Portugal

Portugal is one of Europe’s unspoiled gems where “the land ends and sea begins”, according to poet Luis Vaz de Camoes. Best known for its long sandy beaches and championship golf courses, this diverse country is home to many World Heritage Sites and historic treasures. Visitors come to Portugal to chill out and explore charming whitewashed villages with their blue azulejos tiles, homely pousada inns and the tastiest fish restaurants. Ancient vineyards produce fortified port wines named after this fertile country. Lisbon is the red-roofed capital, rising steeply from the waterfront where the River Tejo meets the Atlantic Ocean. The central Baixa (Lower Town) and the suburban Bairro Alto (Upper Town) are connected by funicular. The older neighborhoods at Mouraria and Alfama managed to survive the earthquake of 1755 and have winding alleys and tile-covered crumbling walls in the Moorish Quarter. Although small and compact, Portugal offers a diverse range of landscapes. Rising from the long white beaches and pretty coves to the central mountains of the Serra da Estrela, the country has numerous rivers, olive groves and ancient cork oaks. The dramatic countryside offers the chance for hiking, mountain biking and exploring on horseback while the relentless Atlantic rollers are ideal for surfing and big game fishing.