AT A GLANCE Located to the west of Spain, Portugal has become one of the most visited countries in Europe.

Visitors here will find something for everyone from the stunning beach resorts in the Algarve to the cosmopolitan city of Lisbon. Warm temperatures can be enjoyed all year round so no matter what time you choose to visit, a holiday in Portugal is sure to be an unforgettable one. WHEN TO GO Although Portugal has a temperate climate all year round, the best time to visit is between April and October as the summers here are usually hot and the main resorts will be full of life. Holidays in either spring or autumn will mean that temperatures will be slightly cooler and tourist areas will be quieter. Coastal regions such as the Algarve are also popular with holidaymakers in search of winter sun. Weather Spring: A comfortable time to visit as the weather is not too hot to wander around in. Summer: With sizzling sunshine from morning until night, this is the best (and the hottest) time to visit. Autumn: Average temperatures in October can still reach as high as 22C making it extremely pleasant Winter: The wettest time of year is between November and March, yet temperatures are still relatively mild.

Image: Praia Dona Ana in Lagos by Alberto Rouiller

THINGS TO DO The diverse nature of Portugal means there is always something to do in this country no matter where youre staying. Whether you want to chill out on the beach for the day or explore some of the countrys stunning attractions - from palaces to castles - you can expect a fun-filled holiday here. Attractions Belem Tower: An iconic four-story tower in Lisbon, built in the early 16th century Roman Temple of Evora: This ancient temple stands in the centre of Evora, dating back to Roman times National Palace of Pena: A 19th century palace that stands on the top of a hill looking out over the town of Sintra Lisbon Oceanarium: The largest indoor aquarium in Europe and home to a selection of marine species Castle of So Jorge: Overlooking the city of Lisbon, this imposing castle is one of the citys main tourist attractions Alcobaa Monastery: A beautiful monastery and church in central Portugal built with a Gothic style Peneda-Gers National Park: Portugals only national park, located in the north-west of the country Conmbriga: One of the countrys largest Roman settlements with baths, an amphitheatre and museum

Nightlife A varied night scene can be found across Portugal, so youre bound to find something that appeals to you, no matter where youre staying. From dancing the night away in one of Lisbons biggest nightclubs to chilling out with a glass of port in Porto, holidaymakers are guaranteed to enjoy the huge variety of evening entertainment in the country. Lisbon: As one of Europes trendiest cities, visitors will be able to relax in chilled out cafs in Chiado or enjoy the various bars in the Bairro Alto quarter. The Santos district is also home to a range of stylish bars and clubs that stay open long into the early hours of the morning including packed out venues with live international DJs. Algarve: A younger crowd can be found in the Albufeira area partying all night in its many vibrant clubs. There are also various bars and pubs including beach bars and relaxing lounge bars that cater for all tastes throughout the region, as well as casinos and live music. Porto: Nightlife is quieter here although there are still plenty of places to go when the sun goes down. The Ribeira district is one of the citys liveliest areas with an array of bars and tavernas often with outdoor seating, while the Rua Galeria de Paris and Rua Cndido dos Reis are also popular places to go offering live music and theatres.

Day Trips Around Portugal There are so many things to see and do around the entire country so youll never get bored here. From miles of golden coastline to historic architecture thats guaranteed to amaze you, the neverending amount of places to discover is one of the reasons this country is so popular with millions of tourists every year. Here are some of the best places to visit. Alentejo: Located in the centre of the country, Alentejo is one of the most tranquil and picturesque regions in Portugal - a far cry from the lively resorts in the Algarve. The beaches are less crowded and there is a slower pace of life, while the many things to discover include the medieval ruins at Monsaraz and the Roman Temples at Evora.

Madeira: Birthplace of footballer, Cristiano Ronaldo and famous for its wine, Madeira is a small island off the south west coast of Portugal. The sandy coastline and numerous valleys are dotted with charming villages with an array of historic buildings including the Quinta das Vinhas in Calheta - one of the islands oldest manor houses. The Azores: Scattered across the Atlantic, the Azores are a group of nine volcanic islands that offer a more relaxing Portuguese retreat. Lush green landscapes and sandy beaches make the Azores an attractive place to visit, while there is also a selection of cathedrals and palaces, as well as the largest mountain in Portugal, Ponta de Pico.

Cascais: The coastal town of Cascais can be found around 30km west of Lisbon and is a former fishing village that was once occupied by the Portuguese royal family. It is now famous for its numerous beaches, glitzy nightlife and variety of restaurants overlooking the sea, as well as an historic town centre.
Images: Lisbon Belem Tower by Alberto Rouiller / Castle of So Jorge by Bernt Rostad / Nightlife in Bairro Alto by Retinafunk / Alentejo by Hugo Cadavez / Madeira by Zdenek Svoboda / Sao Miguel Island, The Azores by Abspires40 on Flickr / Cascais Beach by Michael Coghlan

SHOPPING Portugal offers a variety of shopping areas if you fancy a little retail therapy on your holiday. The country has a wide selection of retail parks and shopping centres, as well as a number of weekly markets that are great for picking up a few bargains. The sheer choice of places to shop in Lisbon makes it an attractive destination for shopaholics, while the Algarve provides shopping facilities to suit all.

Shopping Areas: Algarve: The two main shopping areas in the Algarve are the Guia Shopping Centre near Albufeira and the Forum Algarve in Faro City. Both feature a range of famous brands, cafs, restaurants and even a multiplex cinema. Lisbon: Shoppers in the Baixa area of downtown Lisbon will find plenty of traditional and specialist shops, as well as popular brands such as Prada and Louis Vuitton along the Avenida da Liberdade, which is the citys main boulevard. International brands can also be found in the Chiado quarter alongside more old-fashioned shops. The Colombo shopping mall here is also one of the largest in Europe. Porto: The Rua de Cedofeita and Rua Santa Catarina are the main shopping streets in Porto, lined with shopping malls such as Via Catarina Shopping. Anything from luxury designer brands to more traditional products can be purchased here. Markets: Quarteira Market: Taking place every Wednesday, the Quarteira Market in the Algarve has an incredible buzz with its range of stalls selling everything imaginable including watches, bags and souvenirs. Ribeiro Market: Built in 1885, this is one of the oldest and most exciting markets in Lisbon and features a variety of food such as fish, bread and fruit, as well as a flower market. Jardim da Estrela: Held on the first weekend of every month, this green area of Lisbon is home to a number of stalls offering a range of arts and crafts that make excellent souvenirs. Mercado de Balhao: The largest open-air market in Porto is jam-packed with stalls selling local delicacies, flowers and spices that help create a fantastic shopping experience.
Image: Mercado da Ribeira in Lisbon by Alberto Rouiller

FOOD & DRINK The Portuguese are passionate about their food. In fact they love it so much that there are even a number of fiestas (or festas) that celebrate their culinary delights. The main diet in Portugal includes fish, meat, rice and potatoes, while a variety of spices are used to provide some flavour. A huge variety of seafood restaurants can be found across the country, while the most popular fish in the country is bacalhau - a dried, salted cod with a distinct odour.

Popular Portugal Hotspots: Algarve: Home to huge amount of fish restaurants due to the 200km of coastline. Other food from across the world is also popular here with a range of Indian, Mexican and English cuisine to be found in many of the regions main resorts such as Albufeira and Lagos. Lisbon: Every type of food seems to have found its way on to the menu of many restaurants in the capital. One of the most popular dishes here is grilled sardines. The Baixa and Chiado area of the city is popular with tourists, while Bairro Alto is brimming with cafs and restaurants. Porto: All tastes are catered for in Porto with everything from stylish restaurants to more budget places. Seafood is again popular on many menus, as well as international cuisine, while no trip here is complete without a glass or two of the local port.
Image: Bacalhau Dish by Tiago Silveira

CULTURE & ETIQUETTE The Portuguese people are quite a conservative bunch who respect their family values. In fact, the family is the most important part of their lives. Many traditions and ways of life are the same now as they were many years ago, particularly in more rural areas. Useful Phrases Quanto custa? - How much does it cost? Bom Dia - Good morning Fala ingls? - Do you speak English? Dos and Donts DO try and speak the language as this is always appreciated by the locals DONT eat things like bread and olives in restaurants before your meal if you dont want the cost of them added on to your bill DONT ask what the best dish is in the more touristy restaurants as youll often end up with the most expensive dish on the menu DO wear appropriate clothing such as long trousers and shirts when visiting one of the many religious buildings in the country DO expect the Portuguese to be incredibly hospitable towards you

Tipping Tipping in Portugal is entirely at the customers own discretion. A service charge is not included in the cost of a meal so adding a few Euros for excellent service is always appreciated. Most people just round up their bill to the next Euro though. It is not customary to tip hotel porters or taxi drivers.
Image: Jeronimos Monastery, Lisbon by Flickr user Balavenise

TRANSPORT Many of the main attractions in the popular resorts such as the Algarve can be explored on foot, but there is a huge choice of public transport available for anyone looking to explore a little further afield. Tourists in Lisbon and Porto will be able to take advantage of the metro system there, while there are also bus services available, as well as taxis for longer journeys.

Getting Around Taxi: Taxi ranks can be found in all of the main resorts around the country and are easily recognisable - either black and green or beige. Metro: Lisbon and Porto have their own Metro system, which is a quick and easy way of getting around the cities. Bus: Many areas of regional bus services, although theres very little reason to take the bus, apart from in Lisbon and Porto, as most attractions can be reached on foot. Airports: The two biggest airports in the country are Lisbon International Airport and Faro International Airport.

Image: Lisbon Metro by J-Cornelius

Fare Information Taxis: Most taxis are on a meter and charge by the kilometre. There is also a surcharge for luggage. Always ask the driver how much they expect the journey to be before setting off. Metro: A Viva Viagem card in Lisbon costs 0.50 and allows 10 trips to be added to the card each trip costs 1.25, while a daily pass costs 5. Metro: In Porto, an Andante card can be bought for either 1 day or 3 days, costing 5 and 11 respectively. HEALTH & SAFETY British Embassy Lisbon - UK in Portugal Emergency number: 112

PORTUGAL BLOGGERS: TOP TIPS

Carole Hill - Piglet in Portugal

Portugal is a great holiday destination which offers something for everyone. There are miles of blue flag sandy beaches and a host of activities making it popular with all age groups. Golfers flock to the Algarve tempted by the wide selection of golf courses while the rugged west coast attracts surfers drawn by the magnificent Atlantic rollers. For short city breaks I recommend Lisbon, the capital of Portugal and Porto which is famous for its Port and is a UNESCO registered World Heritage Site.

Alberto Rouiller - Best in Portugal

There are lots of places to visit in Lisbon, but one that Im particularly fond of is the historic quarter of Belm, in the riverfront western part of Lisbon. There, you will find some very impressive monuments that date back to the golden age of the discoveries, like the Belm Tower (Torre de Belm), and the Jeronimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jernimos) which contains the tombs of Vasco da Gama and Lus de Cames, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. You will also find some more recent structures like the Monument of the Discoveries (Padro dos Descobrimentos), on the Tejo estuary, which celebrates the Portuguese Age of Discovery (15th and 16th centuries) and the Belm Cultural Center (Centro Cultural de Belm or simply CCB). End your visit by tasting the world-famous delicacies Pasteis de Belm - creamy custard tarts that have been baked in the Confeitaria de Belm since 1837.

Julie Dawn Fox - Julie Dawn Fox in Portugal

Go beyond the touristy areas for food, and a taste of the real Portugal. Restaurants and bars are usually better value once youre off the main drag. Bear in mind that its standard practice in restaurants to bring little dishes of unsolicited food to your table. If you dont send them back untouched, youll have to pay for them so find out how much they are if you dont want any nasty surprises! The house wine is often served in jugs, sometimes for as little as 2.50 for 1 litre, and is generally very drinkable unless youre a wine buff.

Ben - Moving to Portugal

Many visitors to Portugal stay within the close proximity of their Algarve beach resort. This is understandable - after all, the country has some of the finest beaches in Europe - but Portugal has plenty more to offer. There are mountains to climb, forests to explore, and sleepy little villages that seem untouched by the passing of time. There are also the vibrant cities of Lisbon and Porto to enjoy. So, do spend time relaxing on Portugals beautiful beaches, but dont overlook the country as a great destination for a city break or a quiet rural holiday.