Portugal
Overview
Bordering the Atlantic, Portugal, along with Spain, forms the Iberian peninsular - with Portugal being the most western point of Europe and considered by many to be one of the most unspoilt parts of the continent.
Once a 15th and 16th Century sea-faring superpower, Portugal used to have a global empire spanning multiple far-flung colonies across the Americas, Africa, and Asia; however, nowadays in these more enlightened times of independence, Portugal's overseas territories are simply limited to the Atlantic archipelagos of the Azores and Maderia Islands.
Mainland Portugal has a mix of historic cities, such as Lisbon and Porto, and a hinterland of scenic countryside peppered by pretty medieval villages. Portugal also boasts cork plantations which serve Europe's wine industry, as well as many Portuguese vineyards, historical treasures and multiple World Heritage sites. To the north of the country lies Portugal's mountain region, whereas to the south of Portugal the Algarve provides some of Europe's most popular beaches, separated by quaint whitewashed fishing villages.
Whether it is tasting Portugal's world famous Port wine; watching silky football played at Benfica's Stadium of Light; or listening to the melancholic music of FADO (Portugal's own home-grown regional folk music, a little akin to Blues and Soul) Portugal appears to have something for everyone. Alternatively, you might want to soak up the sun after playing golf in the Portuguese Algarve. Others will seek to sample the elegance of Portugal's capital Lisbon; or stay overnight in a converted medieval monastery when revelling at a centuries' old traditional annual festival in a Portuguese mountain village. Portugal is increasingly the European holiday destination of choice.
Weather
The Portuguese climate varies depending on proximity to the sea, the terrain and whether one is more to the north or south of Portugal.
The Portuguese Serra da Estrela mountains have snow in the Winter which supports a short skiing season. However, elsewhere Portugal generally has mild winters compared to the rest of Europe especially in the Algarve where winter temperatures average a high 17˚C. However, Portugal's north west sees quite a bit of rainfall and inland, close to Spain, the Winters are colder than elsewhere in Portugal where average temperatures can drop to 5˚C.
Portugal's long Summers last from early May through to October and are dry and hot especially inland where temperatures rise to an average 28˚C. The Algarve can often see 12 hours of sunshine each day and virtually no rain in Summer, and the overall mild climate means the sun continues to shine for an average of 6 hours per day even in Winter.
Main resorts & attractions
Portugal's elegant capital Lisbon clings to a steep hillside on the estuary of the River Tagus (Rio Tejo), overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Attractions include the 12th Century castle of São Jorge and Lisbon's magnificent Cathedral (Sé) which dates from the same period. The downtown Baixa district of Portuguese capital was built following a devastating earthquake in 1755. Today, it is a lively area of pavement cafes/restaurants and shops especially for Portuguese crafts and jewellery. The Vasco da Gama Tower (2788ft) offers excellent views of the city and beyond. Other Lisbon attractions include the stunning prison tower Torre de Belém (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Monument to the Discoverers and the Hieronymite Monastery - an architectural glory from Portugal's Golden Age.
Close by to Lisbon are the elegant hotels of the famous seaside resort of historic Estoril. Also not far from the capital is Sintra (another UNESCO World Heritage Site) which hosts the former summer residence of the Portuguese royal family, the Monserrate gardens and a twice-monthly antique market. A classical music festival takes place here every July and August. Colares, an attractive village, famous for its red wines is also worth visiting.
The North of Portugal incorporates the historic city of Porto (Oporto), home of famous Port wine, lodges such as Vila Nova de Gaia which is open to the public for tours and tastings. Porto's old waterfront, known as the Cais da Ribeira, is yet another of Portugal's World Heritage Sites.
The best time to visit the ancient Roman town of Braga is during Holy Week when traditional street processions can be seen. Also in the same region is Guimarães, yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site and Portugal's medieval capital.
Coimbra, with its twisting streets, is Portugal's third-largest city and it boasts one of the oldest universities in the world as well as being renowned as a center of Fado, the traditional Portuguese folk music.
The Algarve region in Portugal's south oversees the Atlantic on two sides, and for many remains the most well-known part of Portugal. Served by Faro airport, the Algarve is one of Europe's favourite package holiday destinations on account of the permanently sunny climes, excellent sandy beaches and ever-popular local cuisine dominated by delicious fruits of the sea such as the daily catch of Portuguese sardines served up by the local Algarve fishing fleet. Watersports are one of the main attractions in the Algarve, and it is also a ‘mecca' for golfing holidays, being home to numerous world-class golf courses such as those that can be found at Vilamoura, a modern purpose-built golf and marina resort.
Key Algarve resorts include Lagos, a former centre of the slave trade; Albufeira, a busy market town; Armação de Pêra, with one of the Algarve's biggest beaches; Carvoeiro, an old fishing village with a picturesque harbour. Portimão is one of the largest towns in the Algarve, known for its furniture and wickerwork as well as having one of Portugal's main beach resort Praia da Rocha.
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