A destination of sea, sunshine, vine-filled valleys and remote mountains

Travel Portugal-the sun-drenched beaches of the Algarve, exclusive golf resorts, medieval hilltop towns, colourful fishing villages, a cosmopolitan capital, the vine-filled valley of the Douro, wild remote mountains—this country has it all.

Nowadays Europe’s oldest country, has turned its head toward Europe and is undergoing a profound modernization. But still things move a bit more slowly in Portugal, ‘devagar’ as residents say, and some 11 million travellers seem to like the slow pace.

The social contrasts are still bigger in Portugal than in any other country in western Europe. But Europe’s former “poor house” is on its way to becoming a nice mansion with a sea view. The young Portuguese still listen to fado, and the students of Coimbra still wear their traditional outfits, but they party in stylish cafes and bars. There is no better way to experience travel in Portugal than to sit down in a street cafe with a bica (espresso) or a glass of port as you watch the world go by. And when you leave Portugal, you will probably feel saudade (a feeling of longing for something that is gone but might return). But unlike King Sebastian, you can always return.

Portugal is a travel destination of sea and sunshine. It has a varied cultural offering, with streets adorned with azulejo tiles, art collections in Lisbon and Oporto, the incredible landscapes of Sintra, the Douro, the Atlantic islands of Madeira and the Azores, and the ancient rupestrian engravings in Foz Côa. Travel Portugal is a delight.

UNSECO World Heritage sites in Portugal

Central Zone of the Town of Angra do Heroismo in the Azores
Convent of Christ in Tomar
Monastery of Batalha
Monastery of the Hieronymites and Tower of Belém in Lisbon
Historic Centre of Évora
Monastery of Alcobaça
Cultural Landscape of Sintra
Historic Centre of Oporto
Prehistoric Rock Art Sites in the Côa Valley and Siega Verde
Laurisilva of Madeira
Alto Douro Wine Region
Historic Centre of Guimarães
Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture