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Portugal is situated in the extreme south-western part of Europe, and in the Atlantic it includes the archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira. Continental Portugal occupies an area of 88,889 km2, enjoying 832 km of Atlantic coastline. Portugal has a population of about 10.3 million inhabitants.

Portugal, the western-most country in European and one of its oldest, was founded in the middle of the 12th century, yet today it is a modern and dynamic country that has been a member of the European Union since 1986.

Featuring a temperate climate with many hours of sunshine, a wide range of landscapes, a harmonious balance between tradition and modernity, world-class gastronomy, fine wines, a warm and welcoming people and a wide range of leisure and entertainment offerings, Portugal is a prime destination for the savvy tourist. Just a few hours’ journey from almost all European countries, Portugal attracts visitors from around the world.

In a country whose shores are washed by the Atlantic, Portugal boasts 850 km of coastline with beaches appealing to any taste, from the more secluded stretches of sand to the more lively and cosmopolitan beaches. Whether on the continent or on the Islands, there are parks, nature reserves and protected wildlife areas that safeguard Portugal’s precious natural heritage, providing the best scenario for the practice of many different sporting activities. Given its exceptional climate, Portugal is rightly recognised on the international level as a destination for golfers who find golf courses open all year round.

From north to south, from the Azores to Madeira, there exists a unique cultural patrimony in the monuments and sites that have been classified as UNESCO World Heritage. Of prominent mention are Manueline art and Portuguese Tile-making, yet there are still more art forms and traditions of a 1,000-year old culture that has shaped itself over the centuries. Fado music continues to hold Portugal’s place on the stage of world music.

The entire territory north of the Douro River is designated for promotional purposes as “Oporto and the North of Portugal” and includes the geographical names of Oporto, the Minho, the Douro and the Trás-os-Montes. It was in this part of Portugal that the country was founded, and the historical and natural heritage is second only to the hospitality of the locals. As for protected nature parks, of mention is Portugal’s only national park in the mountains of the Serra Peneda-Gerês. Another product from the north is port wine, which is produced in the Douro River valley, well-known throughout the world.

In the Beiras province, an area lying between the Douro and Tagus Rivers, the cities of Aveiro, Coimbra, Viseu, Guarda and Castelo Branco are the starting-off point for the discovery of a region full of contrasts. The fishermen’s towns along the coast, the pristine historical towns and the Serra da Estrela Natural Park in the interior, the practice of sport and other outdoor activity are all calling visitors to stop by and wander about the Beiras. The Greater Lisbon Area encompasses not only the capital but also a wider-ranging area for the most varied of interests, from the offerings of historical heritage sites and religious tourism to nautical sports and other leisure activities. A short journey from Lisbon is the Estoril Coast and the romantic town of Sintra, or even Óbidos and Tomar, places of great cultural interest farther afield, or even Fátima, one of the most celebrated Marian sanctuaries in the world.

Farther south are the golden plains of Portugal and its protected coastal areas, making up the region called the Alentejo. Évora, a World Heritage city, the walled cities of Marvão and Monsaraz, and the city-museum of Mértola are only a few examples of the patrimony to be found here, a region rich in the mingling of Roman, Moorish and Jewish cultures. The Algarve is one of the destinations inside Portugal that is most recognised around the world. Lots of sea and fine weather, sunshine and beaches make up the image of relaxing holidays but also of the whole region. Year-round golf at some of Europe’s best golf courses has become an important investment in the Algarve and a hallmark throughout the Tourism Region. The Atlantic Islands are two refuges that preserve nature’s beauty and truly deserve a prolonged visit.

The nine islands that make up the Azores are the ideal destination to rest and relax, a place where geological features in nature can easily be seen and where the harmonious landscape sculpted by man come together for a splendid moment of discovery.

In Madeira, an exceptional climate with year-round temperatures between 16ºC and 25ºC, the well-kept and lush vegetation, the wealth of historical sites, excellent hotels and excellent service are enough to satisfy even the most demanding tourists.

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