This place hosts a collection of sand sculptures carved by a group of sculptors, who come from different parts of the world. The atmosphere is really great, a kind of party held in a beautiful setting, with music in the background and a lot of sand sculptures which seem to be in the middle of a party. It will be a memorable experience to walk among the statues of famous musicians and take a lot of pictures. In my opinion the most impressive thing about this place is the passion, the talent and the hard work implied by every single statue displayed there. The theme of the festival is different every year: famous film stars, music stars, superheroes, historical figures and so on. For example last year’s theme was music. Fiesta is definitely worth visiting. The following 30 pictures will sweep you off your feet and help you decide.

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It might seem a huge number, but the Lisbon Ocenarium is the largest indoor aquarium in Europe. A visit here will be the perfect opportunity to admire the beauty of the approximately 450 different species. You will be speechless once you see the special design of the Ocenarium that perfectly imitates the marine environment. This visit will be also the perfect occasion to learn a lot of things about the underwater world because it will give you the chance to admire four different habitats. The Lisbon Ocenarium is the first aquarium where four oceanic habitats are reproduced in just one controlled environment. You can admire the marine environment of the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean, the Pacific Ocean and of the Antarctic Ocean. It sounds really interesting, isn’t it? I can assure you that it is really interesting. Take a look at the following pictures if I haven’t convinced you yet.

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Situated in the Park of the Nations, in Lisbon, Portugal, the Ocenarium is actually the largest indoor aquarium in Europe. It is located near the Tejo River and a wing of the building is actually built on water, giving you the impression that it floats.

This aquarium shelters about 450 different species and about 16000 living creatures. It will definitely be a pleasant experience to admire the diversity of the marine life: sharks, seahorses, crustaceans, corals, penguins, sea anemones, tropical fish, octopuses, jellyfish, marine plants and so on.

All these species gathered in only one place will give you the opportunity to learn a lot of things about the amazing underwater world. My advice is to give the Ocenarium a few hours of your time because you won’t regret it. The Ocenarium is built on two floors, the upper floor where you can admire the surface animals and plants and the lower floor where you can admire the marine species.

The entire place is very well designed and organized and it perfectly imitates the marine environment. A huge central aquarium is surrounded by four smaller aquariums which reproduce the habitats of the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean, the Pacific Ocean and of the Antarctic Ocean. They are so well organized that they give you the impression of only one large aquarium.

In fact they are separated using acrylic sheets. The marine atmosphere is highlighted by a multitude of colored lights that embellish the whole place. The aquarium gives you the possibility to rest and peacefully admire the marine life because there are a lot of benches, seats and observation rooms where you can do this.

The mysterious sharks, the spectacular stingrays and the unique ocean sunfish are among my favorites. The sunfish is actually a rare species sheltered only by a few aquariums in the world because they require special care.

You should know that no matter where you stay in Lisbon it is easy to get to the Ocenarium by underground or by bus. The Lisbon Ocenarium is definitely worth experiencing and I am sure you will think the same after your own experience there.

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No matter how you choose to spend your time there, you should definitely not miss a few places which are in my opinion real natural masterpieces.These wonderful places are: Praia do Camilo, Praia do Pinhao and Ponta da Piedade.

If you would like to enjoy their beauty entirely, you should make enough time and visit them one by one. In case you don’t have the time to do so, you should know that they are situated close to one another and you can explore them on the same day. You can get to these places by land or by sea but in my opinion the best way to visit them is by land, because this will give you the opportunity to also admire them from the top of the cliffs.

1. Praia do Pinhao is the first on your map if you come from downtown. This is a small and elegant beach where you will discover a natural and beautiful scenery: imposing orange cliffs, fine golden sand and clear greenish blue water. Praia do Pinhao is a real oasis of peace where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the daily world.

2. Praia do Camilo, another wonderful beach, is situated not very far from Praia do Pinhao. This is also a small beach with golden sand and crystal clear water. The high orange cliffs shaped in an asymmetric way which surround the beach, make it really special. This lovely scenery urges you to take a bath and relax in a pleasant atmosphere.

3. Ponta da Piedade is a marvelous place situated at the end of the coastline. This is a group of cliffs and rock formations shaped in a beautiful and natural way. A walk through the rock pillars, the sea arches, the natural tunnels and caves, will definitely recharge your batteries. The scenery is perfectly completed by an old lighthouse, called Farol da Ponta da Piedade.
I am sure you will not regret if you add these masterpieces on your trip list and it will be a lovely experience to visit them.

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Situated along the coastline of the town of Lagos, this place embellishes the last part of the coastline. Ponta da Piedade or the Mercy Point is actually a group of cliffs and rock formations shaped by the tide. The highest cliffs are about 20 meters high and look incredible in the sunlight.

An interesting thing about this place is the fact that each rock formation has a name such as: the Camel, the Sphinx or the Kissing Couple. The clear turquoise water seems to complete the entire landscape in a perfect way. You can admire the scenery from the top of the cliffs, you can take a boat tour or you can rent a kayak.

If you choose a boat tour you will have the possibility to explore the rock pillars, the sea arches, the natural tunnels and the grottos in all their splendor. It will be a great experience to swim among all these rock formations or just to lie in the sun on the small beach hidden among the cliffs.

The symbol of this place is a lighthouse, called Farol da Ponta da Piedade. Even if it is closed to the public you should know that there is a stairway nearby which helps you get close to the rock formations. It is said that you can enjoy the most beautiful sunset in the entire region here. In my opinion Ponta da Piedade is definitely a place you should add on your trip list if you are going to spend your holiday in the Algarve region.

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Situated between Meia Praia and Praia Dona Ana, Praia do Pinhao is one of the most wonderful beaches in Lagos, Portugal. The narrow strip of fine sand, the clear greenish blue water and the imposing cliffs which blend together in a harmonious way, create the beautiful scenery of this beach.

It is up to you how you choose to spend your time on Praia do Pinhao, but you should know that you have the possibility to choose from a variety of pleasant activities: you can explore the cliffs that embellish the beach, you can swim, you can snorkel, you can read a good book or you can just admire the landscape.

It is very easy to get to this beach because it is close to the town and it is the second one from the string of beaches in Lagos. You have the possibility to get to the beach by boat, but if you come from downtown you should know that once you get to the top of the cliffs, you have to descend a wooden staircase in order to get to the beach.

To my mind this is the best choice because even if you have to put in some effort to descend those stairs, the image seen from the top of the cliffs is amazing.What I really like about Praia do Pinhao is how the tide slowly changes this place and it makes it look different throughout the day. The best way you can notice this change is to take a picture of the same sight in the morning and another one in the evening.

In case you visit Praia do Pinhao, you should also know that there are no shops there and that you have to bring water, food or everything else you might need with you. In my opinion Praia do Pinhao is the perfect place to relax because this small and natural beach is one of those places where you can experience a deep connection with nature.

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Even if this town is well known for its beautiful beaches which are the symbol of the entire town, in my opinion Portimao means more than that. If you decide to visit this place you will discover that this town has much more to offer besides its beaches. Here are in my opinion a few of the things you could try in Portimao.

1. The Port of Portimao is an interesting place. Located very close to the town center, it is the perfect place to take a walk and relax in the evening. You can admire a variety of ships, boats and yachts there or you can just have a lovely dinner on one of the terraces. The restaurants and the cafes urge you to take a sit and relax in a pleasant atmosphere.

2. The Museum of Portimao is situated near the port. Designed in a building which was originally a sardine canning factory, the museum will offer you the chance to find out a lot of things about the fishing industry such as: the original machines and the equipment used in this industry, the production steps of the canning process, an archaeological exhibition that shows the evolution of human occupation in this region and an old waterway where you can watch images of the underwater wildlife on a big screen.

3. You should know that you can choose from a variety of activities in Portimao. There are a lot of travel agencies that organize different tours of the place and activities such as: boat trips, scuba diving, parasailing, water-skiing, glass bottomed boat tours or fishing trips.

It is up to you what you choose to do, but if you want to admire the beauty of this region, I advise you to choose at least one trip where you can see the amazing grottoes and the stunning coastline. A must see is definitely the Benagil Cave, which is the iconic image of the entire region of the Algarve.

4. Another interesting thing about Portimao is the fact that different festivals and events are organized there every year. This summer for example you could have enjoyed the Street Food Festival and the Wine Festival. You can find the schedule of these events in the Algarve Guide and you can request this brochure at your hotel.

5. I really believe that you cannot have a complete experience in Portimao if you don’t taste their delicious local dishes. Food is an important part of any culture and people connect to their cultural or ethnic group through similar food patterns. For me it is important to discover these patterns everywhere I go. If I had to describe Portuguese food in a few words I would say: fried eggs with almost any main dish, chips of all shapes and sizes, a big variety of cakes for breakfast, delicious fish, especially bream, cod and sardines and the amazing francesinha.

6. Shopping can be sometimes a relaxing activity. If you feel the same you should know that there are a lot of places in Portimao where you can find quality things at very good prices, no matter if you choose the shops on the coquettish streets or those in the big mall.
All things considered, you have a lot of reasons to choose this town as a holiday destination, because Portimao is more than just a stretch of beaches.

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This town which apparently has nothing special to show, seems to be blessed with a few stunning places that truly deserve to be discovered. Situated on the western coast of the Algarve, this Portuguese town is one of the most populated towns in the entire region. Spoiled by the sun almost all year long, Portimao is a dream destination that beyond its simplicity displays gorgeous golden sandy beaches with crystal clear waters and imposing cliffs. The coastline is an area of about eight kilometers of beautiful beaches. Four of these beaches are in my opinion the most beautiful and the ones that you should add on your trip list.

1. If you come from downtown, Praia da Rocha is the first beach that opens the coastline. Situated very close to Portimao Marina, Praia da Rocha is one of the widest beaches that I have ever seen.

A wooden path will make your access to the beach very easy and comfortable. To my mind, the most beautiful thing about this beach is actually the end of it which is bordered by a beautiful high cliff.

2. Praia dos Tres Castelos which lies on the other side of the cliff is another natural beauty that will awaken your senses. This wonderful beach with crystal blue water and golden fine sand displays a variety of asymmetrically shaped cliffs.

The fact that a few of these cliffs are actually situated in the ocean is what gives a special beauty to the whole place.
3. Praia do Vau is the next beach that hides the same beautiful scenery, yet different: crystal blue water, imposing cliffs and golden fine sand.

What I really liked about this beach was an orange cliff which looks like a cave. The fact that the cave has no roof and the light can easily go in is what really makes this place beautiful.

4. Praia dos Tres Irmaos is the last beach on the coastline and a place where you will discover a unique picturesque rock formation. This beach is a real source of delight due to its special scenery: rocky outcrops, curved cliffs, clear turquoise water and golden fine sand.

In my opinion Tres Irmaos Beach is the most interesting. The blend between the rock formation and the ocean is what really makes this beach unique and beautiful.

The water is not very deep and you can take a walk among the cliffs. It is amazing to feel the cold water caressing your feet while you are enjoying your walk.

You should know that all these beaches have a few places where you can eat and drink something after a hot sunny day. You can get to the beaches by car, by bus or on foot. It all depends on the area where you found your accommodation. In my opinion another special thing about these beaches is the view seen from the top of the cliffs.
I really believe that you will spend a great time in Portimao, if you add these beautiful beaches on your trip list.

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Fiesta is an International Sand Sculpture Festival held annually since 2003 in Pera, Portugal. This unique event is the largest sand sculpture exhibition in the world and displays a collection of imposing sculptures. It will be a delight to visit and admire this exhibition because every item is carefully carved.

The exhibition is in my opinion an amazing work of art. It is the work of a group of talented sculptors who come from different parts of the world and who are driven by the same passion for sculpture. The scenery is unique and impressive and every statue implies a lot of talent and hard work. The damp sand is put into big molds and takes the shape of a huge block which later becomes the final product. It seems that the sand comes to life in the sculptors’ hands.

If you take my advice and visit this exhibition, you will have the chance to plunge into an imaginary world. The theme of this art show is different every year and this is what makes the exhibition really interesting. Hollywood, superheroes, famous film and music stars, historical figures and music are just a few of the themes that were presented at the festival.

Music is the theme of the festival this year and I am sure it will be a delight to discover the musical styles of various countries of the world, the origins of music and the statues of one of the world’s famous musicians. While you admire the statues you will be also delighted by different musical styles which complete the whole idea of the festival.

This place can be visited by day or by night when the sculptures are illuminated by a multitude of colorful lights. The exhibition is open to the public every day between March 20 and October 20, giving you enough time to live an unforgettable experience.

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Situated in Lagos, Portugal, Praia do Camilo is a small golden sandy beach with crystal clear waters, surrounded by high orange cliffs. These imposing cliffs, shaped in an asymmetric way, seem to be a reliable guard for this priceless treasure. The color of the water is a harmonious combination between blue and green which together with the orange of the cliffs create a unique scenery.

You should spend an entire day on this fabulous beach because by doing so you will have the chance to experience how the tide slowly changes the landscape. This impressive natural phenomenon makes this place look different throughout the day and you have the feeling that the beach you see in the morning is different from the one you see in the evening. You cannot get bored on this beach because you can choose from a variety of activities such as: swimming, snorkeling, tanning or you can just admire the beauty of this fantastic place.

Camilo Beach is very close to the city and this is the reason why it is quite accessible. You can get to the beach by boat, by car or on foot. If you choose to get there by car or on foot, you should know that you will find yourself on top of the cliffs and you will have to descend about 200 wooden stairs in order to get to the beach.

The image seen from the top of the cliffs is spectacular because you will actually have the opportunity to admire the entire coastline. In my opinion Praia do Camilo is the perfect place to spend unforgettable moments. If you decide to visit this slice of heaven, you will definitely experience a great feeling of delight, inner peace and joy.

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