Portugal with Michael Portillo

Continuing his journey through Portugal, Michael explores the Algarve beyond its famous beaches. He uncovers hidden history and secret places in between the bustling tourist hotspots, meets a fisherman who risks his life for goose barnacles, meets master coppersmith Loulé, and visits ancient Silves, where Islamic heritage is evident in its castle. He also explores Faro's bone chapel, and ends in Olhão, home to marine reserves and seahorses, before enjoying fresh oysters at a beach restaurant owned by expat and and her Portuguese husband.

Michael Portillo explores the subtropical island of Madeira, situated more than 500 miles off the coast of the Algarve. He learns how to cook espetada, a traditional barbecue dish, using a skewer made from the branch of a bay tree, meets an 83-year-old who operates the island's last surviving water mill and parties the night away with a Brazilian samba band and cocktails. He also learns of Britain's historic links to the island, as many families were drawn to Madeira in the 17th century to set up wine companies.

Michael Portillo's journey continues in two cities. He begins in Aveiro, a city of canals and brightly decorated boats, renowned as the Portuguese Venice. He enjoys the local food and discovers a historic connection between the city's patron saint, Princess Joanna, and England's King Richard III. He then drive to one of the country's most important cities, Coimbra. Portugal's first capital in 1139, it was once the centre of a mighty Roman province.

Michael Portillo's search for the real Portugal brings him to Sintra, once the playground of Portuguese royalty, until the end of the monarchy in 1910. Still a popular destination among tourists, its highlights include the 19th-century Pena Palace, the country's icon of Romanticism, which borrows from medieval and Islamic architecture. Michael also explores the cobbled backstreets, finding a historic bakery and the two cakes for the which the town is renowned - a small cheesecake called a queijada and an almond-cream-filled puff-pastry known as a travesseiro.