Portugal is one of Irish tourists’ top holiday destinations, and it’s easy to see why! From North to South, Portugal has something to offer all types of holidaymakers, whether you fancy a weekend city break or a sunny beach getaway.

This edition of the Portugal newsletter focuses on all that’s happening in the beautiful city of Porto in the North and the sunny Algarve in the South. Boasting vibrant festivals and exciting events to new travel initiatives and brand new hotels, you’ll be spoiled for choice on your trip to Portugal this summer!

Susana Cardoso, Director, Visit Portugal Ireland

The São João Festival, Porto

For five weeks in May and June, there’s a magical festive atmosphere in Porto as the city prepares the celebrate the longest night of the year, the night of St. John, “São João” in Portuguese, from 23rd to 24th June.

On this night, the city transforms, the streets come alive with people, colour and a feeling of joy. On the night of São João it’s tradition to barbecue sardines in any part of the city, with loud music and tons of entertainment.

Learn more about the Festival of São João through the video below…

Visiting Porto? Click here to find out what to do Porto for a few days.

New 4-star Hotels in Porto 2022

The Editory Boulevard Aliados Hotel

www.editoryhotels.com/boulevard-aliados-porto

Sé Catedral Hotel

https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/oposcup-se-catedral-hotel-porto/

Pestana Douro Riverside

https://www.pestana.com/en/hotel/pestana-douro?utm_source=google-my business&utm_medium=organicsearch&utm_campaign=pestana-douro

Quinta do Pedregal Hotel & Spa

https://quintadopedregal.pt/en/quinta-do-pedregal-hotel-spa-2/

Four Points by Sheraton Matosinhos https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/opofp four-points-matosinhos/?scid=bb1a189a-fec3-4d19-a255-54ba596febe2

Fontinha Porto Hotel

www.fontinhahotel.com

The Algarve

Upcoming Major Sporting Event in the Algarve

The Superbike World Championship will take place at theAutódromo Internacional do Algarve on 7-9 October and the Vilamoura Champions Tour will also take place that week until 14th October.

New Sustainabile Travel Initiative Launched

Rota Vicentina has developed and launched an extensive programme of sustainable activities and experiences in Vicentina Natural Park in the southwest of the Algarve, one of the most beautiful and preserved coastlines in Southern Europe.

Escape to a landscape of beach, sea, cliffs and music

Discover the unique history of the charming fishing village of Carrapateira and the life of the fishermen through a musical tour guided by two interpreters

Click here for more information

Portugal heritage tours

Portugal Heritage Tours presents three types of thematic programmes -‐ Culture, Nature and Culinary focused on the unknown and often inaccessible heritage of Portugal: accessing, discovering, perceiving, experiencing and living the landscapes, the gastronomy, the traditions, the heritage and unexpected forms of culture of the whole immense interior of Portugal and its people.

Learn more here

Walking Meditation, Rota Vicentina

Destress and connect with your body through walking meditation and breathing techniques in this special workshop guided by Anne Rasquin from Stress Free Zone, a psycho-body professional therapist with more than 20 years of experience.