Must-visit destinations in this sublime slice of the Iberian Peninsula
Though a relatively small country, Portugal has a culture, history and landscape that can rival anywhere in Europe.
The continent’s westernmost country has several enviable features, from a mild climate and a privileged location on the edge of the Atlantic to incredibly varied natural landscapes alongside characterful towns and cities.
Capital Lisbon is a perennially popular choice, while second city Porto is gaining ground as more people visit for a weekend by the waters of the Douro. The Algarve’s magnificent beaches remain a draw for many, but tourists are starting to explore pastures new further into the Atlantic as the wild beauty of the autonomous islands of Madeira and the Azores begins to attract more visitors.
With such a range of destinations, it can be difficult to choose exactly where to visit on your Portuguese getaway, so we’ve rounded up some of the best towns, cities and regions to get you inspired.
