Ryanair Stories: Postcards from Portugal

We know that everyone who flies with us is flying with us to get somewhere, so we asked you to tell us a little bit more about where we take you – where you went for your holidays, and what you got up to.  Here are just a few of your #ryanairstories from gorgeous Portugal…

“The eastern part of Portugal’s Algarve is much quieter than the west, and it contains a number of lovely small, old fishing villages such as Cabanas and Tavira, where we stayed. Lots of little bars and restaurants make it a lovely place to stroll on a balmy late summers evening. The people are really friendly and there are no fast food chains to ruin your taste buds! You can eat well and cheaply too – we found a small restaurant down a side street and got the set menu. A starter, followed by a mixed grill that could have fed 2 people and then a dessert (not forgetting the half-litre of wine that was included with each meal), all for 14 Euros. It’s fantastic value.

Tavira Island is a must see, just mile after mile of white sand beach  – it’s wonderful. Would I go again? Every week if I could. I can’t recommend it enough. And for you golfers, you will be spoiled for choice”.

Trevor, Dorset

We went to Albufeira, and it was absolutely lovely. For a family of four like us, it had everything we could have wanted. Even at Xmas time, when the weather isn’t that great compared to the summer, there’s still loads to do and it’s warm enough to be outside.

We went to the beach, explored the town, ate at wonderful restaurants, and we were close enough to other neighbouring towns that we could easily go for short visits to explore. My advice for anyone going to Albufeira is to try and get a hotel near the main square, it’s just so handy for getting around and finding nice places for lunch and dinner. 

The Kane Family, Dublin

My friend and I flew to Porto from Belgium where we study, and spent four days exploring the city. We bought the plane ticket because of the discount that Ryanair launched, and we wanted to visit there to have a really relaxing vacation. We stayed near Rue de Santa Catarina, and from there we walked everyday to Praca da Liberdade just to walk around. It’s been a pleasure to visit Porto by foot.

We also visited the most beautiful bookstore in the world, the Lello and Irmão – I really recommend it to anyone.  Next day, we walked around Libera square and Ponte Dom Luis I. It is a really beautiful place to look over the whole city. I think people could just tour the city by walking, the tourist sites are not far from each other. And I think it is a good choice to stay near Santa Catarina because there are lots of markets nearby. Porto is a really good city to relax, I would definitely like to go there again. 

Ting-Jung, Taiwan

Lagos is a great place to visit; an old Portuguese town with lots to see, great restaurants and loads of shops to go shopping. It is perfect for anyone who’s looking to do some surfing as there are plenty of surf beaches around. I went in November and the water was still lovely and warm,  loads of great surfing to be done and the people were so friendly.  

Going to Lagos? Bring a good pair of walking shoes as there are lots of things to see and do within walking distance of the center and you’ll do plenty of exploring. If you need to unwind there are some lovely little spas and massage centers, and if it’s nightlife you’re after you won’t have far to look – it’s lively but it’s very safe. Lagos is a lovely place for people who want a quiet holiday, but trust me, it’s equally good if you want a bit of of excitement! I’ll be going back…

Allen, Sligo

Lisbon is the most remarkable place. From its wonderful history to its remarkable buildings and numerous items of artistic and architectural importance, to the wonderful views, fabulous climate, and intelligent, multi-lingual people. The other key positive is the sun and light here, 50 days per year more sunshine than London. I love Lisbon! Don’t be scared to use the metro to get to town. It’s cheap and frequent – but if you are carrying lots of luggage, take a cab as the metro does get crowded. Do take a trip to Sintra, in particular Pene Palace – you’ve never seen anything like it! Take a walk to Castle George too, the views are astonishing and there’s a great little restaurant there – a wonderful place to see in the evening light. Also, do go to the boat bar on the sea front for lovely views.

Jonny, London

Sagres had wonderful beaches that were suitable for the kids and ourselves and fantastic boat trips where we saw dolphins and even a whale. The food was delicious and suitable for all of us from ten years through the teens to the late 50’s.   The weather was wonderful, sunny but not baking or too hot for the kids.  We are returning next year!

Stoney Family, Mayo

It was a short weekend trip to Porto with my girlfriend. We were lucky, Ryanair had such a good timings as we arrived to Porto very early and could start enjoying our trip from the very morning! So, we rented a flat near the metro stop “Bolhao”, just few meters from the lovely “Mercado do Bolhão”, an open market full of typical Porto food, wines and a place where you can experience a true Porto spirit!

Also, we were very close to the cute cafe bars “Confeitaria do Bolhão” and famous “Majestic”, so it was a great location. Do not miss the wine tasting events and great tours organized in the “Cais de Gaia” area, and it’s worth visiting a great wine cellar of brand “Cálem”!

If you have a chance, try to find a wine tour that includes a show of the traditional Oporto ‘fado’ music, you will not regret it for sure!

Filip, Milan

Flights to Portugal

- Dee Murray