Travel
Portugal: A Land True To Its Past by Frank Johnson
Perched on the western edge
of the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal stands out among its neighbors as one
of the oldest and yet most traditional and conservative European civilizations.
Visitors can view 22,000 year-old Paleolithic art on the rock faces of
Vale do Côa, and human occupation of this region dates 500,000 years
back in time! The Celts settled here around 750 B.C. and were followed
by Romans, Visigoths, and Greeks among others. The Moors enjoyed their
infamous occupation from the 8th to the 13th Century and left their culture
and ornate, whitewashed architecture as an eclectic signature on the Iberian
Peninsula.
| Today, Portugal's homogenous
culture and dedication to tradition is largely due to Salazar's oppressive
rule during the mid-1900s. As a result, visitors can enjoy a more culturally
authentic stay in Portugal than any other European nation.
The north-south axis of mainland
Portugal creates regions of dynamic terrain and unique specialties. The
popular Douro Valley stretches 125 miles along a winding river and is famous
for the string of port wineries at its edges. Cruises are now offered along
the entire length of the Valley, beginning in Porto.
The resort town of Lagos
in the southern Algarve region attracts sun-seekers and history buffs alike.
Prepare to be swept away by this hidden gem encircled by 15th Century walls. |
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Travel Portugal in the
Atlantic
Two groups of islands off
the Atlantic Coastline belong to Portugal and are a perfect and serene
escape from the mainland, offering centuries of Portuguese history all
their own and a look into the region's natural beauty.
The Azores Islands archipelago
lies 907 miles from the coast and is a haven of turquoise lakes, rolling
green hills and sandy beaches. Monasteries, cathedrals, forts and ruins
dating back to the 15th Century, when Portuguese navigators encountered
the outcropping, are sprinkled about the islands. To the South, the enticing
subtropical climate of Madeira Island and the surrounding volcanic archipelago
is a bastion for adventure-seekers, resort luxuries, Madeira wine and untouched
15th Century architecture standing dramatically on seaside cliffs. Both
of these secluded retreats are easily accessible from major airports on
mainland Portugal.
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Tips to the Savvy Traveler
Nearly all of Portugal works
on Siesta time and 97% of the country is Catholic, therefore also affecting
commercial hours and holidays. Most shops, banks and pharmacies are closed
between 1pm and 3pm (yes, even in major cities).
Make special note that museums
also close in the middle of the day between 12:30pm and 2pm. Almost everything
except museums closes by 1pm on Saturdays, and plan on simply eating and
resting on Sundays when nothing is open.
To plan your trip wisely,
check the hours of operation of attractions you'd like to see before planning
your trip or booking your room! |
Lastly, be aware when traveling
by taxi. Fare is metered within urban limits, but once you leave these
boundaries, you will be charged by the kilometer in addition to the price
of the driver's return trip to the starting point. When taking a taxi after
midnight, negotiate the price with the driver before getting in the car,
especially if you've been indulging in Port!
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For accommodation in Portugal,
visit All World
Vacation Station
Charming
Bed & Breakfasts, Hotels & Pousadas of Portugal
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