Portugal Travel Guide

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Though overshadowed by its more popular neighbor to the east, Portugal remains one of Europe's unspoiled gems. This land of traditional villages and vibrant cities has a countryside strewn with historical treasures and a wide assortment of World Heritage sites - natural and cultural wonders that offer a window into this once great seafaring nation.

Lively cities
Portugal's lively capital, Lisbon, and its northern sibling, Porto, are magical places for the wanderer, with picturesque neighborhoods, broad plazas and old-fashioned trams still rattling through the streets. Both cities have their share of enticing urban life, with eclectic restaurants, colorful boutiques, bohemian cafes and stylish nightclubs that make good use of the waterside setting. Smaller towns offer their own enchantment, with well-preserved medieval quarters that invite exploring in towns like Évora, Coimbra, Guimarães and Braga .

Scenic countryside
Outside the cities, travelers can enjoy Portugal's warm sunny weather exploring centuries-old vineyards, visiting stone villages in the mountains or soaking up rays on the magnificent southern shoreline. Dramatic scenery lies all along the coast from windswept cliffs with edge-of-the-world views to wild dune-covered beaches.

More than just a static backdrop, the scenery sets the stage for outdoor adventure. Hiking, surfing, windsurfing, horse-riding, big game fishing, kayaking, diving, golfing and mountain biking are a few ways to spend a sun-drenched afternoon.

Portuguese culture
Those seeking a different slice of Portuguese culture can join in the revelry at a traditional festival, discover the melancholic music of fado (Portugal's answer to the Blues), sample the great fruits of the sea or go port wine tasting.

Perhaps best of all, visitors can stay overnight in some beautiful settings, from converted medieval monasteries to sprawling manor houses, elegant beach resorts to urban townhouses set in the heart of a historic neighborhood.

Geography

Portugal occupies the southwest part of the Iberian Peninsula and shares borders in the north and the east with Spain, while to the south and west lies the Atlantic Ocean. The country is divided into various provinces, including the Atlantic islands of Madeira and the Azores; the latter lying some 1,220km (760 miles) due west of Lisbon. The Douro, Guadiana and Tejo (Tagus) rivers flow across the border from Spain. North Portugal is mountainous, the highest part being the Serra da Estrela, a popular area for skiing. The vast plains of the Alentejo region stretch south of Lisbon. A range of mountains divides the Alentejo from the Algarve, which runs along the south coast, and is one of the most popular resort areas with wide sandy beaches and attractive bays.