Portugal is located in the west and southwest parts of the Iberian Peninsula in southwest Europe, and is the most western country in continental Europe. Portugal's population is approximately 10,570,000 people. Portugal is bordered by Spain to the north and east and by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south. In addition, Portugal includes two archipelagos (chain or cluster of islands) in the Atlantic, Azores, and Madeira Islands. There has been a constant change of civilizations in Portugal over the past 3,000 years. Dozens of cultures and countries have shaped Portugal's identity. Continental Portugal is split by the Tagus River. There are mountains to the north, with plateaus cut by four lines that allow development of agricultural areas. The south (between Tejo and the Algarve) is mostly rolling plains with a climate warmer and drier than the cooler and rainier north. The Algarve has a Mediterranean climate; the islands of the Azores and Medeira are in the mid-Atlantic Ridge--some of the islands have had recent volcanic activity. The last eruptions was 1957. Portugal's highest point is Mount Pico on Pico Island--an ancient volcano that is 2,351m (7,713 ft). The Portuguese coast has 943km (586 miles) for continental Portugal, 667km (414 miles) for the Azores, 250 km (155 miles) for Madeira and the Savage Islands. The coast has beautiful beaches, the Algarves are world famous. The dunes on Porto Santo Island lure other tourists. Portugal is one of the warmest European countries. In mainland Portugal, the yearly temperature averages about 15 degrees Celsius (55 degrees Fahrenheit) in the north, and 18 degrees Celsius (64 degrees Fahrenheit) in the south. A large part of Portugal is covered by forest. In the last years, large areas of forests have been destroyed by fires. In 2005, the problem was aggravated by a severe drought affecting the mainland. For fishing, the mixture of cold and warm waters invite several species, but all allow for the development of a great number of species of seaweeds. Portugal's goal is to foster tourism away from the beaches, and to lure visitors into the heart of real Portugal. The interior has been experiencing a population decline, but certainly has tourist appeal. The beaches of Algarve has primarily been the attraction for years, but has become over-populated and overgrown, and authorities are trying to reclaim the area. Lisbon has recently become a popular destination because of the palaces, castles, and scenery. Madeira and the Azores also have potential for future tourism traffic. Culture, cuisine, monuments, churches, sports, festivals, are too numerous to list, but can be researched and studied in depth prior to departure for your intended destination. There are 13 UNESCO World Heritage Sites that include art, monasteries, parks, vineyards, resorts, and more.

Albufeira

Aveiro

Beja

Braga

Faro