The country of Portugal, with its mild climate, has mile high mountains in the Northeast - Plains and level lands in the middle of the country and gorgeous beaches all along the Atlantic coast - plus the Island groupings in the Atlantic of Madeira and Azores. The country is rich in history as a sea faring nation with its Manueline form of architecture - castles - palaces - convents - monasteries - ports - fortifications - art - unique cuisine particularly the seafood - and special crafts.