PORTUGAL

Sun-drenched Portugal still lies largely under the tourist radar offering a genuine sense of discovery to the traveller. Yes, Lisbon, the Algarve and Alentejo are well and truly on the map, but outside these areas the country is quite empty making it easy to move around freely and to discover its many varied attractions.

Vibrant and stylish, Lisbon is a fabulous city. Bathed in sharp Atlantic light and devastatingly pretty - all those blue-and-white azulejo tiles, it is packed with artistic and historic treasures and is largely accessible on foot. Visit the Gulbenkian museum and the Jerónimos monastery, cruise the Rio Teju at sunset, explore the Alfama, Bairro Alto and Belém, eat lots of sardines and pastel de nata and catch some soulful, late-night fado. Head to the uber-cool, and very exclusive, coastal resort of Comporta for fishy feasts on the beach and gasp at the big-wave surfers in Nazaré. Beyond lies delightful Porto, famous for its fortified wines. Other wine regions include the Alentejo and the verdant Duoro valley where you can cruise down the river, stopping at wineries en route.The southern region of Algarve – wild and windy to the west, calmer to the south- is a magnet for its golden beaches and golf courses.