Portugal

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Portugal, Country in southwestern Europe

This republic is a sovereign state in southwestern Europe that stretches along the Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula and includes mountain ranges in the north, gentle plains in the center, and long sandy beaches in the south. The territory also covers the archipelagos of Madeira and the Azores in the Atlantic, each with its own climate and landscape.

This nation emerged in the 12th century as an independent kingdom and began an expansion across the seas in the 15th century, opening new routes to India and Brazil. In 1910, the monarchy ended through a revolution, leading to the foundation of the current republic.

This republic is known for its ceramic traditions, where azulejos made from painted tiles decorate public buildings and train stations, often showing scenes from daily life or seafaring. In many cities, you see small cafés where locals drink their espresso at the counter and enjoy pastéis de nata, while street musicians perform in the squares outside.

This republic uses Central European Time and the euro as its currency, with a road network linking major centers such as the capital, the northern coastal city, and the southern resort area. English is often understood in urban areas and tourist zones, while rural regions mostly use the local language only.

The Montado system combines cork oak forests with livestock grazing and farming, forming a sustainable method that provides half of the world's cork production. This traditional land use protects the soil from erosion and offers habitat for many native animal species, including the Iberian lynx.

Inception: May 23, 1179

Capital city: Lisbon

Part of: South-West Europe, European Union, European Economic Area

Shares border with: Spain

Address: Portugal

Website: https://portugal.gov.pt

GPS coordinates: 39.66216,-8.13535

Latest update: December 4, 2025 17:20

Portugal off the beaten path: villages, coasts, islands

Portugal extends well beyond its main tourist centers. Away from the established routes lie medieval villages like Monsanto, where granite houses wedge themselves between massive boulders, or the fortified hilltop town of Marvão overlooking the Spanish border. Peneda-Gerês National Park spreads across forests, rivers and centuries-old settlements connected by hiking trails. The coastline varies considerably: Cabo Espichel with its cliffs and remote pilgrimage site, the rock formations at Ponta da Piedade near Lagos, the striped wooden houses of Costa Nova facing the ocean. The Azores offer crater lakes such as Lagoa das Sete Cidades, volcanic caves like Gruta das Torres and thermal springs at Caldeira Velha. Madeira presents the coastal village of Paul do Mar and the plateau of Fajã dos Padres, accessible only by cable car. The list includes religious structures such as Alcobaça Monastery, the bone chapel in Évora and Convento dos Capuchos in the forests near Sintra. Historic fortifications like Almourol Castle on a Tagus island or the fortress at Sagres on the continent's southwestern tip complete the picture.

Where to swim in freshwater in Portugal?

Explore the most notable freshwater areas of Portugal, from natural lakes to artificial reservoirs, located on the mainland and the Azores islands. This collection presents a variety of sites offering swimming, water sports, and birdwatching, from the mountains of the North to the Alentejo regions, including the volcanic formations of the Azores.

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francoise26
@francoise26

May 20, 2025 15:07

Mira de Aire Cave Very beautiful caves. A one-hour visit that is very well organized.

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