If you haven't booked your summer holiday yet, it's not too late to bag a last minute deal to this sun-drenched, welcoming and spectacularly diverse country. Discover for yourself all that it has to offer, from some of the most glorious beach holidays around to coach tours to city breaks, gentle walking and trekking for the serious hiker in dramatic natural landscapes.
Yet, while it is undeniably part of modern Europe, Portugal has places where time has stood still, and traditional customs flourish. And it is a land of contrasts. The capital city, Lisbon, on the west coast, is a bright, busy, crowded metropolis but you can also wander the cobbled winding streets of its medieval citadel. And the Algarve may have glitzy resorts and a pulsating nightlife but you don't have to travel far inland to find wildlife and nature havens, and some serious walking and trekking in beautiful natural landscapes.
Travel a few miles north or east of busy Lisbon, and you'll discover a largely undeveloped picturesque countryside full of medieval villages and towns where life has hardly changed in centuries.
Portugal has always had strong ties to the sea; for centuries its famed discoverers pioneered exploration of Africa and the Americas, and opened new trade routes to the East. There's now a new age of discovery as increasing numbers of visitors arrive each year see for themselves all that Portugal has to offer, from bargain deals right the way up to luxury holidays. And there are new types of holiday being offered all the time, such as health and beauty spa breaks. But, unlike other popular tourist destinations, Portugal remains relatively unspoilt and has not been scarred by over-development in the way some of its Mediterranean neighbours has.
The compact size of this unique country makes it easy to take it all in: sandy beaches, scenery, history, fine gastronomy and wines, lively entertainment, charming handcrafts, vibrant nightlife, country fairs, excellent sporting facilities and warm, friendly locals.
Each of the country's seven distinct regions has its own unique feel. The largest, Alentejo, which takes up a third of the country with its wide open spaces, yet houses just a tenth of the population. Like Portugal, it's full of variety. In fact, this region is the complete destination in itself - whether you want beach holidays, are a cultural and history fanatic or want something more active, like walking and trekking. You won't want to spend much time indoors!
For walking and trekking, whether you want a gentle stroll or are a serious hiker, head for northern Alentejo's Serra de São Mamede park. There's wildlife and nature galore, like the Europe's largest bat colony and you may spot a golden eagle, the park's symbol.
Take in the beautiful towns along the Castle Route, or the hilltop town of Évora. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is surrounded by fortified walls enclosing cobbled streets and quaint houses.
While you're in Alentejo, take time to sample the local gastronomy and wines - the area is known for producing some of Portugal's best vintages, and regional specialities include chouriços (sausages), along with cheeses, smoked hams and some delicious desserts.
For beach holidays, the western coastline boasts magnificent and unspoilt white, sandy stretches alongside the Atlantic. You may want to choose Costa Vicentina, an unspoilt spot offering you peace and quiet and the chance to chill out.
Whether you go to Alentejo, or anywhere else in Portugal, you won't be short of things to do. Book with an ATOP (Association of Travel Organisers to Portugal) member, since these operators know this richly diverse country best. Log on today for more information, and some fantastic last-minute deals.
