Sandstone rock formations rise out of the ocean in Lagos, Portugal.

Sex, sand and sangria - Lagos is the town that's got it all. Don't be put off by the fact this fishing port is one of the most popular tourist haunts in the Algarve.

Coimbra - "Portugal's Oxford".

Photo: António Sacchetti

Known as "the Oxford of Portugal", Coimbra's prestigious university is the heart and soul of this hilly little city. Lying on the banks of the River Mondego, the 13th century Velha Universidade overlooks Coimbra and is still attended by black-caped students.

Taking in the view over Lisbon

Exuding a faded grandeur and a cosmopolitan buzz, Lisbon is one of the most vibrant and certainly the most affordable capital city in Western Europe - a barrage of noise, narrow streets, stately buildings, sweeping parks and brilliant sunshine bouncing off mosaic sidewalks.

Looking across to the World Heritage Ribeira district in Porto.

Portugal's second-largest city lies on the banks of the Duoro River and is at once seedy and elegant.

For the best view of this bustling, industrial centre, climb the 225 steps to the top of the baroque tower, the Torre dos Clerigos.