Portugal pulls out of Spain's shadow

Young travellers and old alike have come to love the bustling cities, long stretches of sand and the booming tourism industry Portugal has to offer. The country has long since thrown off its old image of "The sick man of Europe".

For too long Portugal lived in the shadow of its larger neighbour Spain. Yet with the dawn of cheaper flights, and word spreading that this part of the Iberian Peninsula has much to offer, tourists have descended in their droves. At the same time though, Portugal has managed remain relatively unspoilt.

Lisbon, the city set on seven hills, has been Portugal's capital since 1147. It sits on a series of steep hillsides on the River Tagus. The city draws travellers throughout the year, and is building a reputation as the gambling centre of Europe thanks to the two big casinos that have set up home there. Lisbon suffered terrible damage in an earthquake in 1755, and the city centre, known as Baixa, was rebuilt as a grid system to protect it from suffering the same damage from an earthquake again.

Another popular destination is actually the tip of an underwater mountain about 600 miles from Lisbon. The tiny island of Madeira – it is just 13 miles wide and 35 miles long, has no beaches. But it more than makes up for it in fruit, herbs and flowers. Fabulous blooms grow in abundance on hillsides, which has contributed to the island's nickname – the Floating Garden.

Festivals are a huge part of life in Portugal and there is at least one taking place every month throughout the country. From the Senhor Ecce Homo, which takes place at Easter in Braga to the Festas do Sao Paio in early September. This festival takes place in Aveiro and features a boat race, which is conducted on the northern lagoon. On top of all this, every town and village in the country has a patron saint whose day is celebrated in style. These festas, as they are called, involve a huge celebration of fireworks and dancing, helped along by a few glasses of wine!

Football is also close to the hearts of many Portuguese people, and the country has produced some of the most outstanding talents the world has seen, with the names Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Figo springing to mind. Ronaldo was born on Portugal's floating garden Madeira.

With miles of stunning coastline, Portugal has an endless supply of tourists clamouring to take in is beauty. The sheltered and fertile Algarve has a variety of beaches, from the sheltered coves to the long stretches of sand. This area also has a buoyant night-life, and visitors will be treated to some brilliant live music.

There are also many beaches suitable for water sports, especially surfing. In fact the World Surfing Championships have been held at the Praia de Ribeira d’Ilhas, which is about three kilometres outside of Ericeira.

It is easy to see why Portugal attracts so many travellers to its shores. Portugal can accommodate the most active visitors alongside those who want to kick back and relax. There's only one way to see if the country is for you – and that is to go there. Young travellers and old alike will not be disappoined.