Portugal's Algarve has a deservedly excellent reputation as a luxury vacation or honeymoon destination. Its beaches are beautiful and sun-drenched most of the year and yes, the golf here is superb as are the children's facilities. But Portugal is much more than this.
Head north and you'll find grand old cities including the capital Lisbon, ancient towns, charming hotels and pretty valleys, where you can put your palate to the test at a number of little-visited vineyards. The Douro Valley, the home of port, is also well worth a visit.
Madeira ia a real treat, with warm temperatures year-round, picturesque little villages, some great walking trails through the mountains and sunny, civilised Funchal, where you can mooch around its cobbled streets, dipping into quirky little shops and restaurants. Stay in rural quintas in the sub-tropical countryside and refresh with a dip in one of the island's coastal lidos.
Take a step back in time in the tranquil Alentejo region of Portugal, a naturally beautiful area of oak forests, wildflower meadows, dramatic coastlines and whitewashed villages which are presided over by castles and monasteries.
