Charming, cobbled alleyways tumble down cinematic, rocky hillsides to glorious coasts of golden sand.

Within Lisbon’s pretty and narrow lanes, the gentle music from Fado houses blends with the joyful chatter of locals sharing petiscos and wine. As the sun sets, the streets come alive with vibrant cocktail bars and exclusive nightclubs - and the party continues well into the early hours. Subsequent sore heads are soothed by afternoons enjoying the sand and surf on the beaches of Estoril or Cascais, or should you fancy something more energetic - a day trip to the spectacular castles of the Sintra mountains, is a must.

Porto, with its fabulous port lodges and historic heart, is a treasure trove of colour, culture and fine dining, where you can sample some of the best fresh seafood in Portugal - while the luscious beaches of the Algarve, with their sparkling honey sands and turquoise waters, are a haven for sun-worshippers.

Away from Portugal’s well-trodden areas, the natural springs, caverns and thrilling waterfalls of the Azores offer plenty for nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike.