While it's true that Portugal is no longer the Iberian Peninsula's best kept secret, it's fairly easy to escape the crowds.  Portugal has an old fashioned charm, with medieval castles, and picture perfect villages scattered over meandering coastlines and flower-covered hillsides.  Portugal has been at the forefront of discovery for centuries. Because of their exploration to the Far East and Brazil there are fantastic artifacts and sights to see.

Lisbon
Lisbon is the capital and largest city of Portugal. Lisbon is a hodge-podge of history; it features Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline, Baroque, Traditional Portuguese, Modern and Post-Modern architecture. Lisbon is built on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean where the river Tagus intersects. It also is built on seven hills which makes getting around the city interesting. Be sure to ride the 1930s trams and the three elevators, da Gloria, da Bica, and da Lavra, only one of which travels vertically. In Bairro Alto, in the upper quarter of Lisbon, you can find lots of shopping and entertainment, as it is the heart of Lisbon's youth and of the Portuguese capital's nightlife.

Sights to see in Lisbon: Belem Tower, Mosteiro dos Jeronimos, Lisbon Cathedral, Praça do Comércio, Statue of King Jose I, Parque de Eduardo VII, Belem, and much more!

Alentejo
Located in the south-central region of Portugal, Alentejo is the agricultural support of Portugal. Delicious cheeses, wines and smoked hams and sausages are produced in Alentejo along with marble, cork and olive oil. An important part of Portuguese history is displayed in Alentejo. Two thousand years ago the area of Portugual was part of the Roman Empire leaving their language and culture behind, old cities and monuments still stand today. One of the magnificent sites of Alentejo is the city of Evora. Between its Renaissance fountains, Moorish courtyards, Gothic doorways and turrets and Roman temples and baths, Evora is a exciting place to visit.

Sights to see in Alentejo: Giraldo Square, Roman Temple of Evora, Cathedral of Evora, Capela dos Ossos, Valongo Castle, the Graca Church and much more!

For more information about Portugal, please visit the Portuguese Tourist Board website.