Portugal is a European country located in the southwestern corner of Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is bordered to the west and south by the Atlantic Ocean, which gives it some of the most dramatic coastlines in Europe.
Portugal borders Spain, a single country that makes up the rest of the Iberian Peninsula.
With a coastline stretching for more than 500 miles, Portugal is filled with natural sandy coves and rocky cliffs with impressive inland scenery.
Portugal is a very pleasant country to visit, especially for anyone who is in love with seafood. Along the coast there are great restaurants dedicated to cooking fresh fish. Most restaurants are reasonably priced with generous portions. Don’t forget to sample the excellent local wine while dining in Portugal. While Portugal is noted for Port, excellent wines are home grown in the areas north of Porto and Lisbon.
If you’re in some of the more popular tourist destinations, it’s wise to make a reservation. It is also standard practice in Portugal to add a 5 to 10 percent tip for low paid waiters.
English is widely spoken throughout Portugal and the locals are extremely friendly. A large number of newspapers written in English can be purchased at most major newsstands.
Portugal is a country rich in art and history. Portuguese architecture differs from region to region. The Romans were the first to outdo their advanced structural design. Muslim invaders from North Africa in the eighth century also enriched architecture in southern Portugal. Portugal is full of incredible Churches, temples and ancient buildings. Some old buildings are restored and turned into great hotels.
Hotels in Portugal are plentiful in tourist areas and cities, but can be rare in the countryside. If you’re traveling through the Portuguese countryside, plan your trip ahead of time.
Sports holidays can be held at any time of the year. While the Portuguese are mostly interested in football, most marina sports can be sought along the entire coastline. If you are looking for a golf vacation, Portugal should be at the top of your list. Many of the best golf courses in Portugal are found in the Algarve region, which has a reputation as one of Europe’s top golf destinations.
Located in the south of the country, Portugal’s Algarve region is the perfect place to visit any time of the year. Its climate remains warm all year, and its scenic coastline offers a wide variety of marine activities.
Fishing is a valuable way of life for many in Portugal. Every year during the month of August, one of the ports in the Algarve hosts a huge seafood festival.
If you’re looking for a truly special place to visit – try some of the islands off the Portuguese coast. The Azores are located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, 800 miles west of Portugal. Known for its peaceful lifestyle, the volcanic history of the Azores has left a truly magical landscape. With easy access from mainland Portugal, the Azores Islands are well worth a visit.
