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Experience the real essence of Portugal at any time. Apart from the long hot summers, the weather is also pleasant throughout the rest of the year as Portugal benefits from a privileged 'gulf stream' climate. The Algarve is renowned for its golf courses, of which there are nearly 40 its food and vibrant nightlife. Lisbon is famous for its excellent shops, restaurants, bars, nightlife museums and culture. The Atlantic coast and Porto areas have some exciting developments and a lot to offer. If you wish to venture further afield, you can cross the frontier for a trip to Spain.

Region Information - Algarve
Region Information - Alentejo
Region Information - Lisbon & Vale do Tejo
Region Information - Centro Beiras
Region Information - Northern Portugal

Region Information - Algarve

Blessed with fantastic coastal resorts, sandy beaches, an enviable climate and delightful pastoral landscapes, it is no wonder the Algarve is one of Europe 's favourite holiday destinations. The Eastern Algarve is rich in history with fascinating towns like Villa Real, Olhão and Tavira. Explore Tavira any time of the year and discover the river Gilhão that runs through the town, spanned by its mighty seven-arched Roman bridge. The banks of the river are lined with lively restaurants. From the castle battlements, you can peer down at the 18th-century pyramid-shaped rooftops of the houses, a distinctive characteristic of the eastern Algarve , and out to the sea beyond. Take a short boat ride out to the tranquil dunes and beaches of Tavira Island . West of Tavira, a tiny train chugs across the lagoon at Pedras del Rei whilst to the east, fishermen at sleepy Fabrica or idyllic Cacela Velha will row you across for a few cents. The imposing fortress town of Castro Marim is another reminder of Algarve history and the surrounding area is a protected natural reserve, rich in bird life. Its saltpans and marshes are the feeding and breeding grounds for many species of water birds, including Black-winged Stilts, Avocets, Kentish Plovers and Little Terns. Flocks of several hundred flamingos may be seen feeding in the saltpans out of breeding season.

Up in the hills of the Serra de Caldeirão, further inland, old mule tracks thread through cork woods across a magnificent panorama of receding hills, while at the coast lagoons and seemingly endless stretches of golden uncrowded sand provide possibilities for swimming, water sports or simply relaxing. Some of Portugal 's best golf courses and riding centres can also be found in Eastern Portugal . More than just an airport, Faro is famed for its old walled town with quiet, cobbled streets and 16th century facades. Loulé, 16 km northwest of Faro is a vibrant and typically Algarvian market town set in almond-covered foothills. It is an ancient town with narrow cobbled streets and fine local craft shops. The quaint museum of São Bras de Alportel, the picturesque villages of Alte and Paderne, and the faded grandeur of Estoi palace are all within easy striking distance.

Western Algarve is home to some of Portugal 's finest and least known beaches as well as mountain spas, lakes and many timeless villages. Lagos , one of the Algarve 's oldest and most interesting towns, is an enchanting base for exploring the region. Its fame derives from its association with Portugal 's great seafarers and its relaxed atmosphere and quiet charm make it an appealing location in the Algarve to visitors from abroad. The best places to sit and watch people go by are at the open-air cafés in Praça da República or take a boat ride to explore the small sandy coves that punctuate the local coastline. Stretching away into the far distance, opposite the fishing harbour below Lagos' little fortress, is Meia Praia, a magnificent curving sweep of golden sand dunes leading into shallow water, backed by rolling farmland and the misty blue hills of Monchique. Further west again are Luz, Salema and Burgau, fishing villages with superb sandy beaches known to discerning holidaymakers. In Salema, narrow cobbled streets wind past fisherman's cottages and local bars and restaurants emit a friendly, welcoming air common to the Algarve . The Algarve‘s west coast is a dramatic series of majestic cliffs, wide open and countryside - a surfers paradise. Indeed there is something here to cater for all tastes, whether it is relaxation you are after or real adventure.

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Region Information - Alentejo

One of the most beautiful and unspoilt areas in Portugal , the Alentejo plains stretch from the Algarve to Lisbon and from the Atlantic coast to the Spanish border. Here you'll find rugged plains, olive groves and vineyards, pretty walled towns, colourful villages and megalithic monuments dating back to 5000BC.

An amazingly unexploited area of Portugal is the Atlantic coast of the Alentejo with its rugged surfing beaches and enormous unspoilt stretches of sand. The area has one of the sunniest climates in Europe with over 3000 hours of sunshine per year and plenty for visitors to see and do.Inland, the Alentejo is a largely unexplored part of Portugal with lots of little whitewashed villages. Local festivals are very important to this region and are always great fun to join in with. Food in the region varies widely in terms of style. You'll find more filling food inland with wholesome country stews and rich desserts. Then as you reach the coast, the menu changes to seafood dishes - the wonderful local bread is a must. The wines are particularly tempting and this undiscovered region produces some of the best wines in Portugal.

Places to visit:
Évora  - Surrounded by olive groves, vineyards, wheat fields and brilliant spring flowers, the walled town of Évora is quite charming and one of Portugal 's architectural gems. Its roman temple, medieval stonewalls and imposing Romanesque cathedral have all been beautifully restored.
Estremoz and the marble towns of Borba and Vila Vicosa This area is so rich in beautiful marble that everything from the pavements upward are made from the dazzlingly white local marble.
Vila Nova de Milfontes is South of Lisbon and slightly north of the Algarve , Vila Nova de Milfontes is a land of rolling hills and unspoilt countryside. On the estuary of the River Mira, this attractive town offers a wide variety of water sports with many beaches suitable for surfing nearby.

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Region Information - Lisbon & Vale do Tejo

The capital of Portugal , Lisbon , forms the centre of this region. Situated at the mouth of the Tagus river, the town was rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake and this giving it a modern and cosmopolitan feel. There are numerous historic buildings to act as a reminder of the colonial era. The narrow medieval streets and alleyways lead to large modern avenues, highlighting the contrasts within this wonderful city. Lisbon has a number of excellent museums, including the Museu Nacional do Azulejo, the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga, which houses the national collection of works by Portuguese painters; and the immense Museu Calouste Gulbenkian, considered the finest museum in Portugal . Other places of interest are the districts of Baixa and Alfama. Here you'll find some of the city's oldest and most rewarding sights: ancient cobbled streets, squares and alleys; markets and craftspeople together with colourful buildings and brooding castles. Lisbon 's nightlife is legendary, fun and boisterous. The harbour areas have a selection of upmarket bars, the converted EXPO site has world class restaurants, the bairro alto area buzzes with a myriad of musical types from Jazz to Fado and from Brazilian rhythms to folk guitar. Nightclubs throb until the early hours and there are shows at Estoril casio. Shopping centres at Amoreiras, Columbo Centre and Cascais are a delight for those who enjoy shopping.

There are many ancient sites such as the Monastery of los Jeronimos and Torre de Belem, both built during the reign of King Manuel I, who had a great influence in both religious architecture and the military field. In Lisbon, the styles are very characteristic, not only visible in the transition from gothic to anuelian (Cathedral etc.), but also as demonstrated in 1998 at the world exhibition, which emphasised the city's modern side. Other areas to visit are Alfama, Madragoa and the Bairro Alto, where you can listen to Fado, a traditional type of music. To the north of Lisbon , you can take a walk through Cabo Carvoeiro de Peninche and take the boat to the Berlengas Isles. Further south, it is well worth visiting Obidos and the castle, it is lovely to walk down the winding roads and look at the many flowers that grow there. 37 km from Lisbon , on the West Coast is Sintra, a protected area, with palaces, monuments, castles and museums. Don't forget to visit the resorts of Cascais and Estoril, well known for its surfing, numerous tourist attractions and superb golf courses. Lisbon , the country's capital, stands proudly on the banks of the Rio Tejo. The cities low skyline, unpretentious friendly atmosphere and blend of architectural styles conspire to make it a year round favourite with its visitors.

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Region Information - Centro Beiras

A region of deep contrasts, Centro Beiras is where the mountains meet the sea, extensive beaches and fishing villages lie along the coast, while mountains dominate the interior landscape. A region of outstanding natural beauty, Centro Beiras is a walker's paradise. The coastline is a series of long sandy beaches, dunes, lagoons and pine forests. While the heart of this hinterland hosts the Mountain range of the ‘Serra da Estrela', the highest in continental Portugal.
Remote and ruggedly beautiful, the region is dotted with historic towns and villages, many of them guarded by castles built by the early kings of Portugal . Stunning beauty and many hidden secrets are just waiting to be discovered throughout Centro Beiras and wherever you go you will be met with a warm welcome. The people still lead a very traditional and simple style of life, producing their own family wines, cheeses, cured ham and smoked sausages.

Places to visit:
Serra da Estrela Located in central inland Portugal , this beautiful area is a protected National Park with its breathtaking scenery, views and superb hiking. In the summer it can get very hot and on a clear day you might be able to see the sea over 250 km away. The main base is the market town Gouveia, which lies on the edge of the National Park.
Northern mountains Centro Beiras spreads right up to the Spanish border in north eastern Portugal where you'll find ancient villages where time has really stood still.
Other towns to discover in the area are the cosmopolitan town of Chaves with its Roman remains, old castles and fabulous views; Bragança, a charming town with narrow cobbled streets and ancient monuments; and Visue - well known throughout Portugal for its beautiful tile work and restaurants where you can taste Chafana stew and Leitão (suckling pig). The maze of alleyways immediately behind the cathedral remain virtually untouched since Roman times.

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Region Information - Northern Portugal

The natural beauty of Portugal 's oldest region of Porto e Norte forms the backdrop for this proud and traditional landscape. The Douro river cuts a lush and serene swathe through much of the region which is ideal for day-trips from Porto . Many dams have been built to make the river navigable, allowing pleasure boats to make the journey up from the regional capital. Between Mesão Frio and Pinhão you will find the terraced vineyards that produce the famous Port wine. But this region is famous for more than just port: prehistoric cave paintings in Vila Nova de Foz Côa, medieval castles and convents or Romanesque little churches dot the landscape.
History is also evoked by the manor houses, such as the Baroque mansion at Mateus, near Vila Real, or in the great 17th century sanctuaries, such as Nossa Senhora dos Remédios in Lamego. The region is a perfect place for mountain trekking, canoeing or simply resting up in the spa towns of Carvalhelhos, Chaves, and Pedras Salgadas. Vidago has a magnificent park with swimming pools and a golf course. Porto is without doubt the main city in northern Portugal . Explore the old quarter and its bustling downtown. One should not miss a visit to the wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia and free tasting of the famous port wine. Along the coastline to the north of Porto runs the road linking Vila do Conde to Valença. It takes visitors past beautiful beaches, summer resorts and enchanting villages, such as Caminha and Vila Nova de Cerveira. Inland, visit the huge national park area covering the mountains of Peneda, Soajo and Gerês. This wilderness park in the far north of Portugal , near the Spanish border, has spectacular scenery and a wide variety of flora and fauna. It's extremely popular with Portuguese day trippers and holidaymakers, but they tend to stick to the main camping areas, leaving the rest of the park to hikers. There are plenty of good short-distance trails with places to swim along the way, as well as facilities for horse riding and canoe rental. Three towns that set the tone for this charming area of Portugal are Viana do Castelo, lying upon the estuary of the Lima river; Braga, rich in ecclesiastical history; and the medieval Guimarães. Mansions and manorial houses in this region open their doors to bed and breakfast, offering visitors a rare privileged glimpse of aristocratic Portuguese traditions, combined with the best modern hospitality can offer. The central region of Beiras is one of deep contrasts: the Atlantic coastline with its temperate climate, white sandy beaches and pine forests - and the interior where more forbidding mountains and rocks set the tone. In the heart of this hinterland rises the Serra da Estrela, the highest mountain range in Portugal . This is where the Mondego river rises before flowing out into the Atlantic ocean beside the broad Figueira da Foz beach. Ancient forests cover the mountain slopes while a wealth of monasteries, convents, castles and churches can be found throughout the region.