Portugal
Fine beaches, a temperate year-round climate, mouthwatering gastronomy and friendly people are just a few of the ingredients that spice up the experience of visiting Europe's south-westernmost country.
Portugal is roughly a rectangle in shape; 561 km (350 miles) long and an average of 188 km (117 miles) wide. Its 88,550 sq. km (34,200 sq. miles) cover almost one seventh of the Iberian Peninsular, while Spain accounts for 510,000 sq. km (197,000 sq. miles) in comparison. If Portugal's 37ºN to 42º latitude shifted east to the Mediterranean, the country would stretch from the northern tip of Corsica down to Tunis in North Africa. In reality, its Atlantic position provides a much cooler climate, particularly in the north where a refreshing amount of rain falls during winter. Influenced by the Gulf Stream and the isobars circulating around North Africa, the climate in Portugal is simultaneously Atlantic and Mediterranean.
Portugal's strength as a holiday destination is its diversity, a something-for-everyone kind of place with mountains, vast arid plains, subtropical volcanic islands and lush-green meadows, not forgetting 528 miles of sandy beaches. Rich in cultural traditions and history it is one of the oldest nations in Europe, an ideal country with lovely beach resorts offering the opportunity for a pleasant and restful break at any time of the year.
First-time visitors touring the interior are usually overwhelmed by the warm hospitality of the people, and left breathless by the magnificent scenic landscapes, especially in the north.
Such variety suits the modern traveler, who these days prefers to spend more time in search of history and culture than on the beach. And with a history stretching right back to Paleolithic times, Portugal has plenty to interest the curious visitor.
Architecture, for example, is one particularly intriguing feature, especially the late Gothic style known as Manueline which reflects the country's great prosperity during the Age of the Discoveries. And, of course, one cannot miss the wonderful glazed tiles, called azulejos, that decorate most buildings and monuments both inside and out.
And it should also be mentioned that Portugal is a fast-growing destination for golfers who can now choose from more than forty top-class courses including San Lorenzo, in the Algarve, officially recognized as one of Europe's best championship courses. Most other sporting activities are freely available in Portugal. The list is endless and includes surfing, windsurfing, water-skiing, jet-skiing, fishing, sailing, swimming, mountain biking, rambling, horse-riding, hunting, bird-watching, skiing, tennis, cycling, etc. But, above all, it is the behaviour of the Portuguese people themselves that makes the biggest impression on the visitor, particularly away from the cities where some local customs and traditions have been preserved for centuries and religion and folklore go hand-in-hand.
Portugal - the last real old place in Europe - is without doubt a traveler's treasure trove, largely undiscovered but freely available to anyone looking for someplace different. It is a country of outstanding natural beauty, scattered with medieval towns and historic castles and palaces. The best advice is to explore it bit by bit, allowing yourself time to appreciate what each region has to offer in the way of cultural attractions, monuments, gastronomic specialties, etc.
The first thing travelers normally notice is how intriguingly different Portugal is from Spain, such as the language, food, history and music. And then they realize how pleasant the people are - for they seem to have unlimited patience when dealing with tourists.
Boa Viagem!!
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