Portugal

Portugal is blessed with over 3000 hours of sunshine a year and here, your spot in the sun can be on the unspoilt Atlantic coast, in the Algarve, the countryside inland, on a golf course or out at sea on a yacht.

Here you have a choice of two coastlines: the rugged Atlantic coast running from North to South, dotted with unspoilt sandy beaches; and the balmy Algarve, home to some of the world’s most prestigious golf developments, set amid breathtaking cliff-top scenery and a warm southern wash.

Driving inland, Portugal's eclectic countryside is revealed in lush vineyards and sprawling olive groves, with small medieval villages that time forgot dotted throughout. Eccentric Lisbon and the historic north are rich in culture, expounding strong maritime, ecclesiastical and literary traditions.

Meanwhile Porto and the fertile Dour Valley present an interesting past with a long history of Port production and English influence. The food all across Portugal is wonderful, with the algarve in the south being particularly famous for its fresh fish and seafood.

Although renowned amongst tourists, the Algarve does in fact have some beautifully unspoilt areas. The whole coastline to the west of Lagos is less developed and has a hillier, rugged terrain, with awesome cliffs that fall away into the sea. Equally, 10km back from the coast you’ll find lemon, orange and olive groves.

The Douro Valley is situated in northern Portugal and is home to the country’s second largest city, Porto. This stunning region is comprised of terraces of vineyards, olive groves and lush greenery cascading down the hillside into the river Douro which stretches from Northern Spain to the Atlantic Ocean at Porto. Over the last 25 years, 8 dams have been constructed to tame the fast flowing rapids,

The island of Madeira is lucky enough to enjoy the warm waters of the Gulf Stream, and its golden sandy beaches contrast with the imposing volcanic landscape. Bearing in mind the island’s modest size, Madeira has an impressive amount to offer. Hours can be spent in the sunshine, lazing in the shallows, sampling fine wines, exploring the capital, Funchal, and exploring the surrounding countryside.