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Renowned for its beautiful beaches, which run the length of the 500 or so kilometres of western coastline, Portugal, though small, is a country of enormous contrasts, lying to the west of the Iberian peninsula. One of the oldest nations in Europe, the Portuguese were the first to discover the Oceanic routes to the Far East and the Southern Hemisphere, establishing settlements in West and East Africa. Such exposure, to so many distant influences, has left Portugal with an unparalleled, diverse architectural and artistic heritage.
For those wanting to explore this extraordinarily beautiful and varied landscape and absorb the countries rich culture, not to mention excellent wines and good food, Portugal provides the perfect holiday destination. The beaches of the Algarve are some of the cleanest and the best to be found in Europe, providing excellent facilities for watersports enthusiasts, whilst there are numerous courses for keen golfers. Heading inland, the sightseeing opportunities are endless, with a wealth of such fascinating towns and cities as Evora, capital of the Alentejo and a designated UNESCO world Heritage site, Lisbon, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and Oporto, Portugal's second important city, famous for its port wine. The city of Fatima is one of the most important Catholic Pilgrimage destinations and draws millions of faithful supplicants each year. The peace and tranquillity of the many small villages surrounded by ancient Moorish walls or tucked away amidst stunningly picturesque countryside has to be seen and experienced to be believed.
And don't forget Madeira, paradise island of the Atlantic where the abundant flora is just as incredible as the stunning coasts and mountains.
But if you're after a sun-tan, the beautiful and long sandy beaches of the Algarve have it all. Surrounded by amazing cliffs and crystal clear waters, this is the Portuguese region with the best all year round weather. Situated on the extreme South of Portugal, this part of the territory was the last to be conquered from the Moors by the Portuguese king Dom Afonso III, in 1292. Traces of the Moorish presence are still seen in its unique terraces, chimneys and whitewashed houses.
Apart from the incredible capital of Lisbon, towns that we found to be well worth visiting were Albufeira, Almancil (beautiful São Lourenço Church, a Baroque masterpiece), Carvoeiro, Castro Marim, Estômbar, Monte Gordo (casino), São Bartolomeu de Messines, Vilamoura (casino and marina) and Vila Real de Santo António (marina), Alvito (pousada), Arraiolos (hand made rugs), Escoural (archeological park), Flor da Rosa and Marvão (pousadas), Redondo, Serpa (pousada), Viana do Alentejo, Vila Nova de Milfontes. But don’t take our word for it, see them for yourself.
Handicrafts in Portugal are widespread as many towns have specialised in creating a unique skill such as the rugs from Arraiolos, Portalegre tapestries, Nisa embroidery. But almost every town will have a number of artisans dedicated to wrought-iron works, hand-painted furniture, leather goods, pottery and earthenware, wicker and osier crafts, copper and tin objects as well as a number of objects made from Olive wood so useful souvenirs are never a problem.
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