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Boa Viagem!
Located at the edge of the known world for thousands of years, Portugal contributed dramatically to the broadening of that world's horizons. Its many palaces and other architectural masterpieces now serve as beautiful reminders of the royalty's pursuit of splendour and prestige.
Overview
Portugal is often classified as a Mediterranean country, although it has no coastline on this body of water. However, in terms of its climate, flora and fauna, Portugal displays many Mediterranean characteristics. The country's landscape and terrain are varied and change often, even over short distances. Portugal's two most important rivers are the Tagus (Tajo), which flows past Lisbon, and the Douro, which runs alongside Porto.
Long considered the garden of Europe, Portugal is home to more than 2,700 species of plants. The famous cork-oak is particularly plentiful in the Alentejo. A number of species, such as the eucalyptus, have been successfully imported from Africa and South America. The maritime pine has also been widely planted as part of a major reforestation program.
Near Sintra, a dense tropical and subtropical vegetation thrives in the mild, temperate climate. The Algarve, for its part, enjoys a lovely Mediterranean climate with flowers blooming from February to September.
In addition to the Penada-Gerês national park, this country has eight nature reserves or parks, including the aquatic reserve of Ria Formosa, a stopping place for migratory birds. The Cabo de São Vicente, the westernmost tip of Europe, is also an important rest area for many migratory birds. In the Alentejo, you might have the opportunity to spot huge stork nests.
Most airline travellers arriving in Portugal first touch down in Lisbon, the country's capital and a city rich in attractions. No trip to Portugal would be complete without a sojourn in Porto, a metropolis to the north. Many of the city's ancient historical neighbourhood are classified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Lovers of sun and sand should not miss a visit to Faro, with its beautiful beaches and mild Algarve climate, while those with a passion for cstles, churches and museums will certainly appreciate the historic cities of Évora, Óbidos, Batalha, Alcobaça, Tomar and Coimbra. Finally, further to the north, the cities of Braza and Guimarães will reveal many fascinating aspects of Portugal's intricate history.
Where on earth
Excluding its islands, Portugal covers an area of 89,000 km2 (55,304 sq mi). No part of this oblong country, which measures 560 km (348 mi) from north to south, lies more than 220 km (137 mi) from the sea. Generally speaking, the altitude increases the closer you get to Spain, and the country's highest peak reaches 2,993 m (961 feet).
