Considered as one of the most attractive places to see, Portugal can be described as piece of heaven on earth. Thanks to its geographical location, the country has got a variety of beautiful landscapes. Not only beaches with pearly sand but also rocky mountains and fields that have all the shades of green are in the reach of the five different regions of Portugal.
After many years of economic and political struggle, Portugal is now enjoying a well-developed modern life. With a population of almost 10 million, European Union member country is a parliamentary republic. The national language is Portuguese.
The country has also got many notable artists and sports people who contribute to Portugal’s fame worldwide. Director Manoel de Oliveira, Nobel Prize winner author José Saramago, football players Luis Figo and Christiano Ronaldo are the first to come to mind.
The Portuguese usually have a casual and relaxed attitude. Although people’s way of living may show difference in rural and urban areas, two thing stay the same everywhere in Portugal: punctuality is not important and traffic may be a chaos.
Portugal gives the traveler a chance to discover a hidden treasure with all the marks of the history and the culture. While there, you’ll feel like walking in a photograph that has a lot more than what is already shown.
Where is Portugal?
Filled with the Atlantic Ocean breeze, Portugal, is on the Iberian Peninsula, western tip of Europe. The only neighbor of the country is Spain.
Visa Procedure of Portugal
Portugal is a member of the Schengen Agreement. Portuguese Community Portal gives detailed information on visa exempted and required countries, as well as the application procedure.
Shopping in Portugal
From local souvenirs to high quality products, Portugal offers a lot of things that represent the elements of the Portuguese atmosphere at an outstanding level.
Jewelry is one of the industries that has been around since the old ages of Portugal. Especially Filigree, which is a handmade necklace, still attracts a lot of female travelers.
Olive trees that have been growing on one of the most fertile lands on planet earth make Portugal famous with their products. Joining olive garden workshops, tasting and buying some may be a good idea to kill two birds with one stone.
Portuguese pottery and copper ware are legendary, too. They are both the best in quality and unique with the endeavored hand painting they have on. Dolls from Nazaré and the famous Galo de Barcelos should also be kept in mind.
Attractions in Portugal
In the capital, Lisbon and the second largest Porto, a lot to see and explore awaits you but keep in mind, Portugal offers a lot more than what they have.
Madeira Island is probably the most visited place in Portugal after the two urban cities mentioned above. Known as the ‘Pearl of the Atlantic’, the island is a perfect place to enjoy the amazing Portuguese weather.
If your trip is in spring or in fall, then a trip to Sintra is a must. Used to be the favorite place of kings of Portugal with its picturesque beauty, this little town was also the choice of popular writers, such as Lord Byron.
Albufeira, a little fisherman’s town in Algavre, has got the best spas in all Portugal. Filled with typical, narrow Portuguese streets, the town is one of the most characteristic one in Portugal.
In addition, golfing has an emerging scene in Portugal. The country was chosen as the best golfing place in the year 2011. There are many facilities all around the country.
Cuisine of Portugal
Closely related with the Mediterranean, one of the most delicious cuisine you can ever get to know is definitely the Portuguese one. Your next favorite dish may come out of Portugal after tasting some of the most traditional examples of the cuisine.
Having a coast to the ocean surely guarantees Portugal’s place among the world’s best places to enjoy sea food. The most famous among all the dishes is Cod, Bacalhau in Portugese. Try it with any sort of cooking way you like. (There are 365 different ways, at least one would surely be your way!)
Eating meat is no longer a sign of nobility as it was once in Portugal. Meat dishes, based on a lot of garlic and olive oil dominates the local eating habits.
Soup is important for the locals. All dinners, almost with no exceptions, include soups. Caldo Verde is the one you shouldn’t miss.
Portugal is famous for the wine, of course. So it is an indispensable part of the cuisine. Usually accompanied by cheese, especially the one from Azores, these two are known to be just fine for most of the travelers.
The desserts of Portugal are mostly based on egg, sweetened by vanilla or cinnamon. Almost all the towns in the country has got a local recipe for cakes and biscuits, too.
Event Tourism in Portugal
One of the most visited countries in Europe, Portugal has been keeping on gaining importance on hosting large scale international events such as congresses, symposiums, fairs, exhibitions, conferences and tradeshows. The beauty of the land and the welcoming climate throughout the year, play an important role on Portugal’s emerging international event scene. In addition to the capital Lisbon, other major cities, Porto for example is visited by a large number of event attendees every year.