Often overshadowed by its much larger eastern neighbor, 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.
Lisbon
Lisbon (Lisboa), the capital of Portugal, enjoys one of the most dramatic settings of any European capital, clinging to a series of steep hillsides at the estuary of the River Tagus . Perched above the old Moorish quarter of Alfama, characterized by twisting, cobbled streets and whitewashed houses, is the magnificent Castle of São Jorge.
