Portuguese Republic
Form of government: republic- Area: 92,391 km ²
- Population: 10,605,870 inhabitants
- Official language: Portuguese
- Religion: Roman Catholic 84%
- Capital: Lisbon
- Currency: EUR
- Independence: June 24 1128
- Time zone: UTC +1
- Internet domain:. Pt
- Area code: + 351
Geographic location
Portugal is located in extreme southwestern Europe from the Iberian Peninsula. It also includes two island groups of the Atlantic: the Azores (Açores) and Madeira Islands.
Neighbors
Portugal is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean in the west and south, and Spain in the north and east.
Relief
Mainland Portugal is split in two by its main river, Tagus (Tejo). Other major rivers are: Douro, Minho and Guadiana. As the river Tagus, all spring from Spain. In the north, consists of mountainous terrain. The highest point of Portugal is in the island: Mount Pico (2351 m) in the Azores.
Climate
The climate is considered to be oceanic in the north and south Mediterranean. Portugal is one of the hottest countries in Europe, topping the average annual temperature around 13 degrees C in the north and 18 degrees C in the south. Atlantic archipelagos of Madeira and Azores have a lower average temperature. In general, spring and summer is sunny, whereas autumn and winter is rainy and windy.
Tourism - Tourist Attractions
Portugal is the realm where you have endless opportunities to relax in one of the many holiday resorts or saunter through medieval neighborhoods in cities such as Lisbon, Porto, Braga or Coimbra. When it comes to sporting holidays Portugal is one of the top golf destinations in Europe, but also for other competitions such as fishing, riding and surfing. Other experiences that you must not miss are fairs, where folk music tradition has survived for centuries, port wine or dinners with fish products, which are in Portugal a country invites you to discover.
Tourists in search of monuments and remarkable beauty is expected in Lisbon, Sintra and Porto, the top three destinations, all three meritând visited. Do not be overlooked nor Guimaraes, Coimbra, Setubal, Braga, Braganca and Evora, with many monuments and beautiful places and interesting.
The most popular beaches are Algave, with gorgeous coasts and other natural beauties. In the south coast water tends to be warmer and calmer than along the Atlantic coast. The best choice for lovers of night life are Setubal, Lisbon, Porto and Algarve. Holidays in the country can spend at Braga, Viana do Catelo, Castelo Brnaco, Guarda, Viseu.
Tourist Cities
Lisbon
Lisbon is located on the west cost of the country, from the Atlantic, where the Tejo river flows into the ocean. Heart is the "Baixa" and "Lower City", the area where the Sao Jorge Castle and the Cathedral Santa Maria Maior. The oldest district of the city is Alfama, close to the river Tejo. Other important monuments: Tower of Belém, military construction supervision of entry into the harbor, Jerónimos Monastery, built in the desire of King Manuel I, Castelo São Jorj (St. George Castle), the highest hill of the city, Convento do Carmo.
Porto
Porto is the second city in size and importance in Portugal. Porto's residents have said tripeiros, a name that is in use today. One of the products worldwide is valued Portugal Wine from Porto. Its name comes from the fact that the state closed the winery in the town of Porto's sister, Vila Nova de Gaia, the Italian râu.Arhitectul Nason drew over a tower that was built in central areas of the city, becoming its icon : Torre dos Clérigos.
Sintra
Sintra - has become a major tourist attraction, with many day hikers, coming from the surroundings of Lisbon. Sightseeing includes the fabulous Pena Palace (c. 19), and Castelo dos Moura, with a splendid view over the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, and the summer residence of Portuguese kings - Palacio Nacional de Sintra. Sintra Mountain Range, one of the largest parks in the area of Lisbon, is also a major tourist attraction.
Braga
Braga - with an interesting and attractive historical center where you can visit: Casa dos Criva (sec. Al-eighteenth century), Church of Santa Cruz (XVI-XVIII), The Cathedral (XII-XVIII centuries) Hall (sec . XVIII), Archbishop's Palace (XIV-XVIII centuries), Santa Barbara Botanical Garden, Staircase (XVIII century), Monastery Tibaes, spawns of Lima and Viana do Castelo.
Fatima
Fatima - one of the most famous places of pilgrimage for Christians. It is close to Coimbra - the birthplace of 6 kings of Portugal, it can also visit: University Library, University of Coimbra. In the medieval town worth visiting the Church of Santa Cruz (famous sculptures signed by Nicola of Chanterrena) and Monastery Santa Clara-a-Nova.
Gastronomy
Portuguese cuisine is diverse. The Portuguese eat more fish, especially cod, dried (bacalhau - in Portuguese). Other dishes, meat products are: feijoada, the Portuges cozido, frango de Churrasco, Carne de Porco a alentejana.
Portuguese wines are internationally recognized since Roman times. Some of the best wines are: Vinho Verde, Vinho Alvarinho, Vinho do Douro, Vinho do Alentejo, Vinho do Dao, Vinho da Bairrada and the sweet ones: wine from Porto, and Madeira wine from the Moscatel Setubal and Favaios.
