With a 900-year history focused largely on its success as a seafaring nation, most of the focus, when considering Portugal as a holiday destination, is based on the diversity and quality of its coastline. As varied as it is beautiful, Portugal’s coastline stretches nearly 1,000 km south from the Douro Valley in the north (home to the world-famous port) to the ever-popular Algarve, probably best known for its nightclubs, bars and lively nightlife. . A glorious coastline boasting magnificent resorts, quaint fishing villages, sheltered coves, stunning beaches and sand dunes, stunning Atlantic cliffs and some of the best beaches in Europe attract countless visitors to return year after year.
Five-star tourism, as well as a five-star coastline, is another aspect that attracts visitors to Portugal and the elegant vacation options it offers. Explore the hinterland and discover villages that hardly seem to have changed for hundreds of years, the slow pace of daily life untouched by the rush and stress many of us go on holiday to escape. A landscape of olive and citrus groves, vineyards, wineries and forests reveal a traditional way of life that in many parts of Europe is resigned to the history books. Marvel too at the splendor and magnificence of much of Portugal’s ancient architecture. From gothic cathedrals like Lamego to the Alcobaca Monastery just north of Lisbon, medieval towns like Guimaraes and the 12th century Castelo Templatio at Tonmar with its majestic and imposing walls, Portugal has an embarrassment of architectural riches and is lucky having been recognized with numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Portugal also has Five Star cities. In the north, Porto is a bustling and busy commercial center. Built along the hills overlooking the Douro River estuary, UNESCO included Porto’s historic center on its World Heritage list in 1996. Enjoy authentic Portuguese seafood and don’t forget to visit the historic Wine Cellars district of Porto. Port to taste the origins of this famous drink. . Lisbon, the city of seven hills, is the vibrant and vital capital of Portugal. The gleaming white limestone buildings and narrow alleyways enchant visitors and make the city a popular year-round destination. With a rich history built on exploration and discovery, much of Lisbon’s beauty reflects the nation’s glorious maritime past, known locally as the Age of Discovery. Lisbon residents are also bright, lively and sophisticated, with a seemingly insatiable appetite for the finer things in life, including delicious food, wine, music and nightlife.
Portugal is well known as a golf paradise, with a wide variety of perfectly maintained courses, especially in the Algarve.
It would not be fair not to mention golf when talking about Portugal. If you like golf you will love Portugal. Voted “Best Golf Destination 2008” by Golfers Today readers, 14 of Portugal’s courses are ranked in the top 100 in Europe. It is a paradise for golfers.
So, what are you waiting for? Life is too short to settle for second best. If you are looking for a unique combination of progressive 21st century Europe coupled with hotels and villas of style, authenticity and luxury, then Portugal surely deserves to be at the top of your list.