Portugal
Portugal’s mix of the medieval and the maritime makes it a superb place to visit. A turbulent history involving the Moors, Spain and Napoleon has left the interior scattered with walled medieval towns topped by castles, while the pounding Atlantic has sculpted a coast of glorious sand beaches.
The nation’s days of exploration and seafaring have created an introspective yet open culture with wide-ranging artistic influences. The eating and drinking scene here is a highlight, with several wine regions, and restaurants that are redolent with aromas of grilling pork or the freshest of fish.
Comparatively short distances mean that you get full value for road trips here: less time behind the wheel means you can take more time to absorb the atmosphere of the places you visit.
ELINA MANNINEN / GETTY IMAGES ©
Portugal
Atlantic Coast Surf Trip 5–7 Days
Lively towns, great seafood, and top beaches with monster waves.
Douro Valley Vineyard Trails 5–7 Days
Heart-breakingly beautiful river valley laced with vines producing sensational ports and reds.
Alentejo & Algarve Beaches 4–6 Days
Some of the world’s great beaches and towns with Moorish heritage.
Medieval Jewels in the Southern Interior 6–9 Days
Understand Portugal’s turbulent history through castles, monasteries and standing stones.
The Minho’s Lyrical Landscapes 2–4 Days
Green Portugal, green wine and handsome historic cities.
Explore the wineries that produce the nation’s silkiest reds.
Highlands & History in the Central Interior 5–7 Days
Student life, evocative villages and spectacular mountain scenery in Portugal’s heartland.
BETSIE VAN DER MEER / GETTY IMAGES ©
DON'T MISS
Wine Tasting
Often underrated, Portugal’s wines are one of the region’s great pleasures. Visit wineries and taste wines and ports on Trips 
Castles
Love thy neighbour? Not in Iberia: Portugal is studded with castles staring defiantly towards Spain. See the best of them on Trips
Surfing
Portugal is one of Europe’s surfing hotspots: despite the Mediterranean vibe, this is the Atlantic, and those are serious waves on Trips
Music
Fado can encapsulate the stirrings of Portugal’s sometimes melancholy soul. The two centres to hear it are Lisbon and Coimbra, on Trips
Hiking
Jump out of the car for some picturesque hill walking on Trips