In Europe, the countries may be geographically close, yet each maintains its strong individual character – perhaps none more so than Portugal. While often associated with its larger neighbor Spain, with which it shares the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal asserts itself proudly in terms of culture, history, and identity. From the delicious wine or port produced here, to the one-of-a-kind cuisine, to incredible nature, Portugal is a country that should not be passed over. This is to say nothing of the Portuguese islands that stretch far into the Atlantic. The Azores are a nature lover’s dream ; and the Madeira archipelago equally takes your breath away with its rugged beauty. Meanwhile the Algarve, on the mainland, never fails to impress with its surreal beaches. Last but not least, the capital Lisbon is a great experience; Lisbon possesses a certain charm that’s hard to put a finger on, but you’ll know it when you feel it.
