Planning tip: It’s across the river from town, best reached on a five-minute ferry trip from the pier south of the Praça da Liberdade. Planning tip: After making the climb, drop into the adjoining church – a baroque beauty from 1750 – or simply kick back on the manicured lawn of the adjacent Jardim das Oliveiras. The 76m-high (249ft) Torre dos Clérigos, designed by Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni in the 1700s, is Porto’s signature landmark. The gateway to the region is Braga, a city with Roman ruins, a fabled medieval cathedral and tranquil flower-trimmed plazas sprinkled with outdoor cafes and restaurants. Forested hillsides form the backdrop to this storybook setting, with imposing castles, mystical gardens, strange mansions and centuries-old monasteries hidden among the trees.

The first celebrations can be traced back to the 13th century when some of ancient Rome’s pagan festivities were appropriated by the Catholic Church. A great northern itinerary combines Porto with some vineyard visits along the picturesque Douro River. Key events: Carnaval, Fantasporto, Al-Mutamid Music Festival, Volta ao Algarve bicycle race, Essência do Vinho in Porto.It was built to replace a precarious crossing between Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia made from old port boats lashed together – most would agree that its curving arch adds a definite something to the cityscape.

The Rota Vicentina comprises two walking trails – one coastal and one inland – and runs along the southwest coast to Cabo de São Vincente. An underwater canyon off the coast of northern Portugal creates ideal conditions for some of the biggest swells on Earth.The country’s rail network is headed by CP (Comboios de Portugal), which has handy rail network maps online. If you’re traveling off-season (November through March), you’ll have much more flexibility – so you can book your first few nights and plan your other nights on the go. Another option is to base yourself in easy reach of one of Portugal’s nature reserves, such as Parque Nacional Peneda-Gerês in Portugal’s northeast. If you’re seeking a bit more solitude, head down to the Parque Natural da Arrábida at the southern end of the peninsula. Planning tip: If it’s waves you seek, you’ll find them by strolling over to the ocean, where rideable breaks arrive year-round (though conditions are best in winter).

Across the country, Portugal has some magnificent hikes, like the stunning clifftop trail of Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos – not difficult to do, but you need proper footwear. Backed by whitewashed houses and sandstone cliffs, the beach of Carvoeiro is lapped by calmer seas (watched over by lifeguards), which makes it a great choice for families. Spring arrives with a flourish, bringing warmer temperatures and abundant sunshine in both the north and the south. The Serra do Caldeirão's most worthwhile short walk is climbing this limestone escarpment via a well-signposted circuit. Don’t miss the optional detour up to Talefe, the highest point in the Rocha da Pena at 479m (1571ft), with mesmerizing views over the Algarve’s hinterlands.Gazing defiantly over Porto from its hilltop perch, the fortress-like Sé evokes the city’s imperial past. Whether you’re traveling solo, heading off on a romantic getaway or seeking a child-friendly place with lots of activities on offer near the seaside, the Algarve has you covered.