In Portugal, race up to antediluvian Castelo de São Jorge for magnificent vistas. Old world charm unites with a designer ambience in dreamy Lisbon, a capital like no other.
The sea kisses the land on the Estoril Coast in fairytale Cascais, where golden sands coalesce with Atlantic surf. Witness thunderous waves crash against spectacular caves at the ‘Mouth of Hell’, savour seafood for the soul and look out for dolphins at the Marina.
Unrivalled golf, exhilarating surf and whitewashed walls stand out against turquoise seas on the Algarve’s coast, with water parks, dolphin swimming and glorious beaches. Succumb to the ultramarine reef sparkling under your board in Lagos and Sagres, where the waves get bigger and better. Architectural golf courses lay in luxurious Quinta de Lago and Vale de Lobo, and in fashionable Vilamoura, cycle, horse ride and snorkel.
Madeira - the Island of Eternal Spring - envelops you with scents of bougainvillea and flowering jacarandas. A cosmopolitan capital, Funchal orbits around a shimmering bay of warm waters and cultural heritage. Say hello to Christopher Columbus in the Santa Catarina Park and take a twilight cruise on a replica of his boat. Further east, obtain your PADI in the clear waters of Canico.
Lisbon
Lisbon, the dazzling city that stretches along the banks of the River Tagus, is an enchanting capital. The impressive fortress around which the city originally sprang up, is now circled by neighbourhoods drenched with medieval charm. As the dusk turns to night, the yellow electric tramcars continue to slowly wind their way up and down the hills of the old capital, while the sound of traditional Fado songs enliven many a candlelit dinner table in restaurant or home.
Algarve
Gorgeous beaches, warm water and glorious year-round sunshine make a stay on the Algarve the dream holiday. Situated on the extreme South of Portugal, this area of the territory was the last to be conquered from the Moors and traces of the Moorish presence are still seen in its unique terraces, chimneys and whitewashed houses. The southern coastline consists of a long stretch of fabulous sandy beaches, punctuated by extraordinary rugged red cliffs and fantastic grottoes.
Madeira
Between the verdant hills and the blue ocean, Madeira lies 621 miles southwest of Lisbon and 497 miles from the coast of Africa, offering the delights of a subtropical climate. An archipelago of volcanic origin, Madeira is the largest and more populated of the islands. The beautiful assortment of flowers and tropical fruits, mild temperature of the ocean water and natural pools, a wealthy cultural heritage, luxurious hotels and Funchal’s cosmopolitan life are but a few of the available charms found here.