Dinas Guest House
Dinas Guest House in Lagos on the Algarve in southern Portugal makes for excellent, affordable accommodation on a visit to this most popular of Mediterranean resorts.
Dinas Guest House offers air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, cable TV and air-conditioning. Located in the center of Lagos old town, Dinas is close to the beaches, the Santa Maria and Santa Antonio churches, the city museum and the historic slave market. The accommodation is also close to one or two bars so there may be a bit of noise at night sometimes.
The woody interiors are cleanly furnished to offer a spacious and cool feel to the rooms.
Access - Getting There
Dinas Guest House
Travessa do Mineiro no. 1
8600-634 Lagos
Algarve Hotels
Vicentina Hotel
© Portugal Visitor
Sea Kayaking in Lagos
Sea kayaking tours off the coast of Lagos on the Algarve has become a popular part of any holiday to this lovely part of Portugal.
Sea kayaking tours generally last about 3 hours and head south from Lagos town around the spectacular promontory at Ponta da Piedade, where participants can marvel close-up at the picturesque limestone and sandstone cliffs, islets, grottos, caves and coves.
Tours also take in the beautiful Praia do Camilo (Camilo Beach) usually on the way to Ponta da Piedade.
After a rest on shore, the tour companies will tow you back by motor boat which is with you to insure safety.
Kayak tour packages generally are limited to about 15 people, include a guide, insurance, a life-jacket, water-proof bag and often snokelling equipment. It is usually cheaper to book the tours down on the sea front in Lagos rather than up in town with travel agents.
Prices are presently about 25-30 Euros with the morning tour slightly more than the afternoon tour, though some companies may charge less at the end and beginning of the high season in August.
There are a number of sea kayak companies to choose from. One we have tried is:
Ezride (ezridelagos.com)
Cais da Solaria
Lagos
Algarve
Portuga
Tel: 351 913 066 468
© Portugal Visitor
Vila Real de Santo Antonio Station
Vila Real de Santo Antonio is the eastern terminus of the Algarve Line from Lagos in the east via Faro and Tavira stations.
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The art deco station front |
The Vila Real de Santo Antonio Station building is a lovely white-washed art deco structure about 15 minutes' walk from the center of town.
There are presently 13 trains a day from Vila Real de Santo Antonio Station to Faro where travellers can change for onward connections to Lagos or northwest to the capital Lisbon.
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The platform |
The stops on the line from Vila Real de Santo Antonio Station are Monte Gordo, Castro Marim, Cacela, Conceição, Porta Nova, Tavira, Luz, Livramento, Fuzeta, Fuzeta-A, Olhão, Bom João and Faro.
Train Times
Trains leave Vila Real de Santo Antonio Station for Faro at 5.48 am, 6.26 am, 7.05 am, 7.22 am, 9.08 am, 11.13 am, 12.39 pm, 1.33 pm, 3.33 pm, 4.35 pm, 6.03 pm, 7.10 pm, and 8.42 pm.
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Trains on the Algarve Line |
Hotels
Walk south from the station to get to the centre of Vila Real de Santo Antonio. places to stay include the Hotel Apolo, Coracao de Cidade, and Villa Marquez.
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Train |
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Click to enlarge timetable |
Map
Accommodation
Hotels in Ayamonte Spain - Booking.com
Hotels in Vila Real Santo Antonio Portugal - Booking.com
© Portugal Visitor
Residencial A Doca Faro
The Residencial A Doca (Book this hotel with Booking.com) is located in the center of Faro, very close to the Doca de Recreio waterfront. In its previous incarnation, the property was the Residencial Oceano.
Clean, good value, and with Wifi, the Residencial A Doca is a recommended place to stay for single travelers on a budget or small families.
Residencial A Doca is close to the Japanese-style eatery Omakase and the Ancora Bar and is close to many of Faro's main attractions in the Old Town which is a few minutes' walk away.
Access - Getting There
Residencial A Doca (Book this hotel with Booking.com)
Rua 1º de Maio nº21
8000-474 Faro
Portugal
Faro is chock-a-block with places to stay, and with all competing for guests, most are of excellent quality for reasonable rates. Start your search with the following recommendations, listed from more to less expensive.
Luxury Guest House Opus One offers one of the best possible hotel experiences to be had in Faro, with quarters that truly live up to the name "Luxury." The interior is as varied as it is tasteful, impeccably combining aesthetics and comfort - and not without an element of surprise. The rooms are very spacious and guests can enjoy a private semi-open pool and Jacuzzis. Even includes a billiard room and music room. The location is prime, down a quiet side street, with the Igreja do Carmo on 2 minutes' walk away, and Faro Train Station only 5 minutes' walk away. Supreme comfort and relaxation in the heart of Faro.
Casa da Madalena Bed & Breakfast has something for everyone in terms of budget, but the private Double Room sleeping up to three people, and including breakfast, is legendary. This beautifully atmospheric space is a blend of modern minimalism and classic old warmth. The location, too, is unbeatable, being in the middle of Faro very near the bus and train stations, the Faro Marina, the Igreja do Carmo, the Lethes Theater. Boasts an expansive terrace with hammocks for delightful relaxation. Spotlessly clean, and warmly hospitable.
Lemon Tree Stay is a superbly tasteful, restful hideaway near the Praca da Liberdade offering the mod-cons of accommodation convenience with a traditional vibe - and lots of greenery. Guests love the helpfulness and hospitality of the hosts, the central location, the courtyard and rooftop terrace, and the immaculate cleanliness.
Other recommended hotels in the Algarve region of southern Portugal include the four-star Vicentina Hotel in Aljezur and the Casa do Alto in Vilamoura.![]() |
Stay in comfort in Faro |
Accommodation
Hotels in Albufeira - Booking.com
Hotels in Faro - Booking.com
Hotels in Olhão - Booking.com
Hotels in Tavira - Booking.com
© Portugal Visitor
Alojamento Local Bela Vista Olhao
If you are looking for a cheap, traditional place to stay in Olhão on the Algarve, Alojamento Local Bela Vista should be high up on your list of possibilities.
Situated just a few hundred meters from the main restaurant street on Avenida 5 de Outubro, the ferry terminal for Ilha da Armona and Ilha da Culatra as well as the town's famous fish and fresh produce markets, Alojamento Local Bela Vista is ideal if you don't want to break the bank and stay at the modern, five star Real Marina.
The double and twin rooms are not spacious but adequate enough for a short stay. There is plenty of space up on the roof terrace which also has some nice views out over town. There is WiFi throughout and a laundry just round the corner.
Things can get a bit noisy during the annual Festival do Marisco in August but the loud music doesn't go on so late.
It's only 10-15 minutes from the hotel to both Olhão railway station and bus terminal for onward transport to Faro, Lisbon or Seville in Spain.
A similarly traditional inn in Olhão with roof terrace and friendly service is the English-run AL - Alojamento Local Pension Bicuar.
Access - Getting There
Alojamento Local Bela Vista (Book this hotel with Booking.com)
Rua Teófilo Braga 65
8700-520 Olhão
Portugal
Other recommended hotels in the Algarve region of southern Portugal include the four star Vicentina Hotel in Aljezur.
The hotel is a short walk from the interesting Museu de Cidade (Municipal Museum).
Algarve Hotels
Vicentina Hotel
Accommodation in the Algarve
Hotels in Albufeira - Booking.com
Hotels in Faro - Booking.com
Hotels in Olhão - Booking.com
Hotels in Tavira - Booking.com
© Portugal Visitor
Arenilha Guest House Vila Real de Santo Antonio
Located right in the centre of the old town of Vila Real de Santo Antonio, the pleasant Arenilha Guest House makes for an excellent place to lodge whether it is for a night or a longer stay.
Vila Real de Santo Antonio is very much a family-orientated resort and noise is at a minimum not much after dark making for a good night's sleep.
From here there is an EVA bus to Seville in Spain at 9.35 am as well as local buses to Monte Gordo.
The main places of interest in the town are within easy reach including Praça Marquês de Pombal, the City Hall, the Tourist Information Office and the 18th century parish church.
Access - Getting There
Arenilha Guest House (Book this hotel with Booking.com)
Rua D. Pedro V 55, 8900-29
Vila Real de Santo António
Portugal
Rua D. Pedro V is off Rua 5 de Outubro near the post office.
Accommodation
Hotels in Ayamonte Spain - Booking.com
Hotels in Vila Real Santo Antonio Portugal - Booking.com
Hotels in Portugal - Booking.com
© Portugal Visitor.com
Manta Rota Algarve
Manta Rota is a small seaside resort west of both Monte Gordo and the border town of Vila Real de Santo Antonio. The pretty sandy beaches at Manta Rota form part of the larger Parque Natural da Ria Formosa.
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The promenade |
Just to the west of Manta Rota is Cacela Velha (Old Cacela) a historic fishing village that has become better known, though not over-crowded in recent times. The village is known for its annual Noites da Moura Encantada (Nights of the Enchanted Moor) festival held in early August. The beach here is popular with gay visitors. The four-star Robinson Club Quinta da Ria close to two golf courses is the upmarket place to stay. Other recommended hotels in the area include the Hotel Turoasis and the Cabanas Park Resort.
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Robinson Club Quinta da Ria |
There are bus connections to Manta Rota from both Monte Gordo and Vila Real de Santo Antonio to the east and from Faro and Tavira to the west. The nearest train station is Cacela on the local line between Faro and Vila Real de Santo Antonio.
Before the onset of tourism the area's economy was geared to fishing especially the local sardines and tuna. The town's restaurants serve excellent fresh fish and seafood done in the Algarve style.
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The beach |
Accommodation
Hotels in Ayamonte Spain - Booking.com
Hotels in Vila Real Santo Antonio Portugal - Booking.com
© Portugal Visitor.com
Guarda Cathedral
The most striking attraction in Guarda is its fortress-like Sé, a massive, medieval cathedral built in granite between 1390-1540. The Sé in Guarda is remarkable for the number of different architectural styles in its construction, its Gothic exterior combined with intricate Manueline flourishes.
Bishop Vasco de Lamego began construction of the church we see today, the third cathedral to be built in the city, during the reign of King John I.
Guarda's cathedral stands adjacent to the town's main square - the Praça Luis de Camões - and a statue of Dom Sancho I, who founded the city in 1199.
The main square has a number of cafes and includes Guarda's turismo.
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Statue of Dom Sancho I |
Access - Getting There
Sé da Guarda
Praça Luís de Camões
6300 Guarda
Portugal
The friendly though basic Casa da Se guesthouse is right in the main square. A more comfortable option is the Hotel Santos Guarda.
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Interior of the church |
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Manueline motifs on a door of the cathedral |
© Portugal Visitor
Casa da Sé Viseu
Nicky Reiss
Are you looking for something a little different, a unique place to stay, where you can enjoy friendly service, luxurious bedding and exquisite antique furniture for a reasonable price? The Casa da Sé (Book this hotel with Booking.com) is that place, a self-described "small luxury hotel" where you will feel tempted to stay for longer than planned.
Arriving in Viseu by bus from Guarda, I walked up the hill to the old town, and without GPS finding the hotel was a challenge. Once you know the roads, however, it is easy to find and conveniently located; I suggest taking a taxi from the station, or taking a good look at the map first.
There is no hotel parking (there were no cars when it was built), but there is free parking in the vicinity. The receptionist who greeted me spoke fluent English and was friendly and helpful, taking my small suitcase into her care as I had arrived well before the check-in time.
Casa da Sé may be overlooked by some because it is listed under "Viseu Bed and Breakfast" in Trip Advisor; however, I recommend taking a close look at what it has to offer before making your choice of a place to stay in Viseu.
The location in the heart of the old town is perfect for anyone who enjoys walking around old narrow streets and absorbing the history of a city. It is just yards away from Viseu Cathedral, the church of the Misericordia, the tourist office, and the Museu de Grão Vasco. The Portugal Visitor recommended restaurant, O Hilario, is also close by - I ate lunch there twice and enjoyed the friendly, family-run restaurant.
Each of the twelve rooms in the Casa da Sé is unique, with its own furniture and decorations, and with varying sizes of rooms and ensuite bathrooms available. I was traveling alone and had a comfortably-sized room on the top floor, with a spacious ensuite bathroom (large shower, no tub), located next to the guests' lounge. The sheets and towels were all of the highest quality, soft, plentiful, and luxurious. There is also a bridal suite – a good excuse to come here and renew your wedding vows if you missed your chance the first time around.
There is free wifi throughout the hotel. Just off the lobby, there is a small lounge room where drinks, tea and coffee, and snacks are served. The breakfast room, also off the lobby, is cozy and boasts a large continental-style buffet.
I have coeliac disease and had informed the hotel in advance. To my delight (I love breakfast) they went out of their way to make a gluten-free cake, provide gluten-free bread, and also gluten-free cereal. I have never been treated so well anywhere else. Their breakfast buffet is a large smorgasbord of breads, cereals, cheeses, cold meats, yoghurt, and many other delights. I was only sorry not to be able to eat more.
One word of caution: the square around the hotel hosts several popular restaurants and bars where people stay out enjoying themselves until the early hours. The windows of my top floor rooms were the original old style and offered no soundproofing.
In reviews elsewhere I've noted complaints about the noise, however, I also read reviews stating that the soundproofing was effective. I believe the rooms on the lower floors have modern, and more soundproof, windows. Do check on this when making a reservation; otherwise, if noise bothers you, bring earplugs. Casa da Sé is still an experience to be cherished and enjoyed.
I stayed at the Casa da Sé, Viseu, in August 2014.
Access - Getting There
Casa da Sé Viseu (Book this hotel with Booking.com)
R.Augusta Cruz, Nº12, 3500-088 Viseu, Portugal
Another recommended place to stay in Viseu is the Hotel Avenida.
© Portugal Visitor
Getting From Salamanca or Madrid to Porto by Bus
There are buses from both Salamanca and Madrid in Spain to Porto in Portugal via Guarda.
Buses are operated by ALSA/Internorte and take 6 hours and 15 minutes from Salamanca and 9 hours, 15 minutes from Madrid. The bus station in Porto where these international buses depart is at Casa da Musica on the Porto metro.
Presently the bus leaves Salamanca bus station at 12.45pm and arrives in Porto at 6pm. Returning to Spain from Porto the bus leaves Casa da Musica at 10.15am and should arrive in Salamanca at 5.30pm.
The bus from Portugal to Spain usually goes via Aveiro. Price for a one-way ticket is presently 44 Euros.
(Note: there is an hour difference in time between Spain and Portugal.)
The bus stops on the Spanish side of the border at a service station for a break for food. There are occasionally delays at the border.
Madrid to Salamanca is pleasantly done by train and then bus to Porto. If you are doing the whole leg by bus the journey takes 10 hours. The bus leaves from Av. de America at 9 am and arrives in Porto at 6 pm. Single is 50 Euros with the return fare 84 Euros.
© Portugal Visitor
Aqueducts in Portugal
Portugal has long been dry and arid especially in the south. Portugal has a number of historic aqueducts that were built to bring water from the hinterland to the cities.
History
The Romans were the first to build aqueducts in Iberia and there are remains of 3 km-long aqueduct in Conimbriga near Coimbra.
The Muslim occupation of Portugal also brought new techniques in both water storage and its transportation over distance.
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Vila do Conde |
Aqueducts in Portugal can be found in Vila do Conde (Aqueduct of Santa Clara), Serpa, Evora (the Aqueduto da Agua de Prata), Elvas (Aqueduto da Amoreira), Braga (Sete Fontes), Obidos, Tomar (Aqueduto de Pegões) and famously in Lisbon (Águas Livres).
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Serpa city walls and its aqueduct |
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Aguas Livres Aqueduct, Lisbon, Portugal |
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Aqueduto de Pegões, Tomar |