Introduction
Often overshadowed by its much larger eastern neighbour, Spain, Portugal has its own distinct language, identity, customs, landscapes and scenery. Despite the encroachment of tourism, it remains one of the least spoilt corners of Europe. Portugal can conveniently be divided into five regions: Porto and the north, Beiras, Lisbon and the Tagus Valley, Alentejo and the Algarve. Portugal’s Atlantic islands, the Azores and Madeira, are covered separately in this guide. For more information, see their individual entries.
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