Portugal

Country of melancholy tones and rich history – inspires tourists from all over the world.

Portugal extends over about 92 000 square kilometers in Western Europe. It borders with Spain in the east and north, while in the west and south it has access to the Atlantic Ocean. In terms of relief, however, we can say that the river Tejo divides the country into the northern part of the mountain and lowland south.

Also, two climates alternate here: oceanic along the Atlantic coast, characterized by fresh summers and mild winters, and the Mediterranean in the south under the influence of the Mediterran, where the summers are hot and winters are wet. The country has about 11 million people and most of them are Portuguese. Quarter of the population is employed in the agricultural sector, and the most important crops are wheat and corn.

The economy, in turn, is based on metallurgy, oil production and food processing, paper and textile industry. Capital – Lisbon – is situated at the mouth of the River Tagus and the coast of the Atlantic Ocean to the west of the Iberian Peninsula. It represents an important financial, commercial, transportation, media and artistic center of the country, and is one of the major ports of the European continent.

Portuguese cuisine is a blend of the traditional flavor of this area, as well as the colonial conquest. Here they like to eat fish, seafood and unavoidable meat combined with the South American vegetables and oriental spices. The meal usually begins with a soup, and the most famous is Calo Verde – of cabbages, potatoes and sausage. With food wine and Porto are served – for which they are famous throughout the world.

5 memorable tourist attractions in Portugal:

1. Lisbon and melancholic fado

Explore Belemski tower and Jeronimitski monastery under the protection of UNESCO. At your disposal are the Lisbon Cathedral, the fortress of Castelo de São Jorge, and trademark – Elevador de Santa Justa – city elevator in shape of a tower. Be sure to make a stop at a local club or bar and listen to the melancholy sounds of Portuguese folk music – fado.

2. Portuguese wilderness

If you want to explore the natural beauty of Portugal, its characteristic flora and fauna – visit the largest national park in the country – Pendeli-Geres. Park is situated in the northwest, and covers about 702 square kilometers. Within the park there are several locations where camping is allowed.

3. Elite tourism

Sea and sun lovers gladly (and mass) visit Algarve- Portuguese southernmost province. European aristocracy and the elite, however, go to the island of Madeira in the Atlantic – about a thousand kilometers away from Lisbon. It is a beautiful volcanic island where eternal spring prevails, bananas are grown as well as the famous wine of the same name.

4. Portuguese Rome

Visit the fourth largest city of Portugal – Braga – in the north. It is an important cultural and religious center of Portugal, which brings together dozens of churches, palaces, galleries and museums. Unavoidable religious destination in Portugal is the Marian shrine of Fatima – in the middle of the country, where Blessed Virgin Mary appeared for the first time in 1917.

5. The westernmost point of Europe

Popular tourist destination in Portugal is the westernmost point of the Old Continent. It is the Cabo da Roca cape, which stretches along the Atlantic Ocean, or as a monument on the site says, “where the land ends and sea begins.” The best view of the surrounding area is given from the lighthouse of the same name, which rises over the Atlantic.