Portugal and the Azore Islands

Portugal is almost outlined by the sea. On the mainland’s western Atlantic side, blissfully empty beaches–popular with surfers and naturalists–alternate with high dramatic cliffs. The south’s spectacular sunny weather and sandy beaches have drawn campers for years. Spectacularly rich decorations exalt both the secular and sacred sites with joyful exuberance. On the Azore Islands, the views of the sea, the natural swimming areas, and red-roofed villages are retained in a natural purity that is rarely seen today’s world. Hiking trails lead up and into once-active volcanic craters, to waterfalls lined lushly with ferns and azaleas and down steep cliffs to isolated rustic stone villages. Portuguese campgrounds have barbeques, covered cooking and dishwashing areas and showers with warm water. Scenic six-lane divided roads connect major cities. Secondary roads connecting small towns and villages are good and traffic is light.