Portugal Travel

Evora

Evora is a city of fascinating medieval walls. Narrow cobbled streets and have a range of excellent Roman architecture today. Many buildings are covered with tiles and brick patterns, typical of Portugal. Do not miss the Sé Cathedral, the museum of ecclesiastical treasures, a magnificent Roman temple and the church of Sao Francisco (it is fashionable to the skulls and bones of 5000 monks). Evora is also a lively student city with lots of restaurants.

Sintra

Sintra is a magical city in the world heritage by UNESCO. Sitting on the edge of the flat surface of hills and pine forests of Sintra is a favorite resort of the nobles and the rich for centuries. Check out the magnificent castles of Sintra, each with its own personality. Arab castle dates from the 8th century, and offers spectacular views from its walls. Palacio Nacional da Pena is a fairytale castle commissioned in 1840, Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, and well worth a visit.

Coimbra

Coimbra is a 12 century town house, the oldest seat of learning in Portugal, a university founded in 1290 by King Dinis. The city of Coimbra is filled with things to see. Visit the beautiful botanical gardens, cathedrals, baroque library (Biblioteca Joanina) and the Museum of Portugal's most famous sculpture, the Museum Machado de Castro and the Roman ruins of Conimbriga. The region is also famous for its traditional fado music, which can be heard in bars around town.

Fatima

Fatima is a world famous religious center, known as the site of an apparition of the Virgin Mary in 1917. Pilgrims come here in search of miracle cures for their illnesses and special ceremonies are held on the 13th of each month from May to October.

Lagos

Lagos, on the southern coast of the Algarve is one of the country's most popular tourist. Most visitors are attracted by the beautiful beaches, which include Meia Praia, a strip of sand stretches to the east and the more isolated Praia do Pinhão south. The city has abundant facilities for renting bicycles, mopeds and horses, and there are boat trips from the main port. Apart from the sun and sand, others stress the station is the municipal museum containing displays of eccentric ecclesiastical treasures, crafts and animal embryos preserved.

Porto

Porto is an ancient town and its old name "Portucale" later gave its name to the country. The city also gave its name to the wine regions of the region. Built on steep hills overlooking the Douro River, the city classified by UNESCO as World Heritage Site. Enjoy the granite houses and monuments, take the tram along the banks of the river, or a boat trip during the magnificent bridges in the city. Walking along the narrow medieval streets and discover such gems as the Avenida dos Aliados, which has a mosaic pavement of black and white. Other attractions Cedofeita Church (a restored Roman temple), the home of Prince Henry the Navigator and the Clerics Church, which is the highest building in Portugal. In 2001, Porto will be European Capital of Culture so watch for an eventful year.

The Algarve

Probably the best known of the Portuguese region to most European tourists, the Algarve offers a variety of resorts, beautiful beaches and sun all year. The Algarve is the southernmost province of Portugal, its white sand beaches are clean, the architecture is unique and fishing, water sports and golf are second to none. There are many golf courses, some of which are among the largest in Europe. The area can get quite crowded, as it is very popular. If there is too much that you can retreat to the nearby mountains just behind the coastal strip.

Azores

The Azores consist of nine volcanic islands situated in the remote middle of the Atlantic and take a direct flight from Lisbon. The islands are little crowded, clean and isolated from the target.

Madeira Island

This volcanic island is one of the first discoveries of the Portuguese navigators. His dramatic peaks and cliffs and its unique in Portugal and the United Kingdom as well, semi-tropical island of Madeira is one of the best kept secrets. Surrounded by the waters of the Gulf Stream warm summers and mild winters relaxing, a wonderful holiday destination all year round. Madeira is considered around the "floating garden" years. Bougainvillea and a variety of orchids thrive here.