Portugal

Lisbon is perhaps Europe's most pleasant and affordable city. Her fantastic architecture, diverse population, delicious seafood, intriguing tile-work and non-stop nightlife bring together the best elements of Portuguese life. Don't miss an evening barhopping in the Bairro Alto listening to contemporary hip music and Portuguese blues fado!

The beautifully restored towns and well-preserved architecture of UNESCO's World Heritage sites in Evora , Batalha and Alcobaça are very special and unique to visit. If you are interested in monuments, Evora and Coimbra are must-sees.

The most beautiful natural areas lie in the Minho, Lima, and Douro valley. You can explore the verdant beauty and rural customs of the Minho Valley, or check out the spectacular gorge in the Douro valley.

The city of Oporto is located at the end of the Douro Valley, on the sea, and is famous for its port wine. It is an excellent base for exploring the region.

If it's the beach you are after, the Algarve coast offers highly developed stretches of beach. The rest of the coast (with the exception of the area near Lisbon and Porto) remain relaxing, totally Portuguese and isolated. Great stretches of sand are there for the relaxing, especially along the northern Costa Verde , near Viano do Castelo . The beaches near southern Alentejo are the most remote and least populated.

Transportation and accommodation are excellent and very reasonable, perhaps the cheapest in Europe. The wine is excellent and don't forget to try some vinho do Porto (port), Portugal's most famous export.