Algarve

This is the land of sunshine, soaking up an average 3,000 hours per year! Away from the coast, the rural landscape is characterized by low stone walls straggling over undulating plains, the ground baked a rich golden-brown by the constant sunshine.
Olive groves dot the landscape, as does the occasional mule - and just a little further inland, a backdrop of mountains looms towards the horizon.
In the surrounding area many villages and towns feature sparkling white-washed houses with distinctive Moorish chimneys.
Little fishing villages feature boats painted in bright colours and, in spring, the entire landscape is covered in almond blossom.

Costa Lisboa

The capital city of Portugal, Lisbon lies on the estuary of the river Tagus, surrounded by a varied landscape of wooded hills on the summits of which stand some of the most impressive historic sights. The coastline itself offers many moods - from the windswept beaches and cliffs to the west, a haven for watersports enthusiasts - to the gentle seas and secret coves of the southern-most shores, where there are a number of stylish seaside resorts, including Estoril with its two golf courses and the biggest casino in Europe!
The city of Lisbon itself, besides being Portugal’s capital, is rich, diverse and alive with colour. The old quarter, Alfama, reveals Moorish architecture of white-washed houses amidst the sound of traditional Fado folk music.
Inland lies the town of Sintra, where the land rises to form the surrounding green, thickly forested hills. Here you can follow the crenellated walls of an 8th century Moorish castle - or visit the historic Pena Palace, which combines many styles of architecture.

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Costa de Prata

Portugal’s "Silver Coast" makes a scintillating sweep north from Lisbon up to the Costa Verde. Take an early morning stroll along a stretch of its exquisitely fine pure white sandy beaches, perhaps close to one of the coast’s long saltwater lagoons; watch the silvery eddying mists begin to clear over the high white dunes dotted with pines - then you’ll know exactly how this beautiful region came by its name.
This area embraces some of the most spectacular scenery in Portugal. Here the lush green countryside is interlaced with waterways and little villages nestle among the magnificient mountains.
To the north of the region lies the town of Aveiro, sometimes hailed as “The Venice of Portugal” for the canals that flow through the city and the boats that ply their trade on them. These waterways empty into a grand lagoon, the Ria, where colourful boats (moliceiros) with large graceful prows, gather seaweed to fertilise the surrounding agricultural land.
The largest city in the province is Coimbra, perched on a hill overlooking the Mondego River and surrounded by breathtaking scenery. The old city stands on top of a central hill and is a fascinating and intriguing maze of narrow alleyways and streets. A few miles south of the city, you’ll find its roots, Conimbriga - the largest excavated Roman ruins in Portugal which also has one of the country’s finest museums.
Food and Drink
One of the attractions of the region is its rich and varied cuisine: Caldeirada (traditional fish stew), Enguias de escabeche (fried eels), Espetadas de mexilhão (mussels on the spit) and Leitão (suckling pig), to name but a few!
For dessert: there is a superb selection of egg sweet specialities (ovos-moles, pão-de-ló), and sponge cakes.
Wines: excellent sparkling wines from the Barraida region.
Climate
The temperate climate of the Costa de Prata gives a mild winter which quickly turns to a warm spring of green meadows and flowered windows. Summers are hot and the crystal clear waters of the “Silver Coast” remain pleasant until October. Then follows a gentle autumn.