Portugal has long relied on the tourism industry to keep the economy healthy – in recent years there has been even more impetus for travellers to bring money into the country, thanks to economic disasters in other areas. Economic issues and politics aside, Portugal remains a popular destination for both holidaymakers and those wishing to invest in off plan property. The country is beautiful and offers considerable variation for its size, as well as being home to friendly, laid-back people who are always willing to let you sample the latest in local tipples.

Lisbon is the epicentre of tourism in the country, and the city and surrounding area see people of all ages coming in to the town to sample the delights it has to offer, from the chilled out local cafes to the intense nightlife, there certainly is something for everyone in town. The town is perched on and around some beautiful hillsides and enjoys an unspoilt setting quite uncommon for major European cities. There is a host of shopping areas and places of interest for anyone visiting the city, from the Gulbenkian Foundation through to the Vasco de Gama tower there is a heck of a lot to see in the city, all of which beautiful. Lisbon itself is surrounded by seaside resorts and other areas that are of great interest to travellers, including the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Sintra and Battle Abbey (just two of the many in the country).

Elsewhere in the country are cities such as Porto, with its Cathederal, the port wine lodges of Vila Nova de Gaia and Cais de Ribeira – another UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Algarve region is the most popular for tourism in the country, especially with British holidaymakers, and is home to even more sights and sounds for those willing to take them all in, with the towns of Faro and Lagos seeing most of the through-traffic, as it were.

Portugal has developed something of a reputation over the last few years for being a great producer of wines – obviously the legendary port is still there for the fortified wine fans, but those who prefer a lighter tipple simply cannot be disappointed with the range of choice and relative inexpensive nature of the vino on offer in Portugal – even the humblest of local cafes has been known to produce wine of an exceptional quality. That’s not to say the non-boozers aren’t catered for though, obviously!