Portugal occupies the southwest part of the Iberian Peninsula and shares borders in the north and the east with Spain, while to the south and west lies the Atlantic Ocean.

The country is divided into various provinces, including the Atlantic islands of Madeira and the Azores; the latter lying some 1220km (760 miles) due west of Lisbon.

The Douro, Guadiana and Tagus rivers flow across the border from Spain. North Portugal is mountainous, the highest part being the Serra da Estrela, a popular area for skiing. South of Lisbon stretch the vast plains of the Alentejo region. A range of mountains divides the Alentejo from the Algarve, which runs along the south coast, and is one of the most popular resort areas with wide sandy beaches and attractive bays.


With such a long sea coast, it is not surprising that Portugal has witnessed so many sailings and arrivals.

This is why Portugal has been open to the world and to communication for so long.

Portugal have assimilated peoples of different origins: Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans (who left us our language), northern Europeans and peoples from Mauritania. In spite of all these mixtures, Portugal is one of the oldest nations in Europe.


In the 12th century, the country gained its independence from the other kingdoms in the Iberian Peninsula thanks to Count Afonso Henriques, who was the first king at his own wish. A century later, with the conquest of the Algarve, Portugal was to definitively establish its continental border.

In the late 13th century, King Dinis founded the Portuguese university, one of the oldest in Europe, and took it to the beautiful city of Coimbra. In the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries, the Portuguese were the first Europeans to sail to Africa, the distant Orient and the heart of South America, from which brought a wealth of treasures. Even before advancement along the coast of Africa, Portugal discovered the archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira, which are part of the Portuguese territory in the Atlantic even till today.

After a dynastic crisis and a period under the rule of the Spanish crown, in 1640 a Portuguese king took the throne once more. In the 18th century, King João V, an absolutist monarch and a patron of the arts, built a huge palace and convent in Mafra and the great aqueduct that supplied Lisbon’s water. In the 19th century, the monarchy was weakened by clashes between different factions and, in 1910, it was overthrown and Portugal became a republic.

Portugal have been members of the EU since 1986.

To the south of Portugal, you will find the popular destination of the Algarve. Think of the Algarve and you think of sunshine breaks and relaxing holidays. You imagine golden beaches on the coast of calm sea waters, sun-kissed tourists relaxing and sampling the delights that this wonderful region of Portugal has to offer.

Everywhere you go, you are surrounded by bright colours, from the golden sands, to the crystal clear waters, the clear blue skies, the vivid green grass, and the white-washed walls of the buildings in the Algarve's old towns.

There is no one best way to explore this region of Portugal. The seemingly endless coastline includes some of the world's most beutiful beaches, but by venturing just a few miles inland, you can lose yourself in the heritage and history of the Algarve.

Fancy a more action-packed holiday? The Algarve caters for all holiday makers... with every watersport available for all tourists.
The Algarve is also home to some of the world's most famous golf courses, where players of all ability are welcome. You can also try your hand at a nice relaxing game of bowling, or tennis, with the Algarve's fantastic views and sights providing the perfect backdrop.

Albufeira. The tourist capital of the Algarve. If you're looking to make the most of your trip to the Algarve, then Albufeira has to be visited. Albufeira boasts golden beaches, luxury holiday resorts, golf courses, great restaurants and a lively nightlife. Albufeira is the town of the Algarve.

The Algarve really is a European paradise, and for that reason you want to make sure you get to know it properly. Let us show you around.

Morocco is located on the westernmost tip of north Africa, bordering Algeria to the east and Mauritania to the south and southeast, the Atlantic ocean to the west and the Mediterranean to the north.

Morocco is located on the western most tip of north Africa, bordering Algeria to the east and Mauritania to the south and southeast, the Atlantic ocean to the west and the Mediterranean to the north.

Running through the middle of the country is the Atlas mountain range, which leads to the fertile plains and sandy beaches of the Atlantic coast. The Middle Atlas range sweeps up from the south, rising to over 3000m (9850ft), covered with woodlands of pine, oak and cedar, open pastureland and small lakes. The Rif Mountains run along the north coast. The ports of Ceuta (Sebta) and Melilla on the north coast are administered by Spain.


Morocco is an initiation into the exotic magic of the Islamic, Arabic, African world - the world of medinas and minarets, desert and mountain; yet it almost touches western Europe and, for all the differences, retains a European patina, the legacy of the French Protectorate.


To imbibe the spirit of Morocco, wander the streets of the great cities. Fès – the ancient capital – has a stunning array of medieval buildings, while Marrakech compels attention, its world-famous souk selling a bewildering array of goods; both hark back to the Arab dynasties that ruled the country from the Muslim conquest. Casablanca, a thriving commercial centre, and Rabat, the capital, reflect their modern French origins; Tangier is mildly seedy, slightly melancholy.

All Moroccan cities are crowded, the hustlers a fact of life; for a change of pace, visit Essaouira, a laid-back seaside town. Morocco’s charm lies in its diversity. For sun-worshippers, there are miles of beaches, while inland lies Berber country where, among the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, the energetic can walk or trek.

Beyond the Atlas are the fringes of the Sahara, where the caravans once stopped on their way south to trade in spice and ivory. Whether scaling distant ridges, idling by the sea, haggling for exotic artefacts, gazing at ancient wonders or marvelling at the pink and indigo of a desert dawn, you’ll be mesmerised.

Morocco is divided into several regions or provinces. Some of them, such as Agadir and Casablanca are fairly well known. Others, such as Al Hoceima and Khouribga are somewhat less visited by tourists and therefore lesser known. However this does not mean they have nothing to offer. Below is a list of the regions in Morocco.

• Agadir - Agadir is a city in southwest Morocco. It is situated on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean, near the foot of the Atlas Mountains .
• Al Hoceima - Al Hoceima is a harbor in the Rif, and its main city.Casablanca - Casablanca is Morocco's biggest city; and also the principal port.
• Essaouira - Essaouira is a city and tourist resort in Morocco, near Marrakesh .
• Fez - Fez is the third largest city in Morocco, after Casablanca and Rabat.
• Kenitra - Kenitra is a town of Morocco, previously known as Port Lyautey. It is a port on the Sebou River.
• Khouribga - Khourigba is the main metropolitan of a Phosphates-rich area.
• Laayoune - This city has a population of around 197,200 and is the biggest city in Western Sahara.
• Marrakesh - Marrakesh is a city in southwestern Morocco at foot of the Atlas Mountains .
• Meknes - Meknes is a city in northern Morocco 120 km from Rabat and 60 km from Fez .
• Ouarzazate - Ourzazat is a city sittuated in central Morocco that hosts the largest movie studio in the world.
• Oujda - Oujda is a city in eastern Morocco with a population of 500 000 inhabitants.
• Rabat - Rabat is the governmental capital of Morocco.
• Tangier - Tangier is a city of northern Morocco with a population of 350,000 inhibitants.
• Tan-Tan - Tan-Tan is a town in Morocco, in Province de Tan-Tan.
• Tetouan - Tetouan has a population of 320 000 inhabitants and is the capital and cultural centre of the province Tanga.
• Tiznit - Tiznit, is a city in southern Morocco.