Portugal is a country located in the west of the Iberian Peninsula which is bordered by Spain and the Atlantic Ocean.
With its colonial culture, its landscapes, its joyful atmosphere and its delicious cuisine, Portugal is a charming destination that adapts to all types of travellers.
The archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira in the Atlantic Ocean are also part of Portugal, but the culture and landscapes are very different from the continent.
Madeira offers visitors a lush natural environment. From splendid gardens to natural pools, this group of volcanic islands is ideal for sports enthusiasts to hike or enjoy the best surf spots.
The Azores also consists of 9 islands with volcanic origins. This archipelago plunges travellers into a paradisiacal setting between the deep blue of the ocean and the intense green of the pastures. It is a preserved destination, away from mass tourism, perfect for nature and hiking enthusiasts.
Northern Portugal, for Porto, port wine and its vineyards
This region is known for its wines and especially the famous Port wine. You can therefore visit magnificent vineyards, places of wine production, such as in the Douro valley with its vine in terrace. It is also a region that own several national parks, including Peneda-Gerês Park. We can discover a magnificent nature in a mountainous setting as well as pretty villages like Soajo.
Porto, the second largest city in the country, plunges travellers into a lively atmosphere. Culturally rich, you can see a very typical architecture, pretty cobbled streets and even a church entirely covered with azulejos (typical Portuguese earthenware tiles, usually blue)!
Finally, Barga, a university town, is worth seeing for its historical heritage and especially its old religious monuments.
The centre of the country, to discover all the Portuguese authenticity
This region is less known, even if it hides a lot of gems. Filled with religious monuments and castles, there are several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Its hinterland is scattered with granite villages such as Piódão.
On the coast, Aveiro seduces everyone with its Portuguese Venice look. Further south, the giant waves of Nazaré, the largest in the world, have made this village a world-class surf spot. As you climb up into the heights of this beautiful city you can admire these powerfull monsters crashing into the cliffs in the north of the city! But Nazaré also has one of the most beautiful beaches in the country, much quieter and that allows swimming.
To discover the medieval heritage, do not miss the cities of Coïmbre, Obidos or Leiria.
The Lisbon region, to stroll around the capital and its surroundings
The Portuguese capital, very cosmopolitan, is a very attractive city. From the typical alleys to the azulejos and the old tramways, Lisbon knows how to charm visitors! In the old Lisbon district, Belém with its emblematic Tower of Belém, do not forget to taste the famous Pastéis de Belem, delicious little egg flanks.
A ride to the royal Sintra allows you to discover enchanted palaces perched on pine hills. The colours and shapes of these castles make them unique in the world.
A getaway to the north of Lisbon plunges you into an even different atmosphere: the medieval era of the Templars. The incredible Tomar with its convent and castle should not be forgotten, as should the small village of Nisa.
Alentejo region to discover the hidden treasures of Portugal
This region, the largest in the country, is full of typical treasures of the Hispanic peninsula. There are green plains, deserted roads, olive groves and other landscapes that breathe the sun.
As for nature, we can note the dunes of Almograve, which are of a simple and disarming beauty.
Finally, Évora, a white city, is one of the most beautiful cities in the country. It is built on a hill and is surrounded by a wall that has protected it for so many years. Everywhere the city has preserved the heritage of its rich history. And how not to take the opportunity to discover Elvas, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its many surrounding forts. It is the largest fortified city in Europe, but visitors are mainly charmed by its small streets running between the white and yellow houses.
Algarve region, to enjoy and rest
A very popular region, southern Portugal attracts many travellers because the water is warmer than in the West. The radiant Algarve is an ideal destination for relaxing in the sun but also for hiking or cycling. You can discover magnificent beaches, cliffs, caves and fishing villages.
