The Adventures of Debbie Dimples - Portugal

Portugal

Portugal is a southern European country on the Iberian Peninsula, bordering Spain. The country is famous for its golden beachs, port wine and the beautiful Lusitano horse. I have visited Portugal in the past, where we took family holidays to Albufeira on the Algarve, and the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo.

Madeira

Madeira is a subtropical Portuguese island in the Atlantic, west of the Mediterranean. The island is famous for its lush landscape, walking trails, rugged coastline and the Monte Toboggan. We went on a family holiday to Madeira in 2010, where we stayed in Funchal.

Funchal

Funchal is the capital city of Funchal, Madeira. The city is known for its gardens, harbour and cable cars.

Monte Toboggan Run

The Monte Toboggan Run dates back to the early 19th century, when locals used wicker sledges as a way to travel down from the hills into Funchal. It has now become a popular tourist activity on the island.

Hotel Porto Mare

We stayed at the Hotel Porto Mare in Funchal for 7 nights. The hotel was very clean, with extensive pool and gardens.

Porto Santo

Porto Santo is a small island in the Portuguese archipelago of Madeira. It’s known for its warm waters, dive sites and the long, sandy Porto Santo Beach. We visited the island of Porto Santo as a family in 2022, for 7 nights.

Hotel Pestana Porto Santo

We stayed at the Hotel Pestana Porto Santo resort for 7 nights.

Island Tour of Porto Santo

We did private island tour of Porto Santo during our holiday. The guided tour consisted of being driven in a Land Rover, with stops to see the dramatic scenery, and learn about the history of the island.

Albufeira

Albufeira is a coastal city within the southern Algarve region of Portugal. The city has become a popular holiday destination for families. We visited Albufeira as a family in 2012 for 7 nights.

Eden Villas & Apartments

We stayes at the Eden Villas & Apartments resort for 7 days during our time in Albufeira. The resort was very family friendly, with extensive grounds to wander.

Faro

Faro is the picturesque capital of southern Portugal’s Algarve region. The city is filled with Baroque architecture, quaint streets, and historic landmarks.

Vilamoura

Vilamoura is an upmarket resort in the Algarve region of southern Portugal. It’s known for its large marina, golf courses and bars.

Horse Riding - Lusitano Horse

We did a group horse ride during our stay in Albufeira. The horse I rode was a beautiful Lusitano horse. This was the first time I had ever ridden a Lusitano. The Lusitano horse is one of the oldest riding horses in the world, and has been bred in Portugal for centuries. The breed is known for its beauty, willingness to learn and exceptional ability for dressage.

These are just some of the places I have visited in Portugal.

What I missed out on....

If I were to take another trip to Portugal, I would like to see more of the beautiful coastline on the Algarve, to include the Benagil Caves, Praia da Marinha and Praia do Camilo. I would also like to see the towns of Sintra, which is the location of Pena Palace. On a future trip, I would choose to stay in the village of Comporta, at the Sublime Comporta Resort. I would also pay a visit to the The Portuguese School of Equestrian Art in Lisbon.

The Benagil Caves

The Benagil Caves are one of Portugal's most iconic natural wonders, located along the spectacular Algarve coast.

Praia de Marinha

Praia da Marinha is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. With its secluded coves, golden sand and turquoise water, it is easy to see why.

Praia do Camilo

Praia do Camilo is an iconic beach in the Algarve. It is known as one of the nost photogenic beaches in the area and is often referred to as a secluded little paradise.

Sintra

Sintra is a resort town in the foothills of Portugal’s Sintra Mountains, near the capital, Lisbon. Sintra is famous for its rughed terrain, pastel-colored villas. The National Palace of Pena is like the sacred gem that crowns the hills of Sintra.

Comporta

Comporta is a chic, small village, located an hour from Lisbon, and is seen as an untouched paradise. The village is known for its luxury boutiques, surfing and golden beaches. It's also the site of a large nature reserve, which is home to flamingos and dolphins.

Sublime Comporta Resort

The Sublime Comporta is an elegant, nature-inspired resort in Sublime Lisboa. I would love to stay at the Sublime Coporta if I were to take another trip to Portugal.

The Portuguese School of Equestrian Art in Lisbon

The Portuguese School of Equestrian Art is a place where visitors can witness the beauty and grace of highly trained Lusitano horses performing classical dressage. The riding school is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Lisbon.

Goodbye for now Portugal!