Travel highlights
Travel highlights Portugal
Algarve
With miles of long golden beaches, exquisite restaurants and vibrant nightlife, the region has, for years attracted more tourism than all the other regions of Portugal added together.
Azores
Floating in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean are the Azores. These nine, emerald green volcanic islands are a group of the most tranquil islands around. The islands are often referred to as garden-like pieces of heaven; you won't find any concrete jungles here, just sweeping beaches, exotic flower patches and beautiful sunsets. The surrounding waters are home to hundreds of dolphins and whales, an excellent spot for a bit of marine life watching.
Coimbra
Coimbra is perhaps the countries finest example of the past. Six of Portugal's Kings were born here and in 1139 until 1256 it was the chosen capital of the country.With one of Europe's oldest universities, fine Roman ruins, ancient convents and numerous museums, Coimbra is second only to Lison and Oporto.
Evora
Evora stands out quite distinctly on the vast horizon of the Alentejo plain, on the top of a gentle hill, dominated by its imposing cathedral. Its historical centre, protected by a vast ring of fortified walls, is typical of ''golden age'' cities, with its urban landscape exhibiting features from the architecture of countries in other continents where Portugal established a presence, particularly Brazil.
Lisbon
Lisbon is a legendary city with over 20 centuries of History. The Alfama is one of the oldest quarters in Lisboa. Since it largely survived the earthquake of 1755, the area still retains much of its original layout. Adjacent to the Alfama are the likewise old quarters of Castelo and Mouraria, on the western and northern slopes of the hill that is crowned by St. George's Castle. Every year in June, the streets of all three quarters come alive with the feasts in honour of the popular saints.
Madeira
The island of Madeira is lapped by the waters of the Gulf Stream with warm comfortable summers and mild winters that make it an enchanting destination all year round.
Obidose
Perched on a hill rising out of an agricultural plain, Óbidos is one of Portugal's picturesque gems. From its lofty centre one gazes upon expanses of vineyards speckled with whirling windmills and terracotta-roofed homesteads. Nearer, narrow cobbled streets, lined typically with whitewashed, bougainvillaea-draped houses, wind up to the walled interior; the name Óbidos stems from the Latin for citadel. First remarked upon for its beauty by the 13th century Queen Isabel de Aragon, Óbidos was presented to her as a gift by her husband King Dinis and thenceforth it has been offered by princes to their brides.
Porto
Capital of port wine and a fascinating mix of Baroque and modern art and architecture. Porto's most striking characteristic is that of ‘faded grandeur'. Stroll through the narrow streets of the UNESCO-listed historical sector, enjoying the labyrinthine, flower-bedecked streets, and the many superb examples of Portuguese azulejos (tiles) gracing myriad churches and secular buildings.
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