Portugal is located in Southern Europe, on the Iberian Peninsula to the west of Spain.  Although it was once known as one of the poorest countries in Western Europe, it has developed enormously since the introduction of democracy in 1974, as well as the introduction into the European Union in 1986. Portugal offers outstanding value for money where travel is concerned. Bargain package deals are available all year round, and millions of UK visitors flock there every year. The diversity of the landscape is incredible. On a single day one can be in the cool green mountainous area in the North, climb rocks in the Central regions and end up in near desert like conditions in Alentejo, and finish the day on a glorious sandy Algarve beach in the South.

Portugal consists of five main areas, Northern Portugal, Beiras, Estremadura, Central Portugal, the Lisbon Region and finally, the best-known tourist destination, The Algarve.

Northern Portugal is the oldest region of Portugal, and is where the nation began.

Main cities in Northern Portugal include:

• Douro – Visit the International Douro Natural Park
• Geres – A controlled National Park with several small camping sites and well-marked hiking trails
• Minho – Visit the annual Fair at Viana do Castelo during August, which is renowned for its folk art and traditional costume

Beiras is home to one of Europe’s oldest universities and is steeped in history, attracting many worldwide visitors.

Main cities in Beiras include:

• Coimbra – the chief city of Central Portugal
• Aveiro – An industrial city on the Atlantic coast that has an important seaport.  Famous for it’s traditional Portuguese sweets, the ovos-moles and trouxas de ovos, both made from eggs
• Figueira da Foz – Visit one of the largest casinos on the Iberian Peninsular, the Casino Peninsular.

Estremadura is centrally located along the Atlantic Coast, and was the seat of one of the earliest Iberian civilizations.

Main Cities in Estremadura include:

• Obdidos – A town dominated by an old medieval fortress with a portion of the town located within the castle walls.
• Alcobaca – Visit the marvellous gothic Monastery of Batalha or Monastery of Alcobaca

• Leiria – This historical city is halfway between Lisbon and Porto, overlooking the castle and the River Lis.
• Nazare – A pretty picturesque tourist destination located on the Atlantic Coast. Boasts long sandy beaches, which some say are the best in Portugal.

Central Portugal is a region ranging from the Atlantic Coast to the mountainous regions inland, and is split into two regions.

• Ribatejo region, famous for raising bulls and horses used in the Portuguese style of bullfighting
• Alentejo region, which is vast open countryside and undulating plains with rich fertile soil.

The Lisbon Region is home to the largest city in Portugal, Lisbon. As with all Capital Cities of the World, Lisbon is a wealthy, lively city. 

Main Cities in the Lisbon Region include:

• Oeiras – Offers many attactions, from the historical sites of the Palace of the Royal Estate at Caxias to the Poets Park, a wonderful place to relax.
• Sintra – Tourists are drawn to the cultural elements of this heritage town, visit the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park
• Lisbon -  Glitzy, cosmopolitan and busy! Tourist attactions include the historic town of Belem on the Tagus River, the Bairro Alto is Lisbon’s youth and nightlife centre. Numerous nightclubs are dedicated to each genre of music. Punk, gay, metal, goth and hip hop beats are heard throughout the night.

The Algarve is the most popular holiday destination in Portugal. With it’s beautiful turquoise seas, glorious long sandy beaches and magnificent rocks and caves, it keeps visitors returning year after year. 

Main Cities in The Algarve include:

• Faro – home to the world famous Rio Formosa Lagoon
• Albufeira – has many glorious beaches to offer, including: Praia da Galé, Praia da Oura, Beach of Bryn and the Fisherman's Beach
• Lagos – Visit the tourist attraction of Oba’s Palace
• Lagoa – Everything revolves around the main church of Lagoa, white-washed buildings form a maze around the town
• Tavira - has inviting long beaches alongside a picturesque town, which offers a beautiful view over the Gilão river and its Roman bridge. Churches to visit: Santa Maria do Castelo

Wherever you decide to stay in Portugal, there are many things to make your holiday a memorable one. Steeped in history, there is much to learn about Portugal. Follow the historic ruin trails from North Portugal to The Algarve in the South. If it’s a more relaxing time, long stretches of soft sandy beaches welcome sun-worshippers with open arms. Cheap flights and bargain package deals to Portugal can be found throughout the year, as Portugal is frequented by most major UK airports.