| Whether it's a fun filled city break in the hustle | | | | More than anything, it's the pull of a more sedate |
| and bustle of Lisbon or a leisurely golfing holiday in | | | | and relaxed pace of life that bewitches visitors |
| the Algarve, Portugal has long been one of the | | | | and keeps bringing them back for more. Perhaps |
| world's top twenty holiday destinations. | | | | it's no wonder that over a third of Portugal's |
| Blessed with stunning natural beauty and | | | | tourists hail from the UK with many choosing the |
| year-round sunshine, Portugal offers crystal clear | | | | laid back lifestyle of evening strolls on the |
| seas and a wealth of activities to suit even the | | | | promenade at Sesimbra or the café |
| most discerning world traveller. | | | | terraces of Porto as ideal holiday home |
| The Portuguese coastline is a holidaymaker's | | | | destinations. |
| dream. Frequently hailed as one of the best golf | | | | Given all that Portugal has to offer it'll come as no |
| destinations in the world, high-end resorts and | | | | surprise to know that tourist figures have risen |
| world class courses sit side by side with an | | | | dramatically over the last decade - extending well |
| abundance of health and wellness spas that make | | | | beyond the traditional Algarve destinations. So |
| the most of the scenery and tranquility on offer. | | | | what now for the future? |
| For the adventurous, Portugal offers some of | | | | The world wide economic woes of 2008 have hit |
| Europe's best deep-sea fishing as well as every | | | | tourist figures in Portugal as they have in many |
| kind of water sport an enthusiastic tourist could | | | | other destinations - although gross guest numbers |
| dream of. But it's where the 'rolling plains end in | | | | for the first eight months of 2008 are actually up |
| unspoilt beaches' that's the real attraction. | | | | on the same period last year. It's clear that the |
| The Portuguese coastline boasts nearly 200 Blue | | | | hey day of cheap flights and even cheaper |
| Flag beaches, many hidden from the main tourist | | | | properties has gone; but while hotel stays from |
| trails by sheltered coves or decorated by | | | | international tourists have fallen by around 4%, |
| countless colourful boats in picturesque fishing | | | | the home grown market has blossomed - |
| villages like Sesimbra - which also doubles as the | | | | attracting almost 4% more overnight stays from |
| fashionable weekend retreat of 'well to do' Lisbon | | | | Portuguese citizens in 2008. It seems that the |
| families. | | | | Portuguese are increasingly discovering Portugal |
| Alongside all the sunshine, beaches and activities - | | | | for themselves and helping to keep tourism as |
| not to mention the glorious climate - Portugal's | | | | one of the country's most important industries. |
| history and heritage can almost be overlooked. | | | | Portugal is almost uniquely blessed by the perfect |
| Almost. From its Moorish legacies to modern day | | | | climate and stunning natural beauty but it offers |
| Lisbon, Portugal combines the past and the | | | | much more than just golf resorts and beach |
| present with a timeless elegance. Whether you're | | | | holidays. Even the government's plans for the |
| a history buff or simply in need of some old world | | | | promotion of tourism in Portugal realise what |
| culture, you can choose from UNESCO World | | | | makes 'Europe's west coast' so special. They are |
| Heritage sites like the magical cliff top village of | | | | promoting four things: 'climate and light,' 'history, |
| Sintra or simply take in the quiet charms of | | | | culture and tradition,' 'hospitality' and 'diversity.' |
| historic towns like Guimarães, Évora | | | | Four great reasons to visit any country. |
| or Angra do Heroísmo. | | | | |