Portugal Travel Guide

Sharing the Iberian Peninsula with Spain, Portugal is the most westerly of Europe and the Mediterranean's mainland countries. It is a beautiful land of rivers, forests and stunning beaches and coves. Shaped by its past as a rich and powerful seafaring nation, 21st century Portugal exudes richness in history, architecture, food and wine, and a modern, exciting lifestyle.

Portugal's character has long been influenced as much by its temperate climate and relationship with the Mediterranean Sea, as by its African neighbours and the culture and people of Western and Central Europe.

Its origins date back to the Middle Ages and, with a dramatic Atlantic coastline forming the last Western frontier of Europe, it is a nation that is rightly proud of its maritime past. The 15th and 16th centuries were the country's golden years as Vasco de Gama and others led the charge on the Voyages of Discovery to Africa, the Americas and India, establishing the nation as an economic powerhouse and a European force to be reckoned with.

This history has left an indelible mark on the country: unique architecture, music and cuisine have all been influenced by far-flung lands. Medieval castles, imposing Moorish forts and ancient cathedrals pepper the landscape, and the city of Lisbon is a rich multicultural playground where, over the centuries, the influx of different cultures has created one of the most diverse cities in the world. Largely rebuilt following a catastrophic earthquake in 1755, Lisbon today is an exciting mix of classical architecture, original medieval buildings and contemporary structures, and is home to a plethora of fascinating museums and galleries.

Portugal is a visually stunning country, blessed with numerous natural wonders and startling landscapes. Relatively small in size, it still manages to pack mountains, rivers, forests, valleys and a sprawling 1750 kilometres stretch of coastline into its borders and its moderate climate ensures it can be enjoyed year-round.

The west coast of the country is lapped by the Atlantic Ocean and rugged isolation can quickly give way to lush sandy beaches, authentic Portuguese villages and charming fishing ports. Lisbon's favourite seaside retreat is at Ericeira, a beautiful natural harbour with a selection of fine sandy beaches. Also close to Lisbon is the romantic mountain getaway town of Sintra, a beautiful idyll sitting on a slope of granite. A World Heritage site where a Moorish castle and lush green forest tower over a beautiful village, drawing visitors back time and time again. Sintra is best explored on foot.

The Algarve, Portugal's most popular holiday destination on the southern shores is famed for its spectacular beaches, picturesque coves and breathtaking views, where modern resorts and world-class golf courses offer luxurious holidays in the very best surroundings.

Inland, the most beautiful natural areas lie in Minho, Lima and the Douro Valley, while Portugal's south also boasts some of the best- preserved natural reserves in Europe, the best example being the natural park in the south-west of the Alentejo and Vicentine Coast.

Portuguese food is generally fresh, full of flavour and reasonably priced. As a once great trading nation, the cuisine draws influences from around the world, with particular reference to its former colonies in Africa and South America. Dishes like chicken piri piri, stem from Angola and Mozambique, and it is the Portuguese who first introduced tempura and Japanese ways of cooking to Europe.

Fresh fish and shellfish can be found on virtually every menu, particularly in the coastal regions where it is always locally caught. Make sure you try the national dish - bacalhauor dried salted cod, which has evolved from when the Portuguese adventurers would preserve fish on board ship for a long sea voyage.

Like every other Mediterranean nation, the Portuguese love to shop and pride themselves on being contenders in the style stakes. Lisbon has plenty of variety and quality from fabulous malls like the huge Centro Commercial Colombo to elegant districts like Chiado and Bairro Alto. Across the country, check out the many bustling open-air markets which sell leather goods, hand- painted tiles, copperware, crystal, embroidered linen, filigree jewellery and locally made pottery.