For such a small country, you have many options from which to choose on vacations in Portugal. A San Francisco-esque city, spreading over seven hills which descend into the Rio Tejo (Tagus River), Lisbon, is perhaps Europe's most pleasant and affordable city. Its fantastic architecture, diverse population, delicious seafood, intriguing tile-work and non-stop nightlife combine the best elements of Portuguese life. Do not miss an evening bar-hopping in the Bairro Alto listening to contemporary music and Portuguese blues-fado! The region receives thousands of tourists every year and has developed a huge lodging infrastructure with several accommodation options such as Portugal vacation rentals, hotels and vacation homes.
During vacations in Portugal, tour the beautifully restored towns and well-preserved architecture of UNESCO's World Heritage sites of Evora, Batalha and Alcobaca. If you are interested in monuments, Evora and Coimbra are must-sees. The most beautiful natural areas lie in the Minho, Lima, and Douro valley. You can spend vacations in Portugal exploring the verdant beauty and rural customs of the Minho Valley, or check out the spectacular gorge in the Douro valley. The city of Oporto is located at the end of the Douro Valley, on the sea, and is famous for its port wine. It is an excellent base for exploring the region.