There’s a magical country waiting to be explored

Portugal is located in the extreme southwest of Europe, on the Iberian Peninsula, with over 800 km of Atlantic coastline on the mainland, in addition to two archipelagos in the Atlantic: Madeira and the Azores. It is known for its historic cities - Lisbon, on the banks of the Tagus River, and Porto, famous for its Port wine - for the beaches and cliffs of the Algarve, for the volcanic landscapes of the Azores, for the "garden island" of Madeira and for the Douro Valley (World Heritage Site). It stands out for its mild climate, gastronomy and hospitality. The Pestana Hotel Group, the largest hotel chain in the country, was founded in Madeira in 1972.

The Pestana Hotel Group has a strong presence throughout the country, with dozens of properties in the Algarve, Lisbon, Porto, Madeira, Azores, Central, Northern and Alentejo regions, including Porto Santo. The offering encompasses several brands: Pestana Hotels & Resorts (beach resorts and city hotels), Pestana Collection Hotels (premium, such as the Pestana Palace in Lisbon), Pestana CR7 Lifestyle Hotels (partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo, in Lisbon, Funchal and other cities) and Pousadas de Portugal – a network of more than 35 historic hotels in restored monasteries, castles, convents and forts, managed by the group.

For the beach, the period from May to October is the most popular, especially in the Algarve and on the Atlantic coast, with hot and dry weather in July and August. Madeira offers a mild climate all year round, while the Azores are most pleasant between May and September. To visit cities like Lisbon and Porto, spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are ideal, with mild temperatures and fewer tourists. The Douro Valley is especially beautiful in autumn, during the grape harvest.

Portugal has international air connections through its main airports: Lisbon (LIS), Porto (OPO) and Faro (FAO) on the mainland, the latter serving the Algarve. The islands are accessible via Madeira/Funchal Airport (FNC) and Ponta Delgada Airport (PDL) in the Azores. TAP Air Portugal and several low-cost carriers provide routes from major European cities and other continents. There are also good road and rail connections from Spain.

In Lisbon, highlights include Belém, with the Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Tower (World Heritage Site). In Porto, the Ribeira district and the Port wine cellars in Gaia. In the Algarve, the beaches and golden cliffs (Lagos, Albufeira). In Madeira, the famous levadas (channels with trails) and the gardens of Funchal. Also unmissable are the Douro Valley, with its terraced vineyards and river cruises, and the Azores, with its lagoons and volcanic landscapes.

The connection between Lisbon and Porto is easily made by train, especially on the Alfa Pendular (high-speed train), which covers the approximately 330 km in about 2 hours and 40 minutes. The rail network also connects Coimbra, Aveiro, Braga, and Faro. To explore the Algarve, the Douro Valley, and rural areas with greater freedom, renting a car is the most practical option. A car is also recommended for the islands of Madeira and the Azores, and travel between the islands of the Azores is done by plane or boat.