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Portugal an independent kingdom since 1143, is one of the oldest nations in Europe. Outstanding monuments, castles and churches meet the futuristic new buildings and technologies.
Situated on the west side of the Iberian Peninsula, its geographic location along the Atlantic coast soon determined its vocation to the sea.
In 1415, the Portuguese set sail on an epic voyage that would make them the first to discover the ocean routes to India, Brazil, China and Japan, and at the same time founded settlements on the east and west coasts of Africa.
The natural advantages of a sunny country with diverse geographic features have turned Portugal into a chosen destination for many holidaymakers, an ideal place for practicing water sports and playing golf, offering modern tourism facilities, and quaint and personalized means of accommodation, such as ‘turismo de habitação’ (privately owned homes ranging from wonderful farmhouses to manor houses), ‘hotéis de charme’ or ‘pousadas’.
A member-country of the European Union since 1986, Portugal currently enjoys a steady economic growth. For centuries Portugal has kept the greatest treasure of a renowned reputation for hospitality that makes the country a haven of congeniality and safety.
Lisbon and Tagus Valley
Lisboa, the capital of Portugal. Lisbon, the dazzling city that stretches along the banks of the Tagus, is an enchanting capital. There is the fortress around which the city originally sprang up, and which is now circled by neighborhoods drenched with medieval charm. Everywhere are fine monuments that bring to mind the great Age of Discoveries, and picturesque houses whose facades are decked with ornate ceramic tiles. As the dusk turns to night, the yellow electric tramcars continue to wind their way up and down the hills of the old capital, while the sound of traditional Fado songs enlivens many a candle-lit dinner table in restaurant or home.
Not far from the capital lies the town of Sintra, with its marvelous surrounding vegetation and landscape. Sintra is classified by Unesco as of outstanding cultural importance. There is no better way to see the exuberant trees and vegetation than to take a horse-drawn carriage ride and pass by ancient mansions before reaching the Palácio da Pena at the top of the hill. Its fabulous romantic architecture keeps vivid the atmosphere of a truly royal residence.
Back in the Lisboa area, there are many other places worth a visit: the imposing Mafra Convent, the cosmopolitan seaside resort of Cascais, the Arrábida hills and their nature reserve stocked with ancient trees or picturesque Sesimbra, the city of Setúbal and the aristocratic country-houses of nearby Azeitão. The area provides something for every taste: beach, water sports, golf courses and, in the summer, open air music festivals.
The Atlantic coast, which stretches to the south, north and west of Lisbon, is of surprising beauty: here the landscape swiftly changes from high, sweeping cliffs to beaches of white sand, backed by lagoons. Let us not forget that here, at Cabo da Roca, is Europe’s westernmost point. This is a region of enchanting coastal villages or towns such as Sezimbra, Peniche and Nazaré, where the brightly-coloured fishing boats still ply their trade. Further inland, at Alcobaça, Tomar and Batalha, are to be found the ancient monasteries and convents of the religious orders, which are part of UNESCO’s global heritage .
Algarve
Algarve has drawn millions of foreign visitors--most notably the British--to its beaches and villages since the developers moved in during the 1960s. Despite the invasion of package tourists and retirees, much of the Algarve is relatively unspoiled and if you are looking for sun, relax and friendly athosphere that is the pace you will have to go for.
The Algarve is at its most pleasant during spring and fall, when resorts are uncrowned but the waters of the Atlantic are warm enough for swimming. Winter can also be pleasant, with average daily January highs of 59° F (15° C). Water temperatures tend to be cooler in the west and warmer in the east, with an average thermometer reading of 57° F (14°) in January and 70° F (21° C) in July..
Albufeira is the most famous spot in this area of beach resorts, golf courses, and other tourist developments. The town is a favorite of package tourists from Britain, France, and Germany who come for sunshine and nightlife. Faro, the modern capital of the Algarve, is primarily an airline gateway and regional business center.
Sunbathing and swimming are the leading sports activities in the Algarve. Seaside activities have become a spectator sport as well. Other ocean-related sports include sailing, deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, and water skiing.
Golf has become extremely popular. You will have a large list of top golf courses in the Algarve – you can check for special green fees in our web: www.bookgolfalgarve.com
Tennis is also available in most of the hotels resorts.
A dozen or more riding stables rent horses
Gastronomy
Portugal has a long traditional high quality cuisine. Fish is a staple of Portuguese cuisine, and it's nearly always fresh - except for salt cod or regarding cakes and sweets we can say that Portugal is a mecca for anyone with a sweet tooth. You will have large choice of pastries in every region from the dense and eggy orange cake, the traditional Algarve almond cake, to ovos de fio - "string eggs," a concoction made with sugar and egg yolks.
Note that the Portuguese generally eat around 1 p.m. for lunch and 8 p.m. or later for dinner.
In general, you can trust the house tinto - red or branco - white. The leading red wine is Dão. Vinho verde, or "green wine," comes in white and rosé. Obviousy the traditional Porto, wine from the Douro region of Northern Portugal, shouldn't be missed.
However, most of the time you can trust the house wine.
Whether this is your first visit, or if you're a regular visitor or you live here, we with you an enjoyable and unforgettable holiday in Portugal. |
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