Portugal (Eyewitness Travel Guides) 2003

Still not updated, but it really doesn't matter that much. This guidebook "provides extensive information on the people, history and sights of Portugal... the information is splendidly presented with vivid photographs and succinct coverage of all the major cities and sights, and even some remote locations. After paging through this book one almost feels intimately knowledgeable with Portugal's history and culture". Couldn't have said it better myself!

Really, this is essential if you're going to spend any time in Portugal. Only buy the more detailed guides if you're going to spend much more time in the particular places.

Lisbon (Eyewitness Travel Guides)

This is not so recent either (September 2003) but gives more practical details, eg restaurants, hotels than the general guide. If Lisbon is your main port of call and/or you're spending time there, buy this, although be wary of the pricing etc. Otherwise, stick with the country guide.

Algarve (Eyewitness Top 10 Travel Guides) 2005

This one is more recent (June 2005). "The Algarve region of Portugal is divided into central, eastern, and western regions. Covering the top resorts and attractions, from the Alentejo region to many lesser-known sights, you'll find top 10 lists of the best bars, beaches, restaurants, and hotels that Algarve has to offer".

This is the ideal companion to a vacation in the Algarve holiday region of Portugal. More detailed than the country guide, although there's a lot of the same information.