Winding roads, medieval castles, baroque towns, UNESCO preserved monasteries, impeccably preserved Roman ruins, and one of the oldest universities of Europe is what makes Portugal a treasure trove of cultural places.  

Portuguese people emanate a relaxed vibe. Friendly and dignified, they hang out in restaurants and bars till late hours in the night, listening to Fado in places like Lisbon’s Alfama. 

Around Lisbon are the palaces of Mafra and Sintra, an inspiration for Lord Byron. Further are the monasteries of Alcobaca, Batalha, and Fatima, a pilgrimage place, and the famous Templar monastery of Tomar. Coimbra has its 13th-century university, while Porto is known for its sweet wine.  Braga sports its charming baroque, and Guimaraes is where the history of the kingdom of Portugal began. Castello de Vide still preserves its old Jewish heritage, and Evora, another old university town, has remarkable ruins of ancient history.

In the south is the Algarve, with the secluded caves and beaches of Lagos, Sagres, and Cabo San Vicente. (Obidos, Aveiro, Marvao, Luz, Sines)