Portugal Travel

                            Portugal, a fascinating country proud of its sea-faring past. There are superb beaches and glorious countryside of vineyards and olive groves. Life is quiet, gentile and to be savoured. Portugal lies on the Iberian Peninsula and is bordered on the north and east by Spain and on the south and west by the Atlantic Ocean.

Lisbon is the country's capital and Europe's western most capital. For good food and shopping head for Baixa near the centre of Lisbon, There are many shops, boutiques and open-air restaurants . Enjoy the city's rich cultural heritage, reflected in its many restored palaces and old churches. Fans of museums will be spoilt for choice. For example there's the National Museum of Contemporary Art, National Coach Museum, and Carmo Archaeological Museum. For something a little livelier there's the frenzied nightlife of the Bairro Alto area.

Porto is the original home of port wine, and there are several wine lodges here to tempt the traveller.

The beaches of the Algarve are viewed by many as the best in Europe. They are usually crowded in peak season. Lagos is a walled town on the Algarve and is also near some of the best beaches and home of the best Algarve restaurants.

Portugal tours and sightseeing

One of the country's most visited sites is Fatima, where it's said that Mary, the mother of Jesus appeared to three school children. For some spectacular scenery check out the amazing gorge in the Douro valley. Portugal is a great place for a sporting holiday. It's one of Europe's premier golfing destinations and there are also many tennis schools. Windsurfing and waterskiing are also popular draws.

There are several international airports in Portugal, most notably Lisbon. Inside the country there's a good and efficient public transport system, particularly the buses.

Summers are hot and dry particularly in the Algarve, and winters can be cold and rainy.