Tourism in Portugal
Tourist places in Portugal
An overview of Portugal
Portugal is a country located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula, which is the westernmost country in Europe.
It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south, and Spain to the north and east. The archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira in the Atlantic Ocean are also part of Portugal.
Culture and history
The land within the borders of present-day Portugal has been settled continuously since prehistoric times. Roman settlers heavily influenced Portuguese culture, especially the Portuguese language, which derives most of it from Latin. In the fifth century, after the fall of the Roman Empire, the region was subjugated by several Germanic peoples, most notably the Soybeans and the Visigoths. In the early 8th century the Muslims invaded those Germanic kingdoms and took control of most of the Iberian Peninsula.
During the fall of Andalusia, Portugal was settled as part of the Kingdom of Galicia. The founding of the kingdom was recognized in 1143 and its borders were stabilized by 1249, and thus it claims to be the oldest European nation-state.
In the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, as a result of marine exploration, Portugal expanded to become a global empire whose possessions included lands in Africa, Asia and South America, and became a major world power economically, politically and militarily. The Portuguese Empire was the world’s first and longest-lived empire.
Tourist areas in Portugal
Coimbra
Coimbra is a charming little town located on the banks of the Mondego River in central Portugal, Coimbra is home to treasures of historical sites and beautiful gardens, which have a lively culture centered around one of the oldest universities in Europe.
The Azores
The Azores consist of 9 volcanic islands in the Atlantic Ocean, and are located about 1,500 km (930 miles) west of Lisbon. Known for its mineral hot springs, and exotic coastal cities, every island has its own wonderful identity. São Miguel is the largest island of the Azores, which is known as the “Green Island” while Pico has the highest mountain in Portugal.
Aveiro
Aveiro is a bustling city often called “Portugal’s Gun” due to the picturesque setting of scenic canals connected by charming bridges and dotted with colorful gondolas and speedboats. There are historical sites, wonderful beaches and delicious cuisine from Aveiro as a popular tourist destination.
Evora
Evora may be a small town in the Alentejo plains region of southern Portugal, but it is a huge tourist area. Evora has a history dating back more than 2,000 years and was one of the thriving cities under Roman rule. Today Evora is the capital of the Alentejo region, which is seen from the well-preserved ancient city, which houses more than 4,000 historical structures including ancient Roman walls and temples.
Porto
Porto is a bustling city that stretches along the hillside overlooking the Douro River in northern Portugal. In the heart of Porto, you find a charming pedestrian area, with cafes, restaurants and street vendors.
Madeira
Madeira is the capital and largest city in Madeira, Funchal, and can be considered home to churches, castles, historic tourist resorts and restaurants, as well as lined with picnic trees, which offer spectacular views to visitors.
Algarve
The Algarve enjoys a sunny Mediterranean setting, gorgeous beaches, picturesque towns and historic sites. The Algarve is one of the best places to visit in Portugal, located in the southern region of the Algarve country, displaying a serene landscape of olive groves and traditional white villages to the wilderness, and there is the coast that is blown by the winds with dramatic cliffs with summer resorts.
Lisbon
Lisbon extends along the banks of the Tagus River near the Atlantic Ocean, it is the capital of Portugal and the most satisfactory place for the city winds between seven steep hills, and Lisbon is a charming tourist destination due to the hot weather and alluring alleys, in addition to exotic shops, Gothic cathedrals, wonderful bridges and colorful neighborhoods.
