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 northern Portugal, where the river of the same name meets the sea, the UNESCO-listed Douro Valley is known for its perfect climate and fertile soil, which has created an excellent wine-producing culture for many centuries. With its picturesque, undulating hills showcasing terraced vineyards and 18th-century wine cellars, the valley allows for an array of activities. Sample delicious locally-made wine and port, explore picture-perfect hillside and riverside villages, and drive along winding roads with panoramic views. The region’s landscape, rich autumn colours and multitude of trails provide an excellent setting for hiking, cycling and photography. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a cruise down the magnificent river, or hop on a scenic train ride to follow alongside its beautiful meandering course.
Located in Portugal’s south-central Alentejo region, known for its glorious olive groves and traditional villages, the town of Evora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its profusion of historical architecture and archaeological sites. These include the ruins of an ancient Roman temple dating to about 1000 BC, the medieval University of Evora, founded in the 16th century, and several beautiful old churches. Oldest of all is the astonishing neolithic site at Almendres Cromlech, which dates back 8000 years and has been used for three millennia. One of the most intriguing and macabre religious sites is the Capela dos Ossos - the Chapel of Bones - which has interior walls encrusted with bones and skulls. Gourmands will delight in the mouth-watering local dishes, most notably the incredible range of delicious traditional desserts.
Sagres is a scenic fishing village in the southern Algarve of Portugal, in the municipality of Vila do Bispo. Boasting four beaches, enormous cliffs, and a lovely harbour, the town is a serene favourite among outdoor enthusiasts. Praia da Mareta provides a vast stretch of soft sand, is usually sheltered and good for swimming, and is flanked by a line of excellent bars and restaurants. Praia do Tonel offers great waves for surfers, while Praia da Baleeira is reliably sheltered and Praia do Martinhal, just out of town, provides a quiet respite. History enthusiasts will enjoy visiting the 15th-century Fortaleza de Sagres, which uses three 200-foot cliffs as its walls. Make sure to visit ‘the end of the world’ - Cabo de Sao Vicente - the westernmost point of mainland Europe, was once believed to be so and offers some truly awesome views.
The beautiful city of Lisbon lies draped across a string of seven hills on the western Iberian Peninsula and is the westernmost and oldest city in western Europe. Its long and tumultuous history has resulted in an aesthetic characterised by a haphazard combination of old and new; however, the aesthetic chaos of Lisbon only adds to its appeal and its undeniable charm. Bright yellow centenarian trams rattle their way up steep, tree-lined, cobbled streets; ornate ironwork balconies overrun with bougainvillaea sit above elegant outdoor cafes housed in ancient whitewashed, red-roofed stone houses; and a flurry of detailed mosaics decorate the sidewalks. Ancient statues adorn grand squares and hidden gardens. A diverse culinary scene, a plethora of fascinating museums, and numerous castles make it easy to see why Lisbon is one of Europe’s most misunderstood and underrated cities.
