Portugal

Portugal lies west of Spain, with the Atlantic Ocean along its western and southern coast. It is roughly the size of Scotland with twice the population and has incredible variety in geography. It measures just 560 km north to south and 220 km from east to west. To its west and southwest lie the islands of the Azores and Madeira. The northern and central areas have large populations with lush landscapes, characterised by rivers, valleys, forests and mountains - the highest range being the Serra da Estrela, peaking at Torre (1993m). The south is less populated, flatter and drier apart from the rocky Algarve. The rural areas are undeveloped and one can still experience small towns and countryside regions. Since Portugal is so compact, it's easy to take in something of each of its elements. The north has beautiful scenery with the Minho and the gorges and valleys of the Douro. Lisbon and Porto, the only two significant cities, are vibrant and full of culture. The coastline has continuous beach and apart from the Algarve and a few areas around Lisbon and Porto, resorts are still small and Portuguese in character – with long stretches of deserted beach between them. If you are looking for real isolation head towards the wild beaches of southern Alentejo.