Travel in Portugal: A Land faithful to its past
Perched at the western tip of the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal differs from its neighbors as one of the oldest and yet most traditional and conservative European civilizations. Visitors can see 22,000 years of Paleolithic art on rock faces of Vale do Côa and human occupation of this region dates 500,000 years back in time! The Celts settled here around 750 BC and were followed by Romans, Visigoths, and Greeks, among others. The Moors enjoyed their infamous occupation from the 8th to the 13th century and left their culture and ornate, whitewashed architecture as an eclectic signature over the Iberian Peninsula.
Today the homogeneous culture Portugal and dedication to tradition is largely due to the oppressive regime of Salazar in the mid-1900. Consequently, visitors can enjoy a more culturally authentic stay in Portugal than any other European nation.
The north-south axis of mainland Portugal creates dynamic regions specialties and unique terrain. The popular Douro Valley stretches 125 miles along a winding river and is famous for the chain cellars port edges. Cruises are now offered throughout the length of the valley, from Porto. The seaside town of Lagos in the southern region of Algarve attracts sun-seekers and history buffs. Prepare to be swept away by this hidden gem surrounded by walls of the 15th century.
Travel Portugal in the Atlantic
Two groups of islands off the Atlantic coast belong to Portugal and are a perfect escape and serene from the mainland, offering centuries of Portuguese history all their own look and natural beauty in the region. The Azores is located 907 miles from the coast and is a haven of turquoise lakes, green hills and sandy beaches. Monasteries, cathedrals, castles and ruins dating 15th century when Portuguese navigators encountered the outcropping, are sprinkled about the islands. South, the subtropical island of the alluring Madeira and the surrounding volcanic archipelago is a bastion for adventure-seekers, the resort luxury, Madeira wine and standing intact 15th century architecture spectacular coastal cliffs. These two isolated retreats are easily accessible from major airports in the part mainland Portugal.
Tips for the savvy traveler
Almost all work on Portugal nap time and 97% of the country is Catholic, therefore also affecting commercial hours and holidays. Most shops, banks and pharmacies are closed 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (yes, even in large cities). Please note that museums also close special in the middle of the day 12:30 to 2:00 p.m.. Almost everything but the museum closes by 13 pm on Saturday, and plan on simply eating and resting on Sundays when nothing is open. To plan your trip wisely, check the opening hours attractions you would like to see before planning your trip or booking your room!
Finally, know when traveling by taxi. The rate is measured within the city limits, but once you leave these limits, you will be charged per kilometer in addition to the price of return ticket to the driver's point of departure. When you take a taxi after midnight, negotiate the price with the driver before getting in the car, especially if you were engaging in Port!
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