Travel Guide Portugal with travel tips for Portugal
Portugal lies on the western edge of the Iberian Peninsula, facing the Atlantic Ocean and bordered on the east and north by Spain; its territory includes the Azores and Madeira islands. Within this small country there is an amazing diversity of landscape, from the thick forests of the spectacular Estrela Mountains to the extensive beaches and sparkling waters of the coastal regions. The capitol of Lisbon and second city of Porto present a delightful fusion of ancient and modern, while the labyrinthine streets of the medieval walled villages evoke a mysterious and romantic past.
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History
The Iberian Peninsula was first settled in prehistoric times. The Lusitanians, a tribe of ancient Celtic peoples, arrived in the 1st millennium BC. The Romans came next, followed by Germanic tribes. The Moors invaded in the 8th century AD and ruled until 1179, when the area was reconquered and became an independent kingdom. Portugal’s location on the edge of the Atlantic made it an ideal launching point during the Age of Exploration, and many explorers set sail from its ports to establish colonies all over the world. A devastating earthquake struck Lisbon in 1755, and Portugal was involved in several wars during the 1800s. A coup d’etat, the Carnation Revolution, overthrew a dictatorship in 1974.
Culture and Sightseeing
Opportunities to experience art and history abound in Portugal. Exceptional museums and galleries throughout the country feature world class art, ranging from medieval through contemporary. The distinctive blue and white decorative pottery called azulejo is featured in Lisbon’s National Tile Museum. The Gothic Manueline style of architecture is exhibited in many magnificent cathedrals and palaces. Portugal has its own unique music called fado, a moving, poignant style of singing. It is regularly performed in clubs called fado houses in Lisbon.
Eat & Drink
Portugal is famous for its fish and seafood. Dried, salted cod, known as “Bacalhau,” is the national dish, and there are hundreds of ways to prepare it. Other popular dishes are a fish stew called “Caldeirada,” and “Arroz de marisco,” a delicious combination of rice, crab, lobster, shrimp and oysters. A rich vegetable and meat stew called “cozido a portuguesa,” often made with pork, is another national dish. Desserts are commonly flan, custards or rice pudding with cinnamon. While Portugal produces many types of wine, the most well-known is port, which originated in the Douro district, near the city of Porto.