| Page Views: 2,255 Last Visit to Portugal: February, 1993 | DISCOVER PORTUGAL. by PEE-WEE - last update: Jun 22, 2005 |
Lying immediately west of Spain, Portugal is one of Europe’s smallest countries measuring a mere 560 km in length and 220 km wide. Home to 10.5 million people, Portugal’s small size belies its extraordinary history. Battered along its southern and eastern coast by the wild Atlantic sea, it is not surprising that its people became remarkable seafarers. In 1415, Portuguese mariners set sail on an epic voyage that would see them the first to discover the ocean routes to India, Brazil, China and Japan. They founded settlements on the east and west coasts of Africa at the same time. This small country was at the helm of an enormously powerful and wealthy empire in the 15th and 16th centuries. Its vast artistic and archaeological heritage bears witness not only to its 850-year history of encounters with distant cultures, but also to the ancient peoples who once lived in the territory now known as Portugal - the Celts, Romans, Arabs and Visigoths.
Portugal,independant since 1143, Portugal is one of Europe's oldest nations, with a long seafaring history.
This tiny country offers incredible diversity and a wealth of different faces, so it's not surprising that almost all who visit it find far more than they expected and rate Portugal as a marvellous holiday experience.
This peaceful country with a sunny, salubrious climate is, relative to size, one of the world's most popular tourist destinations.
The sunshine illuminates a captivating country of contrasts, a rich, historical past and endless terraces of vineyards.
Through its medieval castles , churches and cathedrals , its fortresses and palaces, Portugal will gradually reveal its magnificence to you.
Ancient towns on the slopes of verdant hills.
Unspoilt picture postcard villages,gorgeous sandy beaches and stunning scenery that will leave you breathless.
The way in which Portugal jealously guards its cultural heritage, whilst simultaneously embracing modernism is impressive and this incredibly beautiful country seldom fails to capture the heart of those who discover it. |
|  | The country is blessed with beautiful weather and the spectacular golden beaches of the Algarve are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, windsurfing and big-game fishing. The wilder, west coast is, literally, a surfer’s paradise. Southern Portugal boasts many championship-standard golf courses. You’ll not wander far before encountering a romaria (religious pilgrimage), a festa (festival) or a feira (fair) which bring entire towns to a standstill. Experience delicious Portuguese specialities like pasties de bacalhau (cod fishcakes) and linguado grelhado (grilled sole) washed down with some good-quality local wine or the drink synonymous with Portugal - Port. Allow the Atlantic breeze, the feel of the sun and the spirit of this country to sink into your skin |
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 Comments for PEE-WEE about Portugal | | | | |
nora_south_africa Sat Apr 26, 2008 11:01 UTC
great tips thanx | AnaDomingos Fri Aug 26, 2005 08:27 UTC
The Euro became the official currency of Portugal in the first day of 2002, until there only Escudos were accepted in money transactions. | dejavu2gb Fri Jun 24, 2005 09:43 UTC
Great pics on your Portugal page!! Wil have to visit it sometime for their Peri Peri Chicken, want to see how authentic Nandos are... :) | bugalugs Sun Jun 12, 2005 22:14 UTC
Only visited Portugal once but thought it was lovely, your photography is splendid |
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