Ilha da Cultura is a small sandy island just off Faro. It is only accessible by ferry via the Ria Formaso. This is the western end of the island, Farol (after the lighthouse) and this is where the ferry stops.

Unlike neighbouring Ilha Deserta there are a few residents on the Ilha da Cultura.

The Santuario do Bom Jesus do Monte near Braga is apparently Portugal's most photographed church. Whether this is true or not there is no denying it is one of Portugal's most beautiful churches. The reason it is receives so much attention is not clear in this photo, but the church is set on a steep hill and reached via an incredible 116 metres (381 feet) Baroque stairway. The sanctuary is an important catholic pilgrimage site and true penitents will climb the stairs on their knees!

The church itself was built between 1784 and1834. It was designed by Carlos Amarante and is one of the earliest examples of neoclassical design in Portugal.

The beach at Parede is a pleasant stretch of sand which backs onto an raised esplanade. Above this is the main "Marginal" coast road which runs between Lisbon and Cascais, which you can just make out here.

The road was constructed in the 1940s and a fair chunk of Parede beach was built over in the process.

Located just to the east of the small sandy beach of Benagil is the Benagil sea cave. The large cave has two big, arch-like entrances and a collapsed roof. Inside is a circular grotto forming a sort of miniature, private beach.

The cave is best reached by small boat or possibly a quick swim round from the beach - if it's calm.

The beach at São Pedro do Estoril has always been one of my favourites along the Lisbon - Cascais line. With parking just off the Marginal road and a nice beach-side cafe I spent many a morning here with a galão and tosta-mista.

A moody looking Praia da Cresmina. This beach is just around the corner from Guincho and is right next to its more famous ngihbour - Guincho beach. The two beaches are separated by the fort on the headland, which is now a luxury hotel.

The Archiepiscopal Court (Paço Arquiepiscopal), also known as the Old Archbishop's Palace in Braga. There are three distinct wings to the palace, all dating back to different times and with different styling. This is the Eastern wing which looks out over the Santa Barbara Garden. It is mainly Gothic in style and dates back to the 14th and 15th centuries.

The Palacio de Seteais in Sintra. This 18th century neoclassical palace was built for the then Dutch Consul. It later came into the hands of the 5th Marquis of Marialva who extended it significantly, adding the arch in 1802.

These days the palace is known as Tivoli-Palacio de Seteais Hotel, a five star hotel.

Looking out over Praia Grande from the high cliffs at the southern end of the beach. Praia Grande is one of the closest beaches to Sintra and its vast expanse of golden sand makes it a popular choice.

In this photo you can clearly see the outdoor swimming pool with Praia Pequena just behind. The houses clinging to the cliffs beyond the first headland overlook Praia das Macas, another popular beach.

Ribeira beach is closest and easily accessible from the centre of the old part of Cascais town. Also known as Fishermen’s beach it is, as you would imagine, a popular beach in the summer. The esplenade it backs on to is often lined with craft stalls selling everything from local pottery to erm, African carved giraffes!