Those who travel to Portugal find beautiful sandy beaches, a sunny climate ideally suited to outdoor pursuits and an interesting culture that’s strongly influenced by the sea. Portugal occupies the southwest part of the Iberian Peninsula, with Spain to the north and east, and 520 miles of Atlantic coastline. Its seafaring heritage is evident throughout the country, from the beautiful architecture to the treasure-filled museums to the delectable cuisine to the fascinating capital of Lisbon, once the center of a vast empire.

A Portugal vacation often includes a visit to the popular Algarve coast in the south, with its many sandy beaches, variety of hotels and villas, and superb golf courses. Portugal’s islands, including Madeira and the Azores (known for its whale-watching), are also popular options for fun in the sun. Culture and history abound, and a vacation in Portugal should include visits to some of its 14 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the 2,000-year-old city of Porto (home to port wine), the Douro wine region and the prehistoric rock carvings of the Coa Valley.

U.S. travelers require a valid passport to visit Portugal. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days (that period begins when you enter any of the Schengen countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden). Nonstop flights are available from select U.S. gateways. To rent a car, you must have had your license for at least a year; the minimum age for rental ranges between 21 and 25, depending on the firm. Driving is on the right, and the motorways have tolls. The average summer temperature in Portugal is about 86°F, with the north being a few degrees cooler and the south a few degrees warmer. The average winter temperature is about 58°F in central and southeast Portugal, with snow occurring in the mountains of the far north. Portuguese is the native tongue, with many residents able to speak English, French and Spanish. Currency is the euro. For more information on Portugal travel, log on to www.visitportugal.com, Turismo de Portugal’s website.