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About Portugal
Click here to see a map of Portugal.Portugal lies in the south-western most corner of Europe, open to the Atlantic on two sides and hemmed in by Spain to the north and east along the longest land border in Europe. Portugal is a country of contrasting landscapes. In the north-west, the striking green Minho region vibrates with the energy of local festivals and markets. Further east, the isolated Trás-os-Montes is dotted with ancient villages linked by well-trodden farm tracks. The southern region of Portugal, known for its warm climate and numerous beaches, is a major tourist destination. Beautiful cliffs and rock formations are common along the Algarve coast. Tavira, Albufeira, Praia da Rocha, and Lagos are a few of the most popular resorts. Lagos has an attractive old quarter and was the principal base for Henry the Navigator's 15th-century expeditions. The cliffs and seascapes here and at nearby Cape St. Vincent (Cabo São Vicente) are truly magnificent. Portugal's capital, Lisbon, is a major port located at the wide mouth of the Tagus River. The Belém district, located on the water's edge west of the city centre, is home to two of Lisbon's most well-known landmarks: the Tower of Belém and the Jerónimos Monastery, typical examples of Manueline architecture. On the other side of town is the site of Expo '98 and its vast Oceanarium. Or take the great suspension bridge across the river to the enormous statue of Christ the King. The Madeira Islands are located in the Atlantic Ocean, north of the Canary Islands. The largest island is also called Madeira, and the archipelago also includes Porto Santo and other, smaller islands. Porto Santo has beautiful beaches and is ideal for swimming, sailing, scuba diving, and other water sports.
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Culture
Portuguese culture is based on a past that dates from prehistoric times into the eras of Roman and Moorish invasion. All have left their traces in a rich legacy of archaeological remains, including prehistoric cave paintings at Escoral, the Roman township of Conimbriga, the Temple of Diana in Évora and the typical Moorish architecture of such southern towns as Olhão and Tavira.Throughout the centuries, Portugal's arts have been enriched by foreign influences, including Flemish, French and Italian. The voyages of the Portuguese discoverers opened the country to Oriental influences and the revelation of Brazil's wealth of gold and jewels fed the Baroque flame in decoration. Portuguese language is one of the Romance languages. Like all other languages of the group, Portuguese is a direct modern descendant of Latin, the vernacular Latin of the Roman soldier and colonist rather than the classical Latin of the cultured Roman citizen. It developed in ancient Gallaeci (modern Galicia, in north western Spain) and in northern Portugal and then spread throughout present-day Portugal.
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Local_Currency
The currency in Portugal is the euro (EUR). Though travellers cheques are easily exchanged, and at rates about 1% better than for cash, they are very poor value in Portugal because additional fees are so high – sometimes up to 13% for a US$100 cheque. Keeping a small cash stash in US dollars or pounds sterling is a very good idea.
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Transport
TAP (Air Portugal), the national airline, has direct flights to Lisbon from a number of destinations, including England, France, Spain, the USA and Canada.Local transport includes trams, buses and plentiful and cheap taxis. Lisbon has an underground metro (which is being expanded).
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Visa_Information
No visa is required (for any length of stay) for nationals of EU countries. Those from Australia, Canada, Israel, New Zealand and the USA can stay up to 60 days without a visa. Others, including nationals of Hong Kong, South Africa and Singapore, require a visa and must produce evidence of financial responsibility, unless they are the spouses or children of EU citizens.
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