The Portuguese Republic is located on the western part of the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe, and is the westernmost country in continental Europe. Portugal is bordered by Spain to the north and east and by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south. In addition, Portugal includes two archipelagos in the Atlantic, Azores and Madeira Islands.
Continental Portugal is split in two by its main river, the Tejo. To the north the landscape is mountainous in the interior areas with plateaus, cut by four breaking lines that allow the development of relevant agricultural areas. The south between the Tejo and the Algarve (the Alentejo) features mostly rolling plains with a climate somewhat warmer and drier than the cooler and rainier north. The Algarve, separated from the Alentejo by mountains, enjoys a Mediterranean climate comparable with Morrocco or Southern Spain, and is the southwesternmost tip of Europe.
Portugal's long coastline, mild climate, mountainous interior and sun-drenched beaches have long been popular attractions. Moreover the curious visitor will also find amazing architecture, fantastic museums, and above all, very friendly people - Portugal offers you the lot.
Portugal is easy to explore by your own car. Main roads are generally in a good condition, and if you choose to pootle around on smaller roads you'll find most of them empty.
Being the first time in Portugal, we chose to explore Lisbon, Lisbon's surroundings and the southern region (the Alentejo and the Algarve). While I loved Lisbon and its surroundings, the Atlantic coast as well as the mountainous interior, I was somewhat disappointed by the Algarve. I didn't like the beaches that are surrounded by huge hotels too much as well as the masses of tourists. However, some of the cities down there are really lovely; I especially found the old part of Lagos very charming!
I think I've written enough, please click on the links below to learn more about and to see my pictures of the various regions in Portugal:
For those interested, here's our route around the southern part of Portugal:
Day 1 (Sunday)
Austrian Airlines OS 4001: Vienna - Lisbon (10:25 am - 12:55 pm)
Pick-up of our rental car at National
Day 2 (Monday)
Lisbon - Setúbal - Vila Nova de Milfontes
Total: 201 km
Day 3 (Tuesday)
Vila Nova de Milfontes - Cabo de São Vicente - Lagos
Total: 161 km
Day 4 (Wednesday)
Lagos - Beach - Faro - Tavira
Total: 129 km
Day 5 (Thursday)
Tavira - Mértola - Serpa - Beja - Évora
Total: 267 km
Day 6 (Friday)
Évora - Lisbon
Total: 134 km
Day 7 (Saturday)
Lisbon
Day 8 (Sunday)
Lisbon - Sintra - Lisbon
Day 9 (Monday)
Austrian Airlines OS 4002: Lisbon - Vienna (02:05 p.m. - 06:20 p.m.)
Portugal's Official Tourism Website
Images of Portugal
Lonely Planet - Destination Portugal
Holiday Autos
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