PORTUGAL'S ISLANDS
The Azores and Madeira
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Mythologists have hypothesized that both the archipelagos of the Azores
and Madeira
scattered across the Atlantic are the only remnants of the lost continent of
Atlantis.
These verdant islands filled with natural wonders and
awe-inspiring scenery do seem to be part of a long-lost magical
world, rivaling the natural beauty of New Zealand or Scotland, to which they
are often compared.
The scent of flowers, the sounds of waterfalls and of the
ocean where whales and dolphins are regularly seen, the rare variety
of vegetation and exotic topography, natural swimming pools carved in
rocks, idyllic shaped lagoons, volcanic peaks reaching the clouds,
and deep craters of extinguished volcanoes, often lead visitors to
conclude they've in fact stepped into a fabulous dream world.
Although Porto Santo in the Madeira archipelago offers a glorious sandy
beach, these islands are not beach resort destinations. Instead, they are
true paradises for those who enjoy nature and with a taste for adventure, or
looking for laid-back pleasures and to get away from it all.
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Island GUIDES:
The
Azores - A variety of landscapes and traditions; unique
architecture; holidays for the nature-loving
Madeira
- Semi-tropical climate; Porto Santo's unspoilt beach; Madeira wine
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AROUND LISBON
AND TAGUS VALLEY Alcobaça Arrábida Azeitão Batalha Cascais Ericeira Estoril Fatima Leiria Mafra Nazaré Obidos Palmela Peniche Queluz Santarém Sesimbra Setubal Sintra Tomar |
ALENTEJO
Beja Castelo de Vide Elvas Estremoz Evora Marvão Mértola Monsaraz Vila Viçosa ALGARVE Albufeira Faro Lagos Sagres Silves Tavira Vila Real de Santo António Vilamoura |
BEIRAS (CENTRAL PORTUGAL)
Aveiro Belmonte Buçaco Coimbra Conimbriga Figueira da Foz Guarda Monsanto Piodão Serra da Estrela Viseu PORTO AND DOURO Amarante Lamego Porto |
MINHO
Barcelos Braga Gerês National Park Guimarães Ponte de Lima Ponte da Barca Viana do Castelo TRAS-OS-MONTES Bragança Chaves Vila Real THE ISLANDS Azores Madeira |