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