From world-class wine regions to historical cities, wild terrain and famed golf courses, Portugal’s regions all offer something different. Soak up the natural beauty of Lisbon’s coastal landscapes, head to the spectacular islands of Madeira or enjoy the untamed wildlife and sweeping ocean panoramas of Azores. The Algarve is a golfers’ paradise, with nearly four-dozen courses of different styles, from internationally recognized greens to remote courses located in protected areas and even some designed by legendary champions. Close to the sea and the mountains, Porto is known for its green landscapes and world-famous Port wine. Whether you travel seeking romance, natural beauty, wine and gastronomy or golfing, there’s something for everyone in Portugal.
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Vineyards in Portugal's Douro Valley / Credit: AT Porto and the North
Famed Wine Regions
Portugal is a country of strong wine tradition, and its numerous awards and international distinctions are further testament to its quality. Start with the Douro Valley. This birthplace of Port wine is designated as an UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Portugal’s largest wine production regions. After visiting the wine producing villages in the Porto and Douro regions, continue on to other famed regions such as the Alentejo and Madeira for the full wine experience, then bring home a bottle from the Solar do Alvarinho in Melgaço, in the Vinho Verde region. During September and October, don’t miss the grape harvest, a gastronomic attraction available for reservation at many of the local wineries.
The Enchanting Beaches of the Algarve Coast / Credit: AT Alagrve
A Reputation For Romance
Portugal is a land of romance, where enchanting palaces, rustic farms and elegant manor houses embrace romance, giving big-hearted welcomes to all who visit. Boasting everything from Medieval history to spectacular landscapes, endless stretches of beach and world-class wine, Portugal is bursting with destinations for romance. Discover the romantic 19th-century palaces and UNESCO landscapes of the Serra de Sintra, near Lisbon. Visit the world's oldest demarcated wine-producing region in the breathtaking Douro River valley, or explore the dramatic golden cliffs, hidden beaches and enchanting coastal towns of the scenic Algarve coast in Southern Portugal.
Cidades Lake in the Azores / Credit: ATA Azores Tourism
Natural Beauty
Mother Nature has created a land full of natural beauty in the blue immensity of the Atlantic Ocean: the Azores. It is an archipelago of nine islands and one of the largest dolphin and whale sanctuaries in the world. Nine small worlds that have as many similarities as differences, but where nature is at its purest state.
Right in the middle of the Atlantic, the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo are a haven of natural beauty. The exotic colors of the flowers stand out from among the blue sea and the emerald green vegetation; this is an archipelago where two thirds are a protected area and where the largest Laurisilva forest in the world is located. In the Algarve, sandy beaches stretch as far as the eye can see, framed by golden cliffs, virtually deserted islands marking the boundary between Ria Formosa and the sea, and small coves sheltered by the rocks. The ocean, in every shade of blue and mostly calm and warm, invites you for long swims and thrilling water sports.
Vale do Lobo Royal Golf Club / Credit: Joao-Paulo
Discover The World’s Best Golf Destination
With over 90 golf courses across the country, Portugal offers a wide selection of courses for various skill levels, all set in spectacular locations near Lisbon, the Algarve, Madeira and beyond. Visit the country voted World’s Best Golf Destination five years in a row by the World Golf Awards and tee off on a variety of diverse courses surrounded in breathtaking panoramic views like nowhere else on earth.
Visit stunning courses designed by renowned architects like Robert Trent Jones, Rocky Roquemore, Sir Henry Cotton and Arnold Palmer. Often designed to blend harmoniously into the natural surroundings, these courses are as beautiful as they are eco-conscious. Recognized by the most experienced golf professionals, courses include the award-winning Victoria Golf Course, one of golf's flagship courses where the Portugal Masters has been held since it was first staged in 2007, several award-winning destinations in The Algarve and Lisbon, and Espinho, the second oldest course in mainland Europe, located in Porto.