Portugal

About Portugal

Portugal, a country with a rich seafaring past, has long been one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. Superb resorts with stunning golden beaches are dotted with seafood restaurants and bars and a good range of apartments. Inland you will find elegant towns, cities and villages combined with a rolling landscape wrapped in olive groves, rivers, lakes, valleys, forests, mountains, vineyards and hayfields. Cities like Porto and Lisbon are breathtaking. UNESCO World Heritage sites are numerous. The food and pace of life is a glorious change and the hospitality is legendary. All of which and more ensures Portugal can provide a holiday of a lifetime.

Places To Visit

Porto

This ancient city of medieval streets is surrounded by famous wine producing regions. Built on the slopes of hills that overlook the River Douro, Porto is classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. The architecture is stunning, not least the impressive bridges. Attractions include the Cedofeita Church, a restored Roman temple.

Algarve

Popular tourist region the Algarve offers a range of holiday resorts, beautiful clear beaches, secret coves and near permanent sunshine. Fishing, water sports and golfing are some of the other attractions but it is difficult to beat the pleasure of just strolling on those pristine sandy beaches.

Evora

Walled medieval city with a range of superb architecture from Rome to the present day. The Sé cathedral, its museum of ecclesiastical treasures, is one of the many highlights.

Sintra

This World Heritage Site rests on a plain at the edge of rolling hills and pine forests. The area contains several magnificent castles, each with its own distinct character. The Moorish Castle dates back to the 8th century and offers stunning views.

Coimbra

Twelfth Century town with an ancient University founded in 1290. Many attractions include the botanical gardens, cathedrals, a Baroque library and the Museu Machado de Castro, as well as Roman ruins at Conimbriga.

Fatima

Famous religious site, reputed to have been visited by the Virgin Mary in 1917. Pilgrims come here to seek miracle cures and enjoy the numerous religious festivals

Azores

A smattering of nine remote volcanic islands dead central in the Atlantic Ocean. The islands are beautiful, pristine and quiet.

Madeira

Semi tropical island of Madeira is a superb haven for walkers. This volcanic island includes dramatic peaks and cliffs, mild all year weather, beautiful gardens and buildings and a pleasant mix of Portuguese and English culture.

Lisbon

A charming city. The cultural and artistic centre of Portugal as well as its capital. Stunning sights include the landmark monastery built in 1502 and São Jorge Castle, inhabited since Phoenician times.

Did You Know?

The Alqueva project on the Guadiana River, finished in 2001, became Europe's largest artificial lake.

Travel

Direct regular flights to Lisbon from England, France, Spain, the US and other major centres. You can also find regular flights to Porto and Faro. Direct and regular bus services operate from France, Spain and England. Rail connections from France and Spain are plentiful, inexpensive and offer a pleasant journey. Note - bicycles are not allowed on trains. Bus services are regular and fast in and out of the country. Lisbon and Porto have metros. Numerous taxis are available.

Geography

Portugal is west of Spain and sits next to the Atlantic Ocean on its southern coast. It's only 350 miles north to south and 135miles east to west. The northern and central regions are heavily populated with plenty of rivers and mountains. The south is less densely populated and apart from the rocky Algarve is much flatter and drier.

Key Facts

• Country - Portugal
• Language - Portuguese
• Currency - Euro
• Population -10,400,000
• Time Zone - GMT
• Capital City: Lisbon (pop 720,000)
• Religion - Roman Catholic