Lonely Planet Portugal (Travel Guide)

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The country’s rail network is headed by CP (Comboios de Portugal), which has handy rail network maps online. They run four main types of long-distance service:

Planning tip: Don’t feel limited to these popular drawcards. Keep a lookout as you wander the city as azulejos are scattered all over, and discovery is part of the fun. 9. Follow Porto's street art trail From golden beaches and mountainous peaks to lush river valleys, every region has its own diverse highlights across this small Iberian nation. Hidden in northern Portugal’s Aveiro region is one of Portugal’s best inland walks. The Passadiços do Paiva take you along a series of staircases and walkways that cling to the hillsides overlooking the gurgling Paiva River. Enjoy beautiful views over a rugged valley and plenty of opportunities to cool off, with three river beaches along the way. At the journey’s end (or beginning), you can make an optional visit to Ponte 516 Arouca, the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge.Key events: Feira do Março in Aveiro and Feira dos Enchidos in Monchique. April brings springtime blooms

Experience Guides For travelers that want to design a trip that feels unique, these guides uncover exciting new ways to explore iconic destinations. Ideal for trips lasting between 1 and 2 weeks. One of Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês' unforgettable hiking experiences is the Via Geira, an ancient Roman road that once stretched nearly 322km between Braga and Astorga (Spain), and now has World Heritage status. The most beautiful stretch begins at Portela de Homem, where the Roman milepost XXXIV still stands.The hottest month in Lisbon, July is also when the days are longest, with the sun shining for almost 11 hours. Plan for long days at the beach, lots of al fresco dining, and festival-hopping in and around Lisbon. Next up is Sintra, a village with palaces, whimsical mansions and enchanting woodlands, plus some enticing places to stay for the night. This huge beach at the eastern end of Ilha de Tavira – a long barrier island just off the country’s southern coast – boasts golden sands and inviting, clear waters, plus a sprinkling of beach bars, a windsurf school and a campground in summer (the only accommodation on the island). Outside the peak months of July and August, it feels wonderfully remote and empty. Fun insights that will pique your curiosity and take you to the heart of the place – embrace Alentejo's slow paced vibe with olive harvesting and horse riding; discover riverside Porto by bike and stop for freshly grilled seafood in Afurada; dive in the crisp waters of the human-made Azibo reservoir A hike from the heart of Porto, but well worth the detour, Serralves brings together avant-garde architecture, contemporary art, a sculpture-strewn park, and a bijou art deco mansion in one harmonious whole. Inside, the arrestingly minimalist design of the Museu de Arte Contemporânea was the brainchild of Pritzker Prize-winning architect Álvaro Siza, bearing his trademark clean lines, playful heights, and natural materials. Porto’s answer to the Guggenheim, it draws on an impressive permanent collection, featuring works from the late 1960s to the present in rotating exhibitions.

To experience it for yourself, head to a casa de fado in Lisbon. Popular options include Parreirinha de Alfama or A Baiuca in Alfama and Adega Machado or Café Luso in Bairro Alto. Whichever you choose, all offer a chance to see a live performance, and some even pair the music with a traditional Portuguese dinner. Local experts share their love for the real Portugal, offering fresh perspectives into the country's traditions, values and modern trends to make your travel experience even more meaningful Planning tip: After taking in the art, explore Serralves’ wild side and take a stroll amid floral gardens, forested paths and open meadows. You can see cows and other barnyard animals in the southeast end of the park, or head skyward into the park’s lush canopy on a treetop walk. 6. See the sights of Sé cathedral

Dramatic views come with every turn on the uphill drive into the Serra da Estrela, where you’ll find Portugal’s highest summit – 1993m (6539ft) Torre. Enjoying a spectacular natural setting cradled at the foot of the beautiful Vale do Zêzere, the lofty village of Manteigas is a great base for mountain walks. Here, craggy ridges and forest-draped slopes dominate the horizon in all directions.

Writers: Sandra Henriques, Gail Aguiar, Jennifer Barchfield, Daniel Clarke, Marlene Marques, Joana Taborda Lisbon and Porto have their own urbano (suburban) train networks. Lisbon’s network extends to Sintra, Cascais, Setúbal and up the lower Tejo valley. Tips & Advice Europe's extreme weather: what to expect in each country if you're traveling in August Outside of Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve, you might encounter people with limited English. For smooth sailing, it helps to learn some Portuguese. If nothing else, locals appreciate the effort to speak their language, however rudimentary your accent. When entering a room, it’s polite to say " bom dia" (good day) or " boa tarde" (good afternoon) to those around you. Be mindful of petty crimeThese days, Sagres continues to look out to sea – often in search of great waves owing to the popular surf camps here, or perhaps with an eye toward leaping cetaceans on a dolphin-watching cruise. Planning tip: You can delve deeper into the port experience at the World of Wine, a vast cultural complex that contains various museums, a wine school and a dozen restaurants and bars – plus a huge terrace with views over the Ponte Dom Luís I, the Douro and the city across the water. 14. Cross the Ponte de Dom Luís I Spring arrives with a flourish, bringing warmer temperatures and abundant sunshine in both the north and the south. April sees a profusion of wildflowers in the south. Easter processions add excitement, as does Liberation Day (April 25), when you can see parades and fireworks in some towns. Key events: Festas do Sítio Nazaré, Queer Lisboa Film Festival, Feiras Novas Ponte de Lima, Concertos na Avenida Porto, Festival Flamenco Lagos. October is harvest season in wine country During the summer months, you’ll find warmer ocean temperatures, especially as you head south to the Algarve. Water temps and crowds alike peak in July and August, so plan on sharing those pretty beaches with plenty of other sunseekers.