Portugal Cruise Ports
Cruises to the country of Portugal, on the western tip of Europe, are amongst the most popular for British holidaymakers and it is no surprise why as the country offers great cities, year around warm temperatures, a fascinating culture and lots of great attractions, historic sites of importance and that is not even mentioning the great food and drink on offer including the hugely popular tipple of Port and the must have snack called Pasteis di Nata- a sweet egg custard like tart.
Whilst the country is a relatively short flight that is easily accessible from many UK airports, the shape of the country, been incredibly slim and only having the one land border with Spain, makes it a great location to explore on a cruise holiday as all parts of the country are either on the coast or just a short drive from of its great ports of call.
The countries seafaring past also means that there are a number of islands that come under the rule of Portugal and that are also popular destinations whilst on a cruise holiday.
Cruises To Portugal
Cruise Holidays in Portugal
Cruises to Portugal can be either your final destination or can be part of a cruise going to the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands or even transatlantic trips, with ships choosing the southern crossings often stopping off at Ponta Delgada in the Azores.
Whilst there is a great range of ships, cruise lines and destinations on offer for those wanting a No-Fly holiday to Portugal from the UK, you can also enjoy the region from a number of ports in Europe, with the port of Lisbon been the country’s leading cruise port for starting and ending holiday in the country.
Portugal Cruise Guide
Popular Ports in Portugal
It is the port of Lisbon, in the country’s historic capital city, that is arguably the most popular and that is with good reason as the port is centrally located and offers a stunning entrance along the River Tagus and under the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge.
The port of Leixoes, near to the city of Porto, is the busiest cruise pot in the north of the country whilst the ports of Funchal, on the island of Madeira, and Ponta Delgado, on the Azores, are also offered by many cruise lines.
The port of Lisbon see’s you arrive at the Portuguese capital city in style and docks you within walking distance of many of the cities must see sites or you can simply stroll into town and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the city.
The port of Leixoes is located just a short drive from the popular city of Porto, where drink the Port comes from so why not enjoy a tipple or a walk around the compact city known for its iconic river front and beautiful Luis I bridge.
Funchal is the capital city of the island of Madeira and is located just off of the coast of Morocco to the south west of the Portuguese mainland so you can be assured of year round sunshine. The port is centrally located and makes it easy to explore the historic city streets and many attractions or just to find the nearest café-bar for a slice of the cake and wine that share there name with the island.
Ponta Delgada is the capital of the Azores and it is also home to the Portuguese owned archipelago cruise port of call that makes it easy to explore the remote island in the middle of the Atlantic.
Other Cruise Ports in Portugal
Portimão is a popular tourist town on the Algarve coast that is famed for its sandy beaches.
Horta is a located on the southeast coast of Faial Island in the Azores that has developed into a popular port of call, especially for those wanting to head out on whale-watching excursions.
Praia da Vitoria sits on the Terceira Island in the Azores and has a long history has been a stopping of port of call for transatlantic journeys and although it used to be pirates that would use it as a stopping off port, nowadays it is cruise ships heading between Europe and North/South America.
Popular Cruise Lines
Due to the popularity of Portugal as a cruise destination and the ease of reaching it, the vast majority of cruise lines operating in Europe will offer cruises to and from the country including lines such as P&O Cruises, Marella Cruises, MSC Cruises, Cunard, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Azamara Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Princess Cruises.
Portugal
Full Name: Portuguese Republic
Location: Southwestern Europe
Capital City: Lisbon
Currency: Euro
Languages: Portuguese, Mirandese
Demonym(s): Portuguese
Top Ports: Lisbon, Leixoes (Porto), Funchal, Ponta Delgado
The Portuguese Republic is a country that has a long and fascinating history and it is also one that has managed to modernise itself well, which makes for a combination that offers lots for those who visit.
The country has been inhabited by pre-Celtic and Celtic people, was visited by Carthaginians and Ancient Greeks, and came under the rule of Romans, Visigothic Germanic people, and the Mores.
Portugal was also a major nations involved in seafaring exploration and trade and it is that combination of factors that has led to a fascinating and unique culture.
When you mix in the great weather, the mouth-watering food and drink and the ease of reaching Portugal from the UK and you have that you need for a popular cruise destination.
Thankfully, the country is also home to a number of modern cruise ports and terminals which allows a wide mix of ships to dock in the coastal towns and cities to allow you to have a fantastic holiday just how you like it when you choose a cruise holiday to Portugal.
Best Time To Visit Portugal
The all year around great climate and choice of cities that are great no matter what the weather or time of year, it really does not matter when you chose to cruise to Portugal, although the summer month sis best for those not wanting to experience the Bay of Biscay in winter.
Cruises From UK
For the widest range of itineraries, ships and cruise lines heading to Portugal from the UK, it is the countries leading port of Southampton that is the place to start your journey from.
If you would like to visit one of the money incredible cruse ports in Portugal directly from the UK without the need to fly, you can do.
Not only that, but the UK has one of the widest selections of cruise itineraries for those wanting to visit Portugal on a cruise, with every Portuguese cruise port available to visit directly from these shores.
There are plenty of cruise holidays that head to Iberia and visit a number of cruise ports in Portugal whilst Portuguese cruise ports can also be visiting on journeys heading to the Canaries, the Mediterranean and even further afield to South America and North America.
Cruises From Southampton
Here at CruiseHols.co.uk we bring you all of the information you will ever need to choose the right cruise destination for you and your family.
Our destination guides include everything from ports to attractions and excursion to the positives and negatives of the destination.
