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Information on Portugal with single trip travel insurance from Essential Travel

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Portugal is best known for its magnificent Algarve coast but also offers some amazing cities and lovely rural hinterland. The nation has a lengthy maritime history and boasts fine examples of Manueline architecture. The relaxed atmosphere here is appealing.

The cosmopolitan capital, Lisbon, was rejuvenated for the World Expo in 1999, returning the city almost completely to the same glory it enjoyed at its height in the 16th century. The fascinating Baixa and Alfama districts are the oldest portions of Lisbon, and retain their mysterious medieval cobbled lanes and tiled walls. The areas are nestled below a ridge from where the best views of the city are offered at the famous Castelo de São Jorge.

For night-time entertainment in Lisbon, head to the Bairro Alto, a busy area of restaurants, bars, nightclubs and street hawkers. Alternatively, Chiado is a good shopping district. The glorious Mosteiro dos Jerónimos is a well preserved example of Manueline architecture. Additionally, the city boasts a fine range of museums housing historic paintings, sculptures, carpets, coins and ceramics.

Porto, farther north, is a serene town offering a charming atmosphere. It is also, of course, an important centre for the wine industry of the area. Nearby, the Douro Valley is a scenic highlight, and, to the north is the Costa Verde, with its beautiful and remote scenery.

Many visitors come to Portugal only to see the stunning Algarve coast, which offers an array of secluded beaches and plenty of sunshine. Faro is the hub of the Algarve. Faro retains remnants of is ancient city walls, and also features the fine Archeological Museum and the lovely Nossa Senhora da Assuncão Convent. All along the coast are sleepy fishing villages and bustling resorts.

Lagos is a popular town along the Algarve coast with enough fine sand beaches and entertainment venues to keep visitors busy. Portimao has a good tourist infrastructure, and Vilamoura provides a casino and quaint marina. Alternatively, Sagres, to the extreme west, has a dramatic view out towards the Atlantic. Inland, Silves was once capital of the region; while the Serra de Monchique is a cool relief from the beaches, with quiet wooded hills and lovely vistas.

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