If traveling or just taking the occasional vacation around Europe is your thing, you will not want to miss out on a visit to Portugal. It has to be one of the finest countries on the European continent to visit.
One of the first things that will strike you about Portugal is how picturesque it is. From stunning beaches to rural tranquility, there is so much to admire. Portugal’s coast faces the Atlantic Ocean, making some of the country’s beaches ideal for a spot of surfing or windsailing. If sunbathing is your thing, there is no shortage of options either, with the beaches of the Algarve region particularly popular with visitors. There are 600 miles or so of coast, so finding your ideal Portuguese beach should not be too much of a problem.
Inland, Portugal has much to offer as well, and its reputation as a wine and olive producer allow visitors to sample both products at various sites along their travels. Portugal may be a relatively compact country, but you will find a variety of landscapes within it, from tall mountains to vast rolling plains.
If cities are more to your taste or you want to combine rural and urban adventures, Portugal has some amazingly vibrant cities to choose from. Lisbon, the capital, has been given the name the White City, for the sunlight reflecting off the Tagus, the river that runs through it. Lisbon has so much to offer, from its wonderful architecture, including Gothic cathedrals, to its narrow backstreets filled with character.
Portugal’s second largest city is Porto, for which Port wine is named after. Its historic center, known as the Ribeira district, has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
As you can gather, Portugal has a rich heritage that draws on a number of influences, including Ancient Rome. A fine example of the Roman influence on Portugal can be found at Conímbriga, the site of the remains of a Roman settlement, including baths, walls, and an amphitheater. The Roman Temple of Évora, in the city of the same name, is another site worth visiting. The temple can be found in Évora’s central square. If you are a history buff, you will be interested to know that buildings linked to the Inquisition in Portugal surround the temple remains.
You will find a warm welcome when you travel to Portugal, with friendly accommodation, such as Bluegreen Resorts, in abundance. A notable feature of Portugal is the number of people who speak at least some English, which is a great advantage for those more comfortable travelling to a country where they can use their native language. English is taught in Portuguese schools, and English language TV programs and movies are common. If you are wondering what time of the year to visit, bear in mind that Portugal is a year-round destination. The cool breezes off the Atlantic keep the temperatures from soaring too high in the summer, and the warmer winds from the south keep it from getting too cold at other times of the year.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing holiday or an exciting adventure, it’s no wonder that Portugal is such a popular destination. From its picturesque beaches to its bustling port towns, vibrant cities ancient cultural sites, Portugal is one of the finest countries to visit in Europe.