Located in northern Portugal along the Douro River estuary, the old sailing port of Porto is a World Heritage Site and the second-largest city in the country. While retaining the timeless charm of a small town, Porto also has many of the modern advantages of a metropolis. Browse the expansive art collection at the Soares dos Reis National Museum, view the ornate interior of the Church of Sao Francisco, and explore the medieval maze of stairways and terraces in the old quarter of Ribeira. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Vila Nova de Gaia area to sample some of Porto’s famous Port wine. Other popular attractions include the 12th-century Porto Cathedral, Clerigos Tower and the Harry-Potteresque Livraria Lello bookshop, showcasing some magnificent neo-gothic architecture.
Situated in central Portugal, 29 kilometres southeast of Leiria, Fatima is a small village that was forever changed in 1917 when, according to witnesses, the Virgin Mary appeared several times to three shepherd children. A marble pillar with a statue of Our Lady marks the exact location of her visit, and four million pilgrims make the journey to see it each year. Fatima is now a bustling complex with a vast esplanade book-ended by two large churches. However, it is a welcoming place no matter your religious inclination. Visitors can enjoy tours of the town's Wax Museum, the Museum of Sacred Art, and the Casa-Museu de Aljustrel, along with the splendid surrounding countryside and the multitude of souvenir shops selling everything from rosary beads to glow-in-the-dark statues of the Virgin Mary.
The beautiful Lisbon Coast boasts a breathtaking stretch of golden beaches, dramatic cliffs and thriving seaside towns that rest languidly on the shores of the blue-green waters of gorgeous Portugal. Naturally, the country's illustrious capital, Lisbon, is an essential must-see, with its rich history, memorable Old Quarters, cobbled streets and picturesque period buildings. The turreted fairytale palaces of Sintra, the remote Convento dos Capuchos monastery, and the 12th-century walled town of Obidos are also unmissable highlights. Nature lovers will delight in exploring the forested slopes of Parque Natural da Arrábida and hiking at Parque Natural de Sintra-Cascais, where the trails carve through the craggy mountain range of Serra de Sintra. Other highlights include boat trips on the Sado Estuary, the spectacular caves at Grutas de Mira de Aire and the Berlengas Islands, which are rich in wild fauna and flora.
Set within a natural amphitheatre along the south coast of Portugal’s island of Madeira, Funchal is the capital city of the Madeira Archipelago. This picturesque city is perfectly positioned against a breathtaking backdrop of dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters and forested mountains. Funchal is renowned for its variety of beautiful flowers, rich heritage, vibrant nightlife and scores of superb al fresco cafes and eateries. Visitors can look forward to a number of exciting activities including dolphin and whale watching tours, surfing magnificent waves, hiking through the lush landscape, and wine tasting at the famed Madeira Cellars. Don’t miss the amazing Gothic and Romanesque architecture of the Se Cathedral, the 15th-century Sao Tiago Fortress, housing Funchal’s Contemporary Art Museum, and the hillside Madeira Botanical Gardens which are decorated with over 2000 plants.
