Portugal is located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. It borders the Atlantic Ocean on the west and south and by Spain to the north and East. Portugal is about the size of Scotland but has twice the population. It is a geographically- and culturally- diversed country with a long tradition of social and political history. Some of the earliest known civilizations settled in this region, including the Celts, the Romans, the Suebi, Visigoths and other Germanic kingdoms. The country’s alliance with England in 1373 is considered the longest-standing alliance in the world.
Throughout the 15th century, Portuguese explorers sailed from Africa, South America to Asia, establishing trade posts which brought economic prosperity to the kingdom. Today, much of those overseas territories have been handed over but Portuguese cultures and traditions became deeply rooted into these colonies.
Officially the Portuguese Republic, Portugal is one of the warmest countries in Europe with an Oceanic climate in the north and Mediterranean in the south. Temperature varies between -2 °C in winter and 37°C in summer (although extreme seasons can make the temperature fall or rise beyond this range.)
Scenically, some of the most alluring natural beauties in Portugal are in Minho, the country’s greenest and most traditional province where stately homes are converted into cozy bed and breakfast hotels. The wine region of Douro with its spectacular gorges and valleys are a sight not to be missed. Continuous beaches lined up the country’s coast dotted with mainly low-key resorts and deserted sands in between. And when you’re there, be sure to bring a dictionary, because you might be lost for words when you see the other beautiful places this country has to offer.