Portugal trip | Family trip through Portugal adventure & beach

Located in the south-central Alentejo region, known for its glorious olive groves and traditional villages, the city of Evora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its abundance of historical architecture and archaeological sites. These include the ruins of an ancient Roman temple dating back to around 1000 BC, the medieval University of Evora, founded in the 16th century, and several magnificent ancient churches. The oldest of all is the amazing Neolithic site Almendres Cromlech, which is 8000 years old and has been in use for three millennia. One of the most intriguing religious sites is the Capela dos Ossos - the Chapel of the Bones - with interior walls studded with bones and skulls.

Peniche, located in the Oeste sub-region, just an hour's drive north of Lisbon, is a diamond in the tiara of Portugal's Silver Coast, with its rocky peninsula with dramatic sea views, long sandy beaches and its convivial atmosphere. The city has been an important fishing port for centuries, and its historic walls and old port are evidence of its long and colourful past. These maritime roots are still firmly rooted in the region's present, and its ties to the ocean are evident in the excellent seafood cuisine and smörgåsbord of water activities offered on the town's surrounding beaches. In particular, the city has become a surfing mecca and is becoming increasingly popular among travellers in search of beautiful waves.

Portugal has a lot to offer. Throughout the country you will find cultural attractions and plenty of opportunities for activities. Inland, you will find unspoilt countryside and charming villages. Lisbon and Porto are bustling cities with plenty of museums, squares, terraces, restaurants, bars. Take the time to listen to Fado, the local folk music unique to Portugal and mostly about pain and love. Go on a surfing holiday in Portugal, drive around on your own or visit the Algarve's lovely beaches.

Just 30 kilometres west of Lisbon is the coastal town of Cascais, also a cosmopolitan suburb of Lisbon, known as the region's most popular holiday destination. Cascais provides the perfect setting for a day trip from Lisbon. Once a favourite destination for the Portuguese nobility, today the city offers impressive 19th-century architecture and traditional Portuguese charm. It has everything from excellent restaurants and vibrant nightlife to world-class hotels combined with the traditional streets of the historic centre. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of exciting activities, including surfing on Guincho beach, soaking up the sun on the beautiful Carcavelos beach, hiking in the hills of Serra de Sintra National Park and exploring the picturesque town of Sintra. Be sure to taste the delicious, fresh fish specialities: sea bass, calamari and cod, served with olives, bread and Portuguese wine.

Located on the breathtaking Portuguese Riviera in the municipality of Cascais, the town of Estoril has long been a favourite haunt of the rich and famous. Stylish and sun-drenched by day and cosy and atmospheric by night. Estoril is best known for its beautiful sandy beaches and coves, as well as Casino do Estoril, Portugal's largest casino and reportedly the inspiration for the James Bond films. Near Estoril you will find the former fishing village of Cascais, which is now a stylish seaside resort. Here be sure to visit the Boca do Inferno (the mouth of hell), a small, swirling cove carved by the incessant pounding of waves into the rocky cliff. Enchanting Sintra, with its extensive history and fairytale castles, can also be found near Estoril.

Obidos, located in the western sub-region of Portugal, is a 12th-century city surrounded by walls that once served as a protective shield against medieval plunderers. The imposing stone castle that dominates the skyline with its crenellated walls and towers now serves as a high-end hotel. Another highlight is the view from the city's ancient walls: it is possible to walk around the entire fortress in about an hour, while enjoying stunning 360-degree views of the city and its surroundings. After enjoying the view, relax by heading to one of the local cafés for a shot of Ginja de Obidos, a strong, sweet cherry liqueur traditionally served in chocolate cups. Art lovers can enjoy the exhibitions of Portuguese works from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries at the Municipal Museum.

The Alentejo region of Portugal forms roughly the lower third of the country and is a beautiful agricultural region with stunning natural scenery, an array of grand historical architecture and several beautiful beaches. Undulating hills, spectacular seaside cliffs, pretty flowering fields and beautiful green wooded areas offer plenty for nature lovers to explore. The UNESCO-protected capital, Evora, offers 2,000 years of heritage to see, while several huge ancient sites such as the mighty Amoreira Aqueduct, huge imposing forts and grand castles illustrate Alentejo's intriguing past. Large and varied beaches offer both kite-surfing opportunities and sheltered, crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming. Be sure to watch the sunset from the headland of Cabo Espichel, walk along the towering castle walls for fantastic views and try the abundant variety of fresh seafood.

Évora is a city and district in south-central Portugal. It is one of the country's centres of history and culture, with everything from ancient churches and medieval castles to Roman ruins and megalithic complexes. The city itself has an exceptionally well-preserved old quarter, all of which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Monsaraz is a walled town with a 14th-century fort that offers spectacular views over the Alqueva dam - where you can rent a houseboat for an overnight stay. The village of Estremoz has two beautiful palaces, as well as an array of wineries where you can taste fine local wines.

Santarém is a city and district in southern Portugal, on the banks of the Tagus River. The city of Santarém is a cultural centre, with a large number of ancient churches, palaces and archaeological sites. After a tour of the city's beautiful old cathedrals and monasteries, head to the Jardim das Portas do Sol. Here you will find beautiful gardens, a Moorish castle with spectacular views of the river, and a museum dedicated to the region's history. A short drive from the city centre is the São Bento viewpoint, which offers stunning views of the river, while just a 15-minute drive away is the village of Almeirim, known for its delicious wines. Art lovers should not miss a visit to Alpiarça, where a 19th-century villa houses an exceptional art collection, with works by artists such as Delacroix and Da Vinci.

This fortified medieval village, founded in 1167, is close to the Spanish border in the Alentejo region of southern Portugal. Situated on a hill above the Guadiana River, this atmospheric hamlet looks straight out of a fairy tale, with its cobbled alleys and 14th-century castle. It also has an ancient church, the Igreja Matriz de Santa Maria do Castelo, home to an elaborate 13th-century tomb and an interesting adjacent religious museum. The surrounding area is dotted with historical and archaeological sites, such as the mysterious Menhir of Outeiro, a megalithic column nearly six metres high. A short drive to the west lies the small town of São Pedro do Corval, known for its beautiful pottery.

Located in western-central Portugal, Caldas da Reinha is set in the historical province of Estremadura in the district of Leiria. This spa town is just a stone's throw from the coast and features an impressive array of architecture. It is also known for its rich cultural heritage and significant ceramic tradition, which dates back to the 1600s. It is home to Europe's first hydrotherapy resort dating back to the Roman times and serves as a great base from which to explore the attractions in the surrounding area including a quaint medieval village and two of Portugal's best beaches. Other highlights include Parque Dom Carlos I, with its relaxing waters and romantic garden; the Jose Malhoa Museum, housed in a boathouse and exhibiting the artist's works; and the Museum of Ceramics, housed in a 19th century estate and displaying an array of local ceramics such as the Louca de Caldas. Don't miss a visit to the Museu do Ciclismo and the Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Populo.

Arraiolos, set in Portugal's Alentejo region, is a charming town renowned for its centuries-old tradition of handcrafted woollen carpets. Far from the rush of big cities, Arraiolos offers a quaint, culturally rich experience in a serene village setting. The town is celebrated for its unique Arraiolos carpets, which feature intricate designs and vivid colours and are showcased in local shops and the Carpet Museum. Arraiolos also boasts a well-preserved circular castle, offering stunning views of the tranquil countryside. The region's culinary delights, particularly its hearty Alentejo cuisine and fine wines, provide a gastronomic treat. Visitors can explore the cobblestone streets, admire whitewashed houses adorned with handcrafted carpets, or venture into the surrounding vineyards. The town's peaceful ambience and cultural heritage make it an ideal destination for those seeking a blend of artisanal tradition, historical exploration, and culinary discovery in the heart of Portugal.