Fado is sung by black-clad men and women with a severe case of the blues.

Dramatic, intense, slow and mournful, fado, which means "fate", has been wafting from the dark tavernas of Lisbon and Coimbra for more than 150 years. T

Portuguese fare may not have a leg to stand on next to other cuisines of the world, but if you're adventurous, carnivorous and willing to forsake vitamins and fibre for the duration of your journey, you're in for a real treat.

Compared to other Western European countries, the olive oil-soaked food here is excellent value for money.

With little between the United States and Portugal's 830-kilometre coastline to slow the Atlantic waves down, Portugal is one of the best place in Europe to surf. It attracts consistent swells and professional surfing competitions.