Portugal Overview
Located in Southern Europe, Portugal is a unique, budget-friendly travel destination.
Sharing the Iberian Peninsula with Spain, Portugal is unlike its neighbor in many respects and a visit to the two countries should prove a diverse, memorable trip, rich in travel experiences.
The culture of Portugal is one which reflects past civilizations encountered over a span of 870-plus years (founded 1128).
Its music, literature, and visual arts reveal influences from Spain, France, and Italy, but also evince a Portuguese style all its own.
The cuisine of the country is also unique and varied, infused with Mediterranean flavors. Dishes are complemented by wine, of which Portugal is famed for its Port.
As for what to do between meals, a true travel experience will come from an exploration of the country’s rich history. An important contributor to the Age of Discovery, Portugal is home to one of the oldest learning institutions in the world: the University of Coimbra, founded in 1290.
Indeed, for those who enjoy sightseeing, Portugal offers a lovely mix of historic sights/sites to travel to and explore.
From the walled medieval city of Evora to the world-famous religious site of Fatima, Portugal is a travel destination set to surprise and surpass expectations.
Also, for those who wish to travel to somewhere more tranquil, Portugal has this covered as well with its mystical Azores Islands, a chain of nine volcanic islands offering an uncrowded and striking space.
Being mostly surrounded by water, it shouldn’t be surprising to learn that water sports and outdoor recreation are popular pastimes.
The country’s beaches are among the prettiest in Europe.
As one of the warmest countries in Europe, Portugal offers ideal year-round conditions for many activities, including golf, which has had a major impact on the country’s economy. Visitors travel the world over to play the many prized golf courses of Portugal.
In fact, the concentration of top European courses is only enhanced by the country’s relatively small size.
Of the top 100 courses in Europe, it is said that 14 can be found in Portugal alone.
In addition to golf being popular with tourists, there’s also shopping, sightseeing, and relaxing on one of Portugal’s sundry beaches.
Undoubtedly the best-known region of Portugal is the Algarve, a travel destination defined by a handsome coastline and historic sites like castle Silves and the city of Lagos.
One can overflow a travel book with spectacular photos from places like Sintra, Porto, and Portugal capital Lisbon. Overall, the country is split into two travel regions, both geographically and climate-wise diverse.
The river Tagus splits Portugal into a blend of mountains, plateaus, and valleys in the north, with an oceanic climate; while in the south, it’s less dense with rolling plains and an overall Mediterranean clime.
Those who travel to Portugal should keep this shifting landscape of north and south in mind.
Travel to Portugal is primarily by plane, but trains and cruises are not uncommon.
As for travel within the country, that’s mostly accomplished by the train network, while buses can take you to places beyond the beaten path.
As for where to stay in Portugal, options are various and as noted, a visitor can definitely stretch the travel budget if need be. From five-star to economy, it’s entirely up to you. For instance, if you’re accustomed to luxury lodgings when you travel, then Portugal can meet those standards. The Pousadas de Portugal is popular for high-end travel, offering a network of hotels based in beautiful ancient buildings.
If you travel to the countryside, then a bed-and-breakfast will prove a smart travel choice.
Youth hostels are also available for backpackers and those wanting to really save their Euro dollars.
Being part of the European Union, Portugal uses the Euro (€) and visitors will have no trouble in finding an ATM for travel cash.
As a traveler, note that although the country is overall safe to travel in, it’s always wise to be wary of pickpockets, particularly in popular tourist areas.