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'Come to Portugal a stranger - leave Portugal a friend.' This long-standing Portuguese saying is definitely accurate. It's quite simple to fall in head over heals in love with this country. Its warm, welcoming people, the Portuguese “soul,” the history, the culture and language…and not to forget - the climate: Portugal is perfect for a sunny holiday or excursion every time you need one.

The capital, Lisbon, has a country manner. Its buildings are classically proportioned and its neighborhoods full of character. You will see old women grilling sardines at their doorsteps and laundry flaps from lines strung between balconies colored with geraniums.

Portugal is also a very historic place. In fact, once it was the wealthiest and the most powerful nation in the world. Besides the sea and sports, you will truly delight in the historical attractions the country has to offer. The medieval quarters of Alfama and Mouraria and the glorious Sao Jorge Castle are just a few examples.

Costa Verde occupies the northwest corner of Portugal. Stop at this beautiful place to behold valleys, hills and mountains in endless shades of green. Costa de Prata stretches along 200 km in the centre. Lagoons, small villages in the hills, castles, forests, the Berlengas Islands where there is good sea fishing, and sandy beaches considered to be among the finest in Europe, are right here.

The archipelago of Azores is almost 1500 km west of Lisboa and nearly halfway between Portugal and New York. Here is yet another place for you to fall in love with! And there is more. In the northeast of Portugal, the Montanhas is an unspoiled area with a splendid countryside, castles, forests, rivers, vineyards, old mansions and spas. Salema, too, is a rather interesting place. Still a fishing village, the city is divided into two halves with distinct personalities, as one half was especially built for tourists.

Portugal feels like everybody's home. So, yes, when you're jetting back home - you'll definitely feel like you're leaving behind a friend.

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