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A visit to the North of Portugal is a trip back to Portugal’s beginnings. A land of Celtic settlements, medieval castles, mountain fortifications and imposing monuments, every hill and edifice has its own tale to tell. Green valleys and slopes produce the finest wines, every village produces a gastronomic marvel and the combination of old charm and new trends in cosmopolitan Porto will leave you entranced. More information
Explore Portugal
Places To See
Set in the south-western corner of Europe, Portugal is one of the most ancient nations on the continent, boasting a diversity of traditions and a proud seafaring history. Despite its diminutive size, the country is blessed with a variety of landscapes, from verdant mountains and golden plains to beautiful river valleys and miles of sun-drenched beaches.
Lisbon is Portugal’s laid-back capital – a vibrant, cosmopolitan city. Nearby Cascais is home to stunning beaches while a day trip to Sintra’s forests and fairytale castles is highly recommended. In the north, Porto is famous for its Port Wine and picturesque Douro region. If you’re looking for a dose of sun and sea, discover the gorgeous coastline of cliffs and golden beaches in the Algarve, as well as a number of excellent golf courses.
A short flight will transport you to the floating garden of Madeira – a charming island boasting incredible natural beauty and ancient forests. And if you truly want to get away from it all, the breathtaking tranquillity and wilderness of the Azores islands is an enticing destination.
Are you under the assumption that Portugal is all about sun and beaches?
Have you ever considered a boat trip up the meandering river Douro, stopping at centenary Quintas for fabulous wine-testing on the way? Or a gondola-like tour of the ‘Venice of Portugal’? Or maybe even a whale-sighting trip in the middle of the Atlantic?
This, and much more, awaits you in Portugal. Why not see it for yourself and visit the many regions of this versatile country. It will be a journey to remember.
Portugal Can Be Divided Into Seven Main Regions
This is a region of striking contrasts, where mainland Portugal’s highest mountain peak lies alongside pretty coastal seaside towns. Home to one of the oldest university cities in Europe, to fabulous wine-tasting routes and the solemn sanctuary of Fátima, your travels will take you past glacier valleys, pine forests, beaches and the birthplace of Portugal’s legendary queijo da serra cheese. More information
Enchanting. Lisbon’s unique light accentuates the dignity of its monuments, the scenic river Tagus glistens in the sunlight and the city’s unassuming cobbled streets lead you into resplendent squares. Old and new co-exist harmoniously in a city that has a rhythm all of its own where you will want to soak up its charm very slowly. Glamorous Cascais lies further along the coast and just beyond that, the magical hills of the town that has always enchanted the more romantically-inclined... dreamy Sintra More information
Rolling sunflower fields dotted with cork oaks and olive trees, a coastline full of beautiful beaches and a very sedate pace await you in the Alentejo. Most of its towns tell of Roman and Moorish invasion, its hilltop villages overlook tranquil rivers flowing towards the coast and the mouth-watering cuisine testifies to the inventiveness of its people. Its first-class heady wine embodies the region itself. More information
A fabulous climate, a wide choice of beaches, animated seaside resorts, sophisticated villas and golf courses galore have all come together to make the Algarve Portugal’s best-known region. Also a land of striking natural beauty, its protected wetlands are home to migrating birds and its mountainous interior is a delightful mix of blossoming almond trees, quaint historical towns and a peaceful farming life. More information
This ‘floating garden’ in the Atlantic owes its attraction as much to its beautiful landscape and sub-tropical vegetation as to the wonderful climate and warm, inviting waters. Madeira Island’s tempting sea acts as a powerful magnet on the hearts of its people and visitors, beckoning all to its shores and offering endless opportunities for enjoyment. The warm hospitality you will feel here will make you want to come back for more. More information
A region of untouched wild landscape, all-pervading tranquillity and a way of life that is equally devoted to land and sea, a trip to the Azores is an authentic discovery voyage. A land of volcanic craters, breathtaking lakes and dairy farming, its sea attracts dolphins, whales and ancient sea mariners from all corners of the world. More information
Taste the exquisite flavors of Portugal
Things to Discover in Portugal…
Accustomed to new cultures, the Portuguese are a seafaring people who travelled all around the globe in the 14th and 15th centuries. This fact certainly contributed to an open-minded culture. As a result of this, you will feel warm and welcome with the Portuguese friendliness wherever you are. You’ll see!
TRADITION VS. TRENDS NICE & FRIENDLY PEOPLE
Open to modernity and about to celebrate 900 years since foundation, Portugal is a vibrant country with a long and proud history. A rich patrimony can be found alive – castles, historical centers and monasteries are just about everywhere. Catholic in its patrimony and faith, although universal and open in its spirit, Portugal has preserved other beliefs (Muslim and Jewish, mainly). Portugal’s architecture and architects are world references. Awarded names like Alvaro Siza Vieira or Eduardo Souto Moura are well known over its spectrum. And don’t be surprised… you will also find Portuguese artists among the international tops of the newest trends like Street Art, for instance!
A small country with an incredibly diversified landscape. Its extensive coastline reveals absolutely amazing spots and seaside towns. You will find natural parks by the Atlantic and scarcely populated areas in the plains of the south. The north is more mountainous. A range of specific microclimates allow regions of lush vegetation. And there are still walled medieval towns situated on hill tops, can you imagine?… Well, be prepared… there is still a lot to unveil in this fascinating country!
A mixture of Mediterranean and Atlantic climate allows long-hot summers and short mild winters, which explains the abundance of lovely porches, terraces and esplanades. It never snows on the coastline because of the influence of the Gulf stream. Good conditions to travel all year around being the coldest months January and February. March and October are recommendable for its mild days and not being so busy, particularly in March.
Portugal boasts an extensive coastline, allowing a diversity of fresh fish and seafood from the Atlantic. Our tour guides do know the local restaurants or fancy ones. When it comes to sweets or desserts, each town has their specialty, as legacy from the convents and monasteries. Pork is also essential in the Portuguese diet, but lamb, chicken and some autochthonous veal and cow play an important role as well. You will find around 250 grape varieties, meaning an enormous choice. Traditional winemaking practices such as “lagar” crushing (crushing grapes by foot), are not extinct in Portugal, but state-of-the-art vineyard and cellar practices are changing the way Portugal makes wine. Both traditional and modern styled wines are produced using unique indigenous varietals like Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz, forgoing the widespread planting of more international varietals such as Chardonnay and Merlot. Amongst enologists and wine connoisseurs there is a spotlight on Portuguese wines nowadays. While they get more and more international awards, the demand for red and white wines specially, has been increasing exponentially. It’s your time now to try it out. You will be grateful for this advice!