The Facts:
Capital: Lisbon
Currency: Euro
Time Zone: GMT
www.visitportugal.com
Introduction:
It could be easy to overlook Portugal, tucked away in its southwest corner and bordered by a heavyweight travel destination neighbour. What Portugal might lack in size it certainly makes up for in character with charming whitewashed villages, an edge of the world coastline of broad bays, wild dunes and tucked away coves, craggy mountains and laid back cities. Trams rattle and cobblestone streets wind through Lisbon and Porto, the meandering Duoro river threads through the wine growing north whilst the Algarve glimmers with sun-kissed beaches. Add to this delicious food, great festivals, year round good weather and Portugal remains an unspoilt gem on the Iberian Peninsula.
Where To Go:
Bordered by the Atlantic to the west and south and Spain to the north and east, Portugal is the westernmost country of mainland Europe. In addition, the Atlantic archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira are also part of Portugal.
What To Eat & Drink:
- Caldo Verde is Portugal's favourite soup, made from potato, cabbage and slices of smoked sausage.
- Serra da Estrela is a raw sheep's milk cheese from one of the highest and coldest regions.
- Pastéis de Belém are small custard tarts first sold in the capital, but now a firm favourite across the country.
- Try Rojões, a classic dish of fried pork and cumin traditionally washed down with a Duoro red.
- Bacalhau are dried cod recipes, typical of the coastal regions, where seafood is abundant. Portuguese olive oil is an essential ingredient.
Unmissable Portugal:
5 things you really should do in Portugal
1. Wine your way downriver
The Duoro Valley is one of the most scenic wine regions in the world (on a par with the Rhine, the Loire and the Mosel) and one of the best ways to really savour its flavour is to travel by river cruise. Don't miss the chance to try the Port at the 'lodges' of Vila Nova de Gai, across the river from Porto.
www.cellartours.com
2. Get Lost
Explore the Alfama, Lisbon's medieval maze of twisting streets, narrow alleyways and tucked away taverns, the historic heart and soul of the capital.
www.visitlisboa.com
3. Tune in
Look out for live Fado playing in any of the bars of Lisbon or Coimbra. This is the country's most traditional music, characterized by mournful tunes and lyrics, often about the sea or the life of the poor.
www.aaalisbon.com
4. Tee Off & Tan Up
With over 20 different Championship golf courses in the Algarve, Portugal's sunny south, you can combine beach life and bunker to get the best of both worlds.
www.algarvegolf.net
5. Be a wild child
Explore the Peneda-Gerês, Portugal's only National park. Located in the northwest this mountainous region offers superb scenic hikes through dramatic scenery where rural life seems to have barely changed. Once the home of the brown bear and the mountain goat, Peneda-Geres is today one of the last refuges predators, such as the wolf and the royal eagle.
www.geira.pt/pnpg/index.html
