| Perched on the western edge of the Iberian | | | | natural beauty. The Azores Islands |
| Peninsula, Portugal stands out among its | | | | archipelago lies 907 miles from the coast and |
| neighbors as one of the oldest and yet most | | | | is a haven of turquoise lakes, rolling green |
| traditional and conservative European | | | | hills and sandy beaches. Monasteries, |
| civilizations. Visitors can view 22,000 | | | | cathedrals, forts and ruins dating back to |
| year-old Paleolithic art on the rock faces of | | | | the 15th Century, when Portuguese navigators |
| Vale do Côa, and human occupation of this | | | | encountered the outcropping, are sprinkled |
| region dates 500,000 years back in time! The | | | | about the islands. To the South, the enticing |
| Celts settled here around 750 B.C. and were | | | | subtropical climate of Madeira Island and the |
| followed by Romans, Visigoths, and Greeks | | | | surrounding volcanic archipelago is a bastion |
| among others. The Moors enjoyed their | | | | for adventure-seekers, resort luxuries, |
| infamous occupation from the 8th to the 13th | | | | Madeira wine and untouched 15th Century |
| Century and left their culture and ornate, | | | | architecture standing dramatically on seaside |
| whitewashed architecture as an eclectic | | | | cliffs. Both of these secluded retreats are |
| signature on the Iberian Peninsula. | | | | easily accessible from major airports on |
| | | | mainland Portugal. |
| Today, Portugal's homogenous culture and | | | | |
| dedication to tradition is largely due to | | | | Tips to the Savvy Traveler |
| Salazar's oppressive rule during the | | | | |
| mid-1900s. As a result, visitors can enjoy a | | | | Nearly all of Portugal works on Siesta time |
| more culturally authentic stay in Portugal | | | | and 97% of the country is Catholic, therefore |
| than any other European nation. | | | | also affecting commercial hours and holidays. |
| | | | Most shops, banks and pharmacies are closed |
| The north-south axis of mainland Portugal | | | | between 1pm and 3pm (yes, even in major |
| creates regions of dynamic terrain and unique | | | | cities). Make special note that museums also |
| specialties. The popular Douro Valley | | | | close in the middle of the day between |
| stretches 125 miles along a winding river and | | | | 12:30pm and 2pm. Almost everything except |
| is famous for the string of port wineries at | | | | museums closes by 1pm on Saturdays, and plan |
| its edges. Cruises are now offered along the | | | | on simply eating and resting on Sundays when |
| entire length of the Valley, beginning in | | | | nothing is open. To plan your trip wisely, |
| Porto. The resort town of Lagos in the | | | | check the hours of operation of attractions |
| southern Algarve region attracts sun-seekers | | | | you'd like to see before planning your trip |
| and history buffs alike. Prepare to be swept | | | | or booking your room! |
| away by this hidden gem encircled by 15th | | | | |
| Century walls. | | | | Lastly, be aware when traveling by taxi. Fare |
| | | | is metered within urban limits, but once you |
| Travel Portugal in the Atlantic | | | | leave these boundaries, you will be charged |
| | | | by the kilometer in addition to the price of |
| Two groups of islands off the Atlantic | | | | the driver's return trip to the starting |
| Coastline belong to Portugal and are a | | | | point. When taking a taxi after midnight, |
| perfect and serene escape from the mainland, | | | | negotiate the price with the driver before |
| offering centuries of Portuguese history all | | | | getting in the car, especially if you've been |
| their own and a look into the region's | | | | indulging in Port! |