Once in Portugal, you’ll want more. In the unlikely event that you have already visited all of the country (which we nevertheless suggest you do), you’ll want more, so you’ll be thrilled to remember then that there is Portugal outside Portugal, amazing attractions await beyond the borders of continental Portugal.
Portugal has a few regions outside the confines of its European borders that attract thousands of visitors and preserve the cultural specific of the country they legally belong to.
The Azores in the Atlantic Ocean are located some 1300 km away from Lisbon, an autonomous region. The archipelago contains 9 amazing volcanic islands with luxuriant vegetation, lush pastures, dramatic landscapes and world-class, modern beaches.
Sao Miguel is the most famous and the largest of the islands, home to the amazing Sete Cidades and the adjacent lakes. Ponta Delgada, the archipelago’s capital city, is a must-see, not to mention it’s very accessible through a Ponta Delgada airport transfer.
Portugal boasts with another amazing island. Located closer to Africa than to continental Europe, Madeira Island is a place of true wonder. The mountain, the deep Laurisilva forest with its levadas and the sea combine in an outstanding mix fit to satisfy all travel tastes. Called “the Island of the Eternal Spring”, Madeira enjoys warm and pleasant weather throughout the year (although rains are quite frequent, so be sure to take your umbrella for your trip).
Madeira was home to the explorer Christophor Columbus for a while; he married a local and stayed on the island for a few years in the 1480s. Funchal city is a thriving economic, cultural and tourist hub and hosts the greatest New Year’s Eve fireworks display in the world.
Madeira is a bit of a maze, so the best way to negotiate it is with a Madeira airport transfer first and if you are returning, by car, with a good Funchal car hire.
