In the very west of Europe there is a small state - Portugal. It is located on the Iberian Peninsula, in the southwestern part. Portugal shares its borders with Spain (in the east and north), and from other sides it is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
Portugal is a small country. The number of its inhabitants is approximately equal to 10.56 million people. The bulk are indigenous Portuguese. Throughout the country, the only official language is Portuguese. It is used not only in this country, more than 200 million people around the world speak Portuguese. There is a small group speaking Portuguese in Miranda in Portugal. In the municipalities of Vimiozu, Miranda do Douro and Mogadoru, it is the second official language.
The dominant religion in Portugal was Catholicism, about 94% of the population adhere to this faith. In addition to the main religion, in Portugal there is a Protestant church (1%). The rest of the population considers themselves atheists.
The euro has become the state currency, since Portugal is a member of the pan-European union.
Portugal - the capital and major cities
The capital of Portugal is the city of Lisbon with a population of 2.1 million people (when counting the inhabitants of the city and suburbs). The number of inhabitants in the city itself is only 557 thousand.
Lisbon also serves as the country's largest port zone. In the northern part of the capital is a huge international airport - Portela.
Lisbon is the most western capital city of Europe. It combines modern buildings and ancient parts of the streets untouched by time. Therefore, Portugal is considered a country of mixed culture.
Other major cities in Portugal are Viseu, Beja, Portalegre, Porto, Seychelles, Santarem, Evora and others.
Portugal - holidays and tours
In Portugal, tourists are attracted by the opportunity to spend time in a mild climate and beautiful local landscapes.
The most popular area for a beach holiday is the Algarve. It is located in the southern part of Portugal, 300km from the capital. You can get to this place on the highway, which was opened in 2002. Along the coast, over 155 km, there are magnificent beaches strewn with fine golden sand. All first-line hotels go directly to the beach, which is an absolute advantage for vacationers.
Another popular area is the Lisbon Riviera. This is a whole series of resorts, starting from the Tagus River. Previously, this site was a favorite vacation spot of European nobles and the residence of kings. The most significant resorts are Estoril, Carcavelos and Cascais.
For lovers of ecotourism in Portugal, there are also interesting areas. Bukasu Park is a forest area of 480 hectares. The forest has been guarded by local monks for centuries. Here in the XVII century. there was a Carmelite monastery. The monks made a lot of efforts to adapt exotic plants to local conditions. And many attempts were successful. So the famous Goan cedars planted in those distant times have survived to this day. To date, 400 local plant varieties and 300 brought from all over the world grow in the park zone.
For an active holiday, a better place than the Atlantic Ocean is difficult to find. Diving is a favorite form of entertainment for tourists who come to the coast.
And for fans of alpine skiing, an artificial downhill track was specially equipped in Manteigas.
Portugal - Attractions
The most visited places of Portugal are considered monuments of ancient culture: St. Peter's Church, dating from the XVI-XVIII centuries, an old building - the house of Carlos Buchido, numerous palaces of the XVII-XIX centuries. Miraculous sights are no less popular. So the valley of Vale das Furnas abounds with hot springs. Beautiful lagoons along the coast give tourists the opportunity to spend time contemplating the beauties of the deep sea.
The small fishing port in the Algarve (Albufeira) attracts tourists with its originality and comfort. It has its own aquarium, located in the park. It is inhabited not only by fish, but even seals and dolphins.
Algarve is considered the pearl of the Atlantic coast. Here are the most luxurious beaches. In the past, naval battles took place here. Foreign dominance has left its mark on architecture.
Sintra is an ancient city of Portugal. UNESCO considers it to be the property of mankind. Here was the residence of the kings. This amazingly beautiful corner of the earth was sung by Lord Byron. In the hills amid the bewitching beauties, green trees and exotic parks, ancient castles, palaces and monasteries froze over the centuries.
Portugal - weather (climate)
In Portugal, the Mediterranean subtropical type of climate. In January, the average temperature is +7 degrees, and in July - +27 and above. Precipitation is moderate - up to 2500mm during the year.
Weather in Portugal now:
Portugal - cuisine
Portuguese cuisine has a huge variety of dishes and ingredients used. Of course, the influence of the sea directly affects the formation of the traditional Portuguese menu. Grilled fish is always just caught. They didn’t hear about frozen seafood here, so the opportunity to try the freshest product freshly caught from the sea will be an undoubted advantage for tourists.
Pilaf is also prepared with fish or shellfish.
Of the meat dishes, you should try the local "kosido" - this is a kind of stew made from a mixture of meat of different varieties with the addition of vegetables.
Portugal - interesting facts
Portugal is very fond of holidays. They are literally on any occasion. But they are preparing for each of them with particular pleasure.
Of course, for frequent feasts, a good national drink should be stocked up, adding fun and emancipation. Port, famous all over the world, hails from Portugal, and its quality has nothing to do with a cheap Russian counterpart.
Real Portuguese port is a respected drink with exquisite taste and aroma.
Portugal - visa application
A Schengen visa to Portugal is issued through the Consulate or representatives (travel agencies) involved in sending groups on a trip.
The following documents are required:
• Application form
• International passport,
• Medical insurance (for 30,000 euros),
• Supporting documents (certificates from places of study, work, residence, on the purchase of foreign currency at 75 euros per day for the entire trip).
Portugal - Embassy
The Embassy of Portugal is located in Moscow at the address: Botanic Lane, Building 1. Tel .: 981-34-16.
Portugal map
