With a population of just over 10 million, and enveloped by Spain to the north and east, Portugal is on the western edge of Europe. Nearly half of the population lives in its two main cities, Porto and Lisbon - both on the Atlantic coast.
Its proximity to the sea is what it's best known to many British holidaymakers for. The Algarve is pretty but mostly geared to beach, golf and villa holidays. However, it's a beautiful and charming country that quietly works its way under your skin.
Many people don't realise how important a role Portugal played in the development of the modern world. Portugal was a global maritime power during the 15th and 16th centuries. In 1498, Vasco de Gama was the first European to reach India by sea, while Ferdinand Magellan was the first to circumnavigate the globe in 1522. Funded by Henry the Navigator, Portugal established colonies around the word: the Azores, Madeira and Cape Verde in the Atlantic; Angola, Mozambique, Ghana and more in Africa; Goa, Macau and Indonesia in Asia; and of course, Brazil in South America.
The last time I took one of my favourite tours - Portugal, Spain & the Douro - was a timely reminder of how much I like the country. It's especially interesting for British visitors, as I will show below.
Bonding over wine and tea
Historically, Britain and Portugal have had close ties. The two countries have had an alliance since 1373, the oldest diplomatic pact in the world still in existence. They like us and we like them - that's a pretty good place to start a holiday.
The British also love port wine. Actually, the British like all wines, but during the Napoleonic wars in the early 19th century, the main wine supplier was France. Since we were at war with them, they weren't that keen on selling to us. Port wine (from Porto) has a higher alcohol content and so could survive the much longer sea transport to Britain without spoiling. Sales of port boomed and a new industry was born.
When you travel along the Douro River, you pass miles of immaculately tended vine terraces, with the household names of the estates (quintas) painted on the sides of whitewashed walls. Taylor's, Sandeman, Cockburn's, Dow's. There's so much more to port than we think; ruby or tawny, late-bottled vintages, rosé and a sensational dry white variety. I'd like people to drink more of it in general, not just at Christmas, but please don't ever - ever - make a hole in a wheel of Stilton cheese and pour port inside. Just don't! It's the only known way to ruin both at the same time! While on the subject of wine, don't miss Vinho Verde. This wine is young, light, often slightly sparkling and served with fish - making the two sing together in harmony.
In 1662, Catherine of Braganza married England's King Charles II and came with a dowry that included money, spices, treasures and the ports of Tangiers and Bombay. At the time, thanks to their colony in Macau, tea was very popular in Portugal, while in Britain it was only consumed occasionally as medicine. Queen Catherine made tea drinking fashionable and popular amongst the English aristocracy. There's an interesting legend about where we get the word tea from. The crates supplied to Catherine were marked with the Portuguese words Transporte de Ervas Aromaticas (Transport of Aromatic Herbs) - which were abbreviated to TEA.
Laid-back lifestyles in a temperate climate
Portugal runs at a lower intensity of life than others. Yes, they have festivals, celebrations, religious parades and all the rest, but they seem to do it all without wilder excesses. Portugal is not extravagant, except in the beauty of the scenery and the warmth of its people.
Another bonus for the British is the climate. A friend of mine lives there and describes it as a 'cold country with a warm climate'. Officially, this is described as being maritime temperate; cool and rainy in north, warmer and drier in south. In spring and autumn British visitors can safely explore without dissolving into a mass of sweat and sunburn. It is pleasantly warm. That said, in peak summer it will get very hot and if you're in Porto in the middle of winter, you'll know about it pretty quickly.
Finally for Brits in Portugal, things just seem to work. They don't usually do drama, strikes, violent protests or loud altercations. Due to its history, it's a multicultural society, but everybody considers themselves Portuguese. Things tend to function pretty well in general, and when they don't, they find a way to fix the problem - good news for Tour Managers as well as customers!
The country has long marketed itself as the ideal place for older people and digital nomads with an affordable and relaxed lifestyle. Since I'm both, I'm inclined to agree.
Experience iconic Portugal on the Douro with the experts
Great Rail Journeys offer several ways to explore Portugal, including cruising along the Douro River.
As mentioned above, I recently took a tour on Portugal, Spain & the Douro with a group who seems to enjoy themselves. If you asked me (you didn't, but that is writer's privilege). I would say that my Tour highlights were…
Our journey on the Linha do Douro railway along the Douro Valley. This 99-mile route follows the contours of the river on a single-track line, offering spectacular views. There's no air-conditioning - you open the windows and enjoy the cooling breeze. The line finishes in Porto at the beautifully blue-and-white tiled São Bento station.
A gorgeous private tour and dinner at the Quinta da Casa Amarela, a wine estate in the hills of the Douro Valley. They still crush their grapes by foot and if you fancy the idea, you can visit during the picking season and trample the grapes while drinking their wine for as long as you want. Or, since you're drinking their wine as you trample, as long as you can stand up.
Dinner at Taylor's port wine cellar in Porto. The polar opposite of the quinta, this is white tablecloth formality overlooking the city and bridges at night.
A private vintage tram tour of Lisbon, rattling through the narrow winding streets.
Pastéis de Nata, the small crispy custard tarts which are available everywhere and are the main reason that I didn't lose weight on the tour. Light flaky pastry, delicate custard filling and a dusting of cinnamon. One is never enough. Portugal has a very sweet tooth, be warned.
Find your perfect Portugal holiday
Whether you're dreaming of a river cruise, a great-value exploration of Portugal's highlights or a 15-day tour including Spain, we have a tour for you.
With more than 50 years' expertise in curated award-winning escorted tours, you're in safe hands with Great Rail Journeys.
- Follow in Tim's footsteps on Portugal, Spain & the Douro
- Uncover the best of Portugal on Lisbon, Porto & the Douro Valley
- Embark on a river cruise on Discover the Douro
- Experience one of our signature Tour & Cruise holidays on our brand-new Lisbon & the Essence of the Douro
For our full range of Portugal holidays, click here
