Mclaren Investment Property Abroad

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 1220km (760 miles) due west of Lisbon.

The Douro, Guadiana and Tagus rivers flow across the border from Spain. North Portugal is mountainous, the highest part being the Serra da Estrela, a popular area for skiing. South of Lisbon stretch the vast plains of the Alentejo region. A range of mountains divides the Alentejo from the Algarve, which runs along the south coast, and is one of the most popular resort areas with wide sandy beaches and attractive bays.

With such a long sea coast, it is not surprising that Portugal has witnessed so many sailings and arrivals.

This is why Portugal has been open to the world and to communication for so long. 

Portugal have assimilated peoples of different origins: Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans (who left us our language), northern Europeans and peoples from Mauritania. In spite of all these mixtures, Portugal is one of the oldest nations in Europe.

In the 12th century, the country gained its independence from the other kingdoms in the Iberian Peninsula thanks to Count Afonso Henriques, who was the first king at his own wish. A century later, with the conquest of the Algarve, Portugal was to definitively establish its continental border.

In the late 13th century, King Dinis founded the Portuguese university, one of the oldest in Europe, and took it to the beautiful city of Coimbra. In the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries, the Portuguese were the first Europeans to sail to Africa, the distant Orient and the heart of South America, from which brought a wealth of treasures. Even before advancement along the coast of Africa, Portugal discovered the archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira, which are part of the Portuguese territory in the Atlantic even till today.

After a dynastic crisis and a period under the rule of the Spanish crown, in 1640 a Portuguese king took the throne once more. In the 18th century, King João V, an absolutist monarch and a patron of the arts, built a huge palace and convent in Mafra and the great aqueduct that supplied Lisbon’s water. In the 19th century, the monarchy was weakened by clashes between different factions and, in 1910, it was overthrown and Portugal became a republic.

Portugal have been members of the EU since 1986.

To the south of Portugal, you will find the popular destination of the Algarve. Think of the Algarve and you think of sunshine breaks and relaxing holidays. You imagine golden beaches on the coast of calm sea waters, sun-kissed tourists relaxing and sampling the delights that this wonderful region of Portugal has to offer.

Everywhere you go, you are surrounded by bright colours, from the golden sands, to the crystal clear waters, the clear blue skies, the vivid green grass, and the white-washed walls of the buildings in the Algarve's old towns.

There is no one best way to explore this region of Portugal. The seemingly endless coastline includes some of the world's most beutiful beaches, but by venturing just a few miles inland, you can lose yourself in the heritage and history of the Algarve.

Fancy a more action-packed holiday? The Algarve caters for all holiday makers... with every watersport available for all tourists.
The Algarve is also home to some of the world's most famous golf courses, where players of all ability are welcome. You can also try your hand at a nice relaxing game of bowling, or tennis, with the Algarve's fantastic views and sights providing the perfect backdrop.

Albufeira. The tourist capital of the Algarve. If you're looking to make the most of your trip to the Algarve, then Albufeira has to be visited. Albufeira boasts golden beaches, luxury holiday resorts, golf courses, great restaurants and a lively nightlife. Albufeira is the town of the Algarve.

The Algarve really is a European paradise, and for that reason you want to make sure you get to know it properly. Let us show you around.