Holidays in Portugal, Europe Portugal is one of the most inexpensive and fascinating destinations in Europe. It has a rich seafaring past, superb beach resorts, wistful towns and cities, and a landscape wreathed in olive groves, vineyards and wheat fields. Four decades of dictatorship sidelined the country from modern progress and Europes power centres, but like its neighbour, Spain, it has spent much of the last 20 years trying to move in from the periphery, forging new ties with the rest of Europe, restructuring its economy, and struggling to maintain what is best in its national culture despite the sudden onslaught of international influences. The struggle between the traditional and the modern continues, and as Portugal flows towards the economic mainstream of the European Union, it still seems to gaze nostalgically over its shoulder and out to sea The capital of Portugal since its conquest from the Moors in 1147, Lisbon is a legendary city with over 20 centuries of History. The Alfama is one of the oldest quarters in Lisboa. Since it largely survived the earthquake of 1755, the area still retains much of its original layout. Adjacent to the Alfama are the likewise old quarters of Castelo and Mouraria, on the western and northern slopes of the hill that is crowned by St. Georges Castle. Every year in June, the streets of all three quarters come alive with the feasts in honour of the popular saints. The Graça quarter and the churches of São Vicente de Fora and Santa Engrácia are within walking distance of this area. Radiant skies brighten the monumental city, with its typical tile covered building façades and narrow Medieval streets, where one can hear the fado being played and sung at night. But Lisbon is also the stage for popular festivities, the place for exquisite shopping, exciting nightlife, and interesting museums, a place from where motorways branch off in different directions   Visa and Foreign Office Information Health Information

Lisbon The capital of Portugal Lisbon has a long seafaring history, with architecture to match. Close by is the region of Sintra and the beaches of the Lisbon coast at Estoril.  Oporto Nestling on the River Douro, Oporto is the centre of the Portuguese wine and port wine industry and is Portugal's second largest city. The lively Ribeira section, monuments, a cruise on the river and ofcourse the Port Wine lodges must feature high on every visitor's itinerary.  Algarve Famous for its beaches the Algarve has several popular resorts which stretch along the coast away from the airport at Faro. Vilamoura is probably the most developed and includes the Val de Lobo area wit htop goldf and tennis clubs. There is also a marina where many famous names moore their yachts. It has a lively nightlife and excellent beaches. further along the coast are the resorts of  Albufeira, Carvoeiro, Praia del Rocha, Alvor and Tavira.  Sintra Nearby to Lisbon, Sintra’s lush wooded heights and verdant charms invite one to take a ride on a horse-pulled carriage, and gaze at the marvellous manor-houses, located within the grounds of century old farms, as one drives up to Pena Palace, built by Fernando Cobourg Gothas on the ruins of a monastery from the 16th century, the style of the palace is a blend of Gothic, Manueline, and Romantic influences which make for a very explosive combination, and keeps the atmosphere of a royal residence.