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Highlights of Portugal

From the eclectic cities of Porto and Lisbon to the sun-drenched Algarve and the volcanic islands of the Azores, there is plenty to see and do in Portugal. Here is our guide to Portugal’s best highlights.

 

Algarve

Portugal’s south coast region of the Algarve is most famous for its glistening turquoise waters, golden sand beaches, an abundance of fresh seafood and delicious local wines. Head to Tavira on our Eastern Algarve Walking tour for gentle walks through rustic white-washed villages and traditional fishing towns. Journey to Europe’s most south-westerly point, Cabo Sao Vicente, and explore the jagged arches of Ponta de Piedade. Alternatively, jump in the saddle to ride along the lesser-visited regions of this wild Atlantic coastline on a Portugal Cycling holiday.

Porto

Follow the tiny switchback lanes of Portugal’s second city, Porto, on our Highlights of Portugal tour. Quiet plazas are lined with alfresco bars serving the local Port wine, and bustling food markets entice you in to buy delicious local produce. Wander along the water’s edge at Casi da Ribeira to see colourful old townhouses and watch the toing and froing of life on the busy Douro River. Immerse yourself in the local culture with a visit to a church embellished with ornate azulejo tiles and end a busy afternoon with a coffee in a cosy street-side bar.

Lisbon

Climb aboard a buttercup-yellow tram in the heart of Lisbon to explore Portugal’s cultural capital city on our Lisbon to Faro Cycling tour and get ready for five days in the saddle by sampling some of Portugal’s most tantalising cuisine. Order a mouth-watering dish of Cataplana de Marisco - a seafood stew cooked in a copper pot - or watch the world go by as you indulge on Pastéis de Nata - custard tarts - in a stylish streetside cafe. Wash it all down with a glass of sweet Port wine or Portuguese sherry and attend a live performance of traditional Fado music.

Azores

Located in the mid-Atlantic, Portugal’s Azores Islands boasts verdant hillsides, aquamarine seas, volcanoes and exotic wildlife. Join our Azores Island Hopping Walking holiday to explore these unique volcanic islands by foot. The emerald green crater lakes of Sao Miguel shimmer in the bright sunlight and the gorge of Caldeira de Cima leads us to the fertile sea-flooded plains of Fajas dos Cubres. If whale watching is on your bucket list, a trip to the island of Pico is a must, and nature lovers will love the hydrangea-lined footpaths of Faial.

Madeira

The island of Madeira, set off the west coast of Africa, is part of a collection of four subtropical islands characterised by a verdant paradise of mossy levadas, ancient footpaths, sky-high clifftop passes and vibrant aquamarine seas. Join our Madeira trekking holiday to uncover pearly-white cascading waterfalls and take a refreshing dip in the freshwater levada pools. A hike to the main island’s highest summit, Pico Ruivo, will take you high above the swirling valley mist and the famous Balcony Walk will test your nerve as you edge your way along the rocky cliff face.

Vineyards

From the balconies of fertile vineyards in the Duro Valley to the twisting cork tree orchards of Alentejo, Portugal is home to several flourishing winemaking regions. Porto is the birthplace of the famous fortified wine of Port so join a local tour to learn about its history and to try the white, ruby and wany varieties. Head to the sun-drenched coast of the Algarve to savour sweet red wines, uncover centuries-old winemaking traditions on the island of Madeira and sample amber-coloured Moscatel de Setúbal dessert wines in the undulating hillsides of the Serra da Arrabida.

Cycling

Explore Portugal on two wheels to immerse yourself in the true essence of rural Portugal. A small group cycling trip to Portugal is not only great fun, but it will also give you access to trails less travelled. Cycle along the golden sand beaches of the Algarve, pedal past lush vineyards in the Douro Valley, transport yourself to a bygone era with a ride to the fortified town of Alvas, and soothe tired legs with a dip in the ocean in the tranquil waters of Zambujeira do Mar.

Walking

Portugal is also a wonderful country to explore on foot. A walking holiday in Portugal will reveal all of the country’s main highlights as well as many hidden gems. Head to the Azores Islands to discover shimmering crater lakes, hot thermal springs, deep gorges and picturesque fishing villages. Or head to the island of Madeira to hike along an ancient network of irrigation channels and take in panoramic ocean views from the clifftop coastal paths.

 

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From the sunny beaches of the Algarve to the cloudy summits of Madeira, we've got a variety of small group tours to Portugal. Which part of this exciting country will you visit next?
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