Explore the Atlantic coast of Portugal

About the destination: Located in a striking valley carved by the Douro River, Porto is renowned for its beautiful architecture and the sweet flavor of its wine. The city's focal point is Avenida dos Aliados, a broad avenue surrounded by Praça General H. Delgado and Praça da Liberdade. However, the most captivating part of the city is Ribeira, the river district and a Unesco World Heritage Site, where three of Europe's most elegant bridges cross the gorge. The bustling Praça da Liberdade and the adjacent Avenida dos Aliados form the city center, where statues are positioned in the middle of busy mosaic pathways. Nearby stands Porto's magnificent cathedral, a massive, fortified Romanesque building with heavy granite foundations, thick walls, and small windows that enclose a dark interior. The Ribeira extends along the river, bordered by a fantastic quay filled with shops and restaurants. Porto's most iconic monument, the ornate Torre dos Clérigos, provides a citywide view from the top of its 240 steps. A trip to Porto wouldn't be complete without a stop at some of the many bodegas, or wine lodges, where port is stored and bottled. A visit to the incredible Lello library, with its spiral staircase, is also a must-see, even if you're not a Harry Potter fan.

About the destination: Vila do Conde is a Portuguese city of the District of Porto, Statistical Region of the North (NUTS II) and intermunicipal community of Greater Metropolitan Area of ​​Oporto, with about 80,000 inhabitants in its municipality, of which about 30,000 reside in its central nucleus. It is the seat of a municipality with 149.31 km² of area subdivided into 30 parishes. The municipality limits to the north with the municipality of Póvoa de Varzim, to the east with Vila Nova de Famalicão and Trofa, to the south with Maia and Matosinhos and to the west with the Atlantic Ocean.

About the destination: Aveiro, just an hour north of better-known Porto, is a town of picturesque canals and a prosperous fishing industry. Bar and café crawling in Aveiro is nearly as popular as the beaches at San Jacinto or Barra, and the northern reaches of Aveiro’s lagoon. Aveiro's traditions are closely tied to the sea and to the Ria de Aveiro, a few canals cross the city, and in the neighbourhoods, most of their life is connected to the sea and lagoon. There are also tours of the canals and Ria de Aveiro, it is a very special way to enjoy the city. In much of the older part of town, sidewalks and squares are paved with calçada, traditional Portuguese hand-laid pavement, in intricate nautical patterns. The town's most attractive buildings date from the latter half of the 17th century. Aviero's Cathedral, Sao Domingos Church, was founded in 1423 and is best visited early in the day; it's a major attraction for tourists. Over the last few years, a massive restoration project has transformed the old fishermen's quarter, just off the main canal, into a delightful little area of small bars and restaurants. A central market square hosts live entertainment during the summer months. Aveiro is a surprisingly cosmopolitan fishing town on northern Portugal with a youthful, energetic buzz.

About the destination: Figueira da Foz is a city located at the mouth of the Mondego River and a municipality in the Coimbra District. One of the reasons to explore this city is to appreciate its historical heritage. You can begin your journey at the Dr. Santos Rocha Municipal Museum where you can marvel at impressive archaeological finds, African and Oriental ethnography, numismatics, paintings, sculptures, and collections of ceramics and furniture. Following this, you can tour the local churches. Experience a unique mix of a genuine fishing port and the cosmopolitanism passed down from the Belle Époque era when the seaside resort of Figueira da Foz was the most frequented in Portugal.

About the destination: Nazaré is a charming town in the Leiria district of western Portugal. It's possibly the most renowned fishing town in Portugal, and Nazaré is unique in many aspects. It doesn't boast the architectural gems or grand monuments found in other Portuguese towns, but it possesses an ambiance of bygone eras, satisfaction, and traditions that continue to flourish, making it a special place to visit. Along Nazaré's seafront, locals still sun-dry their fish catch and repair their boats next to sunbathing vacationers. The Casa Museu do Pescador is a quaint museum dedicated to the fishing community of Nazaré.

About the destination: The area of the town of Óbidos is located on a hilltop, encircled by a fortified wall. Óbidos remains a well-preserved example of medieval architecture; its streets, squares, walls and its castle are a popular tourist destination. The castle now houses a pousada. The municipality is also home to the famous Praia D'el Rey golf complex, one of the top golf resorts in Europe, and Royal Óbidos - Spa & Golf Resort. Each July Óbidos castle hosts a traditional 'Medieval Market'. For two weeks the castle and the surrounding town recreate the spirit of medieval Europe. Flowing banners and heraldic flags set the mood together with hundreds of entertainers and stall holders dressed as merchants, jugglers, jesters, wandering minstrels, soldiers and more. Visitors can shop at the traditional handcrafts fair or watch medieval shows, horse displays and a costumed parade that winds its way through the streets. There are also displays of jousting knights and armed combat. Spit roasted hog, hearty soups, rabbit, lamb, cod, quail, sausages and other grilled meats are just some of the many medieval style meals on offer from dozens of "taverns" and stalls spread throughout the market. Drinking from pewter tankards and eating from wooden trencher all adds to the experience. The town is dominated by an old medieval fortress with a portion of the town located within the castle walls. Clock Tower Mother Church of Saint Mary Municipal Museum, located in the old Council Chamber House

About the destination: Peniche, a coastal city in the central region of Portugal, is full of culture, traditions and natural resources. The town is partly surrounded by the wall of the sixteenth century. On the south side by the sea, you can see the fortress called Fort Peniche Square (Praça-forte Peniche) of the sixteenth century, used as a prison during the regime of Salazar. It became famous for the escape of the communist leader Alvaro Cunhal. Peniche is home to magnificent beaches, the most beautiful are Baleal Beach, and Playa Playa Medão Gambôa. Peniche is known internationally for the exceptional conditions are given for water sports like surfing, body boarding and snorkeling. Supertubos Beach hosts numerous international events related to these modalities. Peniche has a lot to offer, interesting places to visit, activities to do during almost all year, and it is also a nice place to enjoy a few deserved days off.

About the destination: Ericeira is a civil parish and seaside resort/fishing community on the western coast of Portugal, in the municipality of Mafra, about 35 kilometres (22 mi) northwest of the capital, Lisbon. Ericeira is regarded by some as being Europe's Surf Mecca, due to the exceptional coastline conditions for the practice of Surf. It is home for Ericeira's World Surfing Reserve, the first in Europe and the second in the world.

About the destination: Sintra is a town and municipality located in the Grande Lisboa subregion (Lisbon Region) of Portugal. This municipality is home to two cities: Queluz and Agualva-Cacém. Sintra is renowned for its numerous 19th-century Romantic architectural monuments, leading to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While its architectural and natural heritage is the most apparent aspect of Sintra's historical uniqueness, the area also boasts a rich literary heritage that has made it a legendary reference in Portuguese culture. Sintra has evolved into a significant tourist hub, attracting many day visitors who journey from the center and suburbs of the capital, Lisbon. Besides the Sintra Mountains and Sintra-Cascais Nature Park, the parishes of the town of Sintra are sprinkled with royal retreats, estates, castles, and other structures. These include the medieval Castelo dos Mouros, the Pena National Palace, and the Sintra National Palace.

About the destination: Cascais is a small beach town in Portugal next to the Estoril coast in the Lisbon metropolitan area. Cascais, former residence of the royal family and pioneer of tourism in Portugal, is a charming town. Dominated by the bay and the imposing fortress, the historic center is full of architectural treasures of religious, military and civilian character. In the same way, the museums of the Sea, Casa das Histórias by Paula Rego, and the Municipal Museum Counts of Castro Guimarães must also see the attractions. Cascais is surrounded by popular beaches, such as Guincho Beach, to the west, and the lush Sintra Mountains of the north. Part of its coastline is cliff and attracts tourists for its seascapes and other places of natural interest such as Boca do Inferno. It is also becoming a popular golf destination, with more than 10 golf courses nearby. Surfing, sailing, windsurfing, kite surfing and are also popular in the region around Cascais due to favorable weather, wind and sea conditions. In 2007, Cascais was the official host of the ISAF World Championship in the navigation of racing boats and yachts.

About the destination: Lisbon is recognized as the city of seven hills due to its geographical position, with the city sprawling across steep hillsides that overlook the Rio Tajo. The city, both romantic and cosmopolitan, showcases its characteristic red rooftops to visitors eager to explore every corner. Lisbon astonishes with its natural beauty and laid-back ambiance. The capital of Portugal boasts numerous museums, libraries, a vast port, churches, palaces, and breathtaking views of the Rio Tajo. Once considered a poor and chaotic city, Lisbon has undergone a revival reminiscent of the 14th and 15th centuries when it was part of a vast empire stretching from Brazil to India. This resurgence was sparked by the World Expo held in 1998, which led to the construction of a new bridge over the Tagus and the remodeling of the city's subway system. The city's revival continued when it hosted several matches during the 2004 Euro and the MTV Delivery Music Awards in 2005. Many of its most beautiful buildings date back to the 14th and 15th centuries, particularly those in the Belem district. There are also many 18th-century buildings, primarily located in the Baixa area of central Lisbon, which were almost entirely rebuilt after a devastating earthquake struck the city in 1755. The city's historic center, situated on Las Siete Colinas, features steep streets and charming alleys. On the city's west side is Monsanto Forest Park, known as Lisbon's lung, which spans 10 km and is one of the largest in Europe. The capital's impressive port has three docks frequently used for various cruises and is currently the busiest port on the European Atlantic coast. Lisbon is a city with centuries of history and an ambitious outlook, blending the historical with the modern, the traditional with the avant-garde. As you wander through the old quarters, you can hear the traditional Fado music being sung and played in small local restaurants. In the hilltop district of Bairro Alto, dozens of restaurants and bars line the narrow streets, with the sounds of jazz, reggae, and electronica filling the air and party-goers celebrating until dawn. Nightclubs scattered throughout the city creatively utilize old spaces, whether on riverside docks or tucked away in 18th-century mansions. Lisbon presents itself to the world as a cosmopolitan and vibrant city, offering something for everyone, especially during the summer months when its many bars, terraces, and restaurants are bustling with people.