A Portugal Travel Guide should be able to explain the abundance of natural beauty, historically-significant monuments and globally-oriented vacationing options that the country offers. Portugal has always had an important place in world history being a major colonial power for many centuries. Portugal was also among the first of European locations where Mesolithic and Palaeolithic cultures of pre-historic man were discovered. To gain a more comprehensive insight into Portugal as a travel destination, please consider the following:

Portugal Cities

Portugal boasts of many cities, each having something unique to offer. Lisbon and Porto are together regarded as the most contemporary of Portugal’s global cities. Porto, in particular, has been able to combine its commercial progress in the unique background of colonial history. Both these cities offer everything that urban lifestyles should have, including specialty restaurants, luxury boutiques, nightclubs and bohemian hang-outs. The capital city of Lisbon is counted among Europe’s most fashionably-progressive and largely-affordable cities. Lisbon is known for its blended landscape where commercial complexes and diverse ethnic populations merge harmoniously. Lisbon is also popular for its delicious food, particularly the seafood variety and the invigorating nightlife options. Towns near Lisbon, like the Bairro Alto, are popular for their cafes and discos. Some other Portuguese towns that have managed to engage a lot of global attention include the towns of Evora and Batalha. Some of these towns are endowed with UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Another such famous city is Coimbra that should be visited for its historic monuments. Another popular city, not too far away from Lisbon, is Oporto.

What Portugal Offers

People who like exploring nature’s bounties should visit the Portuguese valleys. This list includes the townships of Minho and Lima that are located within lush-green valleys. Another such location is the Douro Valley that encompasses many small villages. These places are recommended for exploring the typical, countryside lifestyle of Portugal. The towns of Minho Valley have become very popular with overseas tourists.

Oporto is the main producer of Portugal’s international offerings in the form of premium wines. Tourists can visit the vineyards here and sample the best of international wine-lists. Visitors can look forward to some adventure activities in Portugal. The best among these are the treks to the mountainous tombs of Palmela, Alapraia and Cascais, found near Estoril. These sites are of great archaeological significance.

Those who enjoy spending time in idyllic beaches should head to the Algarve coast of Portugal. The seafront here isn't overcrowded and the usual buzz of commercial activities has been kept away to offer serenity to the visitors. Other sandy stretches worth exploring include the beach fronts of Costa Verde and some beach-spots along the Viano do Castelo. Visitors who are looking for absolute tranquility and don’t have an issue with accommodation-pricing can rent a beach-house along the southern border of Alentejo—the most exotic and perhaps, the remotest beach-spot of Portugal.

Portugal has a very efficient rail-system throughout its mainland and the commuting is relatively cheap. The roads have substantial pedestrian markings and most places of tourist interest seek nominal entry charges. Even commuting to the nearby island destinations of Azores and Madeira is easy.