Welcome

Portugal is possibly Europe's most diverse and beautiful country; and as Britain's longest standing ally, it's also one of the oldest.

The history of this comparatively small country has shaped it's people; they actually seem to like the English and are certainly the most friendly the writer has encountered in his travels. Perhaps this is because our past is so similar and intertwined, both maritime nations, once rich with large overseas empires, there is certainly an empathy between us.

The most popular and well-known tourist destination in Portugal is the Algarve coast, having fine beaches, excellent hotels and sophisticated resorts. But there is more, much more! From verdant forest, stunning mountains, rustic villages and rushing river valleys to fairy-tale castles, wide estuaries, bustling cities and excellent, affordable food, you are never far from the next photo opportunity

Lisbon is the big secret of European cities; with its traditional bairros (quarters), where you can smell the typical grilled sardines and hear the fado being sung within the ancient labyrinth of streets, it has so much to offer. Largely rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake, Lisbon features some fine architecture and beautiful monuments; walk from Pombal to Baixa along wide leafy avenues where you can pause for a coffee or a beer. Then catch the tram to Belém where you can try the local speciality in Café Pastéis de Belém. Continue west a couple of hundred yards and you'll find the amazing 'Manueline' Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (right). Go through the gardens towards the waterfront to the Monument to the Discoveries (you won't miss it, it's huge), keep going west to the famous Torre de Belém that once stood far from the quay, guarding the entrance to the Tagus. Tired? And that's just a part of Lisbon!

Famed by the fortified wine named after it, Porto, the most important northern city, was the Capital of Culture in 2001. It's place at the mouth of the River Douro provides a picturesque riverfront, with narrow streets and winding alleys as the old city climbs the hilly northern bank. The Ribeira bairro (now a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is the most animated area of this town, and everywhere around you can see artists on the streets working on their performances or artworks.

The university towns of Coimbra and Évora evoke the culture and history of this fine country, without the commercialism so often found in other well-known European destinations. With a laid-back atmosphere, the towns are well provided with numerous bars, cafes and restaurants to relax in after a sight-seeing tour.

Portugal is a country with an amazing historical and cultural tradition, excellent hotels and resorts and a holiday destination for all the family!