Pristine white sands, lively nightlife, beautiful architecture, fine dining and great shopping, all this and more can be found in Portugal ? and all at remarkably affordable prices.

Groups looking for a lively city break need look no further than Lisbon, with its picturesque historic centre, rattling trams and the buzzing street party atmosphere of the Bairro Alto. With great weather from spring through to autumn, and beaches within easy reach, Portugal's capital can't fail to charm ? and eating, drinking and sleeping here is a fraction of the price of other European capitals such as Barcelona and Paris. Budget hotel options abound, but there are also great deals to be found on self-catering accommodation ? great for groups who want their own space and the option to save cash by cooking for themselves. While sampling the city's nightlife, don't miss a chance to sample the 'ginga', a delicious cherry liquor that often costs as little as one Euro in a bar.

For a beach break, head for the Algarve, where the temperate climate, beach resorts and beautiful sunsets will take your breath away. Resorts range from relaxed hideaways and family-friendly accommodation to lively party spots with plentiful nightlife ? do some research beforehand to ensure you find the right resort for your needs.

If you're looking for culture (and an excuse to indulge in a lot of drinking!) head for Porto, with its historic buildings, picture-perfect river views, and, of course, the port wine that made this city famous.

Organising travel to Portugal couldn't be simpler ? there are flights to Lisbon and Porto from most major UK airports and travel companies and tour operators can arrange package deals to the beach resorts.