Information About Portugal

History of Portugal

The area of Portugal was originally settled by the Celtic people. Later, the Phoenician empire and Carthage empire would visit the area. Portugal was a par of Roman empire from 45BC- 298AD. In 711AD the moors invaded and remained for hundreds of years. Later Christian nations came over. It was in 1139 that the kingdom of Portugal was formed. AfansoHenriques was the first king of Portugal. Earlier Portugal rulers were dictators. After enjoying status as a world power during 15th-16th centuries, Portugal lost much of its wealth and status with destruction of Lisbon in a 1755 earthquake, during the Napoleanic wars, and independence of Brazil. A revolution in 1910 defeated the monarchy. For the next 60 years, totalitarian governments ran the country. Later democratic reforms were introduced.

Geography of Portugal

Portugal occupies the western part of Iberian Peninsula and is slightly smaller than Indiana. The country is crossed by three large rivers that rise in Spain, flow into the Atlantic, and divide the country into three areas. The Minho rive cuts through a mountainous area that extends from north to south to the vicinity of Douro river. South of Douro, the mountains slope to the plains around the Tejoriver. The remaining division is the southern one of Alentejo. Total size of Portugal is 92,391 sq. km. It's geographical low point is Atlantic ocean, and the high point is Ponta do Rico in the Azores 2351m.

Climate of Portugal

Portugal is mainly characterized by a warm temperate, mediterranean climate with a distinct wet season in winter. During summer months, Portugal receives refreshing sea breezes, making for very pleasant conditions. The northern region benefits from Atlantic cyclones, southern and eastern areas are dominated by the subtropical anticyclone that raises the temperature. The end of the autumn has a wet period.

Natural Resources in Portugal

Natural resources available are fish, forests (cork), iron ore, copper, zinc, tin, tungsten, silver, gold, uranium, marble, clay, gypsum, salt, arable land, hydropower.

Tourist Attraction in Portugal

Famous cities of Portugal are Lisbon (capital), Opporto, Amadora, Albufeira, Lagos, Funchal, Portimas, Sintra, Vilamoura, Cascais, Faro, Tavira, Coimbra, Braga, Evora, Ponta Delgada, Altura, Santana, Valenca, Portalegre, Odemira, Estombar, etc. Famous tourist spots are- Alcotiaca monastery, University of Coimbra, Capela dos Ossos cemetery, CaboGiras cliff, Sas Jorge castle, Obidos castle, Cais da Riberra, Praia da Marinha beach, Belem tower, Pena National palace.

Famous Hotels in Portugal

Top hotels in Portugal are- Quinta Jardins da Lago, Funchal, Portugal, Sagres time apartamentos, Sagres, Portugal, The cliff bay, InterContinental porto Palacio das Cardosos, Conrad Algarve, Britania hotel, Hotel Albergaria Dias, Olissippolapa Palace, Hotel Avenida palace, Suite Hotel Eden Mar(Porto bay), Hotel CascaisMiragem, Hotel santaJusta, EPIC SANA Lisboa hotel.

Portugal Cuisine

Portugal has many mouth watering delicacies- Bacalhau (salt cod), Sao Jorge(cow's milk cheese), Alentejano Pork (Pig's meat), Salmonete (red mullet), Vinho Verde(Portuguese wine), pastel de nata(custard tart), Azores caviar (tin roast fish), Farinheira and alheira (Pork fat bread), Caldoverde.

Portugal Culture

Portugal has a rich culture dating back to prehistoric times, seen in the colorful Celtic influenced folklore of north, in the Moorish- influenced Fado music, in its romantic language, distinctive architecture(including its dazzling azulejos and caicadas), painting and distinguished literature, not to mention its welcoming people who have spread its culture ever since the age of discovery and its history.
Football is the national sport, but there are also other pastimes, such as athletics and cycling. The cities have good sports facilities for water sports, football, golf, tennis gymnastics.

International Airports in Portugal

The famous airlines of Portugal are EuroAtlantic airways, Net jets Europe, Portugalia, SATA international,Elitavia Portugal ServicosAereos, TAM-Transportes, AereosMilitares etc.
Famous airports are Lisbon, porto, faro, funchal, Ponta Delgada, Horta, santamaria, flores, Beja etc.