8 Reasons Why You Should Visit Portugal

Portugal, located at the crossroads of three continents – Europe, Africa, and America – is an ideal location for a wellness holiday. A mild climate with about 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, over 850 kilometres of magnificent Atlantic Ocean beaches, a diverse selection of striking landscapes, and a balanced Mediterranean cuisine are just a few reasons why you should visit Portugal for a spa break. Here are just eight good reasons why you should definitely visit Portugal for your next wellness holiday. You won’t be disappointed!

1. SPECTACULAR SPAS

Portugal boasts a great selection of world-class spas and retreats which cater for every budget and focus. A short hop from the bustling capital of Lisbon, the much-lauded Palacio Estoril is top of our list, with their brilliant better-ageing and rehabilitation programmes, whilst there are detox, weight loss and fitness options on offer at our gorgeous properties in the Algarve - EPIC SANA, Longevity Health & Wellness Hotel, Longevity Cegonha Country Club and Vilalara Longevity Thalassa & Medical Spa. Lastly we have the mighty Six Senses Douro Valley in the verdant landscape of Northern Portugal, offering the acclaimed Six Senses wellness formula with local Portuguese flair.

2. THE BEACHES 

Portugal is spoilt for choice when it comes to great beaches. Cove after sandy cove, surrounded by limestone cliffs, runs along the coast in the Algarve, with long stretches of sun-burnished sands. They are washed by gentle seas, with a bit of Mediterranean warmth in the east, and battered by the furious Atlantic in the west. Beaches like Odeceixe further along the coast of Portugal welcome you with turquoise waters and then the powder-white sands of Comporta. In Estoril, you will find cosmopolitan city beaches, and finally, the majestic Douro river which flows into the sea further up in the mountains. 

3. IT’S EASY TO GET TO

Portugal is just two and a half hours away from the UK and with regular flights from most UK airports, it’s as simple as ABC to get yourself there.

4. THE WEATHER

The weather is brilliant! It is not overly hot in the summer and generally, winters are mild. With perfect temperatures almost all year round and warm sun, Portugal is a wonderful destination for a wellness holiday.

5. THE FOOD

Portuguese cuisine is influenced by the Mediterranean style of cooking and has plenty of fresh, delicious, and healthy meals available. It is characterised by rich and robust dishes made from quality ingredients like beautifully fresh fish and seafood, as well as olive oil, fruits and vegetables locally available in Portugal and simply prepared to preserve the unique flavours.

6. THE PEOPLE

Portugal is home to some of the warmest and friendliest people you will ever meet. The Portuguese are  always happy to help and will always try their best to make you feel right at home.

7. IT’S GREAT FOR FAMILIES

With its warm climate, beautiful beaches and friendly people, Portugal is a great destination for families. The Portuguese love bringing their kids with them for outings, hence you will find many nice restaurants offer kid-friendly facilities. Many of the wellness retreats we feature also have kid’s clubs, which offer activities to keep kids entertained. This means you can enjoy some much needed relaxation time in the spa while your little ones are well taken care of.

8. IT’S GREAT VALUE FOR MONEY

Portugal is very good value for money. For the price of a mid-range spa somewhere in France or Germany, you will have a chance to upgrade your experience to a five-star property in Portugal. At very competitive rates, spa and relaxation holidays, detox retreats, fitness boot camps, weight loss classes, holistic and stress management programmes, medical spas offering cutting-edge preventive medicine and anti-ageing programs, and other options are available.