Portugal

Move over Spain. There’s another sun-drenched European destination drawing hordes of visitors to its shores. Portugal is medieval history, delicious food and jaw-dropping scenery. Once you experience Portugal, we can assure you that you won’t want to leave.

Lisbon is the most western European capital city and receives over 300 days of sunshine a year, making it an ideal spot to explore all year round. Hip specialty coffee cafes are beginning to arrive into the city, sharing gentrified warehouse space with innovative, modern designers. As the young and bold move the country into the future, Portugal retains remnants of crusaders past. Spend a day frolicking through cliff top castles amongst the impressively preserved medieval town of Sintra or head to the town of Belém to admire architectural magnificence.

After a few days hanging with the cool Portuguese kids in neighbourhoods such as Alfama and Bairro Alto, you’ll be tumbling down the rolling hills after sinking your teeth into dozens of delectable pasteis de nata and knocking back a few bottles of crisp vinho verde (young wine). Be sure to grab a bottle of red wine as you watch the golden sun sink over the horizon from a miradouro, to the mournful melodies of fado music echoing across the terracotta roofs.

Up north, Porto sits on the winding Douro River. Former merchants’ houses are stacked like tetris blocks in the medieval Ribeira district, some covered in romantic azulejo tiles. Amongst the buildings, the famous Livraria Lello continues to attract Harry Potter fans from all over the world. Cross Ponte Luís I over to Vila Nove de Gaia and hop from cellar door to cellar door sipping sweet port wine that has brought fame and fortune to the region.

Brits have started to spend some of their cherished summer break down in the Algarve, which is probably the best area for you to find a rich European kingpin lounging on his yacht. If you luck out on the yacht front, a kayak is your best option for exploring the craggy coastline near Faro where your upper body strength will reward you with hidden coves not accessible by foot.

A wonderful mix of historic UNESCO monuments, idyllic landscapes (on our bucket list is a trip to the Azores) and scrumptious cuisine, Portugal will delight you in more ways than one.