Portugal has been a hot spot for a little while now, but mostly in the context of Lisbon as a comparatively cheap destionation to spend a few days in a European capital, or the beaches of the Algarve region as a primo spot for British hen weekends. But if you look a little closer, central and northern Portugal, in particular, offer the whole package: stunning scenery (rolling hills of vineyards and dramatic coastal vistas), memorable food (the freshest seafood and, further inland, hearty fare featuring lots of pork) and a wine region everywhere you look. Visiting Portugal is a little like going back in time, with laundry flapping out of windows, magnificent monestaries and cathedrals with crumbling facades and bright, whitewashed towns that look like they’ve been preserved since the 15th century. If this sounds like it’s up your alley, plan to rent a little car and spent a week or two exploring the coastline, the vineyards of the Douro Valley and the heartland of the Alentejo. For all of my best tips on eating, sleeping and exploring check out the latest travel page!
