The West Coast of Europe is a diverse landscape with sandy beaches and warm weather in the south and more cooler weather and mountains in the North.
The South - Algarve is a famous tourist destination with ample golfing facilities and beautiful beaches.
Lisbon is the must see capital of Portugal. It lies nestled between the banks of the river Tagus and the Atlantic Ocean. After the Great Earthquake of 1755, the Baixa Pombalina downtown was rebuilt in the classical style but many of the medieval neighbourhoods survived and are now home to an amazing array of stores, restaurants and cafés. The Oriente is a modern development built to host the World Expo and its location at the rivers edge and with fantastic views of the river is the idea place for some shopping and an excellent place to try one of the many restaurants. The beauty of the Oriente is in the contrast that it offers due to its modern architecture compared to the Baixa - the historic downtown.
The Central region is the one of the most beautiful and surprisingly less visited spots of Portugal. It is full of rustic mountain villages, castles and charming historic cities. The central region is home to both Coimbra and Viseu. Coimbra is the city of learning and home to one of the first Universities in Europe. This city built on the banks of the River Mondego is full of history, housed in its churches, convents and cathedrals. Viseu is a charming city set in the shadow of the Se Catedral. Old houses, narrow streets and narrow doorways with coats of arms carved in granite are characteristic of this ancient town. A colourful row of majestic linden trees give shadow to the Rossio and a little below there are also the blossoming Magnolias when spring ends is a memorable image of this charming city. Viseu is also famous for its cuisine. The Central region is best seen by road as there are plenty of wine and olive oil routes worth exploring. The Dao wines - which are amongst the finest Portuguese wines - originate here. From March to May is the best time to explore the Cherry paths as the trees are in full bloom. As spring arrives, the cherry, peach and apple tree flowers arrive bringing a ocean of flowers. The unique landscapes start in Fundao and broadening to Covilha and Belmonte. This area also has an interesting Jewish past - visit Trancoso and witness the inquisition marks still visible on doorframes of houses in the old town. Belmonte also has Portugal's oldest Jewish community having survived the Inquisition for 500 years by secretly practising their faith.
In the North is Porto: a wonderful combination of history and modern architecture. Some of the more impressive buildings include the Porto School of Architecture, Museum of Contemporary Art of the Serralves Foundation, the House of Music, Estação de S. Bento, Igreja de São Francisco and the Palácio da Bolsa. Porto is also home to the world famous Port Wine. Port wine is best sampled at the Vinho do Porto manor house or in Gaia, where there are more than fifty companies that make this wine. You can also take a boat ride from Porto up the river Douro to the famous Port producing estates. Or you can explore the Douro by taking a historic train ride - the carriages are still being pulled by steam and diesel locomotives.
The First Global Village - How Portugal Changed the World by Martin Page.
All images are subject to copyright and are courtesy of Pedrophotography.
Lisbon is the must see capital of Portugal. It lies nestled between the banks of the river Tagus and the Atlantic Ocean. After the Great Earthquake of 1755, the Baixa Pombalina downtown was rebuilt in the classical style but many of the medieval neighbourhoods survived and are now home to an amazing array of stores, restaurants and cafés. The Oriente is a modern development built to host the World Expo and its location at the rivers edge and with fantastic views of the river is the idea place for some shopping and an excellent place to try one of the many restaurants. The beauty of the Oriente is in the contrast that it offers due to its modern architecture compared to the Baixa - the historic downtown.
The Central region is the one of the most beautiful and surprisingly less visited spots of Portugal. It is full of rustic mountain villages, castles and charming historic cities. The central region is home to both Coimbra and Viseu. Coimbra is the city of learning and home to one of the first Universities in Europe. This city built on the banks of the River Mondego is full of history, housed in its churches, convents and cathedrals. Viseu is a charming city set in the shadow of the Se Catedral. Old houses, narrow streets and narrow doorways with coats of arms carved in granite are characteristic of this ancient town. A colourful row of majestic linden trees give shadow to the Rossio and a little below there are also the blossoming Magnolias when spring ends is a memorable image of this charming city. Viseu is also famous for its cuisine. The Central region is best seen by road as there are plenty of wine and olive oil routes worth exploring. The Dao wines - which are amongst the finest Portuguese wines - originate here. From March to May is the best time to explore the Cherry paths as the trees are in full bloom. As spring arrives, the cherry, peach and apple tree flowers arrive bringing a ocean of flowers. The unique landscapes start in Fundao and broadening to Covilha and Belmonte. This area also has an interesting Jewish past - visit Trancoso and witness the inquisition marks still visible on doorframes of houses in the old town. Belmonte also has Portugal's oldest Jewish community having survived the Inquisition for 500 years by secretly practising their faith.