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.

Last updated: Aug 23, 2010

Tips & articles

  1. Portugal: travel books to read before you go

    6 September 2010

    This excerpt from Lonely Planet’s Portugal guide provides a selection of travel literature to get you in the mood for...

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  2. Lisbon for children

    11 July 2010

    These recommendations are taken from Lisbon Encounter, which is Lonely Planet’s short trip guide to the city. Little things spark...

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  3. Lisbon: films to see before you go

    11 July 2010

    This excerpt from Lonely Planet’s Lisbon Encounter guide offers a selection of films showcasing the city....

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Thorn Tree forum discussion

Recent posts

  1. sunchaser85 avatar
    Cheap ferry from Portugal to Lanzarote

    by sunchaser85 1 reply, last post 08 September 2010

    Does anybody know which ferry is the best choice from Portugal to Lanzarote? I heared the best choice would cost 280 Euro for 2 persons…
  2. jacobh avatar
    Canoe or Bike Hire in the Douro (Pinhão / Régua)

    by jacobh 2 replies, last post 06 September 2010

    I’m visiting the Douro valley at the start of October. Lots of websites say that there is good cycling and canoeing in the region but…
  3. GMC avatar
    Portugal - head north or south from Lisbon?

    by GMC 4 replies, last post 08 September 2010

    Have never been to Portugal before. Will be in Lisbon at the end of November and have two full days to get out of the city to do some…

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