Portugal
Intro
Portugal has it all: the sun-drenched beaches of the Algarve, exclusive golf resorts, medieval hilltop towns, colorful fishing villages, a cosmopolitan capital, the vine-filled valley of the Douro, and wild remote mountains. But Europe's oldest country, which has had its eyes melancholically set on the sea and on a lost and glorious past, has turned its head toward Europe and is undergoing a profound modernization. Still, things move a bit more slowly in Portugal, devagar as residents say, and some 11 million tourists seem to like the pace.
There is no better way to experience 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).
**TIP from Nancy: Portugal has long been one of my favorite destinations. It offers a bit of everything: friendly locals, rich cultural traditions and history, castles and quaint villages, excellent cuisine (rich in seafood) & wines (over 7 different regions!), stunning coastal views, and some of the best beaches in Europe.
If you are looking for one country to offer it all--Portugal is it.
Lisbon
Lisbon, like the rest of its country, is modernizing fast as a European travel destination. The hodgepodge of the historical periods and cultures represented in the city is a major source of its charm and travel appeal. As visitors to Portugal walk Lisbon's hills—or, better, take one of Lisbon's vintage trams—they'll find restored medieval facades, wonderful art-nouveau buildings, black-and-white mosaic sidewalks (known as calcada), fine museums and plenty of modern shops.
The Algarve
Portugal's southernmost province, Algarve, offers some of the finest beaches and recreational facilities in Europe. The white-sand beaches are clean, and the fishing, watersports and golfing are good. Additionally, this region offers ample opportunities for drives along the coast through picturesque villages, watching for the distinctive Algarvian chimneys, talking to the fishermen and enjoying the arid scenery. To add to the charm, the weather is usually comfortable, the people are friendly and the food can be excellent. For all these reasons, the Algarve is very popular among European travelers.
Faro, the capital of the province and home to a busy international airport, is set on a rocky coastline 185 miles southeast of Lisbon. The city has some excellent museums, monuments (including churches, a convent and 18th-century buildings) and shopping. The nearby town of Esoi has a 19th-century rococo palace and gardens and the Roman ruins of Milreu.
Porto
Oporto (Porto), Portugal's second-largest city, sits on the steep north bank of the Douro River, 195 miles north of Lisbon. Oporto's history predates the Roman occupation—in fact, Portugal took its name from the town. Oporto was named the 2001 EuropeanCity of Culture. To celebrate, the city opened a photography museum (housed in a 19th-century prison) and an orchestra hall, and the entire city received a thorough freshening-up.
It's fun to walk the narrow medieval streets around the Se (the cathedral). The Se has a nice Romanesque choir and Gothic cloister. Also, walk along the banks of the Douro, where you'll see barges carrying port from inland vineyards; riding the old wood-paneled street cars; and shopping in the Baixa for locally produced silverware and filigree jewelry. Those interested in sampling wine should cross the river to Vila Nova da Gaia and visit the port houses.
**TIP from Nancy: Porto is the gateway to the Douro River and the famous Port Wine growing region.
