Added: 01/16/2006 |
Portugal tourist will enoy the sunny countryAn independent kingdom since 1143, Portugal established its continental frontiers in 1297 and is one of the oldest nations in Europe. In 1415, the Portuguese set sail on an epic voyage that would make them the first to discover the ocean routes to India, Brazil, China and Japan, and at the same time founded settlements on the east and west coasts of Africa.
The natural advantages of a sunny country with such diverse geographic features have turned Portugal into a chosen destination for portugal tourist, an ideal place for practicing water sports and playing golf, offering modern tourism facilities, and quaint and personalized means of accommodation, such as 'turismo de habitanto' (privately owned homes ranging from wonderful farmhouses to manor houses), 'hotis de charme' or 'pousadas'.
Portugal is trying to develop a cultural and rustic tourism, rather than only beach tourism, in order to attract more affluent portugal tourist often concerned in getting to know the real Portugal. The interior of the nation has a decreasing population, but exceptional touristic potential. The Algarve, with its different beaches has been the primary attraction for decades for portugal tourist, but it has suffered from mass tourism, and the authorities have been working to recover the 1960's Algarve, namely recovering the coast and demolishing illegal urbanizations.
Mass tourism has caused some ecological damage in the Algarve, for example water shortages. The Lisbon area has recently become a very popular destination, mostly due to the city of Lisbon urban historical attractions, but also due to Sintra's fabled palaces and castles located in very romantic and exotic scenery. The island territories of Madeira and the Azores have also a growing potential.
Portugal has a rich seafaring past, superb beach resorts, wistful towns and a landscape wreathed in olive groves, vineyards and wheat fields. Littered with UNESCO World Heritage sites and graced by one of Europe's most relaxed and attractive capitals, it also remains refreshingly affordable. Portugal tourist like to have rest on the beaches in Portugal. Portuguese beaches are very inviting offering white sand all over. Be careful not to swim in areas where there are flags warning not to. Red flags mean total prohibition to swim and yellow flags mean you should be very careful. Green flags mean there is no danger at all. Portugal has a mild climate without extremes of temperature. Winters are never too cold and summers are always moderately hot.
Portugal travel can give you a chance to see Carnaval. Carnaval is one of the biggest events, featuring partying, parading and painted faces about six weeks before Easter. There are vast and colourful processions during Braga's Easter or Holy Week Festival. The Festa de Sao Joao in June is biggest in Porto where everyone dances through the streets, amicably hitting each other over the head with leeks. The Feira de Sao Martinho (Golegã, November) showcases all manner of horses, riding contests and bullfights.
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