Portugal, republic, southwestern Europe, situated in the western portion of the Iberian Peninsula, bounded on the north and east by Spain and on the south and west by the Atlantic Ocean. The Azores and the Madeira Islands in the Atlantic are autonomous regions of Portugal, considered integral parts of the republic. The total area of metropolitan Portugal, including the Azores (2335 sq km/902 sq mi) and the Madeira Islands (794 sq km/307 sq mi), is 92,082 sq km (35,553 sq mi). Portugal has one overseas territory, Macau (Macao), in eastern Asia near Hong Kong. The capital and largest city of Portugal is Lisbon. Some of the hotels, motels and resorts available for booking in our reservation network include, Ramada Inn, Marriott Hotels, Super 8 Motels, Econo Lodge, Holiday Inn & Holiday Inn Express, Travelodge, Hampton Inn, Sheraton, Hilton, Best Western, Hyatt and Hyatt Regency, Wyndham Inn, Ritz and Ritz Carlton, Days Inn, Courtyard by Marriott, La Quinta Inns, Comfort Inn and Comfort Suite, Embassy Suites, Quality Inn, Radisson Inn, Sleep Inn, Numerous Resorts and Resort Villas throughout the globe, along with Plaza and Plaza Suites and and array of private and Golf Clubs and Golf Resorts.
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Land and Resources
The frontiers of Portugal are defined by mountains and rivers, and the interior is largely mountainous. In the west and south the mountains descend to a large coastal plain that is intensively cultivated. The highest range is the Serra da Estrela in central Portugal, rising to almost 2000 m (almost 6562 ft). Portugal is traversed by three great rivers, which rise in Spain and empty into the Atlantic Ocean. The Tagus (Tejo), with Lisbon situated at its mouth, is the largest river; followed by the Douro (Duero), with Oporto at its mouth; and the Guadiana, which forms part of the eastern frontier. A fourth river, the Minho, forms part of the northern frontier. Climate
The climate varies according to altitude, and high temperatures occur only in the comparatively low regions of the south. The mean annual temperature north of the Douro River is about 10° C (about 50° F); between the Tagus and Douro, about 15.6° C (about 60° F); and in the valley of the Guadiana, about 18.3° C (about 65° F). Rainfall is heavy, particularly in the north.