Porto

Gateway to Portugal's stunning northern territory and itself blessed with a dramatic location and a deeply atmospheric old town, Porto is also, for those who are partial to an after-dinner drink or two, the kingpin of port country.

Portugal's second city may have bestowed its name on the entire country, but as a tourist destination the city is often overlooked in favour of its big sister, Lisbon. A pity, but that's a bonus for those who visit the city and prefer a quieter holiday.

Porto (or Oporto), flanks the River Douro, just as it completes its course through a granite gorge and pours into the Atlantic.

Ribeira, its historic district, climbs the steep north bank precariously, forging a maze of busy, winding alleys hemmed in by higgledy-piggledy balconied houses and taverns.

The Gothic-Baroque church of São Francisco is a must-see for its richly gilded rococo interior, as is the mish-mash architectural styles of the 13th-century Sé (cathedral). If you think you can handle heady heights, cross the upper tier of the giant steel bridge, Ponte de Dom Luis I, to Vila Nova de Gaia on the south bank, to take advantage of the tasting opportunities at the major port companies.

Otherwise, your time in between sightseeing is best spent at the old waterfront. Cais da Ribeira, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a permanently vibrant spot for shops, restaurants and rustic bars.

If you have time, take a boat cruise up the Douro to get an eyeful of some of the splendid countryside hidden in the interior. Alternatively, rent a car to explore northern Portugal's vineyard-lined river valley, pristine beaches, rugged scenery, traditional villages, historic centres, and oh-so-relaxed seaside towns.