Portugal Travel

Being the whole country, the regions of Portugal differ greatly from each other. Sometimes you even start thinking that you are in another country, moving just 2-3 hundred kilometers. Especially, it can be said about Central Portugal, where is a strange mix of cold and hot weather, seaside and plain. This part of the country is usually called Silver Coast, it is the ideal rest-place for those who prefer active water sports as well as for the tourists who are fond of the relaxed time wasting, just sunbathing and doing nothing. The most attractive city for the rest is Aveiro, famous for its lagoon and numerous canals. Prefer walking tours and is fond of ancient history – welcome to Coimbra – one of Europe’s oldest university towns, characterized by medieval arches, stairways and walls. Nearby - Roman Ruins, taking us back into the Roman period of Portuguese history. Witness the healing properties of Curia’s mineral waters. Nowadays it is a very famous health resort, suggesting unique treatments of different diseases. Being in the Central Portugal, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Obidos (Town of Queens), known for the ancient tradition to build the castles as a specific thanks of the kings to their wives.

Lisbon – the capital of the country attracts tourists by its natural beauty and historic greatness. Visit the largest in Europe aquarium with sea lions, Lisbon Zoo with its dolphin show, and many other sights. Moreover, Lisbon is the only one European capital with Atlantic beaches, popular among the tourists from all over the world. 20 km from Lisbon is Estoril Casino, the largest gambler establishment in Europe and the oldest in Portugal. Not far from Lisbon there is the city of Sintra with its medieval palaces.

The capital of country’s northern regions is Oporto, interesting for its baroque style churches and castles. Worthy of a visit are the Archaeological Museum of the Dukes’ Palace, the Museum of Ceramics in Barcelos, Treasury and Sacred Art Museum, Dom Diogo de Sousa Museum in Braga. Of course Portuguese wines are well-known. Don’t miss the opportunity to try some. It is better to do it in Porto – in one of the leading centers of country’s winemaking. But it can not compete with Douro Valley – the oldest established wine-producing region in the world and at the same time the most beautiful land. Some of the wineries are open for the visitors; here you can enjoy the traditional Duoro wines. It should be mentioned that the Douro Valley has received UNESCO World Heritage status. All said above means that every region of Portugal is characterized by its own unforgettable beauty.