In the west of the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal’s borders have changed little since it became an independent nation in the 12th century. The country is framed by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south and Spain to the north and east, with mountain ranges and the Minho and Guadiana rivers marking the border with Spain’s Portuguese neighbours. The Portuguese are a relaxed and friendly bunch, while the country’s diversity, with its forests and mountains inland and its coastline of fantastic beaches and colourful cities, provides many adventures and lasting memories for visitors. Indeed, Portugal’s two main cities - Lisbon and Porto - reflect the country’s former prestige and power as a maritime superpower between the 14th and 18th centuries, with expansion into South America and parts of Africa and Asia making this small nation very rich in the past. The diversity and multiculturalism of Portugal’s major cities is evident in the Angolan, Brazilian and Mozambican influences on contemporary Portuguese culture. In the south of the country is the Algarve International Circuit, near Portimão in the Algarve, Portugal’s most popular region for holidaymakers, with fantastic beaches and an unbeatable climate all year round.

Away from some of the main tourist traps on the coast, where prices are often hiked, keep an eye out for bars, cafes and restaurants catering more for the locals than for visitors and you will be amazed by the quality of the affordable food and wine in the Algarve and throughout other regions of Portugal. When it comes to local dishes, fresh seafood from the Atlantic is the order of the day, with clams, oysters and cockles served in a variety of manners including stews, casseroles and rice dishes. The fresh fish is first class in this region and cooked over charcoal grills it tastes sublime – try the mackerel or in Portimão go for grilled sardines, which are a local favourite. Most of Portugal is easy to get around in just a few days and if you fancy a road trip from the Algarve head three hours drive north to Portugal’s trendy and evolving capital city Lisbon, where classic and contemporary architecture and culture will blow you away.