
Beach House © Osvaldo Gago
A sun-soaked land on the Iberian Peninsula with plenty to offer
to both short- and long-term visitors, Portugal's greatest
attraction is its gorgeous coastline. The southern region of the
Algarve is a firm favourite, where an array of top-class beach
resorts, once sleepy fishing villages, provide luxurious oceanside
accommodation.
The region's fine, year-round climate and ease of access mean
that it is a hugely popular winter sun vacation destination.
Additionally, there are several low-cost European carriers that
provide direct cheap flights to the Algarve. It also serves well as
the perfect place for a weekend getaway when the daily grind of
city life becomes too much. Seaside towns like Albufeira and Lagos
are home to some of the best beach resorts in the Algarve,
providing a heady mixture of sheltered beaches, outstanding natural
scenery and high-quality lodgings.
There is far more to Portugal than its beaches, however. As
anyone who has ever set foot in Lisbon's historic Alfama district,
or travelled to the medieval town of Évora will tell you,
the country is home to some breathtaking architecture and cultural
treasures. Notable tourist sights in Lisbon include the
Jerónimos Monastery and its Manueline architecture, the
iconic Monument to the Discoveries, and the most-photographed
building in all of Portugal, the Tower of Belém.
This geographically varied country also offers skiing
opportunities at the Vodafone Ski Resort in the Serra Estrela
Mountains. This craggy, forested mountain range is also a great
area for walking and hiking trails, and is the place to go for
those craving the pampering of a spa resort holiday in
Portugal.