By Gary King
Just a few hours’ flight from the UK, this is a country bursting with vibrancy and populated by warm and welcoming people. From the natural beauty of the Algarve in the south to the picturesque Douro Valley in the north, there’s a wealth of things to do and see.
Lisbon is a cosmopolitan capital with fine restaurants, spectacular castle, museums, art galleries and a world-class oceanarium. It is also host to festivals such as the Oceans Festival in August. If art is your thing, a visit to the Museu Colecção Berardo – with works by Warhol, Picasso, Magritte and Dali, for example – is essential, and entry is free.
Culture vultures should not miss the Museu Calouste Gulbenkian, which features masterpieces by Monet, Rembrandt, Rubens and Renoir.
Another must-see is the Belém Tower, which stands prominently on the harbour in the Belém district of Lisbon. Built in 1515 as a fortification, it is now a Unesco World Heritage Site, as is the monastery there.
In the north of the country, the city of Guimarães will next year add to its own World Heritage status when it is honoured as European Capital of Culture.
To celebrate, a wealth of events and exhibitions are taking place incorporating music, cinema, photography, fine arts, theatre and street art. With events starting in January, there will be no better time to imbibe the medieval magnificence of this fabulous city. Visitors to Guimarães should also take in Porto, Portugal’s second largest city, about 30 miles away.
The city’s Casa da Musica is worth a visit, not only for the world-class music, but also to enjoy a meal or drink, or to soak up the atmosphere of this iconic building. Porto is also home to the fortified wine that bears its name, and a trip to a port lodge should be top of the agenda for wine lovers.
The wine is produced in the Douro Valley in estates known as quintas; brands such as Sandeman, Taylor’s, Graham’s and Ramos Pinto conduct tours of their premises, finishing with a tasting session. Another way to admire the vineyards is on a boat trip on the Douro river.
Also known for its wines, the Alentejo is a beautiful and relatively undiscovered region of southern Portugal. The views across its undulating plains, revealing castles and monasteries now converted into boutique hotels, are splendid – as is the local gastronomy.
Portugal is famous for fresh fish and seafood, which is harvested from the Atlantic along the protected coastline. A good place to try it is in one of the many small fishing villages, perhaps after exploring a deserted beach. The country is superb for sports.
With more than 600 miles of beach, there’s ample opportunity for a host of water sports. A surfer recently rode one of the biggest waves ever recorded on video, near Nazaré. If you prefer sailing, there are many places with gentler waters.
The Portuguese islands of the Azores are nine small isles in the Atlantic Ocean with subtropical vegetation and superb scenery. They are also one of the best places in the world to spot whales.
Part of the Madeira archipelago, the island of Porto Santo boasts golden volcanic sands long held to have curative powers, so book a hotel with a spa for your stay.
If it’s swinging a golf club you prefer, Portugal has some of the finest courses in Europe. In particular, the Algarve is renowned for superb facilities and excellent weather. Walkers and nature lovers will adore the countryside on foot, as there’s plenty of wildlife to look out for and historic villages to visit in Centro de Portugal.
Portugal is a remarkable place that will reward visitors with a holiday that’s diverse, colourful, entertaining and action packed.
From its rich gastronomy to its ancient and modern architecture and golden beaches, every day will have something that surprises and enchants. As Jose Mourinho might say, it’s the special one.
For more information, go to www.visitportugal.com
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