With so much in store for 2018 and so many fabulous TripWix curated properties in Portugal, Spain and Mexico for you to luxuriate in, you are going to be spoiled for choice this year when planning a getaway or two. To help you, here are some highlights from the year ahead.
Fiesta Fun
While you might be forgiven for thinking that Spain and Portugal are in a constant state of fiesta—each town and village celebrates its patron saint at a different time of the year—there are some fiestas that pack even more of a punch.
For Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, the Festas de Santo António in June are a fun-packed highlight as the whole city ignites with parades, dancing, live music and the aroma of grilled sardines to celebrate Santo António.
Spain has two celebrations of note that make booking a luxury property in plenty of time totally worth it.
The Feria de Sevilla, which usually takes place in the Andalusian capital of Seville two weeks after Easter, features parades, parties, bullfights and women dressed in fabulous flamenco garb; everything that reflects this vibrant, colourful area is on display to revel in.
In mid-September, Salamanca is home to another event that is not to be missed. The Feria de Salamanca offers music, dancing, parades, corridas and picadores, sport competitions, cultural and children’s activities as well as plenty of food and drink.
In Mexico, you must witness the festivities in honor of the Virgin of Guadalupe from December 1st through the 12th. In many cities, but especially in downtown Puerto Vallarta, you will see processions known as the Guadalupana every day of the celebration.
November 2nd, the day Mexico celebrates the famous Day of the Dead, is also an incredibly colorful time to visit Mexico in pretty much any destination.
Summer Hotspots
You can’t beat Portugal’s Algarve, or Spain’s Costa del Sol for some sassy summer chillin’ – and our TripWix Ambassadors know just how to show you the classy, authentic face of these popular tourist destinations.
The Algarve is renowned for its imposing cliffs, white-washed villages, rare rock formations, natural wetlands, rocky bays and golden sand beaches, all washed down with some unbeatable port and a dash of refinement.
Spain’s Costa del Sol, especially the Marbella, Puerto Banus and Sotogrande areas, offers a sophisticated-chic setting where A-listers and VIPs flock to its golden beaches, yacht clubs, piano bars, designer shops and a plethora of great food from fine dining to local restaurants.
Don’t forget, however, that much of Mexico is blessed with a climate where you can enjoy summer anytime throughout the year. So, if you are looking for some winter or summer sunshine, Mexico’s Pacific coast is a great year-round choice.
Quirky Escapes
A number of specialist attractions might catch your eye for a 2018 getaway, from the Medieval Festival in Óbidos, Portugal (July 14th until August 7th) to the Tall Ship Racing in Lisbon (July 22nd until July 25th) to the Classic Car Festival in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain (September 23rd to 24th). How about the International Sand Sculpture Festival (FIESA) in the Algarve (Pera), Portugal usually held in August?
Not quirky enough for you? Why not tell us what your specific passions are and we can suggest itineraries to satisfy even the most quirky of souls.
Cultural Inspiration
You will receive plenty of cultural inspiration to get you in the mood for a 2018 getaway.
Lisbon, Portugal has a number of cultural events lined up. The annual Queer Lisboa Film Festival runs from September 16th until September 24th and Rock in Rio – Lisbon Music Festival takes place from June 23rd until June 30th.
The medieval city of Óbidos, Portugal welcomes its International Literary Festival (FOLIO) from October 20th until October 30th.
In Mexico, weekly Artwalks in Puerto Vallarta (Wednesday) and Bucerias (Thursday) continue throughout the high season from October until April, while Careyes hosts its famed Arte Careyes Film Festival from April 25th until April 29th.
Getting Physical
Surf’s up in Nazaré, Portugal with the Ultimate Tube Riding Event, Capitulo Perfeito, on call from September 24th until November 24th as well as the World Surf League – Big Wave Tour on call from November 1st until January 31st.
Peniche, Portugal also hosts its World Surf League – World Circuit Tour on call from October 7th until October 24th. Learn more about the world-famous Portuguese Pipeline and other great surfing beaches in the Peniche area.
In Mexico, Polo Season in San Pancho, Riviera Nayarit and Careyes, Costa Alegre runs from November until April.
Gourmet Getaways
Mexico holds the highlights for foodies in 2018 with its International Gourmet Festival in Puerto Vallarta which takes place in mid-November each year and the Gourmet and Golf event in Punta Mita, to be held from November 29 to December 2, 2018.
Wine lovers will want to get ready for the Douro Valley Vendimia in Portugal’s scenic Douro Valley to enjoy the festivities surrounding the annual grape harvest. Tread the grapes, try the new harvests and learn about the art of wine-making. Festival dates depend on the harvest time, but it usually falls around the end of September or early October.
Portugal and Spain both hit all the high notes on the foodie calendar with regional festivals paying homage to everything from the green bean to chocolate to specific cheeses. Other events too numerous to mention put out the flags for all number of local and regional delicacies.
Ready for a Fabulous New Experience?
Want more information about any of the events mentioned here? Please contact info@tripwix.com.
