Alcácer do Sal rises over the tranquil River Sado, which mirrors the white of the houses that line the entire marginal. It is from the river that many families take their livelihood from, along with agriculture. The serene surrounding landscape rewards us with its marshlands, its plains, but especially with the unique riches of the Sado Estuary and all of its fauna and flora. It's impossible to miss the food, rich in river fish dishes, Alentejo flavors and pinenut candy, one of the essential ingredients by these margins. Journey to Comporta. We leave back the mountains, pine forests and undulating carpet of rice fields of the Natural Reserve of the Sado Estuary - a winter resort for the families of birds that come here to make their nests. The beaches here are beautiful, stretching for miles of white sand washed by calm waters, where you can't help but feel like resting. Around 12:30: suggestion for lunch at a traditional cuisine restaurant, in Comporta. Halfway through Comporta and Carvalhal, on the road connecting the two towns and their beaches, the restaurant proposed by TravelTailors makes its bet on traditional cuisine. Specializing in charcoal-grilled fish, this house offers a warm and friendly atmosphere. Suggestion: horseback riding on the beach of Comporta. An invigorating horseback ride on the beach of Comporta, natural reserve of the Sado Estuary with the Atlantic Ocean always present, for one hour, will certainly be nice! Journey to Portinho da Arrábida via ferry from Setúbal. The lush Natural Park offers a continuum of unforgettable images and is the ideal setting for a walk for two. This coastline provides you with white sandy beaches lined with dunes and cliffs for miles. Revel in the grandeur of the Serra da Arrábida, its beaches and its natural park. Suggestion: beach at Portinho da Arrábida. Enjoy the exceptional beauty of the scenery and the turquoise water (but be careful! It's cold) of Portinho da Arrábida. Journey to Lisbon. Crossing the April 25 Bridge, you will have one of the most spectacular panoramas of Lisbon. Around 20h30: suggestion for dinner in a signature cuisine restaurant (Michelin star in 2012), in Belém. You can choose from: Cafeteria with Oyster & Sushi Bar : a relaxed and informal space with a spectacular terrace overlooking the marina along the waterfront, which proposes a timeless world cuisine. Restaurant & Winebar : the perfect combination of sophisticated and unique flavors in the exclusive restaurant and Winebar with Portuguese signature cuisine (winner of a Michelin star in 2012) and a selection of the best varieties and crops. Suggested night out: Foxtrot. Foxtrot is one of the oldest bars in Lisbon, full of rooms and small nooks, in a recreation of the ambience of the bars from the end of the century, within the concept of an English pub. It is visited by politicians of São Bento and also young people, being an option for a drink after work. After a refurbishment, it kept the same Art Deco style but won an outdoor garden, to allow for better enjoyment of summer nights. Overnight in hotel of the selected category. DAY 4  LISBON - CITY OF DESTINATION OR EXTENSION TO THE AZORES Suggestion: SPA relaxation activity in Lisbon. This SPA is part of a design hotel located in Belém, marked by elegance, sophistication and the fantastic view over the Tagus River. You can relax in the heated indoor pool and enjoy the sauna and turkish bath. You will have the opportunity to relax while receiving a massage. This is an exceptional place to treat the body and mind, located in the Tagus River: 1000 m2 that create a holistic experience, combining the most advanced technology with Eastern rituals. Try the parlors for treatments for two, floor therapy and experience showers: Essence of Fire, 55 min. : energizing ritual performed with rhythmic massage movements with four hands. Ideal for those who feel out of energy, unmotivated or difficulties of concentration. Using a citrus and cinnamon based aromatherapy oil, this ritual will awaken your mind and invigorate your body, so that you can enjoy life with more enthusiasm, passion and creativity. Suggestion: Before the ritual, take a peaceful stroll along the river; soak up the sun at the Sky Spa if the weather is nice, and at the end of the ritual drink an aromatic tea, hot and with invigorating spices. Essence of Wind, 90 min. : holistic ritual that celebrates life through specific techniques of breathing and relaxation. Using aromatherapy oils of apricot, chamomile and eucalyptus, this massage incorporates a special selection of the best techniques of Eastern and Western massage, to cleanse the mind and bring back a feeling of total serenity. Feel alive and light as air. Suggestion: Before the ritual, enjoy the Hammam and breathe in the fresh scent of eucalyptus. After the ritual, remain lying for about 30 minutes in the relax area and with your eyes closed and aired mind, remember the good times that life has provided you. Journey to the city of destination. DAY 5  EXTENSION TO THE AZORES Journey to Ponta Delgada. The city of Ponta Delgada owns a rich history and charming heritage, surrounded by the splendid nature of the island of São Miguel, which delights whoever beholds it. It was in the 19th century that Ponta Delgada had greater success and prosperity, even becoming one of the main and richest cities of the country, mainly due to strong exports of citrus to the fishing industry and the establishment of many foreign traders. This legacy is today visible in the colonial and romantic appearance of the city, giving it a beautiful environment. Standing out are its romantic gardens, its narrow and cobbled streets as well as several palaces. Around 12h30: suggestion for lunch at a traditional Azores cuisine restaurant, in Ribeira Grande. This is a spacious restaurant with large windows to the sea with personalized service and pleasant and comfortable ambience. A good place for regional cuisine with an international flair. Suggestion: visit to the Gorreana tea plantations. The emergence of the Azores tea dates back to the 19th century; with the disappearance of the orange, well traveled and wealthy people began to consider other options. And so began the production of tea around 1875 to 1876, with Gorreana being part of a family of six that started the business. Drinking tea is associated with several benefits, ranging from the fight against development of cancer cells to the prevention of heart problems. Suggestion: visit to Lagoa do Fogo. Lagoa do Fogo is one of the largest lakes in Azores and the second largest in the island of São Miguel and is classified as a natural reserve since 1974. This lake occupies the dormant volcano's large boiler, which forms the great volcanic massif of Serra de Água de Pau, located in the center of the island of São Miguel. This whole area is surrounded by dense and lush vegetation. Visit to Furnas' boiling springs. This is a complex that includes mineral water springs, used to treat rheumatism, bronchitis, skin and digestive tract diseases, in scientific use since 1870. It is located in the municipality of Povoação, on the island of São Miguel, Azores. As one of the largest thermal centers in the world, with about thirty varieties of water at various temperatures and gifted with a magnificent building, is a place of rest, relaxation and medicinal treatments. Integrated in this set are the thermal pavilions and hospital of the 19th century. Around 20h30: Suggestion for dinner at an Azores inspired restaurant, in Ponta Delgada. Housed in a charming hotel in the heart of Ponta Delgada, this restaurant seeks to dedicate itself to innovation and updating the Azorean cuisine, basing itself on the quality of local products and the canonical forms of confection as well as introducing new perspectives in the final presentation of the dishes, in an original and careful manner. With a modern and minimalist decor, this space has the collaboration of a prestigious chef , internationally awarded. Ponta Delgada by night : a suggestion for an evening out. The Galeria Arco 8, located next to the roundabout in Santa Clara, is a comfortable space where you can stay quietly with friends while listening to good music. The Bar has the particularity of displaying movies, art exhibitions and regularly features live music performances. Another highlight is the informal atmosphere and the excellent cocktails that are prepared here. Baía dos Anjos is a bar inserted into the Galerias Mar, which is governed by a monthly theme that reflects the Azores' today. It's a lively venue, with a frequent schedule and a familiar environment, assisted by photographs of the clients that are projected on the walls. Bar do Pi is located in Galeria Portas do Mar, which includes the fantastic panorama that you can get from the terrace. A young and relaxed environment, with several parties planned, focusing on week-ends. Overnight in hotel of the selected category. DAY 6  PONTA DELGADA - CITY OF DESTINATION Relaxation activity in SPA, in Ponta Delgada. This hotel has a spa service full with massage and treatment rooms, hair and beauty services. Some proposals: Ritual Love of the Island, 60 min. : enter the richness of the island and come feel the aromas and their sounds. Let yourself go with the magic. We start with a head massage to the sound of Azorean music, rocking you to the rhythm of the sea. Delight yourself in 100% natural green or black tea and citrus fruits based ritual. It will eliminate accumulated toxins and make you feel a deep holistic relaxation. Eastern soul, 60 min. : feel the magic of this massage with Tridosha oriental oil (molded for three humors, vata, pitta and kapha) that contains Indian spices. A flow of mental and energetic balance is achieved thanks to the combination of neróli oil, lemon and poppy. Cocoa Rêve, 60 min. : feel the properties of cocoa and ginger, that have a strong moisturizing and regenerating action. They fight cellulite and sagging, eliminating toxins from the skin and providing a touch of velvet. Suggestion: panoramic tour to the Lagoon Sete Cidades. The Caldeira das Sete Cidades is one of the most beautiful and magnificent lagoons of the island of São Miguel, with its wide crater of 12km of perimeter. The unforgettable scenery of Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul framed by steep slopes covered with trees and flowers, the shores and the small peninsula of Lagoa Azul invite to relaxing walks and picnics in quiet surroundings. Legend attributes the different coloration of the water to tears shed by a princess and a shepherd, who saw their love affair thwarted and that, crying, created the ponds in the crater. Inside the boiler, visit the picturesque village of Sete Cidades, with quaint houses of popular architecture and the parish church, neo-Gothic (19th century), green pastures and the modest, but attractive, Lagoa Santiago. Suggestion: navigation for whale watching. Whales, sperm whales and dolphins are abundant in these waters rich in fish, so much that whaling was an important activity in many islands of the Azores. Today, the whaling tradition has been converted into a much appreciated tourist trade: boats specially equipped allow observation of more than twenty-four species of these large mammals, in an authentic expedition to the sea, which will be recorded in your memory. Journey to the city of destination.

Best SPA's in Portugal - South and the Azores - 6 dias

TravelTailors offers you the relaxing and innovative properties of the best Portuguese SPA´s, located in naturally soothing landscapes; the finest options were selected, enhancing your beauty and well-being experience. Massages, trips and nature are in harmony in Lisbon, Alentejo and Azores.


More information