Portugal - I ♥ my Portugal...
My heart yearns for Portugal each and every year. Of course I'm a little biased as I was born there but sadly no longer live in this beautiful country. The 'saudades' (nostalgic, longing feeling) however, never fade away. It is in fact an absolutely fabulous country to visit and not just for the three 'S's Sun, Sand, Sea... what were you thinking? - Oh... Surf, of course. Portugal is so much more, it's an experience of many things.
You will find Portugal on the Iberian Peninsula at the most western tip of Europe with a population of over 10 million. Its name is derived from the Roman 'Portus Cale'. It may be small in size but the diversity it has to offer is larger than you can ever imagine. Portugal not only oozes relaxation, it's also the perfect destination for those seeking adventures too. You can literally drive through Portugal (north to south or south to north) in a day, but it's definitely worthwhile taking it easy as there's just too much to take in at once.
Portugal mainland is split into five fascinating regions. From top to bottom you will find Porto and the North, the Central region, the Lisbon coast, the Alentejo and the Algarve. Each region has its own individuality and the differences are enormous.
The North is well known for its picturesque green landscapes, filled with glorious mountains, waterfalls and ancient villages. The Central region is enjoyed for its splendid and dramatic scenery offering us the highest mountain in Portugal, Serra da Estrela. The Lisbon coast boasts one of the most awesome cities as its capital as well as the apparitions of the Virgin Mary at Fatima we have Cristo Rei (Christ monument) overlooking the city too and so much more, the list is endless. The Alentejo region is super gorgeous with its vast rolling hills filled with vineyards, olive and cork oak trees and charming villages. Finally, the Algarve spoils us with its ravishing, pristine beaches and rocky coastline.
You will find Portugal on the Iberian Peninsula at the most western tip of Europe with a population of over 10 million. Its name is derived from the Roman 'Portus Cale'. It may be small in size but the diversity it has to offer is larger than you can ever imagine. Portugal not only oozes relaxation, it's also the perfect destination for those seeking adventures too. You can literally drive through Portugal (north to south or south to north) in a day, but it's definitely worthwhile taking it easy as there's just too much to take in at once.
Portugal mainland is split into five fascinating regions. From top to bottom you will find Porto and the North, the Central region, the Lisbon coast, the Alentejo and the Algarve. Each region has its own individuality and the differences are enormous.
The North is well known for its picturesque green landscapes, filled with glorious mountains, waterfalls and ancient villages. The Central region is enjoyed for its splendid and dramatic scenery offering us the highest mountain in Portugal, Serra da Estrela. The Lisbon coast boasts one of the most awesome cities as its capital as well as the apparitions of the Virgin Mary at Fatima we have Cristo Rei (Christ monument) overlooking the city too and so much more, the list is endless. The Alentejo region is super gorgeous with its vast rolling hills filled with vineyards, olive and cork oak trees and charming villages. Finally, the Algarve spoils us with its ravishing, pristine beaches and rocky coastline.
Portugal's overwhelming Atlantic coastline from its tip all the way down to the south is a blend of deserted coves, long stretching beaches and rugged cliffs. With such a huge choice, you will definitely find the perfect beach for pure indulgence. Portugal has become an ideal location for water sport lovers too ranging from surfing, sailing, wind-surfing, diving to fishing. However, it is probably mostly recognised for its world-class coastal golf courses but it's also on its way to becoming the surf capital of Europe hosting top surfing competitions.
Famed for its maritime explorers, the Portuguese discovered the ocean routes to Brazil, Africa, India and all the way to Japan, bringing new ideas and foreign products such as spices from their trips as well as spreading Christianity and the Portuguese language and culture around the world.
Rich in history, heritage and spirituality, the diversity of cultures (Christian, Muslim and Jewish) and royalty who inhabited this stunning country is still experienced today through its archaeology and architecture. From mystical castles, fairytale palaces, awe-inspiring holy places to spectacular ancient tombs, even super rare dinosaur footprints are still standing strong for us to reflect on and admire. Or why not lose yourself in the vibrant cosmopolitan cities, romantic towns and charming whitewashed villages - are you ready to be seduced? Each one is inviting you to divulge what it has to offer. The majority with their paved cobbled streets and interesting tiled buildings. The tiles are called azulejos (derived from moorish mosaics known as al-zuleique). All this in a fusion of baroque, manueline, renaissance and gothic styles, you're absolutely spoilt for choice.
Famed for its maritime explorers, the Portuguese discovered the ocean routes to Brazil, Africa, India and all the way to Japan, bringing new ideas and foreign products such as spices from their trips as well as spreading Christianity and the Portuguese language and culture around the world.
Rich in history, heritage and spirituality, the diversity of cultures (Christian, Muslim and Jewish) and royalty who inhabited this stunning country is still experienced today through its archaeology and architecture. From mystical castles, fairytale palaces, awe-inspiring holy places to spectacular ancient tombs, even super rare dinosaur footprints are still standing strong for us to reflect on and admire. Or why not lose yourself in the vibrant cosmopolitan cities, romantic towns and charming whitewashed villages - are you ready to be seduced? Each one is inviting you to divulge what it has to offer. The majority with their paved cobbled streets and interesting tiled buildings. The tiles are called azulejos (derived from moorish mosaics known as al-zuleique). All this in a fusion of baroque, manueline, renaissance and gothic styles, you're absolutely spoilt for choice.
There are also numerous celebrations and festivals held frequently throughout the country as well as having an exciting nightlife and a reputable club scene attracting international DJs. Its music developed from traditional folklore which is still performed today but its most famous music style is Fado, mournful longing ballads sung full of passion and sorrow, with emotions of 'saudade' nostalgia and heartache, accompanied by classical guitars. Fado became internationally recognised through its most famous singer Amalia Rodrigues, and over the years Madredeus, Dulce Pontes and Mariza.
As well as fine music you can savour its fine wine too. Choose the vinho verde wine from the North, smooth reds from the Alentejo, finish off with a Port (fortified wine) from Porto or a Moscatel from the Lisbon coast. Why not accompany your wine with a delicious Portuguese meal. Portugal's cuisine is very understated, it has a fabulous array of meat and fish dishes and of course piri piri chicken (frango assado). Also don't forget the yummy grilled sardines and the popular sun-dried, salted codfish dishes (bacalhau), can you believe there are hundreds of recipes using this one ingredient. Finish off your mouth-watering meal with an espresso coffee (bica), or one of the best desserts you will ever taste in your life, such as chocolate mousse, caramel mousse (baba do camelo), meringue pudding (molotoff), crème caramel (pudim flan), rice pudding (arroz doce) or our superly delicious custard tart (pastel de nata).
To top it all, Portugal has a mild climate with plenty of sunshine, around 300 days a year, so it's pretty perfect all year round. Portugal also has many handicrafts - it has the finest leather and cork products, lovely ceramics, intricate lace and linen and many exquisite rugs too - why not take one or two home as a souvenir.
Portugal is still one of the least explored countries on the continent just waiting to be discovered and once visited it will definitely whet your appetite for more.
Also check out our Portugal blog: Why is Portugal a sizzling hot destination
As well as fine music you can savour its fine wine too. Choose the vinho verde wine from the North, smooth reds from the Alentejo, finish off with a Port (fortified wine) from Porto or a Moscatel from the Lisbon coast. Why not accompany your wine with a delicious Portuguese meal. Portugal's cuisine is very understated, it has a fabulous array of meat and fish dishes and of course piri piri chicken (frango assado). Also don't forget the yummy grilled sardines and the popular sun-dried, salted codfish dishes (bacalhau), can you believe there are hundreds of recipes using this one ingredient. Finish off your mouth-watering meal with an espresso coffee (bica), or one of the best desserts you will ever taste in your life, such as chocolate mousse, caramel mousse (baba do camelo), meringue pudding (molotoff), crème caramel (pudim flan), rice pudding (arroz doce) or our superly delicious custard tart (pastel de nata).
To top it all, Portugal has a mild climate with plenty of sunshine, around 300 days a year, so it's pretty perfect all year round. Portugal also has many handicrafts - it has the finest leather and cork products, lovely ceramics, intricate lace and linen and many exquisite rugs too - why not take one or two home as a souvenir.
Portugal is still one of the least explored countries on the continent just waiting to be discovered and once visited it will definitely whet your appetite for more.
Also check out our Portugal blog: Why is Portugal a sizzling hot destination
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Fancy a road trip across Portugal? - Here's a taster of where to...
Photography: beepbeepeurope
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© Copyright. All rights reserved.
