Silves | Portugal Special Report

Originally a small fishing village caught between the Atlantic Ocean and the waterfront area leading back to Lisbon (sometimes referred to as the Portuguese Riviera), Cascais has grown into a popular tourist destination. It’s home to many Portuguese nationals as well as expats from all over the world.

Some of the country’s wealthiest and most famous citizens call Cascais home, including the president of Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo when he’s not scoring goals in professional soccer leagues.

Offering innumerable amenities, fantastic restaurants, tons of culture, gorgeous scenery, and more, you’d be hard-pressed to find a Portuguese city more liked by long-time locals and newbies alike.

Discover Cascais in this Portugal Special Report.

At an ancient crossroads in the hills of the eastern Algarve, the town of São Brás de Alportel has a rare claim to fame in inland Portugal: its population is steadily growing. It has bucked the trend of depopulation, which has taken out many of the Algarve’s smaller villages.

São Brás is an inland municipality of some 11,000 people. A palpable sense of community, astute political leadership, and some key practical considerations have set it on a winning path. Today, its population has a growing international flair.

São Brás is not a prime Algarve beauty spot, but it has a small, scenic old quarter with a church and narrow, cobbled streets, plus it’s only 15 minutes to the sea. Discover São Brás’ little gems in this Portugal Special Report.