Portugal is located in Southwestern Europe and shares a border only with Spain. The Azores archipelago and the island of Madeira are also part of Portugal. In total, Portugal is about twice the size of the Netherlands. Over 10 million people live here, with the majority residing along the coast between Lisbon and the northern border with Spain.

From the Netherlands, you can fly to the mainland of Portugal in about 3 hours and to the islands in about 4 hours. Portugal has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm, dry summers. The western coastal area and the Azores have a maritime climate due to their location along and within the Atlantic Ocean, featuring mild winters and not too hot summers. Madeira enjoys a subtropical climate, with gentle and mild temperatures year-round and regular rainfall. The best time to visit Portugal is from April to October, making it an ideal destination for a May or summer vacation.