Portugal is a southern European country on the Iberian Peninsula, bordering Spain. Its location on the Atlantic Ocean has influenced many aspects of its culture: salt cod and grilled sardines are national dishes, the Algarve’s beaches are a major destination and much of the nation’s architecture dates to the 1500s–1800s, when Portugal had a powerful maritime empire.

The “Golden Age of Discovery” in Portugal refers to the period during the 15th and 16th centuries when Portuguese explorers led the way in maritime exploration, discovering new routes to Africa, India, and other parts of Asia, effectively establishing a vast colonial empire and marking a time of great wealth and power for the country; this era is largely attributed to the leadership of Prince Henry the Navigator and key figures like Vasco da Gama, who found the sea route to India.

Lisbon

Sintra Palace

The Palace of Sintra, is located in the town of Sintra. It is the best-preserved medieval royal residence in Portugal, being inhabited more or less continuously from at least the early 15th century to the late 19th century. It is a significant tourist attraction, and is part of the cultural landscape of Sintra, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Douro Valley

The Douro is the largest river of the Iberian Peninsula by discharge. It rises near Duruelo de la Sierra in the Spanish province of Soria, meanders briefly south, then flows generally west through the northern part of the Meseta Central in Castile and León into northern Portugal. Adjacent areas produce port (a mildly fortified wine) and other agricultural produce.