Portugal is a democratic republic and has been a member of the European Union since 1986. The country went through several forms of government in its history. In 1143, Portugal became a separate kingdom from the rest of Iberia and was ruled by a king until 1910 when the country became a republic.
The word Portugal
derives from the Roman-Celtic place name Portus Cale. Cale or Cailleach
was the name of a Celtic deity and the name of an early settlement
located at the mouth of the Douro River (present-day Vila Nova de Gaia),
which flows into the Atlantic Ocean in the north of what is now Portugal.
Most Portuguese have typical Mediterranean features like brown eyes, brown hair, and a height of less than 6 feet. Defining a national character is never easy, but it can be said that most Portuguese are easy-going, welcoming, and friendly.
Portugal is in the top 3 of the 2020 Global Peace Index, the ranking of the safest countries in the world. Portugal is beaten only by Iceland and New Zealand on this list of the safest countries, and is ranked far higher than neighbouring countries such as Spain and France.
Language .
Approximately 32% of Portuguese people can speak and understand English, while 24% can speak and understand French. Despite Spanish being mutually intelligible in a sense that most Portuguese understand it written and/or spoken, only 9% of the Portuguese population can speak it fluently.
Portuguese food
- Peixe Grelhado (grilled fish) .
- Sardinhas (sardines) .
- Bifanas (pork sandwiches) .
- Francesinha (smoked meats and cheese sandwich) .
- Amêijoas à Bolhão Pato (clams) .
- Açorda de Marisco (seafood bread stew) .
- Cozido à Portuguesa (rustic meat stew) .
- Bacalhau (cod fish).
Breakfast in Portugal
The best time to visit Lisbon is either from March to May or September to October, because the weather is still warm, hotel rates are cheaper and there are fewer crowds than in summer. In those seasons, you might also be able to squeeze in a few beach days. The summer sees hot temperatures and crowded shores..
Portuguese fado music
- Lisbon. Lisbon. Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is one of Europe's most alluring cities.
- Sintra. Sintra. Enchanting Sintra is one of the gems in Portugal's glittering sightseeing crown. . Most Unusual Places to Visit.
- Faro
Faro, the capital of the Algarve has a well-connected airport and that makes it a perfect place to start this road trip. Many visitors only pass through this underrated city. Make sure you don’t make the same mistake. The city has many attractions, a beautiful marina, well-maintained parks and plazas, and a historic old town full of pedestrian lanes and outdoor cafes. You will be surprised by how many things to do in Faro you will find!
Lagos.
About 90 kilometers western to Faro there is the beautiful small town of Lagos. The town has a young, cheerful vibe and a wealth of historic attractions. On top of that, Lagos has a pumping nightlife and so many amazing beaches where to relax and sunbath during the day.
Sagres & Cabo Sao Vicente.
This small village is the best place if you are a surf lover. It is located very close to some of the best surf spots in Algarve, perfect for beginners, intermediate, and pro surfers. It is also a big attraction for nature lovers. You will find some of the best views of this country in Sagres with its end-of-the-world feel and sea-carved cliffs.
Setúbal.
Setúbal is a fishing city that entered in tourists radar only in the past few years. The city itself is a great attraction with its Manueline monastery, churches, and the main market.
Besides that, it is a perfect base for exploring the region’s natural assets. Discover the best things to do in Setubal District! Just outside the city, travel along the dramatic, pine-brushed coastline of Parque Natural da Arrábida, or simply soak up rays on nearby sandy beaches. The National Park of Arrábida is one of the best places to visit in Portugal.
Lisboa.
One of the most iconic cities in Europe, Lisbon is one of the places to visit in Portugal you definitely can’t miss. Lisbon is sunny, friendly, cultural, and even low-cost! There are endless interesting things to do in Lisbon for you to discover. You can also plan a visit to one of the many places to visit in the surrounding area, discover all the day trips and excursions from Lisbon!
Sintra.
Sintra is one of the most famous places to visit in Portugal. Leaving Lisbon’s western suburbs and climbing into Sintra feels like crossing over into another world. It’s highly recommended to join a day trip from Lisbon to Sintra. Sintra may be Portugal’s most enchanting city, filled with fairytale palaces, manicured gardens, mysterious paths, and an idyllic coast. Its UNESCO World Heritage–listed center, Sinatra-Vila, will impress you. Make sure you visit the Pena Palace that could be straight out of a children’s fairytale book. You also can’t miss the amazing Castle of the Moors, the Monserrat Palace, and the Quinta da Regaleira.
Ericeira
Heading up north, just a few kilometers from Lisbon, there is Ericeira, the first world surfing reserve in Europe! Whether you are passionate about this sport or not it is well worthed a visit to Ericeira. It’s equally renowned for spectacular ocean vistas and excellent seafood restaurants in addition to being a mecca for surfers.
Peniche.
Peniche is a small town spectacularly set on a headland surrounded by the sea. The walled historic center makes for pleasant strolling, and the seaside fort where Salazar’s regime detained political prisoners is a must-see for anyone interested in Portuguese history. The beaches near Peniche are gorgeous and, one of them, Supertubos, is very famous for hosting a World Surf League event.
Nazaré
Another unmissable place to visit in Portugal is Nazaré. Possibly the most famous fishing town in Portugal, it is unique in many ways. With a proud fishing tradition dating back many hundreds of years, spectacular waves, and picturesque orange-roofed buildings packed along a long, golden beach, it’s a beautiful, chilled-out place to spend a night or two. You can relax on some of the best beaches in Portugal and take the picturesque funicular from the beach to the cliffs. Or enjoy fresh seafood, exploring the Portuguese fishing tradition
Coimbra
Coimbra was the medieval capital of Portugal for over a hundred years. It is also the site of the country’s greatest university for the past five centuries. Coimbra definitely wears its weighty importance in Portuguese history with dignity. The University, churches and cathedrals, cafes with a student vibe, typical food: there are many things to do in Coimbra!
Aveiro.
Very close to Porto, Aveiro is a great destination to spend one or two days. Situated near the coast, the nearby beaches attract crowds in the summer. Although, the heritage and vibrant culture continue attracting visitors outside of prime vacation season. Nicknamed the “Venice of Portugal”, Aveiro is characterized by a maze of canals filled with brightly colored boats and it is easily one of the country’s most romantic destinations.
Porto.
Porto, one of the finest cities in Europe. It is the second largest city in the country after Lisbon. Charmingly traditional and aesthetically delightful, Porto is a historic mercantile city on the slopes above the Douro Estuary. The center is a World Heritage site, and his richness and variety will surprise you!
Discover the best tours and activities in Porto. There are medieval walls, gleaming Baroque churches, the compact streets of the Ribeira district, the Romanesque Cathedral and that’s just the beginning. Fortified port wine is still stored in warehouses on the south bank of the Douro, you can’t miss a wine tasting in Porto!
Comments
Post a Comment