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Enjoy a rockin' nightlife in the major cities, lazily savor the scenery in medieval villages, or take your time absorbing the grandeur of the country's culture, castles and cathedrals in still sunny, still affordable Portugal.

The lovely capital city of Lisbon is the place to start, with a quick hop on the Metro or take the tram - especially for the steep climb to the Castle of St George - perched high atop one of Lisbon's seven hills, and offering visitors one of the best views of the city from its ramparts.

A day trip from Lisbon may include the medieval walled town of Evora offering a mix of beautiful country charm - and ghoulishness - in the The Chapel of Bones lined with the skulls, femurs and tibias of thousands of the dead, (a sobering warning to the faithful constructed by local monks.)

More religious associations abound with a nearby journey to Fatima, the religious capital of Portugal where Our Lady of Fatima is said to have appeared in 1917.

Further afield lies Madeira, synonymous with its rich wine of the same name, which has been made on the island for hundreds of years. The region's capital, Funchal, is a wonderful town overlooking a tranquil harbor surrounded by green mountains.

What remains of Portugal is an intriguing mix of mountains, arid plains, volcanic islands and, owing to its position along the Atlantic, a magnificent 528-mile stretch of sandy beaches.

As they say in Portuguese, divirta-se! (enjoy yourself!)

also see -> Portugal Beach Guide | Portuguese Wineries

Azores Tourist Attractions

More about Portugal tourist attractions around the Web:

Portugal Travel Guide - What's happening around the country with the latest travel news, guides to major attractions, fairs, festivals, hotel & restaurant guides, travelers tips, Web cams & picture galleries.

Portugal Virtual - Online travel brochure covering the entire country with information on major cities and towns along the coast, up north, in the Alentejo and Argave regions, plus the complete Lisbon-in-your-pocket guide.

Lisbon Travel Guide - Europe for Visitors - One-stop browsing for everything Lisbon - including guides & links to its culture & history, major attractions, hotels & restaurants, shopping, picture galleries, Web cams, and more.

Lisbon Metro - The easiest way to get around town with information on fares, maps, and operating hours. In English & Portuguese.

Portuguese Railways - Find you way across the country with searchable database of fares & destinations, timetables, special travel packages and travel tips.

Christmas in Portugal