More than 1,300 firefighters backed up by a dozen waterbombing planes battled three big wildfires in central and northern Portugal on Tuesday, with authorities putting most of the country on red alert for fires after weeks of hot weather.

The country's only remaining narrow-gauge railway line plays host to heritage trains, offering travellers a chance to travel through the stunning Vouga Valley in a period locomotive.

Portuguese authorities have announced measures to strengthen the country's electricity system after the April 28 blackout that affected most of Spain and Portugal.

Portuguese firefighters work to extinguish a wildfire in Caramulo, north Portugal, Friday, Aug. 30, 2013.

Hundreds of firefighters are battling wildfires across Portugal as extreme heat and strong winds threaten to worsen the situation. The entire country remains on high alert due to a “maximum or very high” fire risk,

Kidman has applied for residency in Portugal, revealing that the Hollywood star will be spending more time in Europe.

Stay connected with TTG Media's Noticeboard – your go-to space for industry updates, announcements, and community news from the world of travel and tourism.

Madeira, an island about a two-hour flight from the mainland, is another location that consistently rises to the top of expert lists of the best places to retire in Portugal. “Madeira is great for Americans," Jeremy Savory, founder of Millionaire Migrant, said, noting direct flights from the U.S. are under seven hours long.

The Portuguese government plans to invest up to 400 million euros ($466 million) to improve grid management and boost battery storage following a massive blackout across Spain and Portugal in April.

Why is everyone going to Portugal?” my friend Justin asked when I told him I was going there for a visit. People travel for many reasons, but visiting friends and relatives (VFR in industry-speak) is one of the largest and most resilient segments of the travel industry.