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