Portugal

Portugal is famous for its attractive scenery, with white beaches and quiet coves, some of Europe’s best links golf courses, cosmopolitan clubs and traditional Fado bars.

The unspoilt capital, Lisbon, is one of the oldest cities in the world and its varied architecture stretches back many centuries. Built on a series of hills overlooking a natural harbour, there is no better place in Europe for watching the sun go down over the Atlantic Ocean.

Probably the most famous landmark in Lisbon is the 16th Century Belem tower, a World Heritage Site on the banks of the River Tagus, built to celebrate Portugal’s “Age of Discovery”. The nearby Jeronimos Monastery, the burial place of Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama, who was the first person to sail from Europe to India, is well worth a visit, as is St George’s Castle, named after England’s patron saint, which dates back to Roman times and can be seen from across the city. For art enthusiasts, the Calouste Galbenkian Museum boasts one of the world’s finest private collections, and the Merardo Museum is a must for lovers of modern art.

When in Lisbon, why not take in a "casa de Fado", or Fado restaurant? Enjoy an evening listening to Portugal’s national music in one of the authentic bars or restaurants in the medieval Alfama district. When it comes to food, although Portuguese cuisine has a lower profile than many other European cuisines, it is renowned for its delicious fresh seafood, hearty stews and grilled ‘Piri Piri’ chicken.

In the north of the country, Porto (also called Oporto in English), is most famous of course for port wine, which was named after the city, and Porto sits at the heart of the port-producing Duoro region. The magnificent city centre dates back over 1,000 years and is another World Heritage Site. Porto is the perfect starting point for a leisurely boat trip or railway journey along the beautiful Duoro Valley.

For those seeking sunshine and spectacular scenery, the Algarve in southern Portugal is hard to beat. Justly famous for its miles of golden sandy beaches, the region is also a Mecca for golf enthusiasts, with some of Europe’s best links courses. While the coast is one of Europe’s leading holiday destinations, travel a few miles inland and you can step back in time at one of many flower-filled, white-washed villages.