Impressions of southern Portugal & Andalusia

Once a sprawling port town for the country's Discovery Era, Lagos earned a reputation of its own. Algarve's old capital is packed with history and culture. Originally a Phoenician trading hub, Lagos traded with many civilisations such as Greeks and Carthaginians. With the Roman occupation, the city obtained its name Lacobriga. The city started to develop under the Moors and further expanded with the Portugues during the 13th century. From the 15th century, Lagos became extremely important thanks to its natural harbour. The main port for Portugal's Age of Discoveries, was in the time of Henry the Navigator earning its place in history.

Sines date back to Roman times, going by the name of Sinus. The town started to thrive during the Moorish era, and in the Portuguese period during the 13th century. Trading relations put Sines on the map, letting it expand and prosper. But the city was crowned 'legendary' when Vasco da Gama was born in the town's castle. Today, this historical port town is known for its quiet and laidback atmosphere. Narrow alleyways lined with whitewashed buildings and burnt-orange rooftops lead you to hidden squares and corners adorned with traditional azulejos, textbook Portugal. Taking a stroll along the promenade protected by its sandstone walls is ideal to get a sense of the town's ways of life. You'll immerse yourself in a place where time seems to stand still. Listen to friendly locals sit and chat the day away on the benches as they soak up the sun and get views of the natural harbour and Praia Vasco da Gama.

A culture-lovers magnet, Evora radiates history in every corner. This town's origins date to Roman times starting off as a humble village. Under the Moors and the medieval era, Evora was transformed into a fortified city where its first important buildings started to arise. It then enjoyed a golden age from the 15th century when Portugal's monarchy chose the town as a residence, becoming the second most important city in the country. This is a town that smoothly blends its architectural styles turning itself into an open-air museum. Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, you name it, Evora has it and it's all packed in its UNESCO-listed historic centre. Discover the heart of the town – Praça do Giraldo. This mosaic-paved cobblestone square is surrounded by whitewashed buildings an elegant church and a fountain perched in the centre. Locals love taking a stroll through its picturesque archways and enjoying a coffee at one of the cosy cafes, ideal to embrace the laidback atmosphere.

Known as the town of the '1001 escutcheons', you'll feel like you're in a fairy tale meandering through narrow cobblestone streets. Take a step back in time as you walk through this 16th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site. Embrace the heart of the town at Plaza Mayor, lined with coffee-scented cafes nestled in whitewashed archways. Locals and travellers come here daily to sit down to a hearty 'café manchadito' – also known as milk with a bit of coffee –  before disappearing into one of the narrow alleys leading to eye-catching medieval monument

As one of Spain’s most beautiful and mesmerising cities, Córdoba dazzles with its diverse historical buildings, which mix influences from Moorish, Medieval and Roman times. The main draw is the Mezquita, a world-famous and intricately decorated mosque built while Spain was the capital of Islamic Europe. Get lost in the city’s winding streets and soak up its enchanting atmosphere in one of the many bars and tapas restaurants.

Seville, located on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, is the fourth largest city in Spain and presents itself as a very diverse destination with a history going back more than two thousand years. The city has one of the largest Old Town areas in Europe and is famous for its beautiful architecture and rich culture. In 1992 Seville was also the venue of the World Expo. The bustling art & folklore scene, numerous festivals and a thriving nightlife make Seville an exceptionally attractive destination.

Nestled along Algarve’s eastern shores this river town has it all. With its cobbled streets, ancient bridges, and cascading bougainvillea, Tavira feels like a page from a storybook, inviting you to uncover one of its tales. As you wander through the town, the Rio Gilão will accompany you gently. Its serene waters reflecting the sun-kissed hues of the buildings. The Roman bridge, a testament to Tavira’s ancient roots, arches gracefully over the river, silently watching the town. Tavira’s skyline is a sea of traditional terracotta rooftops, interrupted only by the elegant spires of churches. The town boasts an abundance of these historic sanctuaries, each with its own story.

A city often regarded as solely a stopover, Faro has retained its traditional Portuguese charm and is a destination worth visiting in its own right. With green parks, a well-preserved historic old town, and a pretty riverside promenade lined with seafood restaurants, cafes and bars as well as ancient monuments, Faro has something for everyone. Outside of the city lie some of the Algarve’s best beaches and islands, as well as the stunning Rio Formosa Natural Park and its diverse fauna and flora.