Portugal is a country of roughly ten million people living on three distinct geographies; Continental Europe, the Azores and Madeira islands. Portugal features an excellent climate ranging from north, its greenest frontier, and the quaint and diverse middle, to the warm south. The Azores are some of the most beautiful islands on earth. Madeira islands are a must stop for sun and fun. Timeless and cosmopolitan Lisbon or Lisboa, an historic yet contemporary European capital, captures every visitor with its charm and beauty.
Portugal is one of the oldest nations in Europe having established its continental frontier as it is set today on 1297. Portugal has been an independent kingdom since 1143 When D. Afonso Henriques rebelled against his mother to wrestle the Condado Portucalense away from the Kingdom of Leon .
Portugal is located on the west side of the Iberian Peninsula, ideally positioned between Spain and the Atlantic ocean. Its geographic location along the Atlantic coastline is the reason why Portugal quickly became an ocean-bound country setting the stage for centuries of sea adventure and discoveries.
1415 was the year that set the tone for centuries to come. under the guidance of Prince Henry “The Navigator”, the Portuguese set sail on epic voyages that would make them the first to discover the ocean routes to India, Brazil, China and Japan, while at the same time founding settlements on both African coasts.
Traces of this worldwide historic presence may be seen as trademarks of the Portuguese culture. The Portuguese language became one of the most widely spoken in the world, and the Portuguese people were privileged for being exposed to so many different civilizations. The vast monumental, artistic and archaeological heritage witness not only the 850 years of history of encounters with distant cultures, but also the presence in the territory of more ancient peoples (Celts, Suevians, Visigoths, Romans and Arabs).
Portugal’s natural advantages of a sunny country with such diverse geographic features have turned the country into a chosen destination for many holidaymakers, an ideal place for practicing water sports and playing golf, offering modern tourism facilities, and quaint and personalized means of accommodation, such as Solares de Portugal (privately owned homes ranging from wonderful farmhouses to manor houses), and luxury and charm hotels located in castles, old monasteries and manor houses known as Pousadas of Portugal.
A member-country of the European Union since 1986, Portugal currently enjoys a steady economic growth. For centuries Portugal has kept the greatest treasure of a renowned reputation for hospitality that makes the country a haven of congeniality and safety.
FOOD AND WINE
Portugal is famous for its food and wine. From the upmarket restaurants and its more exquisite cuisine to the local “tascas”, you are guaranteed a delicious gastronomic experience. The more modern and recent restaurants cook vegetarian dishes.
Bacalhau:
Bacalhau is salted codfish. Although it is one of the main ingredients in Portuguese gastronomy, bacalhau is imported from Canada and Norway as the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean on their coastline is very rich in this fish. You will find there are thousands of ways to cook bacalhau.
Meat-lovers:
Meat is eaten all over the country. However, there are two areas famous for their meat dishes. The Alentejo is famous for its pork and Trás-os-Montes for its cured meats.
Bread and Cheese:
Each region will also have its specific bread and cheese. The most famous cheese is Queijo da Serra from Serra da Estrela. Queijo de Azeitão, from Azeitão (near Lisbon) is also delicious. Every restaurant will place a basket of bread on the table as a starter. If it is not home made, it will be fresh from the bakery next door.
Sweets:
This is a legacy left from the Moorish occupation. Try the “rebuçados da régua” in the city Peso da Régua in the Douro region. If you travel to Lisbon, stop by Belém to try the famous “Pastéis de nata” of Belém.
Wine:
Portugal is famous for its fortified wines: Port and Madeira. Port comes from the Douro region and Madeira from the island. These are great wines for an aperitif or as a digestif after a meal. However, Portuguese wine culture and expertise does not end with its fortified wines. The Douro region has become one of the most famous regions in the world for their DOC wines. In the same form as Chateauxs from France, you will find wines denominated by Quintas in the Douro. The Alentejo and Dão make great red, white and rosé wines too. Enjoy a truly fascinating and intriguing wine tasting experience throughout Portugal!
Beer:
During meals, the Portuguese will also drink beer. However, it is in the late afternoon hours, at sunset, that the Portuguese enjoy a good fresh beer the most.
