Best places for traveling in Portugal

Sitting by the southwestern corner of Europe, Portugal is a country blessed

by many advantages that concern not only their inhabitants, but also world
travelers: a geographic bridge between Europe and America, warm weather
balanced by both the Atlantic and the Mediterranean flow (especially in
Algarve), a historical heritage from one of the once most powerful nations in
the world and a one-of-a-kind cuisine. If youre thinking about traveling to
Portugal or dont know yet about this country with so much to offer, here are
some of the regions / cities that you shouldnt miss:

Lisbon: the city of the seven hills is indeed the biggest and most
important urban area of the territory, a cosmopolitan city that features
some of the most unique structures and historical landmarks, as well as
cultural presence: the modern premises of the world fair of 1998 (which
includes the longest bridge in Europe, great architecture photography,
the most important venue of the country and an important business
center), the picturesque Alfama neighborhood (where you can listen to
Fado and eat the local delicacy of small snails) and the riverside filled
with monuments. Near Lisbon you can also check the beautiful Sintra,
dolphins in Arrbida and the surf mecca Peniche. Lisbon was voted the
second best European destination in 20151;
Porto: still called Oporto by many (we dont like it!), the second most
important city of the country is not the tourist-free place it once was. It
had an exponential growth in the tourism industry in the last 20 years
due to many factors, such as the Ryanair base, being the 2001s
European capital of culture, featuring the most successful football club of
the last decades in Portugal and, of course, the continued success of the
Porto wine. This city, along with the great north of Portugal, is known for
its cozier atmosphere and more welcoming people, something which is
felt when you just wander the streets and its loud marketplaces. Be sure
to try the 21st centurys most famous dish of the city, francesinha,
somewhere between your visits to the Clrigos Tower, the exquisite Lello
library and the magnificent D. Lus I bridge. Porto was voted the absolute
best European destination in 20142;
Algarve: the summer place for Portuguese and tourist families alike,
Algarve continues to profit from the top south position of the country,
with its shore featuring calm waters, the hottest temperatures of the
country (many times above 30 degrees Celsius) and the absolute most
beautiful beaches one can feast theirs eyes on, whether you choose any
of the most popular towns: Lagos, Portimo or Albufeira (Dona Ana in
Lagos was considered the best bech in the world by Cond Nast Spain 3.
You can also find many water parks, nightlife and establishments that

1 http://www.europeanbestdestinations.com/top/europe-best-destinations2015
2 http://www.europeanbestdestinations.com/top/europe-best-destinations2014

have for a long time catered to the hordes of foreigners that arrive every
year;
Madeira & Aores: the two sets of islands across the Atlantic make up for
the most beautiful natural landscapes that one can find in Portugal,
which includes the highest mountain (Pico), the Lagoon of the Seven
Cities, hot therapeutic springs and local dishes which are cooked beneath
the ground given the volcanic properties of some of the islands.

(I would populate this article with my own photos, but unfortunately I travel
more abroad than in my own country, although I finally have some unedited
material on Lisbon)

3 http://www.traveler.es/viajes/rankings/galerias/las-50-mejores-playas-delmundo/206/image/9328