GEOGRAPHY
Portugal occupies the southwest part of the Iberian Peninsula and shares borders in the north and the east with Spain, while to the south and west lies the Atlantic Ocean. The country is divided into various provinces, including the Atlantic islands of Madeira and the Azores; the latter lying some 1,300 km (800 miles) due west of Lisbon. Covering an area of 88,889 square kilometres, mainland Portugal is 218 km wide and 561 km long with 832 km of Atlantic coastline and 1,215 km of land border with Spain. The Atlantic islands of the Azores and Madeira cover 2,355 and 741 square kilometres, respectively. The Douro, Tagus and Guadiana rivers flow across the border from Spain. Northern Portugal is mountainous, the highest part being the Serra da Estrela, a popular area for skiing in the winter. South of Lisbon stretch the vast plains of the Alentejo region. A range of low-lying mountains divides the Alentejo from the Algarve, which runs along the southern coast, and is one of the most popular resort areas with wide sandy beaches and attractive bays.

GOLF
Portugal has emerged as one of Europe's top golfing destinations, due to its varied topography and temperate year-round climate. Most of the best courses are concentrated along the southern shorelines of the Algarve, most notably San Lorenzo, Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo and Penina. The Estoril Coast & Sintra region west of Lisbon also boasts several championship courses, including Penha Longa and the recently-opened Belas Golf Club. South of the capital, the lesser-known Costa Azul region currently has five courses with plans for more in the future.