Portugal, a gem on the western edge of the Iberian Peninsular may be the farthest west of its European neighbours although don’t let its distance fool you. This is a chocolate-box of goodies that, once you open will have you hooked. After 40 days and 40 nights exploring this Iberian beauty in March 2019 and a second visit for 21 days in February 2022, we have plenty to share of our adventures both inland and along its award winning coast.

Whether Portugal is new to you or may be just a little known, let us inspire you to consider travelling to this western treasure. Sit back and indulge yourself in thoughts of how Portugal could become your next expedition as we share our route highlights, discoveries and delights.

14 things we learned and discovered about Portugal 

1. Portugal’s countryside so often felt like the ‘green, green grass of home’. With rolling hills and a lusciousness that had a feel of UK, Portugal had an instant appeal. No parched lands; instead acres of green pastures that felt instantly comfortable.

2. Portugal has a strong affiliation with UK dating back to 1386 with the Treaty of Windsor. That alliance is still in place today and so the two countries remain intrinsically linked and there is evidence of this everywhere. From red pilar boxes and telephone kiosks to the warmest welcome from a gracious population.

3. Like every country Portugal has its motorway network, some of which are payable. You can easily avoid them although also setting up an online account in case you choose to shorten a journey is easy too. 

4. On paper the Portuguese language may look similar to Spanish, yet the sounds are completely different. Although with a few basics we were understood. That said a lot of tourist Portuguese speak English, whilst the locals in towns do not, so be prepared. Check out our Getting by in Guide, where you will learn essential phrases for Portuguese on Page 55.

5. Portugal has a rich cultural and historical diversity. With influences going back to the Romans and through to the bloody battles between the Moors and Christians, scars are etched into every town.

6. Portugal has the best coastline we have seen throughout Europe. If you want long stretches of iconic golden sands, that would feel at home in any Caribbean Holiday brochure, come to Portugal. Although don’t be caught in the coastal lure for too long as inland Portugal has a veritable feast of gorgeousness, history and eerily quiet roads. We were lucky if we saw half a dozen vans on our last trip. 

7. Portugal has been shaped by seismic activity for thousands of years due to the close proximity of a number of major fault-lines, evidence of which you can see all around the coast. In particular, the earthquake of 1 November 1755, which destroyed Lisbon, impacted hugely on the Algarve coast thanks to the resulting tsunami. The more recent tremor of 1969 further moulded the coastline and the threat of earthquakes remains a constant threat to the Portugal landscape. So be mindful of this as you hike the coast.

8. From a gastronomy viewpoint, Portugal will not disappoint. You must try a Nata; a sweet pastry tart filled with cream-custard. They are a delicious if not a decadent treat. Then there’s the fish, which with a coastline as extensive as Portugal’s, you can guarantee taste and quality.  And do not forget the Douro Valley for its tawny and ruby alchemy – Port. This is elegance personified and is a Portuguese must.

9. Portugal is a proud nation with values that give it an authentic and classic feel. Families are honoured, the earth is nurtured and respected and their heritage fiercely protected. Everywhere we travelled there was a depth and character to their towns, traditions and people. Sometimes those invisible yet intrinsic features of a country are what create the meaningful memories of a trip.

10. Cork production is a major industry, especially in the Alentejos and Algarve regions. Roads are bordered by cork oak trees that stand naked; their bark stripped for this local commodity that, once processed is made into all nature of products from shoes, handbags and bottle stoppers. Check out Loulé for its cork selling shops which will have you mooching for hours.

11. Whilst Portugal’s flag may well be green and red, be in no doubt that yellow is more akin to Portugal’s natural hew – especially in spring. From the tiny yellow balls of the evocatively smelling Mimosa and the Ice flowers along the coast, to Lupins and Daisies – yellow covers every vista you see. 

12. I learnt that with so much time on the coast I became really dehydrated, despite drinking four pints of water a day. Being in the salt air, so consistently does make hair and skin dry out – so drink plenty of water.

13. Intermarché is well set up with washing machine facilities (€4-€8 for a wash and €2 per 20mins to dry). Some even have drinking water, waste and toilet cassette dumps too. Also if you travel in a campervan, then most of Lidl supermarkets have motorhome specific parking bays.

14. Camping is cheap in Portugal. For 40 nights we spent less than €100, which makes it by far the cheapest country we have stayed in. 95% of our overnight stops were either free because we camped wild or in cheap Aires. Over our two trips we had only 3 nights in a campsite; one at €25 and the other two combined were €31. Just be mindful of the wild camping laws have chopped and changed during 2021. In July it was banned all together and now in 2022 the laws have eased and a limit of 48hrs has been introduced in many places. Although camping in some protected coastal spots and their Natura 2000 and National Parks are still prohibited. Check out this map for a guide to where not to wild camping.

Click on the image below to see our floral gallery

Our interactive route map

Over 40 days, whilst we travelled around 800 miles, we really didn’t even scratch the surface of this fair land. Still it has made enough of an impression that we will return without argument or dispute. 

Below you will find our comprehensive Interactive Route Map that shows you the routes we took, our POI and the overnight stops that we called home. Click on the map to see the detail.

Getting the most from your trip to Portugal

There is so much gorgeousness we could share with you, that it’s difficult to know how best to present it. So after much deliberation, we have decided to structure it shaped around Portugal’s mainland regions – well the ones we visited! Each section has a Quick Reference Guide so you know what to expect (based on our experiences). 

As we haven’t seen the whole country, a guide like this is always a little bias and incomplete. Although our intention is to simply share our love for the places we explored, and hope it might inspire you to visit some of those off-the-beaten-track places that we loved so much. 

Portugal’s sunshine state – Algarve

Quick Reference Guide 

• The central area of Algarve is great for golf courses, marinas and nightlife
• Capital Faro, is the main airport servicing the region
• West is best for dramatic coastal scenery
• Alvor is where we found some of the best rock formations – go at low tide to walk amongst them
• Algarve has one of the world’s Top 100 Beaches – Praia de Marinha
• It has some of the best coastal hiking using way-marked walks
• Is one of the most built up and touristy regions of Portugal
• If you love water sports or want to visit the famous caves, it’s best to visit from May to September when the weather calms. Winter and early spring is great for dramatic waves and so is often too rough for boat trips
• Cheap Aires for campervans are available throughout the region ranging from €4 – €9 many with electrical hook up 
• Eating out is cheap and fish is particularly good along this southern coast. 
• Be mindful that there is a 48hr restriction on wild camping along most coastal spots.

Whilst Portugal’s Algarve is one of the most ‘go to’ destinations, there are so many more delights along the coast and inland that will enrich your visit. For example the authentic and cultural joys of Loulé with its Saturday market and traditional way of life. Or try Silves with its ancient walled city and castle that is the largest of its kind in the region.

Paradoxically not all of Algarve’s draw is the golf courses and nightlife. Go west and you will be treated to an art form fit for a king. It has a coastline carved by the ferocity of Mother Nature; from Armacão – Lagos you will be awed by the sheer beauty of this coastal artistry. Known as the Rocky Algarve, the coves, caves only accessible by boat, and cliffs will have you kneeling in some sort of bizarre ritual of respect. Such is the beauty of the rock formations along this coast that they seriously compete with those we saw in New Zealand. 

So if you are a photographer, nature lover, geologist or hiker, the Rocky Algarve will have you speechless. Here, we have profiled five hikes that will take in some of the best scenes along this coastline – there are more although sadly a foot injury prevented any further exploration. 

Did you know that Faro is a Heritage site for Seahorses? No nor me and sadly we found out too late for our visit in 2022. Although we will definitely put it on our ‘return’ list. That said one of my most memorable moments was staying on the lagoon opposite Faro’s airport. Praia de Faro is just amazing as a beach with miles of uninterrupted golden sands. Although for me, it was the other side of the Ancão Peninsular that blew me away. In a world so far removed from the glitz and tourism in Faro that hugs the horizon, Ancão is home to a community of Clam fishermen. The closer to the village you are the more robust the houses are, built on solid ground. Although as you tread the boardwalk path towards the peninsular’s pinnacle, the more rustic the homes become. An intimate and privileged discovery of how the ‘other half’ live. Brick houses on concrete now become shacks built of corrugated iron, fishing rope, tiles and balancing on the ever shifting sands. Life here is blessed and cursed by the tide and wind and to witness how life is lived on the other side of commerciality was a true blessing. The boardwalk is definitely worth doing for a dose of humility. 

Do check out Alvor, which is a stunning little seaside fishing town. It comes with a diversity that will entertain all manner of visitor. From its coastline extraordinaire to its white sandy beach and lagoon to the genuine fishing culture, Alvor will steal a little of your heart. The fishing community is key to this little town, away from the commercial hub. The community of fishermen’s huts that provide shelter from the sea’s wroth and the atmospheric estuary, offer a great composition for any artist at sunset. The cobbled streets of the old town are pretty much wall-to-wall restaurants  although out of season it is cute, if not a bit touristy. Check out A Tascado restaurant (R. Pedro Alvares Cabral 19).

Sagres is the furthest point southwest of mainland Europe and so a visit to its fortress and lighthouse is a must for this reason alone. For a mere €3 you can enter the grounds and loose yourself for an hour in the maritime history that goes back centuries. The limestone pavement reminds you of nature’s role in the region and the kamikaze fisherman that hang off the 100ft cliffs looking to catch their supper will colour your visit beautifully. 

Before you leave this seaside town, visit the São Vicente lighthouse, if only to take your first glance at the Wild West coastline that has wind and surf as it natural sculptures. Framed by the pink, yellow and purple Ice flowers, you will feel drawn to move north as the salt air massages your face with anticipation.  

Check out our gallery by clicking on the image below.

Wild West Coast

Whilst geographically not classed as one of Portugal’s regions, it seems important to have a section dedicated to this incredible stretch of land. It touches each of the country’s five mainland regions so seems worthy of specific mention.

Quick Reference Guide

• Approximately 500 miles in length from Cabo de Sao Vicente in the south to Caminha in the north
• Home to the largest surf in Europe – Nazaré where the World Championship are held in October
• There are few signs of mass tourism along the southern shores – just quaint fishing villages
• Fishing has been a crucial way of life here; look out for ancient Islamic village at Amado Beach
• Roads are lined with mimosa and eucalyptus trees
• Wild camping is tolerated along much of the coast – just be mindful of the National Park restrictions in high season
• Bird life and photography opportunities are enormous, especially rock nesting storks  
• Getting around Lisbon can be tricky – head inland to Évora to avoid it and its toll bridges
• Has the best and most diverse coastline we have ever experienced
• Visit the unique town of Costa Nova and her candy stripped fishermen’s houses
• Great area for cycling with its quiet roads and coastal boardwalk routes

In all our years of travel we have been blessed with some incredible coastal scenes from India’s Goan beauties to New Zealand’s belles… And yet nothing prepared us for the raw essence of Portugal’s western coastline. Battered by Atlantic winds and views out towards US, this route will stun you into silence. There are two major hikes from Sagres that show off the full extent of this coastline’s magnificence; The Heritage Way and The Fisherman’s Way. The latter particularly has become a bit of a pilgrimage by backpackers as they make their way towards Porto Covo in the north.

The biggest difference between the west and southern sibling is its quietness and the lack of tourism. I recognise that we visited out of season, yet this aside, there are no high-rise hotels or gated residential estates, south of Lisbon at least. Just Portuguese working towns who go about their business to the exclusion of visitors. Partly because so few come this far north as they choose to hug the southern coasts. Although we implore you to check out this area. 

Explore the coastline and learn how ancient and modern fisherman live their lives. The remains of an Islamic fishing village can be found at Amado Beach just south of Carrapateira and a more modern view of life on the ocean waves is hidden in an alcove just south of Almograve. Watching how the fishermen navigate the treacherous waters around this volcanic coast is mind-boggling. You cannot miss the evocative and visually appealing fishermen’s pontoons at Carrasqueira just ten minutes from Comporta. Their rustic wooden platforms that extend out into the lagoon is a masterpiece waiting for the amateur photographer, capturing the essence of their formidable mariners’ lives.  

And if you happen to be bird-lovers, then watching the kites and storks will be timing-wasting enough. Especially unique is to see the storks nesting precariously on pillars of rock on the coastal edges, seemingly blissfully unaware of the danger of their house of choice. It is here that the battle between life and death is played out as peregrine falcons attack the storks in search for their precious eggs as a breakfast treat. The best place for this theatre ensemble is at Sarbadão Lighthouse, just south of Almograve Beach, which is pinned on our map. 

Another great place to watch the storks’ antics is at Comporta, just south of Lisbon and the Sebútal peninsula. This small fishing community, amidst the salt flats, dunes and lagoon, seem to have adopted the storks as their emblem and fiercely protect the nesting pairs. Church towers, roof-light windows and pylons are acceptable residences for these magnificent birds and you can easily while away an hour watching their territorial antics. 

The Wild West characteristics alters so dramatically like the chapters of a thrilling novel. From the south with its craggy rock and inhospitable landscape looking like something from the moon to the miles of golden sandy beaches further north. Dunes, pine forests and eucalyptus dapple the landscape and you can be in awe at how the coastline changes its look more often than a Kylie Minogue concert. Try not to miss out the charming villages of Vila Nova da Milfontes, Porto Covo and Peniche. Further north towards Porto, you must see Costa Nova, which is iconic for its candy stripped fisherman’s houses that have centuries old tales of mariners’ lives. 

Click on the image below to see our gallery of this wild west coastline 

Alentejos

Quick reference Guide

• Portugal’s largest region, spanning the whole width of the country
• Roman hub Évora is its capital
• Cork production capital of the country
• Neolithic evidence strewn throughout the inner uplands around Évora
• Estremoz, the city of marble
• Montemor O Novo with its 3 armed citadel 

Alentejos encompasses both the joys of the coast and ancient history that combine to honour deeply held traditions and cultural heritage.  If you travel along the eastern edge where Portugal rubs shoulders with its neighbour Spain, you can imagine the intrigue that this is likely to offer. Battles for supremacy and territory, fortresses for protection and towns set to historical high alert. Whilst we didn’t see much of this eastern board, we did have our first steps on Portuguese soil at Mértola. 

Nestled in the heart of the Natural Park, its lofty position high above the river is the epitome of this fortress style town. Its castle walls still in tact, its cathedral sat on the site of an ancient Mosque and its Roman bridge giving you just a few clues as it to its historical heritage. 

Further west unfolds more Roman secrets – who knew their armies travelled so far west to conquer, build and dominate. Évora is a classic example of this. Capital of Alentejos, Évora has amazing city walls, museums to satisfy the curious and the remains of a Roman temple. Its central square is charming as you settle for a coffee and a Nata and just around the corner the must visit Chapel of Bones.

And just north of Évora is Estremoz, the city of marble. One of Portugal’s largest producers of this precious stone ranking the country as the second biggest exporter in the world, Estremoz is a sight to behold. Marble is everywhere and I mean everywhere. From the ostentatious fountain, to the castle’s 27m tower, window surrounds, doorsteps and even the pavements. And yet the gulf between the haves and have nots is very apparent. If you choose the non tourist route around the city, you will see the social divide clearly. Although beyond its deprivation the castle is magnificent as you might expect. The churches, the elegant merchants’ houses and even the Military base are all astoundingly elegant. And you can park in the main square easily for your daytime visit or indeed overnight. 

Last and by no means least, Montemor O Novo on the famous N2 route is a lovely place to see, if only for its incredible three-pointed citadel. Taking a lofty position over the lands below, you can well imagine both the protection of its 13th century people and its battle prowess. With a steep road up to the citadel walls and then free entry inside, you are transported to another world. Whilst the site is still being excavated, there is still plenty to see. You can even stay overnight outside of the citadel walls. 

Click on the image below to see our gallery

Central Region 

Quick Reference Guide

• Home to the Surfing Capital of Europe, Nazaré
• Costa da Roca is the furthest point west in mainland Europe closely followed by Peniche
• Check out the amazing geology of the Peniche peninsula 
• If the weather is calm, catch a boat for €25 to the island of La Berlenga
• Watch the windsurfers on the sheltered waters of the lagoon at Figueira da Foz
• Visit the most beautiful and authentic walled village of Obidos
• Drive the inland Atlantic Ocean way and see the devastation of the 2018 forest fires
• Visit the charming village of Costa Nova and her candy-stripped fishing houses
• Pop across to Aveiro, which is known as Portugal’s Venice with its small canal network
• Drive inland to Viseu, which is the centre of granite production and explore its ancient buildings and street art
• Take the N2 route and enjoy its beauty

Perhaps you are or have visions of becoming a surfer dude – and if so then Nazaré has to be a destination stop for you  and your board. This home to the largest waves in Europe – scaling a humungous 30m. With its unique factors of on-shore winds and underwater topography, it creates perfect professional surfing conditions and is why the European Championship are held here every October. What a spectacle that must be. 

For geologists, once more this coastline will regale you with its tales of evolution as strata form the most incredible pieces of natural art out on the Peniche peninsula. Their composition seems so different to other craggy areas of the coast further south, leading to a thesis or two from the academics about the different seismic influences in this region over the epoc. 

For lovers of history and culture, a short trip to Obidos will certainly appeal. This picture postcard walled city is charm personified and whilst compact and bijou, scale its walls and you will see how size has no impact on this village’s delight. Cobbled streets, terracotta roofs and rustic buildings give a medieval feel to it, coming straight out  of a Dicken’s novel. We had too little time here although enough to entice  us to return. 

We absolutely adored the coastal route north where our final coastal destination was Costa Nova. Shaped along a narrow strip of sand dunes, with golden sands one side and a lagoon the other, this town proffers more maritime history. Over and above this, visually  this  place is one that Instagram must surely adore. With its candy-striped houses it felt like you had walked on the film-set of a Willy Wonky candy making factory. It was truly  magical to see how the fishermen lived centuries ago in their brightly painted houses. What a delight it was to cycle around this appeal and almost delicious town. Do check out the fish market where you will be amazing by the variety of marine life  you can purchase. Clams were our gift of the day – truly delicious.  

Viseu – whilst its superficial greyness and busyness didn’t do much for its reputation, when you enter its hub, it was quite lovely. The vernacular that takes you just 200m uphill is the first surprise – second is that it is free. The route scales you up to the hilltop, on which the museum and cathedral are based. The gardens and parks built within the bosom of the city are charming and the riverside is just cute. Whilst you might imagine the street art having a negative visual impact, I actually think it is quite an endearing feature to the town. 

Click on the image below to see our gallery

Northern Region

Quick Reference Guide 

• Porto is the capital of this region
• Home to the famous Douro River valley and its Port drink
• Find a Quinta and do some Port tasting along the ancient river as it carves through 586 miles
• Continue your N2 route through the most beautiful mountain ranges
• Visit Lamego and the Nossa Senhora dos Remedios
• Turn right before Peso da Régua and drive along the Douro Valley’s most beautiful route N222 to Pinhão
• Catch the train from Pinhão to Pincho – one of Europe’s most beautiful train rides €7.80 pp
• Take a boat ride from Pinhão up the Douro river €10 pp per hour
• Belmonte home to the famous Belmonte Jews, the Serra de Estrela mountains and Gouveia
• Freixo de Numão and its Roman Ruins in the Douro region
• Miranda do Douro with its bagpipes, kilts and own official language.

Whilst Porto may well be the biggest draw of northern Portugal, if cities are not your thing, then a quick calibration of your compass to the east will reward you plenty. You have the central draw of Lamego, which is certainly worth a visit, in our book. Its characterful and pristine old town are gorgeous and its fountain clad avenue that leads the eye and the feet towards the mammoth 686 steps up to the Church of our Lady of Remedies which will get your heart pumping.  

And then you have the Alchemy of the North…. The Douro Valley. This depicts everything you can imagine about the partnership between man and nature working in harmony. With nature’s role taking the lead part in this staged masterpiece, you will be rewarded with fertile soils, carved terraces, curvaceous lands and a network of vineyards. Clinging to every inch of this landscape looking to capture the sun’s powerful rays, these vines are the very source of the tawny nectar that graces our table with cheese. Port, that magnificent and elegant tipple stakes its claim to the Douro valley and with the sparkling waters of the river, this must surely be some sort of Utopia. At the beating hub of the valley is Pinhão, a classical working town where the locals collaborate with each other and the land to produce not only history and a productive export, they also create a cultural experience for the visitor. Pinhão and its Douro is a must. Check how to make the best of our visit by clicking here. 

On the other side of Portugal’s inner spine you will find some other stunning countryside. The mountainous region of the north is something to behold after the meandering undulation of the south. Yes mountains where sometimes they ski. Belmonte, a hilltop town is the eastern gateway to the Estrela National Park, where the heady heights of 2000m can be enjoyed. Famous for its Belmonte Jews or Marrons, this compact yet beautiful town is worth a quick visit. The cobbled streets reveal a Jewish secret that has recently been uncovered; a community of Jews who have lived in secret since the 12th Century were recently discovered in 1971. Now they openly celebrate their faith at their newly built Synagogue. 

The N232 route west to Gouveia is a stunner and very, very doable. I say this from a place where memories of our Stelvio and Transfagarasan still are foremost in my memory. This 90km route that by passes the alpine town of Manteigas will have you in awe at the views and the twists and turns as you climb to the mountain summit. The map certainly looks worse than the reality and during the course of our 2 hour drive, saw only a dozen cars. It’s a joy. Check out our video below. 

Two of our biggest highlights from our most recent Portugal trip are in the north east region. Freixo de Numão in the heartland of the Douro vineyards and Mirando do Douro. The former is a great drive up into the mountains from the main IP2 where a superb Aire awaits you. A two mile walk from the rural village will bring you to a Roman site, complete with amphitheatre. Then Miranda, as a crescendo to your Inland Portugal experience will delight and intrigue you in equal measure. With its living and breathing historical citadel, whitewashed houses and ever dominant church there is plenty to explore. The views over the Douro with Spain teetering on the mountainous edge of the gorge, now happily neighbours this beautiful town unlike in times past. With their own official language this town is steeped in tradition and a visit at the end of August would be timed with their festival. We highly recommend this place. 

And finally…  Portugal’s answer to Route 66 – N2

The longest continuous road in Portugal, the National route N2 is a must if you enjoy getting off the beaten track. Whilst the newly built motorway infrastructure may well be favoured by those who need to travel far and fast, it will certainly not enrich your life like the N2. Covering around 450 miles, this road covers the full length of the country; north at Chaves to Faro in the south. Winding your way through valleys, forests, mountain ranges and river floors, this is a beautiful road to encounter, in part or as a whole. 

We drove two sections of the route; the first was south from Almodõvar in Alentejos to just north of Loulé. The second was north from Viseu to Chaves as we finally and with heavy hearts, exited Portugal back into the arms of Spain. 

We thoroughly enjoyed this exhilarating drive which is favoured by motorcycles and bicycles although can equally be relished by drivers too. Passing through such gems as Montemar O Novo, Viseu and Lamego, it is just worth a cruise.

Some practicalities

Before we leave you with temptation running through your veins, let us leave you with some practicalities about your stay in Portugal. Whether coming by camper, plane or cruise liner, here are some tips that might be helpful. 

• Fines are heavy if you enter a motorway by mistake without a vignette or online account with EasyTolls. Few of the motorways are manned, so either set your navigation to avoid tolls or buy a vignette that will last for the duration of your stay. On our first trip we decided against taking toll routes although for our second we simply signed up for an account that lasted for 30 days. In total we spent around €15 just around the Algarve as time was limited so we wanted to move quickly. Use this link to see the Toll Options. It is very easy to set up and delete when you leave the country. 
• Wild camping in Portugal is easy although there is a bit more sensitivity around it after their ban in July 21. The  ban has been lifted although as we have mentioned there are ‘no go’ areas. So be mindful and respectful, moving on after 48hrs and you will be ok.  GNR’s presence is noticeable to ensure no ‘camping behaviour’.
• Portugal caters well for those on wheels as there are very cheap Aires along the coast and towns inland, which will cost you between €4 – €9 per night with services.
• Most towns have speed restricting traffic lights. So as you approach they will turn red and then immediately green.
• Drivers are sedate and respectful we found, making travelling through Portugal very pleasurable.
• We were lucky with the weather when we visited, although if you visit during winter and early spring, be prepared for a variety of conditions. Layers is the name of the game. Being on the Atlantic, it is often windy.
• Portugal is on Western European Time (WET) – so operates the same as UK time, and an hour behind its European cousins.
• Portugal has a wide variety of Supermarkets from Lidl, sometimes Aldi, plenty of Intermarché (which was more expensive than Lidl) and a few Leclerc in larger towns/cities. Pingo Doce was a nice store that was generally cheaper and slightly better quality than Lidl.
• Petrol and Diesel was more expensive than Spain – averaging around €1.75. 
• LPG was available throughout the country, although not at every garage. We had no problems with filling up our Gaslow tanks at a price of 0.89c.
• If you want fresh produce there are markets everywhere – some towns have their own market halls for everyday fruit and veg, whilst others have special Saturday markets. If you want daily bread, go to a Pandeira.
• Credit cards are widely available although we suggest you take plenty of coins for Aires, washing machines and for tips.

Closing thoughts

Portugal wowed us. After a visit 15 years ago, we experienced the central Algarve with its golf resorts and marinas, which weren’t our cup of tea. Years on, with less stressful lives, more time and an open mind to travel diversity, we have been able to appreciate the Algarve. More than that, we have been able to relish in the fruits of Portugal’s inland gems and road less travelled destinations. Portugal has definitely leapt ahead to warrant a place in our Top 5 Favourite European countries. We have really appreciated its natural and cultural joys. We hope if you have the chance to come, that you too may feel inspired to travel this amazing country and feel richer for the experience.