Holidays in North Portugal

The North has traditionally been the most conservative, religious, and, industrially, the most prosperous region in Portugal. The domain of the verdant vineyards and home to some of the most historically important towns and areas of outstanding beauty, it is truly a part of the country worth taking time to discover.

Oporto

Oporto is the capital city of these lands, where for centuries the time-honoured link with its oldest ally, England, has given rise to its thriving port wine industry. A trip along the riverbank at Vila Nova de Gaia, the southern bank of the river, will illuminate exactly to what extent the wine industry plays a part in life here. Most port wine houses or caves will offer a tour and sample tasting, whilst outside on the river you can still see some of the original old boats, the raboes or barcos rabelos which traditionally ferried the barrels along the river. Oporto is a busy city, with many UK business interests, particularly in the wood and textiles industries. Whilst here, try the local speciality, tripe (tripas). The people here are known as os tripeiros (tripe-sellers). For local information check www.cm-porto.pt

Coimbra

Coimbra, although smaller, is a trip back in time, as the old university is very reminiscent of Oxford and Cambridge, and the students fly around in their gowns, especially at the time of their famous ceremony, queima das fitas - burning of ribbons on gowns. Also the fado in Coimbra is sung by young male students, often serenading under windows, and often to gain money for their studies.

Other Places to Visit

Braga - historical ecclesiastic city - first bishopric of Portugal, with very beautiful buildings.

Parque Nacional de Peneda-Geres - wide expanse of protected land.

Serra da Estrela - mountainous region with popular ski resort in winter. Famous also for its cheese (queijo da serra).

Tras-os-Montes - region 'back of beyond' (literally beyond the hills), some parts like medieval Europe, granite-built basic cottages, few amenities, poor but very respected.

Ponte de Lima - very north, old market place, where they sell everything from livestock to whisky vats; also from jeans to plastic bowls.

Visiting Lisbon

Lisbon (Lisboa) is an exciting, cosmopolitan city with something for absolutely everyone. From vibrating night-life, to a rich cultural and arts scene; from a wide range of outdoor cafes from where to watch the bustle go by, to a myriad of fascinating areas to explore. A cooling breeze always makes its way up from the river Tejo and is very welcome in the summer months, when temperatures can soar to the 90s (°F). The Tejo is always afloat with busy ferry boats, and these provide a means of passing time, by crossing to various points over the river, or taking a longer boat trip up and down the estuary. The castle (de Sao Jorge) provides a wonderful vantage point from which to survey all of the city, and you can observe the interesting mix of old and new, as modern structures emerge from amid centuries-old mansions and elegant parks.

As in any major city, be careful with your valuables - some of the narrow cobbled streets in the Alfama area near the castle, and the Bairro Alto (home of most of the fado houses) form real mazes and not everyone is to be trusted. Be sensible.

One place not to be missed is the almost world renowned eating place Cervejaria de Trindade, in the Bairro Alto, which is at its fullest after 10 pm each night. Famed for its steak and seafood, it's an ideal place to eat, and with prices at about £15 for two people to gorge themselves, including wine, you'll agree it's worth a visit.

Out and about from Lisbon why not take the train from Sodre station along the coast to what were once the elegant summer destinations of many European aristocrats, Cascais and Estoril? Sadly, much of their former glory has faded with the onslaught of the tourist boom, but they are still worth a visit.

Sintra is not far, with its palaces, castle and fairy tale town, a beautiful day out. If you can't face the tortuous climb to Pena palace, the way to travel is by taxi, or horse and carriage.