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Faro
Faro is the capital and administrative center of the Algarve region of Portugal. An attractive town with many points of interest, it is also the kick-off point for the numerous resorts for which the Algarve is famous. Faro has a few Moorish and Roman ruins dating from around the 13th century, but the majority of its attractive older buildings date from the second half of the 18th century, after an earthquake in 1755 devastated the town. As well as its architectural beauty, Faro offers a wealth of restaurants and cafes, fine beaches and a beautiful Italianate theatre hosting a full programme of drama, music and dance. And the area is paradise for golfers with around 19 courses on the coastal stretch between Faro and Albufeira.
Madeira
A stay on Madeira Island off the coast of Portugal is what it truly means to get away from it all. Life is slow on the island, with weather serene enough to grow famous Madeira wine. Only cool breezes break up the quiet. An ideal way to see the area is by walking along the levadas, water channels that run through the island's many contours from the rivers to the ridges. More adventurous visitors enjoy hiking the interior mountains and taking in views of the lush surroundings. Nature lovers appreciate Madeira's ample green spaces, which are home to a host of unique seabirds, tropical flowers and fruits. They also enjoy a round of golf on one of the island's courses, or perhaps taking a dip in a saltwater pool or a natural rock pool.
Lisbon
The founding of Lisbon dates back to 12th century BC, making it older
than Rome and an important international capital. It was from this
seaport that the explorations of Vasco da Gama and others led to Portugal's
control of half of the New World. Today it is home to splendid art
and maritime museums and a 13th century castle, featuring rare white
peacocks and black-necked swans in its garden. Fado is a unique, soulful
type of singing you will hear while relaxing in Lisbon's cafes.
Oporto
Oporto is Portugal's second largest city and capital of Portugal's beguiling north. Here you'll see an array of architectural gems from Roman, Gothic, Baroque, Neoclassic and Renaissance eras in this scenic city built into the granite cliffs at the mouth of the river Douro. |
