Portugal, officially the Portuguese Republic is located in the west and southwest parts of the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe, and is the westernmost country in continental Europe. Portugal is bordered by Spain to the north and east and by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south. In addition, Portugal includes two archipelagos in the Atlantic, Azores and Madeira Islands. Portugal has witnessed a constant flow of different civilizations during the past 3,100 years. Iberian, Tartessian, Celtic, Phoenician and Carthaginian, Greek, Roman, Germanic (Suevi and Visigoth), Egyptian, Semitic (Arabic, Jewish, etc.), Moorish and other cultures have all made an imprint on the country's culture, history, language and ethnic make up. Portugal is trying to develop a cultural and rustic tourism, rather than only beach tourism, in order to attract more affluent tourists often concerned in getting to know the real Portugal. The interior of the nation has a decreasing population, but exceptional touristic potential. The Algarve, with its different beaches has been the primary attraction for decades.
Transportation in Portugal
By Car: Traffic drives on the right. Every town and village can be reached by an adequate system of roads. Travel by motorway is subject to a toll according to distance covered and type of vehicle.
By Coach: There are frequent coach services between all Portuguese cities. Eurolines operates an extensive network of coach services to many destinations throughout Europe, including Coimbra, Faro, Lagos, Lisbon and Oporto.
By Rail: Caminhos de Ferro Portugueses provides a rail service to every town. There are a number of options: the top-of-the -range Alfa Pendular trains offer the fastest and most comfortable rail link between Lisbon and the Algarve and in the North (Oporto, Braga or Guimarães, with stops in Coimbra and Aveiro); the Intercidades (Intercity) service covers Lisbon, Oporto, Alentejo and Lisbon to Algarve routes; the International Sud-Express train and Lusitânia Hotel train leave from Lisbon and Oporto. There is a vast network of regional, inter-regional and suburban trains covering the country. The tourist areas of Cascais and Sintra are connected to Lisbon by frequent express trains. High-speed Alfa trains run between Lisbon and Porto via Coimbra and Aveiro. Fertagus trains cross the River Tagus in Lisbon, operating between Entrecampus station to Fogueteiro (on the south bank).
By Air: Portugal’s national airline, TAP Air Portugal operates direct flights to Faro, Lisbon and Porto from a number of countries, including Canada, France, Spain, the UK and USA. Portugália Airlines operates flights from Europe.
Lisbon is the capital and largest city of Portugal. The historic centre of Lisbon is built on seven hills. The western side of the city is mainly occupied by the Monsanto Natural Park, one of the largest urban parks in Europe with an area close to 10 square kilometres.
The Algarve is the southernmost region of mainland Portugal, incorporating the cities of Faro, Lagos, Olhão and Tavira. It is a popular destination for tourism, primarily because of its clean, warm water beaches, Mediterranean climate, safety and relatively low costs.
Porto is the second-largest city in Portugal. It was nominated European City of Culture for 2001 and the historical centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are several attractions to explore; the Stock Exchange Palace, the Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral, the church of Cedofeita (Romanesque), the Clérigos tower (Porto's ex-libris of Baroque architecture). The old waterfront, known as the Cais da Ribeira, caters for tourists with cafes, restaurants and an open-air market.
Main Attractions
Castle of St George
Visitors can ascend the highest of the seven hills surrounding the city of Lisbon and discover the magnificent 12th-century Castle of St George with its 10 towers.
Sintra
Sintra ( a World Heritage Site) is a mountain town full of palaces 25km from Lisbon. A site for lunar cults in ancient times, it boasts the former summer residence of the Portuguese royal family and the beautiful Monserrate gardens.
Évora
Évora is a virtual museum of a town that reached its golden age in the 15th century, when it became the residence of the Portuguese kings. Its monuments had a profound influence on Portuguese architecture in Brazil.
Guimarães
Guimarães is an exceptionally well-preserved and authentic example of the evolution of a Medieval settlement into a modern town, it boasts a fine castle, the former palace of the Dukes of Bragança, as well as some attractive squares and churches.
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