Portugal A country of captivating cities, quaint cobblestoned villages, idyllic golden beaches, medieval castles and a rich thriving culture.

Often overshadowed by its bigger and flashier neighbour, Spain, Portugal is a land of old-fashioned charm and has plenty of redeeming features that make it worth a visit. With captivating cities, quaint cobblestoned villages, idyllic golden beaches, medieval castles and a rich and thriving culture, it is also one of the cheapest countries in all of Western Europe. Portugal has diverse landscapes, mouth-watering fresh food, a fascinating, and at times troubled history, and a mild temperate climate that makes it pleasant to visit any time of year.

The spectacular Douro Valley is Portugal’s predominant wine region. Beginning in the romantic city of Porto, Portugal’s second largest city and home to Port Wine, the River Douro winds through breathtaking landscapes of mountainous scenery and passes by charming towns and villages and rambling vineyards. In Porto you can sample the many flavours of port that are produced in the area, stroll down its cobbled laneways or wide boulevards and admire the beauty of its baroque cathedrals.

Magical Sintra is considered Portugal’s crowning jewel with fairy-tale castles, enchanting gardens and spectacular mountain vistas. Sintra’s Quinta da Regaleira is a stunning palace whose backyard was turned into a fantasy land by its eccentric millionaire owner. Millions of pilgrims descend upon the town of Fátima between May and October every year as part of a spiritual journey. The pilgrimage celebrates the appearance of the Virgin Mary who is said to have appeared before three peasant children in Fatima six times between May and October of 1917 and the subsequent miracle that occurred on October 13th of that year.

Portugal’s stunning coastline is dramatic and wild with rugged cliffs and dune-covered beaches. Its protected coves and yellow-sand beaches are fronted by picturesque turquoise coloured water. The spectacular Algarve, Portugal’s southernmost region, is famed for its beautiful beaches, lively nightlife, sunny Mediterranean climate and its internationally acclaimed golf resorts. The Portuguese set off from here in the 15th century, discovering a world that existed outside their own while many who come here, never want to leave! Each coastal town is unique with the most popular being the gorgeous beach-and-bar town of Lagos, historic Faro, Silves with its Arab influence and the cosmopolitan town of Albufeira.