Although Portugal is next door to Spain, visitors are usually surprised to find how different the two countries are. The differences in cultures are distinct and unique to the splendid country of Portugal. Located off the ‘beaten tourist path’ on the outskirts of Europe, the Portuguese people have a reputation for being a calm and welcoming people, especially toward visitors. So, Boa Viagem!
The last truly, ancient destination in Europe, Portugal is a tourist’s treasure trove of historical discoveries. The country is a resource of dazzling natural beauty, peppered with medieval towns and castles throughout the scenic countryside. An ideal way to take it all in would be to begin your exploration form the north and make your way to the southern region of Algarve at a slow pace. Take your time to savour the cultural attractions, culinary delights and landmarks of each region. Above all, the disposition of the Portuguese people always makes a lasting impression on visitors and the rich customs and folklore are still very much alive just about anywhere you venture too.
This sun-filled destination has also become a haven for golf lovers the world over! Golfers can now choose from over numerous championship courses – the best of which are located in the Algarve region, such as the world-famous San Lorenzo course. The list of sporting activities available to experience in Portugal include surfing, windsurfing, sailing, swimming, water-skiing, jet-skiing, fishing, mountain biking, hunting horse-riding, tennis, cycling and even skiing! In short, Portugal is a sport lover’s dream.
Here at visitportugal.ca, we understand that the modern traveler craves more then relaxing and soaking up the sun on the fabulous Atlantic coast, although that’s a pretty awesome vacation in its own right. Portugal is bursting with historical significance dating all the way back to the Paleolithic times, perfect for culture buffs. The curious visitor will delight in many sightseeing options including the interesting and distinctive Gothic style architecture known as Manueline - wonderful glazed tiles, called azulejos that decorate most buildings and monuments both inside and out. This architecture represents the golden age of Portugal’s European and African dominant control.
Portugal is an all encompassing travel destination, luring visitors time and again to experience the cultural and geographical diversity. The country is filled with breathtaking landscapes filled with tropical volcanic islands, lush green meadows, mountains and of course over 530 miles of sandy Atlantic coast. The cultural traditions are rich everywhere as it is one of Europe’s oldest nations. If that wasn’t enough there are plenty of beach resorts varying form luxurious to streamlined and they are abundant along the country’s entire coast.
As the climate of Portugal is perennially moderate and warm, it makes for a restful break any time of the year. Refreshing breezes blow through the country even during the summer months which always make the hot sun enjoyable. The Atlantic positioning of the Iberian Peninsula (Spain taking up the other half), provides a cooler climate, particularly in the northern end. Influenced by the Gulf Stream and the isobars circulating around Northern Africa, the Portuguese climate is like that of the Atlantic and Mediterranean simultaneously.
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