Site icon Peter A. Hovis

The Compass: Portugal’s monster waves and mega-fires

SEE BELOW, CAN YOU GUESS THE ANIMAL?THE COMPASSThis week’s virtual field trip takes us to Portugal. At mainland Europe’s western edge lies one of its lesser-known gems—a land of wild coasts, terraced vineyards, and historic cities. Find out why you see swallows everywhere in Portugal, go for a swim in natural pools formed by lava, and try the coveted wine that made this Portuguese island famous.PHOTOGRAPH BY ZEBRA0209, SHUTTERSTOCKHere’s why you see swallows everywhere in PortugalCeramic birds symbolizing home are the country’s sweetest souvenir.SUBTLY SYNONYMOUS SYMBOLPHOTOGRAPH BY PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA, AFP / GETTY IMAGESHow to live with mega-fires? Portugal’s feral forests may hold the secretThe world’s forests are getting drier and people are living closer to them, ushering in a dangerous new era—unless we can find a way to coexist with the flames.FIRESTORMSFOOTAGE BY VITFEDOTOV AND JOHN WALKERThese natural swimming pools were formed by lavaThe picturesque islands of the Madeira archipelago were formed by millennia of volcanic eruptions.LAVA POOLSSÃO MIGUEL ISLAND IS HOME TO MINERAL-RICH HOT SPRINGS THAT TURN THIS PURPLE. 
WHAT IS IT?
CLICK TO SEE IF YOU’RE RIGHT!PHOTOGRAPH BY VITOR ESTRELINHAWhat it’s like to surf the world’s largest wavesWinter storms and a massive underwater canyon in Nazaré, Portugal, form some of the wildest waves on Earth. To ride them is to be awed by them.RIDING MONSTERSGOOD READS1.Surprising DNA found in ancient people from southern Europe2.Discover Europe’s far-flung island paradise3.How this golden-eyed feline became the biggest comeback in cat conservation4.Watch this dramatic rescue of a fallen big wave surferPHOTOGRAPH BY LUKAS BABALIS, 500PX / GETTY IMAGESTry the coveted wine that made this Portuguese island famousMadeira is renowned for its landscapes, lore—and its legendary wine, which graced the tables of America’s Founding Fathers.LANDSCAPES, LORE, AND WINE!WHERE WILL WE JOURNEY TO NEXT?Be sure to check your inbox next week to find out.READ OUR LATEST STORIESSHOPDONATESUBSCRIBETRAVELClicking on the Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and National Geographic Channel links will take you away from our National Geographic Partners site where different terms of use and privacy policy apply.

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