Lisbon – Porto – Maderia

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. 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.

Brief overview

Country name: Portuguese Republic
Population: 10.7 million (UN, 2010)
Capital: Lisbon
Area: 92,345 sq km (35,655 sq miles)
Major language: Portuguese
Major religion: Christianity
Life expectancy: 76 years (men), 83 years (women) (UN)
Monetary unit: 1 euro = 100 cents
Main exports: Textiles and clothing, wood products, electrical equipment
GNI per capita: US $20,940 (World Bank, 2009)
Internet domain: .pt
International dialling code: +351