Coronavirus in Portugal: a chat with the President of Algarve Tourism

Earlier this summer, I decided to do something totally unoriginal—I joined the hordes of Americans working remotely from Lisbon. I had a wedding in Tuscany to attend, and my flight home on TAP offered me a free stopover for up to 10 nights. I decided I'd stay a week and get a taste of life in Portugal. How could I resist?

While many are familiar with the Algarve's beaches and golf courses, few explore its rich culture shaped by geography, history, and people. Join our Rough Guides editor on a sustainable week-long journey to discover the hidden cultural treasures of the Algarve.

For a little over two months, Emma Di Palma was planning a 10-day trip to Portugal with her live-in boyfriend. They would explore the southern part of the city and end their vacation in Lisbon.

If you’ve never heard of Iceland-based booking website Dohop, you should check them out. The company has been nominated for two World Travel Awards—World’s Leading Flight Comparison Website and World’s Leading Travel Technology Partner—and recently launched an amazing tool called FLYR Fare Protection, in partnership with FLYR.

I’ve been thinking a lot about the people I met in Egypt.

Planning a trip to Europe or beyond? If you’re looking to tack on an extra destination to your itinerary, it’s easier than you might think. Portuguese carrier TAP is adding flight stopovers in Lisbon and Porto to all of its transatlantic routes, with added freebies like hotel discounts and free wine from their partners if you do choose to stop in either locale.

Halfway through my international journalism program at City, University of London, COVID-19 hit. I was forced to move back in with my parents in rural Wales for three months. I then made the impulsive decision to fly to any airport that would take UK travelers. I found myself on the last flight out to Belgrade, Serbia. 

The Fisherman’s Trail in south Portugal is magical. We started from Porto Covo and ended in Lagos, walking 140 miles in 12 days, staying overnight in rustic villages, cobblestoned towns and surfer spots. Those short of time can walk a smaller section of the trail. The walk has breathtaking views, rugged cliffs, wild beaches with crystal-clear waters, pine forests, vineyards, and meadows of wild flowers. Lots of wildlife can be spotted – lizards, storks, cormorants and countless other birds – and the wine and seafood in the restaurants along the way is a treat.Miana

This summer, many families had their first holiday abroad since the pandemic began. But as autumn sets in and the cost of living crisis deepens, that week or two by the sea may soon seem a distant memory. Perfect timing, then, for the Ocean Film festival’s UK tour. Nell Teasdale, the tour director, says audiences can “dive into a night of wild seafaring voyages and astounding marine life, without getting their feet wet”.

Fundamental to wild camping – or freedom camping – is self-reliance. Pitching a tent or throwing down a bivvy bag anywhere you like is a romantic concept, but intrepid travellers beware: sleeping under the stars comes with different rules and legal restrictions wherever you are. It also comes with responsibility for the environment and for your own safety.

Central Portugal is the authentic heart of the country.Olivia Rawes escapes the Algarve and discovers Centro. The information in this article is taken from The Rough Guide to Portugal, your travel guide for Portugal.