"A Month in Portugal..............................." Portugal by freya_heaven

Portugal Travel Guide: 23,447 reviews and 52,774 photos

Alcobaca Cloisters, North Portugal - Portugal

We were lucky to have 4 weeks in Portugal, entering from Galicia, Spain in the north & making our way southwards ending with 8 days in the Algarve.

Portugal has a long history as a sea faring nation, being in the middle ages a powerful colonial force. By many historians it is believed the Portuguese reached Australia in the 16th century, 250 years before Cook.

Today, much of the Portuguese economy is in tourism, wine, cork, (55% of the worlds production)clothing & footwear manufacture.

Altantic Ocean

Atlantic at Cabo sao Vicent

Portugal is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on two sides, being there in the winter we saw some magnificent seas. This photo was taken at Cabo de Sao Vicent, in the west Algarve. This is the Europe's south-westernmost point.

Friendly place !

North Portuguese lady

We found Portugal such a friendly country to visit, from lovely old ladies will in to pose for a photo (although she thought I was crazy ) to helpful & amusing policemen when we broke down on the Autostrada

Pros and Cons

Pros:Friendly people, beautiful coast & countryside & architecture
Cons:Built up Algarve.....................thats all!

Last visit to Portugal: Jan 2003
Intro Updated Jun 5, 2004
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Reviews (47)

Car Park "Attendents" Warnings Or Dangers (2)

In nearly all the car parks we used in Portugal, there were traveller/Gypsy men directing you to & in to parking... more travel advice

Driving! Warnings Or Dangers (2)

The drivers here can be manic! Driving on your bumper, overtaking at a dangerous point, speeding etc. Fortunately we... more travel advice

Friendly Portuguese Local Customs (1)

We found Portugal to be one of the most friendly & welcoming countries during our 5 month trip around Europe (a... more travel advice

Portuguese Countryside Off The Beaten Path (7)

I really enjoyed the Portuguese countryside, especially in the north of the country. It is very agricultural, lots... more travel advice

Sports & Outdoors (2)
See All Lisbon Marathon
Things to Do (27)
See All Lagos Waterfront
Transportation (1)
Lisbon Funicular

Favorites (1)
Cork Trees
Restaurants (2)
See All Cliff Richards Favourite Haunt!!
Hotels (4)
See All Unfriendly Camping

Comments (40)

travelife Oct 9, 2005 at 2:18 PM Report Abuse

I visited Portugal October 2003 with a very tight budget! There's so much to see. Good to spend 8 days in Algarve!
Tugboatguy Oct 1, 2005 at 10:39 AM Report Abuse

Hi Nicola, You have wonderful coverage and tips for Portugal, one of my favorite countries. Spent 10 days in Cascais and environs in early '70s; it has changed a lot since then. Doug (^_^)
nada1712 Aug 19, 2005 at 12:23 PM Report Abuse

Beautiful, informative and exquisite - a wonderful narrative and photos of a delightful trip. Obrigada!!!So well done! ....Nada
al.ladin Aug 11, 2005 at 6:16 AM Report Abuse

Hi Nicola, realy with care made pages....colours etc...nice.
DaDrifter Aug 8, 2005 at 10:20 AM Report Abuse

What an engaging travelogue! Portugal looks awesome through your pictures, Nicola ... fascinating stories - wonderfully narrated. This goes in my sabbatical list :)
kyoub Jul 16, 2005 at 7:43 AM Report Abuse

Lucky you, having a long stay here. Very interesting about the cork trees. The seas and beaches sound beautiful. Lovely villa.
Jim_Eliason Jun 4, 2005 at 3:32 PM Report Abuse

Great Info!
Daja123 Apr 25, 2005 at 7:01 AM Report Abuse

It's wonderful page about Portugal. Especially - Alcobaca Monastery. The pics and tips are excellent. Thank you Nicola.
rsilva Apr 23, 2005 at 4:56 AM Report Abuse

Hi Nicola. Very nice roundup of places to see in Portugal. Much better then most other pages I've seen. Bye, Ricardo
scottishvisitor Apr 9, 2005 at 3:49 PM Report Abuse

A winning smile speaks volumes