Portugal

• Lisbon
• Map of Portugal

Portugal contrasts strongly from Spain, with a different language and customs. Some of the highlights are low prices and the amazing scenery. The Algarve is quite touristy and developed, but there are plenty of places that remain untouched and just waiting to be discovered. As always look up local tourist offices for information on youth hostels and camp sites.

Lisbon

• Lisbon is a beautiful city that is quite easy to get around with buses, trams, and the metro running frequently.
• There are many restaurants in Lisbon offering a wide choice of foods. They are also inexpensive.
• Check out the medieval Castelo de Sao Jorge, a large castle that has ten towers linked by massive battlements. It houses the Olissiponia Museum covering the history of Lisbon.
• Also check out the Moorish quarter of Alfama, one of the few places to survive the earthquake of 1755 which destroyed most of the city.

Going out:

Get a guide to what's on from any tourist office to get an idea of the many bars, discos, and nightclubs available. The best places to go would probably be in the Bairro Alto.

Quintinha Village Armacao de Pera
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Albufeira

Albufeira in the centre of the Algarve is an old town with sandy beaches and cobbled streets. There are plenty of shops and restaurants and a lively nightlife. There is two parts to the town, the old town which is quieter and the new town where the strip is. On the strip are 24 hour bars and clubs and can be very loud and a bit crazy.

The old town is very pretty and has a lovely central square surrounded by bars, restaurants and shops. A great place to hang out day or night when it comes to life.

Albufeira beach can be accessed through the tunnel near the tourist office. It's recommended that you get to the beach early if you want to rent one of the loungers (€6). The water can be a little cooler than the mediteranean but that can be a great relief from the hot sun.

Albufeira marina

Visit the marina on the western outskirts of the town if you want to partake in some diving, or boating trips or if you just want to grab a meal and a drink. It's worth coming here just to see the colourful buildings.

Things to do

Aqualand – an impressive array of water slides and a semi–olympic swimming pool

Zoo-Marine Algarve – Dolphin and sealion shows, tropical birds, and a rescue centre for injured marine life.

Crazyworld – Theme park which has a large swimming pool, a small zoo, a golf course, and a petting zoo as well as bars and restaurants.

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Map of Portugal

(Map Courtesy of the University of Texas Libraries, The University of Texas at Austin)