With its buzzing cities, beautiful architecture and sandy beaches, Portugal has long proved a hit with holidaymakers. There’s certainly no shortage of things to do in this sun-soaked southern European country, and here is a quick rundown of some of the highlights...

See the sights in Lisbon

When you visit Portugal, be sure to add a trip to the capital Lisbon to your travel itinerary. Spread across undulating terrain, the city boasts everything from monasteries, cathedrals and museums to picturesque parks, and eateries and stylish shops by the bucket load. One particular highlight is the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, a monastery in the Praça do Império that contains the tombs of some of the nation’s greatest historical figures. You should also take the time to check out the Castelo São Jorge, a Moorish castle which dates back to the ninth century and, perched high up in the neighborhood of Alfama, is visible from almost every street.

Be sure to take a trip on Tram 28 too. This charming wooden carriage starts its journey at the foot of Bairro Alto and makes its way through shopping streets and past churches and castles.

Exploring the Algarve

Renowned for its beaches, the Algarve is another jewel in Portugal’s crown, one you can explore with Saga Travel if you visit Portugal. This coastal region at the base of the country is the perfect location for a relaxing summer sojourn. If you want to avoid the busier areas, head to the western reaches of the Algarve, where you’ll find quieter sandy spots. Meanwhile, the interior is filled with historic towns and villages, wildlife and wooded hillsides.

The lagoon system of the Ria Formosa Natural Park is another highlight. There, you can glimpse an array of migrating and nesting birds, as well as fresh water lakes at Ludo and Quinta del Lago.

Check out the festivals

There are plenty of festivals to keep you entertained in Portugal. For instance, at the end of May or in early June, the Corpus Christi Vaca das Cordas ‘running of the bull’ ceremony takes place in Ponte de Lima, while in August a four-day music event featuring rock, indie and electro is staged at Zambujeira do Mar on the Alentejo coast.

Make your way to Madeira

Bear in mind that there’s more to Portugal than the mainland. The island of Madeira is also a fabulous holiday destination. Located off the northwest coast of Africa, Madeira is home to everything from Michelin-star restaurants to lush botanical gardens. The capital Funchal is the main tourist hub and must-see attractions in the city include the farmers’ market in the Old Town and the Gothic Sé Cathedral.

While in Madeira, you should make the most of the views on offer at the summit of the Pico do Arieiro. Between May and October, you can test your skills big game fishing off the island's coast.

Whether you’re on the mainland or an island, Portugal has a lot to offer, so you can rest assured you won’t get bored when taking in the sights and sounds of this beautiful country.

Images by kenner116 and D-Stanley, used under Creative Commons license