Geography in Portugal
Is a coastal nation in southwestern Europe is mainland is the shape of a rectangle about 560 km long and 220 km wide on the west of the Iberian Peninsula, its only bordering country is Spain, to the east and north, with a total of 1,214 km of borders. Despite this total of km for the border with Spain, Portugal does not recognise the border from the delta of the River Caia to the delta of the River Cuncos since 1801's occupation of the Olivença territory by the Spanish Kingdom. It is bordered on the west with a 1,793 km coastline along the North Atlantic Ocean. Portugal also controls the Atlantic islands of Azores and Madeira Islands, which are strategic locations along western sea approaches to the Strait of Gibraltar between the Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea. In total, the country has an area of 92,391 km2 of which 91,951 km2 land and 440 km2 water.
Quick and Easy Travel Insurance. Get a travel insurance quote today.
Portugal is divided in two by its main river, the Tagus. In the north the terrain is mountainous in the interior areas with plateaus.
The south as far as the Algarve features mostly rolling plains with a climate somewhat warmer and drier than the cooler and rainier north. Other major rivers include the Douro, the Minho, and the Guadiana, like the Tagus in that all originate in Spain. Another important river, the Mondego, originates in the Serra da Estrela (the highest mountains in mainland Portugal at 1,993 m).
Australian senior and need cover for overseas? International travel insurance for seniors available online.
The islands of the Azores and Madeira are in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, some of the islands had recent volcanic activity. Portugal's highest point is Mount Pico, an ancient volcano, with 2,351 metres.
No large natural lakes exist in Continental Portugal, however, there are several lagoons in Portugal with a river as the origin,
Travel insurance for a cruise. Automatically included cruise cover on all overseas travel insurance policies from Travel Insurance Saver.
in Serra da Estrela, the Comprida Lagoon (Lagoa Comprida) and the Escura Lagoon (Lagoa Escura) were formed from ancient glaciers. The Pateira de Fermentelos is a small natural lagoon near Aveiro.
Back to Portugal Travel Insurance page.
Before choosing a policy, please be aware that terms and conditions, exclusions, limits and/or sub-limits will apply to most sections. It is important to read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before making any purchase to ensure the cover provided matches your specific requirements.