Portugal Travel

Portugal is a football crazy country. It is the most popular sport in the country with dozens of leagues employing pro and amateur players of all ages. The most popular Portuguese soccer player is Real Madrid’s striker, Cristiano Ronaldo. He is also the team captain of the Portuguese National Football Team. Other Portuguese soccer legends to date are Luis Figo, Rui Costa, and Eusebio (originally from Mozambique), the top scorer in the 1966 World Cup.

The sport was introduced in Portugal in the late 19^th century by Portuguese students returning from their studies in England. After some years of organized games, football became a favorite sport among college students in different universities, leading to the formation of official football clubs such as Club Lisbonese and Sport Club Vianense.

As of 2010, the Portuguese National Team currently ranked 3^rd in the FIFA rankings, their highest ever. Their lowest FIFA ranking was in 1998 when they are ranked 43^rd worldwide.

Aside from Football, there are a lot of solo and team sports in Portugal that draws thousands of crowds. Basketball is another example of a popular team sports in Portugal. Professional cagers show off their hoop skills in the Portuguese Basketball League.

The field of Athletics is also a dominated by the Portuguese over the years. Portuguese runner Francis Obiklewu leads the pack by bringing home medals from international events such as the Olympics, European and World Championships. Vanessa Fernandes on the other hand won the silver medal in the Beijing Olympics.

Just like their Spaniard neighbors, the Portuguese are also into bull fighting. The Portuguese bull fighter also wears the traditional 18^th century style coat and hat, but unlike the Spanish Matador, he rides a horse to fight the bull inside the arena.

Being one of the warmest countries in the whole of Europe, Portugal is the main destinations of Europeans come winter time. Blessed with long stretches of sandy beaches, Portugal is the place to be to do all type of outdoor and water sport activities. Popular water sports include traditional sailing and surfboarding especially in the southern region of the country.

Portugal also has a number of championship class golf courses all over the country.

Immerse yourself in sports and adventure while traveling across Portugal. Join the many adventure tour packages that Portugal Hotels and Tourism offers. Watch bullfighting, cheer with the huge football crowd. Enjoy your Portugal Travel!