The Common Information Before a First Trip to Portugal

Evan Kingsley wrote on 9/23/2023. Last updated: 6/20/2024

Ah, Portugal, our very own little sun-drenched secret tucked away on the southwestern edge of Europe! Shaped akin to a charmingly rumpled rectangle, one can't help but marvel at the geographical diversity awaiting to be discovered. See, Portugal doesn’t just do geography—it becomes geography!

Heading from north to south, you're welcomed by delightful differences. Begin in the verdant green Minho region, where terraced vineyards embody a patchwork beauty reminiscent of a children's storybook setting. Then as you scoot inland towards (Trás-os-Montes if we're getting technical) you're embraced by rugged mountains that give way to undulating plains. Dramatic, sure, but that's northern Portugal for you!

Then onwards to the central region and you’re plunged into Portugal's heartland, bristling with pine forests and nestled between Spain and a dazzling stretch of coastline. Speaking of which, oh, the coastlines! From the wild waves of Nazaré embraced by surfing enthusiasts, to the golden cliffs of Algarve that boast a fiery palette of burnt oranges and reds that truly bask in the sunlight. Portugal’s coasts are like a sultry scene straight out of a romantic novel.

But we can't talk about Portugal without a hat-tip to the river Duoro. This serpentine beauty sculpts the terrain from Spain to Porto, creating a dramatic valley garnished with vineyards — always ready for their close-up!

Toss in the archipelago outliers, the lush volcanic terrains of Azores and the subtropical charms of Madeira, drifting coquettishly in the Atlantic Ocean, and you’ve got Portugal – an absolute geographical confection!

Now isn't that just geography having a jolly good time? Oh, Portugal, you flirty feast of geographically goodness, you leave us with severe case of wanderlust, time and again!


Evan Kingsley

Evan Kingsley

Hey, I’m Evan! Even though I’ve been bitten by a piranha, left stranded in the Sahara when my camel ditched me, and even spent a night in a Bhutanese jail over a supposedly stolen fruit (I swear I didn’t take it!), I still love traveling so much I don’t think I’ll ever stop. With over 130 countries under my belt, I’m always on the lookout for the next wild adventure… hopefully with fewer bites, camel betrayals, and misunderstandings over fruit!

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