Unusual

The Franciscan monastery in Porto dates back to the 13th century and although the monks are long gone and the site much diminished there is still plenty to see. Topping most people's list is a visit to the Igreja de São Francisco with its exuberant Baroque interior of gold and carved wood. However, a ticket to see the church also covers entry to one of Porto's most unusual and macabre visitor "attractions".

The small village of Caldas de Monchique comprises just a couple of roads in the Serra de Monchique mountains. It lies just a short distance south from the larger settlement of Monchique town.

The remote village of Porto Moniz on the north-eastern tip of the island has a history of whaling.  Today it remains a picturesque fishing village which visitors are drawn to the experience the unique joys of bathing in the natural lava pools. Try to come here before 11am or after 3pm when you won't have to share the delights on offer here with hordes of coach parties. 

The Roman Ruins of Troia (Troia Ruinas Romanas), span 500 years of history starting back at the beginning of the first millennium. The lives of the ancient Roman occupants of the city during this time can be explored and understood through what they left behind – cemeteries, heated bathhouses, and even stone tanks for pickling and otherwise preserving fish for shipment right around the empire.

Foodies with adore Setúbal's indoor Mercado do Livramento. It's an incredible place to head to sample those typical Portuguese flavours from bacalhau (salt-dried cod) to pasteis de nata (custard tarts). The array of fresh produce on sale here is simply mesmerising, with around 300 independent vendors all housed under the one roof. The fact that the market remains an integral part of Setúbal life and culture makes the market all the more impressive to behold.

Whilst maybe not quite as glitzy as Las Vegas the Casino in Estoril is reputed to be the largest in Europe. Whether or not this is still case the casino is definitely big, offering over 1,000 slot machines. Game tables include roulette, blackjack, banca francesa, punto banco, baccarat and poker.

In addition to the gambling on offer the casino is also an entertainment venue with events held in the 1,000 seat Salão Preto e Prata There is also an auditorium where concerts are held and an art gallery with permanent painting and sculpture exhibitions.

Portugal dos Pequenitos can translate as "Portugal of the Little Ones" or "Portugal for the Little Ones". Either one would be appropriate for this Portugal in miniature which will particularly appeal to younger visitors. Founded by Professor Bissaya Barreto, a local doctor and lecturer at the medical school, his goal for the park was to be "a living portrait of what it is to be Portuguese and the Portuguese presence throughout the world".

Whilst cemeteries might not make it onto most bucket lists, the Cemitério de Agramonte in Boavista is well worth a visit. Originally built in 1855 to hold the victims of a cholera epidemic, this was Porto's second public cemetery but it soon morphed into something far grander.

In the 1870s a chapel was built within the cemetery by Gustavo Adolfo Gonçalves e Sousa. This was enlarged in 1906 under the direction of Architect José Marques da Silva. Frescos of Byzantine inspiration  by Italian painter Silvestro Silvestri were added to the interior.

It can be fun to spend some time admiring the flashy yachts on display in the marina, maybe stopping off for refreshments in one of the waterside cafes.  Just around the corner is the Porta Nova Pier, from which boats take day trippers out to enjoy the birdlife and beaches of the Ria Formosa Natural Park.  On balmy summer nights, it’s a pleasant stroll from the marina, down the waterfront promenade to the Old Town.

If you fancy a flutter or a chance to rub shoulders with the footballers who have homes nearby, the Casino in the Quarteira coastal suburb of Vilamoura might be worth a visit. 

The casino has twelve live table games (5 roulette, 4 blackjack and 3 Portuguese dice) as well as an area with 4 tables of Texan poker.  The minimum bet at the roulette table is for €5. There are over 500 slot machines.