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Planet In1 Destination Europe - Portugal

Portugal is located on the west side of the Iberian Peninsula, in south western Europe. It is bordered on the east and north by Spain, and on the west and south by the Atlantic Ocean. The population of the country is approx 10 million people.

Portugal has existed as an independent state since the 12th century. Its geographic location on the Atlantic seaboard determined the country's vocation to the sea. In the early 15 th century, Portugal became the first nation to discover the ocean routes to India, Brazil, China and Japan. Also around this time the Portuguese settled on the east and west coasts of Africa. This exposure to so many different civilizations and cultures is plainly visible in the diverse architectural, artistic and archaeological heritage of the country.

The terrain is mainly mountainous north of the Tagus River with rolling plains to the south. With the additional advantage of having a sunny climate, Portugal has become a popular destination for holidaymakers, ideal for water sports and golf, with modern tourist facilities and accommodation. As the Portuguese people enjoy a reputation for hospitality that is second to none, it is small wonder that holidaymakers return here year after year.

Lisbon, on the banks of the Tagus River, has been capital of Portugal since 1255. This is a beautiful city with many fine monuments and buildings, which bear testament to the great Age of Discoveries. An ideal place to enjoy traditional music and entertainment as well as shopping. With the port and marinas nearby, water sports are an added attraction.

The Atlantic Coast north and south of Lisbon is an area of great natural beauty, ranging from high, lofty cliffs to white sandy beaches. Cabo de Roca is the westernmost point on the continent of Europe, which the poet Camões defined as "where the land ends and the sea begins". Fishing is still an important occupation here. Further inland, at Alcobaça, Tomar and Batalha, are to be found the ancient monasteries and convents of the religious orders as well as ancient castles at Leiria, Tomar, Óbidos and Santarém.

Porto, the second largest Portuguese city, in the north of the country, gives its name to the famous port wine. This is noted for its 19 th century architecture and the delicious variety of foods and unusual recipes. The city is in an area known as the Capo de Verde, which is a combination of rolling green hills, mountains and fertile valleys with a coastline of unpolluted beaches. Other cities include Braga, with its Baroque churches, Guimaraes, birthplace of the nation with its ancient castle and Viana do Castelo with Baroque and Renaissance style mansions.

The mountainous northeast region of Portugal contains the Serra de Estrela, the highest mountain range and some of the country's finest scenery and unspoilt countryside. This is a popular place for walkers with fascinating flora and panoramic views, as well as for skiers in the winter. The country's most famous cheese 'Queijo de Serra' is still made here by hand.

The plains area stretches from the fertile plains of Ribatejo, with the river Tagus and known for bull and horse breeding, to the wide, golden landscapes of Alentejo, which occupies nearly one-third of Portugal. In the northeast are Nisa, Castelo de Vide, Marvão, Portalegre and Alter do Chão, which make up the Rota dos Castelos (Castle Route). Further south are Évora, one of the most beautiful and historic towns in Portugal, Monsaraz, Vila Viçosa, Estremoz, and Arraiolos, renowned for its hand made tapestries. Even further south again are Alvito, Beja (where one can stay in historic pousadas), Serpa and Mértola.

In the south of the country is the Algarve, with a warm sunny climate throughout the year and a coastline of splendid beaches, as well as numerous golf courses, which make this the most popular holiday destination in the country. Traces of its Moorish past are still to be seen in its unique terraces, chimneys and whitewashed houses.

Faro, the region's capital, with its medieval wall, has many churches and museums worth a visit. Lagos is enclosed within 15 th century walls. Portimao is a fishing town with Praia da Rocha in its suburbs. Sagres is where a school of navigation was set up five centuries previously and nearby Cabo de Sao Vicente, the southwestern tip of the European continent. The area has a wealth of water sports facilities, tennis courts, golf courses, luxury hotels and holiday resorts as well as restaurants offering an array of food to tempt any palate.

Madeira Island is the largest and most populated of the group of volcanic islands discovered by Portuguese navigators in 1419. Included in this group are the island of Porto Santo and two groups of uninhabited islands, noted as bird sanctuaries.

Madeira has a wonderful climate and the scenery is very beautiful, with an assortment of flowers and tropical fruits and a wealthy cultural heritage. Madeira is also known for the renowned wine, which has made its home island world famous.

The archipelago of the Azores, consisting of nine islands, lies 907 miles from the European coast and 2330 miles from North America. These beautiful islands enjoy mild temperatures all year round and are a peaceful haven in which to relax, with lakes, fertile prairies, volcanic cones and craters, colorful hydrangeas and azaleas, 15th century churches and majestic manor houses. Sao Miguel Island is the largest island with Ponta Delgada as its capital. Santa Maria, Terceira, Graciosa, Faial, Pico, Sao Jorge, Flores and Corvo Islands all have much to offer the discerning visitor.