Tuesday 12 May 2015

Portugal Tourism


Places to visit in Portugal Thanks to the fact that there are a lot of interesting things to see in Portugal, travel here is on the rise. Travelers the world over are finally starting to realize how rewarding a visit to this beautiful country can be, as sightseeing is a splendid joy….. and when you're not checking out the country's wealth of historical attractions, taking in the natural sights makes for an ideal complement. The western-most country in the European mainland, Portugal is bordered by Spain in its’ north and east, and by the Atlantic to its south and west. A part of the Iberian Peninsula and the archipelagos of Azores and Madeira…… the ‘Atlantic pearl’…….are also a part of this wonder land. River Tagus from Spain flows through Portugal, finally merging with the Atlantic.
Some prior research can go a long way before heading off to enjoy a Portugal vacation. The country is small, about the size of Scotland, and has incredible geographic variety as well as a variety of traditions and ways of life. Highly developed resorts cater to tourists during a Portugal vacation in the southern Algarve region and along the coast near Lisbon. The bustling capital is full of interesting barrios, sights and attractions.
In the rural areas there is a different flavor to Portugal. Things remain relatively unchanged in the smaller towns and in the countryside. Visit rural areas during a Portugal vacation to experience the old ways of life. Other attractions in Portugal include golf vacations, fishing trips and architectural tours.
If you are into visiting beautiful monuments and enjoy remarkable views, then Lisbon, Sintra, and Porto are the top three places, and all of them are well worth a visit, but don't overlook Viana do Castelo, Braga, Guimarães, Coimbra, Tomar, Aveiro, Amarante, Bragança, Chaves, Lamego, Viseu, Vila Real, Lagos, Silves, Évora, Angra as they also have wonderful monuments and places of interest.

On the right hand bank of the river Tagus, Lisbon is a city whose legendary history stretches back over twenty centuries. Many visitors to Portugal include a stop in Lisbon on their itineraries. In addition to visiting the Castelo de Sao Jorge which looms over the capital and is one of the best castles in the land, resting on the same hilltop perch that it has occupied for centuries…… a stroll around the castle's ramparts or the shaded courtyards is a good highlight to your visit. You'll also want to enjoy the panoramic views of the city from the Ulysses Tower. Also, you would have no trouble including an endless of historical structures in your list, such as the Belem Tower, which is one of the country's main landmarks. Built in the early sixteenth-century, it echoes the country's Age of Discovery and asserts itself as one of the best examples of the Manueline style of architecture, which is a late Gothic style made popular by the Portuguese. One of the many UNESCO sites in the country, this lies on the banks of the Tagus River in Lisbon. It is an attractive and unique monument and the tower’s distinct shape is sharply defined by the water and sky providing a beautiful visual. It was built as an integral aspect of a defensive system at the mouth of the river. Not far from the Belem Tower, or Torre de Belem as it is known locally, you'll find the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos, or Monastery of the Hieronymites, and this outstanding monastery won't fail to impress, especially if you're interested in the Manueline style of architecture……The Santuario de Fatima is in the little village of Fatima, located northwest of Lisbon…….Inside the sanctuary is one of the most magnificent works of religious art from Ireland, the Irish Monstrance…. a gold vessel used to display the consecrated Eucharist. It is also only a few miles from the coast and some fine Portugal beaches.

The grand Basilica at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima is the primary place of worship…..Many stalls and shopping venues near the Basilica will also sell scarves of locally made lace for women's head coverings. A favourite of Portugal attractions is the Gulbenkian Museum which displays an incredible private collection of ancient paintings, Middle Eastern art and Egyptian sculptures. This attraction is free to all visitors on Sunday as are many other Lisbon museums.
When visiting Porto, a trip to nearby Guimaraes is recommended, especially if you are interested in the Portugal palaces and castles and the Paco dos Duques Palace and the Castelo de Guimaraes top the list of attractions. The Castelo de Guimaraes dominates the town's skyline, and you might be surprised to know that work on it began in the tenth century. As for the Paco dos Duques Palace, it has been extensively restored over time, though it still maintains plenty of interest, thanks largely in part to the beautiful church attached to it.
Portugal landmarks overflow in the country and there is a surprising number of UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Palacio Nacional da Pena or Pena National Palace located in the small town of Sintra near Lisbon. Built in the nineteenth- century from the ruins of an ancient monastery it exemplifies Roman revivalism. Sintra is one of the most interesting and beautiful towns in Portugal, and its proximity to Lisbon has a lot to do with its wealth of attractions. You'll find some of the most impressive Portugal castles and palaces and all of them deserve some of your time. The Palacio Nacional de Sintra dates back to the era when the Moors dominated both Portugal and Spain, and as such, it is of Moorish origin. Inside this Palacio, you'll notice a mix of the Moorish and Manueline styles of architecture. The Manueline style is a late-Gothic style that the Portuguese developed and used to a great extent. You can also head over to admire the Castelo dos Moros. All these castles and palaces are amongst the most highly visited, and you won't want to miss them when in the area.
The Conimbriga Ruins are some of the best preserved ruins around the Iberian peninsula and lie just over eight miles from the city of Coimbra. The ruins are found on a road that in present day is one that leads from Coimbra to Tomar.
The Conimbriga ruins were actually first settled by Celtics during the Iron Age in history and then later occupied in the first century by the Romans, and are definitely worth a visit if you are on a tour of Portugal’s northern region. It’s possible to drive from Porto for a visit as well.
This Portugal tourist attraction includes a museum on the site that is best visited before exploring the ruins as it depicts what the daily life of the Romans was like. Some of the larger discoveries from the ruins are on display inside as well such as statues and mosaics. When to go would depend on your schedules but early morning or later afternoon when the weather is cool a bit…….. is the best.
Greek mythological characters are portrayed among the ruins and can be seen via a walk through the old streets and houses with courtyards full of vibrant mosaics in one of the oldest Portugal attractions in the country.
The Convent of Christ in the town of Tomar…… in the northeast of the capital……the Knights Templar occupied many different locations throughout their early existence and the Convent of Christ is one of them dating back in history from Medieval times through to the Renaissance. An extraordinary view giving another best example of the Manueline -style construction showcasing ancient legacy!! This wonderful collection of buildings is a one of the Portugal Tourist attractions receiving thousands of visitors each year…….. perhaps going beyond your imagination!!!!
Some beaches in Portugal are better than others for diving such as Praia da Luz. It’s found only five miles west of Lagos and is well suited for kids as it is sheltered and enclosed by dark rock flanking the one side and a small village on the other side….. perfect for a delicious lunch or dinner. Also near Lagos is the Meia Praia which stretches for six long miles and is one of the favoured beaches in Portugal. This is a great spot for families as there are lots of things to do for children such as shell collecting, sand castle building and investigating the interesting bits washed up onto the shore.
The island of Sao Miguel, which is home to the archipelago's main airport, boasts of some of the best Azores beaches, as do the islands of Santa Maria and Faial. Should you find yourself on Terceira, Praia da Vitoria is another strip of sand worth checking out.
In addition to fishing, whale watching, and hanging out at the beach, those who are enjoying a vacation here can also enjoy some hiking and cycling. There are plenty of wonderful walking and biking trails in the Azores, and while cycling is popular enough, walking is even more popular. Pico Island, which is home to Portugal's tallest mountain, is one of the best walking and hiking destinations in the Azores Islands. Sao Jorge Island is ideal for coastal hikes, thanks to its coastal rambles, and great treks can also be had on the islands of Flores, Corvo, and Sao Miguel. Sao Miguel is also a good destination if you are interested in doing some scuba diving, as are the islands of Faial and Terceira.
Spas are springing up all around Portugal, as the country continues to position itself among the world's top spa vacation destinations. Thanks to the volcanic nature of the Azores, hot springs are in good number, and you might look to seek out the therapeutic waters at the Furnas baths on Sao Miguel Island. Faial is home to the Veradouro baths and Graciosa Island is where you will find the Carapacho baths, so you can visit them as well when looking to pamper yourself on the side. A hot springs soak might just be in order after a few rounds of golf. The Portugal golf industry, much like the country's spa industry, has grown significantly in recent years, and you'll even find some good golf courses in the Azores…… in Sao Miguel and Tercera.
It's hard to sum up the Azores Islands, as they are quite unique. Even the larger cities here, which include Ponta Delgada, Angra do Heroismo, and Horta, are laid back, and you could hardly ask for a better place to escape to if you want to get off the beaten path. Various vacation packages to Portugal revolve around or at least feature some time in this magical land, and the Azores hotels should more than have you covered when it comes to finding accommodations on your own.
With a vast coastline, seafood plays a major part in Portuguese cuisine and the quality of our seafood and freshly caught grilled fish is beyond compare. In Portugal you are bound to take pleasure in having a good table, where you would like to get together with family and friends or your group. Food in Portugal varies by region but fresh fish and shellfish are on almost every menu. The national dish is called “Bacalhau” which is dried, salted cod and you’ll find this virtually everywhere! Grilled sardines and mackerel are popular in coastal towns and “arroz de marisco”, a mixture of shrimp, oysters, lobster and crabs is a great way to try a mixture of seafood. To round off your meal, don’t miss one of the delicious desserts, made according to the ancient recipes of monks and nuns.
The national cuisine creates the perfect introduction to the Portuguese art of fine living……and the gastronomy of Portugal is as rich and varied as its landscapes and heritage.You’ll find that the attractions of the Lisbon Region are just the right choice for enjoying those small pleasures .
Portugal is famous for its wide variety of amazing pastries, or pasties and the best-loved pastry, pastéis de nata called just natas further north, is a flaky pastry with custard filling topped with powdered sugar and cinnamon. Make sure you try them, in any "pastelaria". The best place is still the old Confeitaria dos 'Pastéis de Belém' in Belém, although most "pastelarias" make a point of excelling at their "pastéis". For once, all the guide books are right. You may have to queue for a short time, but it'll be worth it. Some people like them piping hot and some don't.
Discover the Portuguese wine routes and learn about an art-form that has taken centuries to perfect. Port wine may be an aperetif or dessert. Alentejo wine may not be worldwide known as Porto, but is quite as good. Portugal as also other defined wine regions which make also some of the very best of wines like Madeira, Sado or Douro. The locals are fond of red and white wine; though their ‘green’ wine is also quite popular………try and taste this exotic beverage!!!!! Though many argue that the off season weather is too unpredictable it can also be a nice time to visit. you need to know about investing in Portuga find out more by going to http://www.joy-travels.com/ Thanks...

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