Portugal

Portugal, officially the Portuguese Republic, is located on the western side of the Iberian Peninsula in southwest Europe.  It shares borders with Spain to the north and east and Atlantic Ocean to the west and south. There are three major rivers in the country, the Minho, Douro and Tejo. The Atlantic Ocean island chains of the Azores and Madeira also belong to Portugal.  The Azores comprise nine islands which are approx. two hours flying time west from Lisbon.  The island of Madeira is located SW in the Atlantic. Other Portuguese islands located in the Atlantic Ocean southwest of Lisbon are uninhabited.   Portugal has plenty to keep visitors occupied with several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, walled cities, picturesque and glamorous coastal resorts.  Famous for the Port wine grape, there are many scenic areas and vineyards to explore.  In the centre of the country is the pilgrimage town of Fatima, famous for religious visions. 

The capital and largest city is Lisbon.  Currency is the Euro.  Portuguese is the official language.  Portugal joined the (EEC) EU in 1986.

Faro is the capital of the sunny Algarve region in the south.  Faro is a great place to explore with its pedestrian streets and ancient walls and buildings.  The Algarve is a great place to spend a relaxing holiday, with its pretty whitewashed houses and sun-drenched beaches and marinas.  Lagos, at the SW tip of the Algarve is famous for its maritime history and is a good place to sit over a drink and watch the boating activity and oceangoing yachts come and go.  

Portugal has plenty of activities on offer, whether you want to visit a Fado club,  and experience the beautiful and melancholy music, go on a river cruise, play a round of golf, or enjoy any of the multitude of water sports available along the lovely coastal areas. 

  www.visitportugal.com

Lisbon

Lisbon is the largest and capital city of Portugal, located in the central western coast on the river Tagus which flows to the Atlantic.  It is the country’s cultural and commercial centre and has an important harbour,  The city has plenty of history with medieval forts, cathedrals and other buildings and an Old Quarter, the Alfama, with cobble stone streets and alleyways.  Close to Lisbon there are many monasteries and churches.  Lisbon has one of the longest suspension bridges in the world, which spans the Tagus. The city also has many attractions including a park, oceanarium and plenty of fashionable eateries, cafes and shops. Other popular places to visit in the Lisbon area include Cascais and Sintra where you will see sights such as picturesque castles, palaces, vineyards, hills and forested areas, and the sandy beaches and glamour of Estoril.

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