Elegant, romantic, and full of surprises, Portugal has to be experienced and trusted. Located in Southwestern Europe, the country borders the Atlantic Ocean to the east and southern direction and Spain to the East and North. Apart from the mainland of Portugal, there are several islands in the Atlantic Ocean which belong to the country.
1.Armona Island, near Olhão in the Algarve
1. Armona Island
This island is located off the coast of Algarve in Portugal and is 30 minutes distance by ferry from the coast. The Island has been inhabited for 50 years only hence overcrowding here is not a problem. No vehicles are allowed to enter this island. The island doesn’t have hotels, big roads or any banks. But what a tourist can be assured of are extensive beaches similar to those expensive destinations like the Seychelles. Ria Formosa National Park on the Island forms an important site for migratory birds which makes it a suitable area for those interested in bird watching. The Island has many species of flora and fauna to add on the spectacular chameleon population. Ferries operate between the Island and the neighboring major town of Olhão.
2.Sunset in Tavira Island in the Algarve
2. Tavira Island
This island is located to the South of Tavira town in the Algarve, several hundred meters from the coast. The Island’s length is 11 kilometers and between 1 Km and 150 m in width. The conditions on this Island are natural and attract many tourists and offer individuals a good bird watching and swimming sites. The island is served by ferry and a floating bridge which makes movement to and from the Island easy.
3.Fort of São João Baptista in the Berlenga Grande Island to the West of Cabo Carvoeiro, Peniche
3. Berlenga Grande Island
Berlenga Grande is part of the Berlenga Archipelago, a group of small islands and costal reefs, located 6 miles off the Portuguese coast (to the West of Cabo Carvoeiro, Peniche) and is classified as a natural reserve. There are many diving sites for individuals with different diving expertise. Berlenga Grande is the main island and is the only inhabited one. This area also has dolphins as well as large schools of various fish species. The island also has beautiful caves with abundant macro life and red gorgonians. There are smaller islands located to the north of Berlenga Grande which are known for different species of marine birds and a diverse ecosystem. These are the Estelas and Farrilhões Forcados, which are a great diving experience.
4.Pico Island viewed from Pico da Esperança in Ilha de São Jorge, Azores
4. Pico Island
This is one of Portugal’s most beautiful islands in the Azores, named after its mountain. The Pico Island has a beautiful landscape with a mixture of exotic vegetation and lava rocks. The island is scarcely populated and it forms an ideal location for bird watching, trekking, jogging, hiking, bike and moto quad bike rides, fishing as well as dolphin and whale watching. On this Island, the conditions are always calm and peaceful and visitors have a choice of going to the village side and experiencing culture and periodic festivals. It is accessed using the ferry and the best means of exploring the island is by foot.
5.Porto Moniz in the Madeira Island
5. Madeira Island
This is a Portuguese island located on top of a big volcanic tower which is 6 Km tall from the Atlantic Ocean floor. This island is a favorite tourist destination and which makes it the second richest area of Portugal. The island has very diverse vegetation which is especially prevalent in Archipelagos forest. Fauna on the island are also diverse with more than 250 land mollusk species.
Portugal is a perfect spot for those who are trying to unwind, have unforgettable adventures and need a tourist-friendly environment.
If travelling to the United States from Portugal or any European country, be informed about ESTA which is an automatic system that screens tourists or travelers entering this North American country, so that security within the U.S. is never vulnerable.
Photo Credits
1.Photo under CC license by Dieser Benutzer
2.Photo under CC license by Cayetano
3.Photo under CC license by Hugo Cadavez
4.Photo under CC license by Gillaume Baviere
5.Photo under CC license by Feliciano Guimarães