With a 900-year history focused largely on its success as a seafaring nation, most of the focus, when considering Portugal as a vacation destination, is based on the diversity and quality of its coastline. As varied as it is beautiful, Portugal’s coastline stretches almost 1000 km south from the Douro Valley in the north (home to the world-famous port) to the ever-popular Algarve, probably best known for its clubs, bars and lively nightlife. . A glorious coastline boasting magnificent resorts, picturesque fishing villages, sheltered coves, stunning beaches and sand dunes, stunning cliffs facing the Atlantic, and some of the best beaches in Europe attracts countless visitors to return year after year.
Five-star tourism, as well as the five-star coastline, is another aspect that attracts visitors to Portugal and the elegant vacation options it offers. Explore the interior and discover villages that hardly seem to have changed for hundreds of years, the slow pace of daily life is not affected by the rush and stress that many of us go on vacation to escape. A landscape of olive and citrus groves, vineyards, wineries and forests reveal a traditional way of life that in many parts of Europe is resigned to history books. Marvel also at the splendor and magnificence of much of Portugal’s ancient architecture. From gothic cathedrals like the one in Lamego to the Alcobaca Monastery just north of Lisbon, medieval cities like Guimaraes and the 12th century Castelo Templatio in Tonmar with its majestic and imposing ramparts, Portugal has a shame of architectural riches and is lucky. of having has been recognized with numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Portugal also has five-star cities. In the north of Porto there is a bustling and busy shopping center. Built along the hills overlooking the Douro River estuary, UNESCO included Porto’s historic center on its World Heritage list in 1996. Enjoy authentic Portuguese seafood and don’t forget to visit Porto’s historic winery district. Port wine to taste the origins of this famous drink. . Lisbon, the city of seven hills is the vibrant and vital capital of Portugal. The gleaming white limestone buildings and narrow alleys enchant visitors making the city a popular destination throughout the year. With a rich history built on exploration and discovery, much of Lisbon’s beauty reflects the nation’s glorious seafaring past, known locally as the Age of Discovery. Lisbon residents are also bright, enjoying life, and sophisticated, with a seemingly insatiable appetite for the finer things in life, including delicious food, wines, music, and nightlife.
Portugal is well known as a golf paradise, with a great variety of perfectly manicured courses, especially in the Algarve.
It would hardly be fair not to mention golf when talking about Portugal. If you like golf you will love Portugal. Voted by the readers of Golfers Today ‘Best Golf Destination 2008’, 14 of Portugal’s courses are ranked in the top 100 in Europe. It is a golfer’s paradise.
So, what are you waiting for? Life is too short to settle for the second best option. If you are looking for a unique combination of progressive Europe of the 21st century together with style, authenticity and luxury hotels and villas, Portugal certainly deserves to be at the top of your list.
