In addition to the cliff-lined beaches of the Algarve, Portugal is a country of bucolic landscapes and cities rich in culture. The distant strains of  music  of  fado  , the fish smells just grilling and the party spirit, flood the streets of Lisbon Moorish and medieval Ribeira do Porto. But dont stop there. Head inland to stroll through the cork and almond forests, savor the harbor in the Duoro vineyards and hike in the lakes district of the Peneda-Gerês National Park. Everywhere you will be greeted with a   sincere  welcome (welcome).

Cities

The best introduction to  Lisbon  is a fragile ride on the old tram 28, which runs through  São Jorge Castle  and  the labyrinthine Moorish alleys of  Alfama  . Head north to the   13th century Coimbra University  . The pride and joy of the  port  is the  district  of  Ribeira  , the Douro river, a medieval maze of terraces, staircases and baroque churches and Heritage. The artifacts of   ecclesiastical  Braga are even further north. Travel south to see the Roman ruins of  Évora  and the remains of the Moorish past  of  Faro  .

Field

To  really see   Portugal, locals say, one has to go inland: to the Alentejo olive and cork forests   , say, or  the remote hills of  Estremadura  on horseback. Hike, cycle, or climb granite peaks that sparkle with lakes and waterfalls in  Peneda-Gerês National Park  . Medieval villages are set high in the  Serra da Estrela mountains  . Sample wines in the   rustic  farms that dot the Douro vineyards   . The fabulous  trails  of Madeira Levada  they cross deep gorges and terraced volcanic peaks with terraces.

Coast

The  cliffs and golden beaches of the  Algarve  are legitimately famous. Family-friendly coves, championship golf courses, flashy yacht marinas, swampy lagoons - this 180km coastline has it all. Naturalists head to the wide bays lined with dunes and bird-rich wetlands of  Costa Verde  and  Beira Litoral  . Big  Atlantic waves   and a strong breeze draw surfers and windsurfers west to beaches such as  Guincho Beach  and  Carrapateira  . In  Extremadura  ,  stroll  with tanned Lisboetas in the Costa da Caparica  or  to sight dolphins near  Setubal  .

Eating and Drinking

Start the day in Portuguese style with coffee and  custard  tarts (cinnamon cream tarts). At  Alfama de  Lisboa  , charcoal-roasted sardines and  codfish  are served to the sound of melancholy   musical fado . 

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