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.
An
independent kingdom since 1143, Portugal established its continental
frontiers in 1297 and is one of the oldest nations in
Europe.
Situated on the
west side of the Iberian Peninsula, its geographic location along
the Atlantic coast soon determined its vocation to the sea.
In 1415, the
Portuguese set sail on an epic voyage that would make them the first
to discover the ocean routes to India, Brazil, China and Japan, and
at the same time founded settlements on the east and west coasts of
Africa.
Traces of this
worldwide historic presence may be seen as trademarks of the
Portuguese genius. The Portuguese language became one of the most
widely spoken in the world, and the Portuguese people were
privileged for being exposed to so many different civilizations. The
vast monumental, artistic and archaeologic heritage does witness not
only the 850 years of history of encounters with distant cultures,
but also the presence in the territory of more ancient peoples
(Celts, Suevians, Visigoths, Romans and Arabs).
The natural
advantages of a sunny country with such diverse geographic features
have turned Portugal into a chosen destination for many
holidaymakers, an ideal place for practicing water sports and
playing golf, offering modern tourism facilities, and quaint and
personalized means of accommodation, such as turismo de habitação
(privately owned homes ranging from wonderful farmhouses to manor
houses), hotéis de charme or pousadas.
A member-country
of the European Union since 1986, Portugal currently enjoys a steady
economic growth. For centuries Portugal has kept this greatest
treasure: a renowned reputation of hospitality that makes the
country a haven of congeniality and safety.
