Once the proud home of history's largest empire, Portugal now gladly looks after its own pretty but pocket-sized patch, encouraging visitors to discover its abundance of natural treasures. From the coastline stretching 800 km along the Atlantic to the golden sandy beaches, characterful valleys, magnificent castles, perfectly-preserved medieval towns and remarkable misty woodlands, there’s so much more to this small country than just its unforgettable weather and seafood. The Algarve lies along the southern coast, with beautiful sandy stretches, fascinating coves, quaint fishing villages, and a buzzing party atmosphere in Albufeira and Faro. Browse Plum Guide's hand picked Holiday Homes with Hot Tubs in Portugal.
Up in the north sits Porto, home to unforgettable architecture and its famous namesake wine, thanks to the vineyards of Douro Valley. Head to Lisbon for rolling hillsides, traditional trams, and fado bars. Visit Sintra for its glistening palaces and dreamy gardens, and take a trip to the eastern borderlands of Alentejo, where you'll have the picturesque white-sand beaches to yourself, and where time ticks by at a pleasantly relaxed pace. Factor in the emerald forests on the island of Madeira, and the Azore's enticing promise of Atlantis’ famous remains, and it won't be hard to see why Portugal resides on the majority of travellers' bucket lists. Next time you’re planning a trip to Portugal, take a look at Plum Guide’s Holiday Homes with Hot Tubs.