Tourism of Portugal Video Podcast

Accept two suggestions to indulge yourself: a visit to the Convento de Cristo, a jewel of World Heritage in Tomar, and a boat ride in the Castelo de Bode reservoir. Visit the nearby Ilha do Lombo, Dornes or Almourol and discover beautiful riverside landscapes.

Discover some really romantic settings in just two days. At the convent of Mafra, Ericeira or obidos. But also at the monasteries of Alcobaca and Batalha and at some particularly idyllic spots, such as Almourol.

On the south side of Lisbon start by the view from Almada. Then continue to the superb landscape of Arrabida. Finish the tour at the Palmela or Setubal Pousada with a candle lit romantic dinner.

On a day outside Lisbon, pay a visit to the palaces and gardens of Sintra and you'll discover why magical Sintra was voted a cultural landscape of the World Heritage list.

Settle down like a King into the castle of Alvito and set off from here to conquer the Alentejo. After a boat ride at the Alqueva Reservoir, set off for Mertola, an open-air museum, or Beja, an white-washed enchanted town.

Take the family along the southern coast of Madeira until the swimming pools of Porto Moniz, which the kids will love. On the northern coast, visit Madeira's Theme Park, at Santana, and reserve a third day for a cruise to the island of Porto Santo.

The interior of Portugal is home to towns and stone villages dominated by azulejo tiles and granite monuments, like Viseu. Further south you'll find the so-called "historic villages", such as Monsanto, with well preserved traditions.

Take the family to see the castle of Santa Maria da Feira, the coastal lagoon at Aveiro and, not far away, the beautiful town of Coimbra, where the children will find a park to match their size.

On the best preserved stretch of coastline in Europe, enjoy the superb beaches of Porto Covo, Milfontes or Zambujeira do Mar, and visit the Badoca Safari Park, an excellent place for the whole family to have fun.

Let the kids swim with the dolphins in the Zoomarine, near Albufeira. At the Vilamoura marina you can start a boat trip along the beautiful coastline of the Algarve or stay to dine in one of its many restaurants.

In the extreme east of Algarve, steal a day at the beach and entice the family with a different programme. At sunset soak up the atmosphere in the central square at Vila Real de Santo Antonio, a typical Algarve town.

In Sagres enjoy the view of the sea and take a romantic boat ride along the coast, in Lagos. Also in the western part of the Algarve, a visit to Silves and its castle is not to be missed.

Reserve a full day for some of Oporto's prime tourist attractions: a little shopping in Rua de Santa Catarina, a lunch in the Ribeira and a cruise in the river. Then visit the Port wine cellars and stay on the Gaia bank for dinner. The view of Oporto is amazing.

While in the north east Portugal, enjoy the romantic atmosphere of Vidago and make sure you visit the towns of Vila Real, Chaves or Braganca. Also the beauty of the Douro will create a lasting impression.

In Sintra, take the kids to the delightful toy museum. Visit also the Palacio da Vila and the historic centre. Take them to see the wild animals in the Tapada park of Mafra and the potter village in Sobreiro. Then let them run free at Ericeira.