Porto e Norte
T
he River Douro is the longest river in northern Portugal. It winds its sinuous
way past mountains and cliffs until it reaches the Atlantic near the city of
Porto, Portugal’s second city, which keeps alive traditional values and the
charms of a riverside community, while pushing ahead with a dynamic, innovative
spirit in its commercial life. The road linking Vila do Conde to Valença runs along
the coast north of Porto. It takes visitors past beautiful beaches, summer resorts and
enchanting villages, such as Caminha. Inland, a visit to the huge national park area
covering the mountains of Peneda and Gerês is another must see. Three towns that
set the tone for this charming area of Portugal are Viana do Castelo, lying on the
estuary of the River Lima; Braga, steeped in ecclesiastical history; and the medieval
Guimarães, the birth place of Portugal.
Beiras
B
eiras is the name of the region south of the River Douro and north of the River
Tagus. The region is one of deep contrasts – the Atlantic coastline, where a
temperate climate, white sandy beaches and Atlantic pine forests dominate, and
the interior, where more forbidding mountains and rocks set the tone. The highest
mountain range in continental Portugal, the Serra da Estrela, rises in the heart of this
hinterland. Nature has blessed this region with healing waters, which gave rise to spa
towns such as Curia and Luso. São Pedro do Sul is where Portugal’s first king is reputed
to have come whenever he needed to cure himself of aches and pains. In the bigger
towns such as Coimbra, Aveiro, Viseu, Guarda and Castelo Branco, museum collections
reveal unexpected hidden treasures. The coastal region has always been rich in glass
working and ceramic skills, while inland artisans have traditionally worked with black
clay and engaged in linen weaving and copper and iron smithing.
Lisboa
L
isbon, a dazzling city that stretches along the banks of the River Tagus, is an enchanting
capital. The city originally sprang up around the walls of St Jorge Castle, which are now
circled by neighbourhoods drenched with medieval charm. Everywhere there are fine
monuments that bring to mind the great Maritime Discoveries and picturesque houses decorated
with ornate ceramic tiles that stand in contrast with the modern architecture of this dynamic
and vibrant city. As the dusk turns to night, the yellow electric tramcars continue to wind their
way up and down the hills of the old capital, while the sound of traditional Fado folk songs
enlivens many candle-lit dinner tables in restaurants. Lisbon also provides ample opportunity
for enjoying popular celebrations, shopping and nightlife along the river banks. In addition
to Lisbon’s rich cultural heritage, visitors can find water sports, golf and many other outdoor activities
in the nearby marinas and resorts. Sintra, with its marvellous landscape is classified by UNESCO
as of outstanding cultural importance, and is also within easy reach of the capital.
Alentejo
R
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emarkable traces of successive cultures: dolmens and cromlechs, Roman and
Arab vestiges mingling with the most recent signs of Christianity, of which the
numerous medieval castles that stand out in the vast plain are but one example.
To the north-east, lie the beautiful villages and towns of Nisa, Castelo de Vide, Marvão,
Portalegre and Alter do Chão, their legacy of successive occupiers from the Romans
through the Arabs and finally the Christians, is revealed in their castles and fortresses.
Further south, the landscape becomes flatter, and around Évora – one of the most
beautiful towns in Portugal – are the charming villages of Monsaraz, Vila Viçosa,
Estremoz, and Arraiolos (renowned for its hand-made tapestries, based on traditional
drawings from the 17th and 18th centuries). Continuing south, the vast plains become
less inhabited and the sparse vegetation is provided by olive, cork and oak trees.
Algarve
W
ith a perfect climate, the Algarve is Portugal’s most popular destination.
Not surprisingly, the coast is the main draw – it’s spectacularly beautiful
with long golden sandy beaches punctuated with bizarre rock formations,
grottoes and tunnels. But there’s more to the Algarve than just lazing on the beach. As
the southern-most region of Portugal it was the last stronghold of the Moors in the
13th century, and Moorish influences can be seen everywhere in the whitewashed
houses, chimneys and narrow winding streets of the villages and towns. More
contemporary charms include the luxury resorts of Quinta da Lago; Vale do Lobo; the
fantastic marinas of Vilamoura and Lagos; and the vibrant nightlife in the main resort
towns such as Albufeira. Sports fans can of course pit themselves against the Algarve’s
championship golf courses, but there are plenty of other activities to tempt the active
– windsurfing, diving, canoeing, horseriding, tennis and even hang-gliding. There’s
another side to the Algarve too. East of Faro, the coast breaks up in tiny islets where it’s
possible to get away from the crowds and relax among the sand dunes. For nature
lovers, mud flats and wetlands attract birds in their thousands. And inland, beyond
orchards of figs and pomegranates, is the impressive Serra de Monchique mountain range
– ideal hiking country and home of the elusive Iberian lynx.
Açores
S
ituated 1,460kms from the European coast and 3,750kms from North America, the
archipelago of the Açores was discovered during the first half of the 15th century by
Portuguese explorers. It consists of nine islands, which are divided into three groups
– eastern (São Miguel and Santa Maria), central (Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico and Faial)
and western (Corvo and Flores). International airports at Santa Maria, Ponta Delgada and
Lages, link the Açores to the rest of the world. Within the archipelago, inter-island flights
are operated by SATA, the Açores’ airline, and there is also a boat service between islands.
Even the blasé visitor will be touched by the sapphire blue and emerald green lakes, fertile
prairies, volcanic cones and craters, colourful hydrangeas and azaleas, 15th-century churches
and majestic manor houses. The Açoreans have traditionally lived from the land and sea.
One of their main sources of income was once whaling, replaced in the 70s by whale
watching. This legendary group of islands enjoys year-round mild temperatures and is a
peaceful retreat with 250,000 inhabitants. There are many stories to tell of the archipelago’s
beauty, of fishermen or shepherds, but among them there is one which was told by a
holidaymaker. As a foreign couple was silently looking at the Caldeira das Sete Cidades,
they were interrupted by their six-year-old son, who asked them: “Is this God’s home?”
Madeira
T
his archipelago of volcanic origin was discovered in 1419 by the Portuguese. It consists
of the Island of Madeira (the largest island in the group whose capital is Funchal),
the island of Porto Santo and two groups of uninhabited islands – the Desertas and
the Selvagens (both bird sanctuaries). The Island’s exceptional climate, which stays between
16°C and 25°C (61°F and 76°F) all year round, together with its legendary natural beauty have
made this a sought after destination. Two international airports provide an easy connection
between the Madeira and Porto Santo with its 9kms of white sandy beaches. The high,
meandering roads in Madeira, which are also the stage for a highly competitive annual car
rally, are a sight to see, as they wind among the trees, belvederes and waterfalls. Madeira’s
levadas irrigation channels built through centuries, are nowadays used as preferred walking
routes. Approached by ship, Madeira is an unforgettable sight: the rugged mountains’
densely vegetated terraces dropping steeply into the valleys, dotted with white houses. The
beautiful assortment of flowers and tropical fruits, mild temperatures of the ocean and
natural pools, a wealthy cultural heritage, luxurious hotels and Funchal’s cosmopolitan
nightlife are but a few of archipeligo’s charms. Madeira is home to the renowned fortified
wine, which has been spreading the taste of this island around the world for many years.
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