The first Port for sport

Portugal could be described as a warm country, not only in climate but also in the character of the locals.

National pride is big here - the country's empire once spanned the globe, after all - and travellers are treated the way the locals themselves expect to be treated.

With Euro 2004 around the corner, sports fans around the world will soon descend on the country to watch what promises to be an enthralling competition played over three weeks in eight Portuguese cities.

Aveiro

Aveiro has a vague Dutch feel, with pastel-coloured homes along the criss-crossing canals and a busy fish market. The sights and entertainment are diverse, and nightlife is funky along Rua J MendonÃa.
Stadium: Aveiro Municipal.
Capacity: 31,200.
Getting there: It's within Porto's suburbano network, so there are hourly commuter trains (1.5hr). Three-hour drive from Lisbon.
Must-do: Walk along the Atlantic beaches in Barra and Costa Nova.

Braga

One of Portugal's oldest settlements, with a strong religious history, this a small, scenic and serene city that leaves you with a feeling that the population like to keep themselves to themselves. They seem blissfully unaware of what is about to descend on them in June.
Stadium: Municipal de Braga.
Capacity: 30,154.
Getting there: Hourly commuter trains on Porto's suburbano network. Five-hour drive from Lisbon.
Must-do: Hang out around the Praáa da República plaza drinking coffee and people-watching.

Coimbra

This town is the site of one of Europe's oldest universities, dating from the 16th century. From the grounds, it offers great views across the town and the valley. Coimbra is an enlightened town dripping in Portuguese history and heritage.
Stadium: Coimbra City.
Capacity: 30,000.
Getting there: A dozen buses a day from Lisbon (2.5hr) or Porto (1.5 hr).
Must-do: Soak up the relaxing rays, nurse a hangover or sip espresso outside Sè Velha cathedral.

S. Jo"o da Venda (between Faro and Loulè)

The stadium itself is 8km beyond Faro, en route to Loulè. However, Faro is the largest town in the Algarve, so there is considerably more on offer here than in Loulè. A wide range of quality restaurants, al fresco cafès and bars suit all tastes, and the Rua do Prior and its neighbouring alleyways are good places for weekend nightlife.
Stadium: Est·dio Algarve.
Capacity: 30,305.
Getting there: From Lisbon, it's a five-hour drive or five-and-a-half hours by train.
Must-do: It would be rude to come here and not bring your clubs. There are 26 golf courses in the Algarve region, chiefly between Faro and Albufeira.