Lonely Planet Portugal (Travel Guide)

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Whether you’re traveling solo, heading off on a romantic getaway or seeking a child-friendly place with lots of activities on offer near the seaside, the Algarve has you covered. Portugal’s second-largest urban center is laced with narrow pedestrian lanes, baroque churches and cafe-dotted plazas, leading the eye down to the Douro River and its landmark bridges.

For a packed calendar of traditional celebrations, decadent food festivals, outdoor concerts and many other events, head to Portugal.The country also has many free museums and inexpensive attractions, from medieval architecture to cutting-edge contemporary art.

If you’re seeking a bit more solitude, head down to the Parque Natural da Arrábida at the southern end of the peninsula. The gateway to the region is Braga, a city with Roman ruins, a fabled medieval cathedral and tranquil flower-trimmed plazas sprinkled with outdoor cafes and restaurants. Listen to authentic fado in Lisbon, explore the colourful palaces of Sintra, feast on the freshest seafood in the Algarve – all guided by local experts with fresh perspectives. When the daylight starts to fade, Porto hipsters grab a beatbox and some cold beers and head to the narrow park along Passeio das Virtudes, which slips down the hillside in a series of terraces. Sandwiched between crashing Atlantic breakers and endless sand dunes, this magnificent beach forms the western flank of the São Jacinto nature reserve.Planning tip: Take time to visit landmarks along the way or stay for a little longer in each town, experiencing community life and local cuisine. Along the coast, you’ll have lovely seaside views all to yourself but will need to pack a light jacket for cooler days and nights, plus the odd rain shower.

Praia Baleal connects the scenic namesake island-village to Portugal’s west coast © Alexander Spatari / Getty Images 3.In more tourist-oriented establishments, a tip is more common – usually around 10% – and may even be added as a service charge. You can also explore the islands of the eastern Algarve via inexpensive ferries from Faro, Olhão and Tavira. Assemble a portable feast of Portuguese cheese and northern Portugal’s refreshing vinho verde (a light wine from the Minho) and roll out a blanket at one of Porto’s many inviting green spaces. A Unesco World Heritage site since 1998, the prehistoric rock art site in Vale do Côa, together with nearby Siega Verde in Spain, is the most noteworthy Paleolithic art site in the Iberian Peninsula. Listen to authentic fado in Lisbon, explore the colorful palaces of Sintra, feast on the freshest seafood in the Algarve – all guided by local experts with fresh perspectives.