Portugal Travel Guide
Portugal in Southern Europe is a country with rich and unique cultures,
beautiful countryside and lively cities. It was once one of the poorest nations
in Europe but due to the introduction of democracy in 1974 and its incorporation
into the European Union, its position has risen to that of prosperity.
Portugal boasts of many World Heritage Sites, cultural and landscape diversity
to keep any tourist busy for quite a while. Its idyllic weather and warm
hospitable people has made it one of the best value destinations in Europe. It
is dotted with rugged coastlines, crystal blue waters, pristine beaches and
pleasant views of the locals doing everyday chores on cobbled streets and
whitewashed houses.
The climate in Portugal is one of the warmest in Europe and can be classified as
Mediterranean. During summer and spring temperatures can get very high averaging
between 35 to 40c. Autumn and winter can be typically rainy and windy with
temperatures rarely falling below 5c. Snow can be seen on the mountain areas to
the north, mainly in Sierra da Estrela.
Lisbon will probably be the first destination on any traveler's list as it is
the capital of Portugal. It offers one of the most vivid settings of any
European capital with its whitewashed houses perched on the steep hillsides
bordering the Rio Tejo (River Tagus). The splendid Castle of Sao Jorge with its
twisting cobbled stone streets and 10 towers adorn the hill was founded in the
12th century.
One of the must see destinations in Lisbon is the 2.5 kilometer suspension
bridge that crosses the Tagus and is overlooked with a soaring statue of Christ.
In the suburb river town of Belem, famous for launching the expeditions of Vasco
Da Gama and other famous explorers of the 15th and 16th century are many other
attractions worth visiting. The Torre de Belem, an old prison tower is a UNESCO
World Heritage Site. There is also Hieronymite Monastery one of Portugal's
Golden Age architectural masterpieces.
Oporto is the second largest city after Lisbon and sits along a great gorge
where the River Duoro and the Atlantic meet. In 2001 it was nominated for the
European City of Culture and now is a historical center and a UNESCO World
Heritage Site. Although the city is mainly an industrial town, it holds plenty
of rustic charm and art treasures in its medieval cathedrals and museums. The
narrow streets and quaint little balconies made of wrought iron and potted
flowering plants make it a relaxing stroll.
Evora is one of Portugal's best cities. Its beautiful hilltop town is still
surrounded by a ring of fortified walls that holds in its center, cobbled
streets and charming little houses. The medieval Cathedral and the Church of Sao
Francisco which is famous for its grisly ossuary and the 14th century palace of
the Duke of Cadaval and other well preserved historical buildings make it a
another UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Some other places of interest that you might enjoy are the Villa Vicosa, a city
famous for its marble architectures, Figueira da Foz with its wide sandy beaches
and was the venue for the 1996 World Surfing Championships.
|