Divided by the Tagus River, Portugal is blessed with a diverse landscape and a sun-drenched coastline. The north is chiefly mountainous and indented by steep valleys, whereas the south is a land of rolling plains. Traditional Portuguese architecture is extremely distinctive, especially the highly ornamented Manueline style from the early 16th century. Fish is integral to the country’s cuisine, especially dry cod (bacalhau), grilled sardines and caldeirada, a potato-based fish stew. Visitors now have numerous innovative as well as traditional restaurant options. Port is well known, but Portugal’s impressive table wines are just as notable. The country is renowned for its pousadas, lodgings in historic buildings, and increasingly for its golf courses.

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