Introduction

Portugal is a country situated in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. It is a stunningly marvelous country; the rivers, forests and lush valleys of the north are a splendid contrast to its contorted southern coastline of beaches, cliffs and coves. It has peaceful beach resorts, wistful towns and cities, wonderful vineyards, wheat fields and landscape wreathed in olive groves. Portugal’s lively capital, Lisbon, and its northern sibling, Porto, are magical places for the wanderer, with scenic neighborhoods, broad plazas and old-fashioned trams still moving through the streets.

Climate

Outside the cities, travelers prefer visiting stone villages in the mountains or soaking up rays on the magnificent southern shoreline. The northwest has mild winters with intense rainfall and fairly short summers. The northeast has extended winters and hot summers. In the south, summers (May to October) are warm with slight rainfall except in early spring and autumn. Southern Portugal, including the Algarve, has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures are high, but moderated by sea breezes. In the north the weather is wetter. The best time to travel to Portugal is during spring and autumn when days are pleasantly sunny and warm.

Places to visit

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal. The Shrine of Mother Mary at Fatima and Algarve attract many who seek a spiritual experience. Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of Portugal and of the European continent as a whole is a breathtaking experience. The remarkable Torre de Belem was the starting point of explorer Vasco da Gama’s historical journey into the New World. The country’s largest collection of roman ruins can be found at Conímbriga, which also boasts one of Portugal’s finest museums. The beautiful Monastery of Batalha is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Porto is the original home of port wine, winding streets, an interesting old town that is a World Heritage Site.

Airport

Portugal is popular for a dozen major and regional airports that provide easy access to not-so-easy-to-reach parts of the country. The Lisbon airport is the best in the country. Several facilities are available at the airport. Alsocheap car rental portugal can be found on every airport hence travelling to and from the airport is easy

Transport

In all major towns there are several companies providing rent a car service. The Portuguese railway system is State owned and has the name of “Caminhos de Ferro Portuguese (CP)”. The system provides a very reasonably priced transport within the country.