Destinations: Portugal the Algarve

Situated on the west side of the Iberian Peninsula, located along the Atlantic

The Portuguese language became one of the most widely spoken in the world, and the Portuguese people were privileged for being exposed to so many different civilizations.

The vast monumental, artistic and archaeologic heritage does witness not only the 850 years of history of encounters with distant cultures, but also the presence in the territory of more ancient peoples.

The natural advantages of a sunny country with such diverse geographic features have turned Portugal into a chosen destination for many holidaymakers, an ideal place for practicing water sports and playing golf, offering modern tourism facilities, and quaint and personalized means of accommodation, such as turismo de habitação (privately owned homes ranging from wonderful farmhouses to manor houses), hotéis de charme or pousadas.

A member-country of the European Union since 1986, Portugal currently enjoys a steady economic growth. For centuries Portugal has kept this greatest treasure: a renowned reputation of hospitality that makes the country a haven of congeniality and safety

The Algarve offers, beautiful beaches, a warm sea and sunshine all year round.

All along its vast coastal strip are to be found fabulous beaches of golden sand sheltered by red cliffs and sandstone rocks, and sculpted into remarkable shapes by erosion.

Here the clear warm Atlantic water invites you to take a dip, for the more adventuresome there is a wide variety of water sports available.

You can choose a hotel close to the beach, so that you will always be beside the sea.

But if you prefer a more intimate kind of accommodation, there are many tourist villages whose traditionally designed white houses are reminiscent of the Moorish presence.

If you are a keen golfer, don`t make the mistake of leaving your clubs at home. The Algarve has a whole host of courses overlooking the sea, where you can play golf all year round.

Nor should you fail to visit the picturesque cities and towns of the coastal region, perhaps stopping for lunch in a small restaurant where you will always be sure to find fresh fish. If you are travelling by yacht, you can call in at one of the region`s several marinas.

Further inland and to the north, the Algarve`s hills mark the edge of a greener and more fertile region, to which yet further colour is added by fig-trees, orange-groves and almond-trees that come into blossom in the winter.

Here you will also find a series of typical villages that have successfully preserved their ancestral traditions.

If you enjoy contemplating never-ending horizons, you should go to Cabo de São Vicente, at the very tip of south-western Europe.

From here you can see the promontory of Sagres, which gave its name to the School of Navigation founded by Prince Henry the Navigator.

It was considered an essential port of call for ships sailing westwards from the Mediterranean, and it was from this very spot that Prince Henry planned and directed the great Portuguese maritime discoveries.

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