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Portugal
For any traveler wanting to get off the beaten track in Europe, Portugal has infinite possibilities to experience small towns and diverse landscapes that remain very much like they were a hundred years ago. Portugal is a small, compact country, whose history and customs are deeply influenced by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. The Portuguese are proud of their seafaring past, as Vasco de Gama, Columbus and others were pioneers of exploration in Africa, the Americas and India. Portugal was a major colonial power until less than twenty years ago. Following the independence of several of Portugal’s African colonies (1974-1975) over a million refugees moved into the major urban areas of Portugal. The immigrants have integrated well into Portuguese society which has led to a fascinating multi-cultural atmosphere in the major urban areas, especially in Lisbon .
For such a small country, you have many options from which to choose: A San Francisco-esque city, spreading over seven hills which descend into the Rio Tejo (Tagus River)- Lisbon is perhaps Europe’s most pleasant and affordable city. Its fantastic architecture, diverse population, delicious seafood, intriguing tile-work and non-stop night-life bring together the best elements of Portuguese life. Don’t miss an evening bar-hopping in the Barrio-Alto listening to African music and Portuguese blues-fado!
Tour beautifully restored towns and well-preserved architecture of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites in Evora , Batalha and Alcobaça . If you are interested in monuments, Evora and Coimbra are must-sees.
The most beautiful natural areas lie in the Minho , Lima, and Douro valley. You can explore the verdant beauty and rural customs of the Minho Valley, or check out the spectacular gorge in the Douro valley .
The city of Oporto is located at the end of the Douro Valley, on the sea, and is famous for its port wine. It is an excellent base for exploring the region.
If it’s the beach you are after, the Algarve coast offers highly developed stretches of beach. The rest of the coast (with the exception of the area near Lisbon and Porto) remain relaxing, totally Portuguese and isolated. Great stretches of sand are there for the relaxing, especially along the northern Costa Verde , near Viano do Castelo . The beaches near southern Alentejo are the most remote and least populated.
Transportation and accommodation are excellent and very reasonable, perhaps the cheapest in Europe. The wine is excellent and don’t forget to try some vinho do Porto (port), Portugal’s most famous export. If you are interested click here.
Lisbon is a fascinating of old-fashioned and funky art, architecture and traditions. Its one of Europe’s most enjoyable capitals with its relaxed atmosphere, cultural diversity, reasonable prices and charming architecture. Lisbon is set on seven low hills next to the Rio Tejo. The city’s atmosphere is rich with wonderful old buildings, Europe’s longest suspension bridge, and fascinating museums and monuments. Despite the city’s muscle-aching hills, Lisbon is compact enough to explore on foot. If your legs get tired, Lisbon has very convenient, bus, trolley and subway lines as well as funiculars to take you up the steeper hills.
The capital of Portugal is currently in the middle of a building boom which began after it was chosen as the host city for Expo 98. Metro lines have been extended, mosaic sidewalks have been re-paved and medieval facades have been restored. One of the most urgent works is the saving and restauration of the "Alfama", the old town.
The city moves to pulsing new rhythms, as African music clubs are all the rage. Contrasting to this modern diversity, Portuguese fado songs continue to be heard, the soulful music (which originated here) is still hitting notes of passionate melancholy.
A good way to orient yourself and enjoy a panoramic view is to climb one of the seven hills - Penha de França, Senhora do Monte, Graça, São Jorge, São Pedro Alcantara, Santa Catarina, Estrela. São Jorge is topped by a famous castle, Castelo de São Jorge, and has the most spectacular picturesque view - as the sun sets over the Rio Tejo. Generally speaking, you can spend an unlimited time discovering and re-discovering this charming city, however if you are on a tight schedule, don't miss exploring the Alfama District, Bairro Alto, and Belem (see under sights for more information). Lisbon is really a wonderful place to explore, anytime of the year. If you are lucky, the sky is blue and the sun is shining even in february and november.
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