Lisbon was already 1000 years old when it came under Roman rule in 205 BC. Today it is one of the most beautiful capital cities in Europe, laced with narrow cobbled streets and tiny shops selling everything from fancy frocks for a girls first communion, hand-made marbled paper, nuts and beans of every description – not things you might think of buying as a souvenir, perhaps, but minuscule palaces of delight, the sort you rarely seen in the UK these days.

There are two 'must' on a trip to Lisbon. The first is an ascent in the neo-Gothic style Elevador de Santa Justa, built in 1902, that rises vertically forty-five meters to give stunning views of the city, as it meanders over its seven hills, down to the Port, the river Tagus, and the beaches beyond. The second is a ride in the one of the three Funiculars that carry locals and tourists alike up the near vertical warren of streets. The Glória is the busiest in the city, and clanks up to the Barrio Alto, to gardens with glorious views across the city and castle from the gardens at the top of its route.

The Algarve, in the south of the country, has been one of Portugal's best-known areas since tourism in the country began. Historically, it has been a favourite for beach and golf holidays, but there is much more to the region than merely sun-bathing or hitting a ball around a green.

Faro is the provincial capital, and even though it is only seven kilometres from the regional airport, it isn't well known by visitors – although it should be for those who want to get a feel of historic Portugal. A stroll around the quiet cobbled streets of the old town, admiring the beautiful homes built between the 16th-18th centuries; a quiet moment in the Manuel Bivar gardens; or a visit to the church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo, Faro's most lavishly decorated….and spookiest! Its bone chapel has the skeletal remains of 1,245 former monks, and an inscription over the doorway tells you to, Stop here and think of the fate that will befall you.

Minho, in the north, is Portugal's greenest and most traditional province, said to be just the place for a romantic getaway, is fast becoming one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. It is the region that produces vinho verde, a light, fresh, slightly sparkling wine, ideal as an aperitif, and is in total contrast to the country's other famous drink, port. Guimarães holds a very special place in Portuguese affections, as it was the birthplace of Portugal as a nation, and a wander through its ancient paved streets is to be plunged back into medieval times. A tour through the granite towns and villages of the Minho should be high on the list of anyone who wants to see 'how the other half lived', with its aristocratic manor houses and beautiful palatial homes, decorated with furniture, fabrics and ornaments worthy of kings and queens. The area is also famous for its thermal spas.

The Minho, with its stunning coastal, river and mountain landscapes, is becoming a firm favourite of people looking sports and adventure holidays. Mountain ranges here offer some outstanding climbing, or you can wander the pathways discovering dolmens, Roman remains, wild horses and birds of prey. The rivers of the Minho, Lima, Cávado and Tâmega, are wonderful for fishing, and you can take a relaxing canoe journey or try the more frenetic white water rafting.

Mainland Portugal has enough to fulfill anyone's holiday wishes, but Portugal also reigns over one of the UK's favourite destinations for old-world peace and tranquility, Madeira, and the Azores, a haven of nine islands, with volcanic cones craters and lakes, just calling out to be explored. For those with less mountainous callings, there are motor and sailboat trips, with surfing, windsurfing and bodyboarding. The waters of the coastline of the islands are warm and relaxing, and inland there are natural swimming pools, created by the island's volcanic action. You can explore the stunning landscapes on horse back, or see the full majestic panoply by taking a private plane tour.

The islands of Madeira were once thought of as the place to go if you were at the age when a straw hat or a floral print frock was considered suitable summer clothing. These days, it has moved on from that image, and  is now seen as having something for everyone; Porto Santo with its nine kilometers of soft sandy beach is ideal for families with children; or Madeira, known as the island of flowers. Madeira is a tropical island, home to The Laurisilva Forest, in the Madeira Natural Park, the largest evergreen forest in the world. This lush island also has a well established spa culture, where you can treat yourself to a reinvigorating massage or a pampering facial. Exotic fruits and flowers are everywhere, and if you visit the Fruit Market in Funchal the stallholders – many in traditional dress – will offer you slices to sample. But whatever you do on a visit to Funchal, you must take the harum-scarum ride on a sled – little more than a two-seater basked on wooden runners – that race the two kilometres of cobble streets from the top of the city to the port, 'steered' by two stout chaps in straw boaters.

If so much excitement is just too much for you, you can enjoy a traditional English tea at Reid's, sample a vodka with mango sorbet at the Café do Museu, or sample a glass of the famous Madeira wine at the Madeira Wine Institute.