PORTUGAL OVERVIEW

'Explore Portugal' is an interesting term, as it was Portugal that produced pioneers who first explored the rest of world. Under the direction of Prince Henry the Navigator, Portuguese ships voyaged down the western coast of Africa to the equator. Vasco da Gama then became the first explorer to sail directly from Europe to India, and Ferdinand Magellan famously led the first maritime expedition around the globe. Portugal was a leader during the Age of Discovery and today the landscapes, history and luxury homes inside the country offer numerous riches to excite anyone searching for knowledge of the finer things in life.

In the country's southernmost province of Algarve lie resort destinations that rival any in the world. According to a 2007 study, the Quinta do Lago resort in the town of Almancil makes up part of the most expensive real estate region in all of Portugal. The resort has become a popular location for elite British and Irish citizens investing in a holiday home. Quinta do Lago luxury homes are stunning contemporary villas with every modern amenity, and are set amid the resort's five-star hotel and four championship golf courses.

North of Algarve is the capital of Lisbon, where an eclectic mix of unique neighborhoods, culture and architecture help make the city simultaneously provincial and modern. Lisbon luxury homes offer contemporary sophistication in historic residential areas that also are cosmopolitan commerce centers.

Near the capital on the westernmost borders of the country and Continental Europe is the Portuguese Riviera, full of modern villas, historic estates and upscale resorts. The city of Estoril is home to the largest casino in Europe and was the inspiration for Ian Fleming's Casio Royale, the first James Bond novel. It doesn't take a suave super-spy to uncover the majesty of Estoril, Sintra, Cascais and the rest of this coastal region- elegance is plainly seen in the pristine beaches, golf courses and luxury homes of the area.

The town of Sintra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that refuses to change from "town" to "city" status. Its current designation fits with the romantic convergence of rolling geography and stunning architecture that compelled Lord Byron to call Sintra a "glorious Eden." The coastal town of Cascais has evolved from a small fishing village to a resort beach community. That progress has not reduced the sense of grace or charm, as the restaurants, boutiques and hotels surround the harbor where fishing boats still dot the horizon and the daily catch is sold in the square.

Portugal's ancient cities, sophisticated resorts and fine luxury properties all add to the country's unique style. The country and its people have nurtured rich traditions based in the spirit of discovery. The brilliance of Portugal and Portugal luxury homes is something that everyone should discover for themselves.