The portside village of Carvoeiro along the Algarve in southern Portugal was our base for a few days as we explored. I was struck by the whitewashed houses and the high cliffs plunging into the deep blue ocean where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean. The sun-drenched cove of golden sand and the small fishing port were a delight – we could watch the live catch of sardines being thrown up onto the road by local fishermen, the crates caught by the local restaurant owners who immediately popped them on the barbeque and served them with a glass of crisp dry white wine.

Further west, we travelled to remote Sagres and Cape St Vincent jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean. Unspoilt by mass tourism, this small township is a joy to wander the streets and think of Henry the Navigator setting off in the 15th century to find ‘the new world’.

Inland from the Algarve, you climb into the hills and come across small local potteries, where artisans welcome you to view wares traditionally glazed in blue and white – I have a few of these wonderful bowls in my cupboard still today. Visit the township of Monchique – no doubt the smells will entice you into a restaurant to try the local delicacy Piri Piri chicken.

Head further north to Lisbon, with its imposing bridge and monuments to Portuguese explorers. Catch a tram up the hilly cobbled streets; join the queue at Pasteis de Belem for a mouth-watering custard tart. We stayed on the outskirts of town in Cascais and Estoril – these seaside towns are full of colourful traditional buildings that were built for the Lisboetas to escape the summer heat.

Head into the hills to the medieval capital Coimbra, here you explore the old palaces and castles and have a taste of yesteryear. Or head up the coast to Porto at the mouth of the Duoro River and for centuries home to winemakers and exporters of the fortified port. Take a journey up the Duoro river whose steep banks are lined with vineyards and historical stone houses.
Further north, visit wonderful Santiago de Compostela – the end of the Pilgrims' Way. This glorious city has magnificent buildings and cathedrals, it is drenched in the history of thousands walking in the path of St James, from southern France across the Cantabrian mountains, through the Basque country and staying in one village after another.

Oh to return to the Iberian peninsula and to immerse ourselves in the history, to indulge in great food and wine, to meet the locals and experience their customs, to visit some of the greatest art galleries in the world. Place this region high on your list of areas to explore, even if you have visited before there are so many wonderful experiences you will find many new adventures.

Travel opportunities include leisurely by train or drive yourself, perhaps staying in historical Pousadas. Combine this with a week on the Duoro pottering along visiting the historic towns and meeting the winemakers or join a small group to explore the backroads of Portugal.

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