Portugal Top Things To Do
The narrow lanes of Lisbon's Alfama are a mazelike district of steep staircases, hidden churches and traditional taverns, with an old tram still rattling through the streets.
Peneda-Gerês
Portugal's only national park, Peneda-Gerês (www.geira.pt/pnpg/index.html), is 70,000 hectares (170,000 acres) of dramatic mountain scenery, old stone villages and unrivalled adventure for outdoor enthusiasts.
Algarve
Soak up some rays or take a dip in the sea along the Algarve, the sunny southern coastline boasting some of Portugal's loveliest beaches.
Watersports
Have a go at scuba-diving, surfing, windsurfing or kitesurfing at one of the watersports centres dotted along the coast. Contact the Portuguese Federation for Underwater Activities (www.fpas.pt) for diving information.
Horse riding
Portugal has several dozen riding centres. Lusitano thoroughbreds hail from Portugal, and experienced riders can even take dressage lessons in Estremadura.
Festivals
Traditional festivals with dancing, drinking and feasting, occur throughout the year. Top picks include Lisbon's festival of St Anthony (12 and 13 June) and Braga's festival of St John (23 and 24 June).
Fado music
The melancholic Fado music, Portugal's best-known traditional musical form, can be heard at atmospheric bars and clubs in Lisbon or Coimbra.
Vila Nova de Gaia
The picturesque port houses of Vila Nova de Gaia across the river from Porto offer a taste of the country's best port wines.
Fatima
The spiritual shrine at Fátima has been an important centre of Roman Catholic pilgrimage since 1917 when the Virgin Mary appeared to a group of children. Experience the torchlight processions of 13 May and 13 October.
Douro Valley,
The Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site where beautifully set vineyards offer wine-lovers a chance to sample the great vintages of Portugal, can be reached by a cruise or a historic train ride.
Golf
Portugal has championship golf courses in the south (over 20 in the Algarve alone). One of the oldest clubs in the country is Quinta de Marinha in Estoril.
Estoril
The world famous Estoril racetrack (www.circuito-estoril.pt) is located a short distance from Lisbon, on Portugal's Atlantic coast. Visitors can go along to watch car or motorcycle races.
See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.
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