The Douro valley. The valley thrillingly evokes Portugal’s famous port wines in vineyards that stripe the river’s steep slopes. Start your tour at ancient Porto or the port-wine lodges of Vila Nova de Gaia opposite, and work your way through the valley. Or you can sit back and enjoy a cruise, from Porto’s colourful Ribeira, lasting several hours or several days. For more information, click here.

Bullfighting. Portuguese-style bullfighting is different from Spain’s to-the-death approach. A cavaleiro, a decoratively coated horseman, demonstrates his skills and those of his horse. But as banderillas (sharp darts) are used, it is not for those against cruel sports. There are arenas in many cities but, for atmosphere, a Ribatejo fair is most colourful. For more information, click here.

Fado. Meaning fate or destiny, fado is Portugal’s most renowned music – intense, soulful singing accompanied usually by a 12-stringed Portuguese guitar. In Lisbon you can hear it at its best in the Bairro Alto or Alfama. In Coimbra it is usually black-cloaked male students who sing fado. For more information, click here.

Viana do Castelo’s festa. This three-day festa in August is queen of the folk fairs. Vivid embroidered costumes and “brides” in black adorned in gold jewellery are the highlight of a stunning festival of traditional music, dancing and parades. For more information, click here.

The Festas dos Santos Populares. This festival held in June celebrates Lisbon’s favourite saints with parades, feasting and wine. The aroma of grilled sausages and sardines hangs over Alfama during this fun, friendly festival. For more information, click here.

Escola Portuguesa de Arte Equestre shows. Classic displays of stylish horsemanship by the school’s equitadores (horse riders) are a treat. For shows, the Alter Real horses are beribboned and the riders dressed in courtly costumes and tricorne hats. The escola performs at 11am every Wednesday (May–July, Sept and Oct) at the Queluz National Palace. For more information, click here.

The Colete Encarnada (Red Waistcoat). The Ribatejo’s favourite festa takes place in July and October in Vila Franca de Xira, northeast of Lisbon. The red waistcoats are those of campinos or herdsmen who tend to the region’s bulls, cattle and horses all year. You can bypass the bullfights and still be richly entertained by local colour, bullrunning, riding and herding contests. For more information, click here.

Carnival. The pre-Lenten celebration is practised each February in several towns, but most charmingly in Loulé in the Algarve. Children parade in costumes, adults on themed floats toss sweets – or bags of flour – into the crowds. For more information, click here.

Ilha de Tavira. Accessible by ferry from Tavira, this beached ringed island of the Algarve is unspoilt, beautiful, and rarely overcrowded. For more information, click here.

Praia Dona Ana. There are some wonderful beaches around Lagos in the Algarve, which has dramatically beautiful rock formations lining the coast, and this is one of the most attractive. For more information, click here.

Praia do Guincho. This long, white-sanded beach in Cascais is easy to access from the capital and a favourite of windsurfers. For more information, click here.

Praia da Rocha. Close to Portimao in the Algarve, this is backed by dramatic cliffs. For more information, click here.

Praia de Mira. Backed by the forested nature reserve Mata Nacional das Dunas de Mira, this is a pretty, white-sanded beach. For more information, click here.

Almograve. The Alentejan coast, edged by the Atlantic, is short but attractive, and Vila Nova da Milfontes is one of its loveliest spots. For more information, click here.