Portugal

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Tower of Belem, Portugal

Introducing Portugal

While it's true that Portugal is no longer the Iberian Peninsula's best-kept secret, it's fairly easy to escape the crowds. Even at the busiest resorts in the Algarve, it only takes a short bus ride or a walk across countryside to reveal rarely visited places that still offer the feeling of discovery - a sentiment close to the Portuguese soul. Portugal has an old-fashioned charm, with medieval castles and picture-perfect villages scattered over meandering coastlines and flower-covered hillsides. From the ancient university town of Coimbra to Lord Byron's favourite Portuguese haunt, Sintra, the country's proud history can be felt everywhere.

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Sun-kissed beaches like Cascais and Sagres offer enticements of a more hedonistic sort. Indeed, the dramatic, end-of-the-world cliffs, wild dune-covered beaches, protected coves and long, sandy islands of Portugal's coastline have long enchanted visitors and locals alike. Meanwhile, the country's capital, Lisbon, and its northern rival, Porto, are magical places for the wanderer, with riverside views, cobblestone streets and rattling trams framed by looming cathedrals.

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Last updated: Mar 23, 2012

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Thorn Tree forum discussion

Recent posts

  1. Moo_27 avatar
    Exploring the Andalucia

    by Moo_27 27 May 2012

    Hi everyone, This is my first time on this forum and I'm hoping to drum up some ideas for our 10 days on the Andalucia coast - coming…
  2. Stav_ros avatar
    Re: Lisbon in June

    by Stav_ros 27 May 2012

    There is plenty to see in Lisbon. On the first full day you are there definitely take a walking tour (get information at the tourist office)…
  3. manuelramos avatar
    RE: 12 days Portugal and Spain in July

    by manuelramos 26 May 2012

    Hi! I live in Lisbon and I travel quite a lot around Portugal so I think I can help you. If you start your trip in Lisbon you could then…

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Top cities in Portugal

  1. Lisbon
  2. Porto
  3. Évora
  4. Lagos
  5. Coimbra
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