Search
Related Links

 

 

Informative Articles

Golfing in the Algarve
Only two to three hours away by air from most of Europe's major airports is the sunny Algarve in Southern Portugal. Known for its spectacular coastline and rugged mountain scenery the Algarve is one of Europe's premier golfing destinations. There...

Home Away From Home on Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island's mild climate, slow pace, and beautifully forested landscapes are unique to the Atlantic coast. Deep-sea fishing charters, turtle watching, or riding a bike along the beach at sunset are some of the many wonderful outdoor...

Small Town - Big Fishing Problem
Port Renfrew is a small Canadian town with a major fishing problem. The problem is the sport fishing is great and only a few people know that. We arrive in Port Renfrew in late afternoon. Port Captain Quigley greets us at the entrance to Osprey...

The Historic And Natural Wonder Of Cades Cove Tennessee
If you miss Cades Cove Tennessee while traveling in the southeastern part of the United States, you've missed one of the most picturesque locations in North America. Cades Cove is a 6,800 acre scenic paradise located in the Great Smoky...

Travel Massachusetts - Local's Favorite Must See Sites
Everyone knows about Cape Cod and Boston as great travel destinations. But, there are lesser traveled gems like Cape Ann and Western Mass. Below, I have suggested some of my favorite holiday trips. Explore Massachusetts and keep coming back for...

 
Lisbon and Portugal - History and Culture

Portugal has always been known as the land to the left of Spain on the Iberian
Peninsula, caught among its traditional way of life - fishing and agriculture.
But thanks to the technology and the integration, Portugal´s 91.985 km2,
of which 88.944 km2 correspond to the mainland territory and the rest to the
beautiful islands of the Azores and Madeira.
The country is divided into 11 regions, with 18 districts headed by a Governor
and these districts each have their own Town hall and Mayor.

Since Early Times


At the beginning, Portugal was not differentiated from the northern part of
Spain called Galicia because it was a homogeneous cultural unit. The first
boundary stone was initiated in the Neolithic period when the Castrena Culture
began with fortified huts in a circular pattern topped with cone shaped straw
roofs. While in the fertile southern plains the Tartarians, Greeks and Phoenicians
started rich colonies, in the rough and granate like north of Portugal, the
Lusitanians presented their resistance. The Roman conquest put an end to this
domain and for the first time in history, the Portuguese territory was separated
from the Galician. Braga was named the first capital of the Swabian kings who
reigned in Portugal from 408 to 585. Later the Visigods, who had been established
in Spain expanded their land into Portugal. But as all the Iberian Peninsula,
the Arabs extended their powerful arm and in 711 also reach the south. But
for unknown reasons, the Arabs left Portugal, only leaving behind their culture
and architecture.


But Henry of Borgona, who was Earl of Portugal and the father-in-law of King
Alfonso VI of Castilla had his own plans for Portugal and it was his son, Alfonso
Henry, after a decisive battle in Guimaraes was proclaimed King of Portugal
in 1128. From here, his successors extended the territory up until in the XIII
the Portuguese territory was completed.


In 1415, King Joao I wanted to conquer more lands and started a campaign into
the African territories. This impulse also sent Portuguese naval ships to occupy
Madeira in 1418 and the Azores in 1427. But they did not stop there, as we
all know they reached the Brazilian coast too.


Leaving Portugal without any heirs, Philip II of Spain, who was born from
the daughter of the king of Portugal, was proclaimed King in 1580. But in 1640
with the Treaty of Lisbon, Spain gave it its independence.


Coming up to more modern times, Portugal joined the Atlantic Treaty in 1949
and the United Nations in 1955. After having gone through many types of political
parties, Portugal nowadays is a stable country open to the world.


A Quick over view of Portugal


Portugal has a seducing enchantment and anyone who surrenders to it will never
regret it. The best way to see Portugal is to do it by car and very slowly.
By car because it is the most comfortable way to stop and see all the spellbinding
scenery that this amazing place has to offer. It is known as the country with
101 castle and we would like to see quite a few. Slowly, because the road ways,
not main highways, are very sinuous.


Lisbon capital and heart of Portugal


I would recommend starting out from Lisbon, the capital of Portugal and its
surrounding towns. Lisbon is a city which makes you feel that time has never
gone by, not only because


of its architecture but thanks to the people themselves
and for not being in a hurry. You can begin at the center in the Plaza do Comercio,
set right on the River Tajo and either head down towards the water and along
the port promenade or into the hub of the city to visit the numerous churches,
monuments and living history unfolding before your eyes.


Once you have visited the city, I would head for the surrounding towns only
a few hours to the south in the region called El Algarve. There are
incredible fishing towns and beautiful sandy beaches. Once you have relax for
a day or two, it would interesting to venture into the countryside and take
direction setting north to the Alentejo region. The main city in this region
is called Evora. The oldest monument in the town dates back to the II or III
c. and it is the temple of Diana - A real architectural beauty. There is a
Pousada, reconverted castles and palaces made into historical lodgings which
are all over the Portuguese geography. Still heading north but towards the
Atlantic we come across One of the most symbolic Catholic cities in the world,
Fatima. Whether you are a believer or not, everyone has a favor or burning
desire to help someone with problems and the profound religious ambience found
here is very special. An from the religious to the intellect when we feast
our sight on the very old university city of Coimbra. Just visiting the university
grounds is a trip in itself. Still going up the coast, we come to the River
Duero and the city of Porto or sometimes called Oporto. This area together
with the Mino River valley make up the fertile vineyards for the famous Oporto
wine. Other than enjoying the green vegetation which are the green grapes that
make up this delicious wine, we can sip a few samples of the different varieties
and see the process at some wine cellars.


Portuguese Cuisine


Lick your lips and dig in. Let´s see, I will try some Alentejana soup
which are morsel of bread with coriander herbs, garlic and poached egg. Or
maybe Cacao soup made from fresh fish. If it is chilly, I would like to try
a typical meat dish called Pork a la Alentejana which is pork seasoned with
wine, coriandro herb, onions and crushed almonds. Rabbit, hare or partridge
with white beans can also warm your heart and stomach. Spread some creamy
sheep cheese on some toasted bread or some hard, cured cheese from Evora with
a touch of olive oil. Cod fish done in a hundred different ways, especially
with tomatoes, onions, garlic and boiled potatoes which are all national products.
To accompany all this scrumptious food we need the right wine. And flaky almond
pasties to finish it all off.


Let yourself be overwhelmed by Portugal´s picturesque details, shades
of green, enticing bodies of water, tiled murals, white washed houses and the
warm feeling that the Portuguese offer to all passerbyer. The result is a total
success, living up to your every dream.




About the Author

Robert Carlton runs a marketing company and lives with his spanish wife and daughter on the iberian peninsula. He writes travel related articles about Lisbon and Portugal. You can reach him via his website http://www.lisbon-and-portugal.com


 

 

 

Content Menu
  • 10 best activities hawaii has to offer

  • 10 best childrens activities at walt disney world

  • 10 reasons to camp in new jersey

  • 10 reasons to holiday in new zealand part 1

  • 10 winter camping rules to live by

  • 10 wisconsin summer vacation destinations away from the crowd

  • 15 reasons to love summer

  • 6 steps to super pictures of your vacation rental property

  • 7 things you must do if you want to make that perfect camera shot

  • about expectations and the family vacation

  • acapulco one of mexicos top travel destinations

  • activities in the caribbean for the adventurous traveler

  • advanced aviation gadgets

  • alaska brief travel guide

  • alaska cruises gaining in popularity

  • alaska cruise ship vacations

  • alaska sport fishing guide

  • albany western australia a holiday destination for all

  • albany western australia a seaside holiday destination for all

  • algarve portugal the souths delight

  • alternative spain

  • amazing egypt more than just the wonders of antiquity

  • amazon lodges

  • amersterdam as a romantic destination

  • anguilla the snake

  • an introduction to bahamas vacations

  • an introduction to steamboat springs co

  • an island a day

  • an ontario vacation

  • an unforgettable story about bali diving

  • arizona in all its colorful glory

  • arizona vacations are the perfect cold weather retreat

  • australias fraser island escape forever

  • australias undiscovered jewel

  • australia a continent in one country

  • australia the sight seeing travel tour

  • a guide to smith mountain vacations

  • a guide to the poconos

  • a look at luxury yacht charters

  • a look at mediterranean yacht charters

  • a prodigal inn gallery bethel maine

  • a review of inflatable boat manufacturers

  • a review of popular poconos resorts

  • a review of popular punta cana resorts

  • a rubondo island national park tanzania

  • a unique travelling palate in india that suits every tastebuds kullu manali himachal pradesh india

  • a visit to galicia spain

  • bald eagles arrive in squamish bc

  • banff lake louise canadian rocky mountain jewel

  • bastia

  • beach life paros style

  • bear trails resort couples only in ontario canada

  • best florida beaches

  • best florida beach vacations

  • best international beaches guide

  • big bold beautiful playa grande resort in cabo san lucas

  • big thicket national preserve texas

  • bimini in the bahamas

  • bird safaris timbavatis most desired plumage

  • borneo exotic island paradise

  • boston vacations four ways to experience beantown

  • botswana safari top five national parks and game reserves

  • buffalo national river arkansas

  • bulgarian property market insight

  • bunbury western australia a holiday destination for all

  • bunbury western australia a seaside holiday destination for all

  • business tourism in johannesburg

  • busselton western australia

  • buying a boat

  • by nature you are an adventurer

  • cabo sport fishing is like a box of chocolates

  • cambodian taxi chaos a leaf a radiator and a macgyver moment

  • camping food that works for you

  • camping get those tents up

  • campsite meal planning and recipe

  • canadas beautifu yukon

  • canada ontario paradise on earth

  • canada quebec a lifetime experience to treasure forever

  • cancun vacations isla mujeres island of women

  • canoe vacations and fun canoeing getaways

  • cant get him to take you on a cruise

  • cape lookout national seashore north carolina

  • cape town a look at africas most beautiful city

  • cape town is unique history and overview

  • caribbean travel choosing the perfect vacation spot

  • carnival pride review cruise ship

  • castles in the sand

  • catch some zzzzzzzzzzzz at zane grey pueblo hotel

  • cayman islands pristine sea sides with modern amenities

  • celebrity spotting in great exuma

  • china the most ancient empire on the earth

  • chocolate cowbells cable cars july 2005 switzerland the itailian lakes

  • christmas trimmings turkey and a sun tan

  • christmas vacations on tropical islands

  • coast of britain exmoor national park

  • colorado dude ranch vacations

  • colorado travel guide

  • come up to door county wisconsin for a special midwestern vacation

  • consider a private kauai vacation rental for your next getaway

  • costa rican beaches modern wonders

  • costa rica fishing a great sport for the whole family

  • costa rica has been called the hawaii of central america

  • costa rica land of natural wonders

  • costa rica tales of the guaro

  • costa rica travel packages

  • cruising alaska fjords at prince william sound

  • cruising destination ideas

  • cruising the columbia river with cruisewest

  • cyprus hospitality

  • cyprus the divided country travel guide

  • dauphin island al an idyllic beach vacation

  • denia in spain and its enchantments

  • discover apulia in southeast italy

  • discover rovaniemi jewel of lapland

  • discover the llyn peninsula

  • discover the real new zealand

  • dude ranch tourism

  • eastern russia vladivostok khabarovsk and magadan

  • egypt resorts and attractions

  • eleuthera island of the bahamas

  • endeavors in the caribbean for active travelers

  • enjoying the best of the mediterranean

  • experience nature at its most majestic with a canadian rockies tour

  • experience paradise with your bahamas getaway

  • explore the wonders of alaska with yacht charter

  • faces of tarifa

  • fall foliage scenic drive kancamagus highway new hampshire

  • fall foliage scenic drive lakes and leaves maine

  • fall foliage scenic drive rhode island coast

  • familiy vacation package

  • family canoeing vacation

  • family friendly vacation condos on hilton head island

  • family vacation means family time together

  • fantastic cruise deals abound at the last minute

  • find adventure around every bend of idahos majestic landscape

  • find serious romance at oregon b b

  • find your perfect cottage in ireland

  • fishing in jamaica

  • fishing vacation 101

  • florida beachfront rentals finding florida beachfront vacation homes

  • florida is the mythical endless summer

  • florida vacations in jacksonville

  • florida visit the undiscovered country

  • follow the call of the outdoors to montana

  • for an adventure of a lifetime travel alaska

  • france bordeaux and st tropez

  • fraught with deception

  • freeport in the bahamas

  • from gods garden to europes samba capital

  • fuerteventura a beach lovers paradise

  • fuerteventura the hidden jewel of the canary islands

  • fuerteventura the undiscovered gem of the canary islands

  • fun added at cozumel hotel family fun in mexico

  • fun and frugal

  • fun and functional what more could an atv owner ask for

  • fun things to do on your vacation

  • gap year royal

  • gatlinburg cabin vacation tips

  • ghost town accommodations in garnet montana

  • going on holiday take a kayaking tour

  • golden bc canada the outdoor sportsmans paradise

  • golden bc canada the outdoor sportsman s paradise

  • golfing in the algarve

  • grand bahama island action packed adventures

  • grand dame of the grand dunes myrtle beach marriott

  • grand teton national park wyoming

  • granville a great summer resort

  • great adventures in colorado

  • great exuma island is the perfect caribbean honeymoon destination

  • great lakes sonnig cruise

  • gulf island national seashore mississippi and florida

  • have you ever visited seattle

  • hawaiis top ten sun in the fun beaches

  • hello from caledon elora guelph fall colours ghosts and ghouls

  • hemmingways nile perch

  • hiking opportunities in california

  • hilton head beaches

  • hilton head island

  • hilton head island activities

  • hilton head island guide

  • hilton head island is golf heaven and the ocean too

  • hilton head island off the beaten path

  • hilton head island south carolina

  • hilton head island south carolina is it a family or golfers vacation destination

  • hilton head island tips for visitors

  • hilton head island travel guide

  • hilton head resorts

  • hilton head vacation rentals

  • holiday escapes to beautiful botswana

  • holiday in paphos cyprus

  • holiday in south africa

  • home away from home on hilton head island

  • hotels arent the only place you can stay on vacation

  • hotels of paraguay

  • houseboats give us the freedom to explore

  • how california couples plan romantic getaways with their dogs

  • how salt cod conquered the world

  • how to ensure a safe boating excursion

  • how to repair an inflatable boat

  • ice fishing tips for beginners

  • idahos majestic landscape find adventure around every bend

  • if you are chasing the best opinion with reference to trout fishing

  • important chinese festivals

  • index

  • inflatable boats an overview

  • inflatable boat trailers

  • inflatable pontoon boats

  • is adventure travel for you

  • italys best kept secret montefeltro

  • i survived the booze and cruise a guide to past tense instructions in the bahamas

  • jaco beach

  • jamaicas underwater wonders

  • jamaica the perfect destination for the avid tourist

  • johnstown flood national memorial pennsylvania

  • journeys through asturias greenest spain

  • khmer rouge prison 21 the chilling high school in phnom pehn cambodia

  • kwazulu natal shakas heaven on earth

  • kyrenia the jewel of northern cyprus

  • ladysmith a town of the past

  • lake havasu an overview

  • lake vouliagmeni and its medicinal waters

  • leisure trips

  • lets go camping

  • le havre a fishing village

  • life is an adventure live it

  • lisbon and portugal history and culture

  • live the adventure with ski resort vacations

  • living and retiring in bolivia

  • lone pine california vacations

  • looking for a vacation in paradise try a bahamas vacation

  • love the outdoors consider gatlinburg cabin rental

  • lured to sport fishing jamaica hooks more than your attention

  • mafia island archipelago

  • make alaska your next vacation getaway

  • making the choice finding your perfect caribbean vacation spot

  • malaysia an asian retirement paradise

  • mandurah western australia

  • mandurah western australia a holiday destination for all

  • mandurah western australia a seaside holiday destination for all

  • maui vacations

  • mauritius a picture perfect beach destination

  • mauritius vacation guide

  • mazatl n

  • meeting les sables dolonne

  • mexico baja california sur a premier tourist destination

  • mexico beaches cabo san lucas and acapulco

  • miami is the hub of floridas culture and nightlife

  • mississippis recovery fast and steadfast

  • mohican county rambles in ohio

  • mombasa the kenyan coast where the sun is ever faithful

  • monumental houseboating on lake powell

  • mossel bay on the garden route your summer getaway

  • motorized rvs

  • mountain cabin vacations

  • mystic seaport captured links to our past guide part 3

  • mystic seaport links to our past guide part 3

  • nags head a perfect oceanside getaway that is rich in history

  • namibia a bountiful harvest awaits the adventure traveler

  • nassau bahamas great city beach hotels at cable beach

  • national parks get out of your car

  • national park basics

  • national park vacation adventures

  • newport ri in class of its own with these four experiences

  • new bedford whaling national park massachusetts

  • new england cabins and cottages

  • new england cabins cottages as a romantic getaway

  • new jersey camping you perfect together

  • new places to live and retire around the world

  • new zealand travel northland

  • noches en el convento hotel san juans convent hotel

  • northern exposure nova scotia canada attracts hollywood heavyweights expatriates and travelers alike

  • north floridian hospitality

  • nova scotia canada the next new england

  • nova scotia cheap living and retirement in canadas hidden paradise

  • now you can find the best honeymoon resorts

  • oceanside vacations on hilton head island

  • ocean beach california discovery diamond head inn

  • olympic national park a photographers guide

  • olympic national park washington

  • one for ten cabin fever in haines alaska

  • one of cancuns best

  • oregon coast town revisits glory of glass floats

  • our greek isle

  • out and around calpe in spain

  • own a slice of paradise in mexico quintana roo

  • palmetto dunes plantation hilton head island

  • panama city beach the undiscovered getaway

  • paphos cyprus top 5 places to visit

  • paphos cyprus top 5 places to visit on your winter holidays

  • parador of cangas de onis

  • parador of hondarribia

  • paternoster heart of the west coast

  • peninsula state park in door county wisconsin my idea of paradise

  • pescadores mexico fishing tournaments in mexico

  • petersburg alaska cruise into the heart of the alaskan wilderness with alaskan sea adventures

  • philadelphia is hot for a vacation spot

  • pigeon forge campgrounds

  • piranha deadly and delicious

  • playa del carmen mexico beyond the all inclusive resorts

  • port douglas carnivale village celebrates

  • quinault lake lodge in olympic national park

  • radisson cruises a six star luxury experience

  • radisson cruises a six star luxury experience radisson cruises best cruise value

  • reasons we love traveling to florida you will too

  • rehoboth beach for a vacation of fun in the sun

  • relax and get away from it all with a dude ranch vacation

  • remote camping without roughing it

  • responsible travel does not necessitate having to squat in a mud hut whilst being forced fed boiled grass

  • riding in the lap of luxury travel with a virgin island yacht charters

  • rigid inflatable boats

  • rio de janeiro one of the worlds most beautiful cities

  • riviera maya mexico as a romantic getaway

  • rockland maines old granite inn

  • romantic adventurer mary zalmanek is interviewed by sketchandtravel com

  • romantic getaway vacation

  • romantic weekend getaways

  • rotator

  • rv vacations ten tips

  • sailing holidays in greece

  • samoa heart of polynesia

  • san diego beach hikes cardiff to carlsbad

  • scuba diving the philippines is impressive varied and spectacular

  • sea it to belize it

  • sea kayaking baja mexico

  • serious romance at oregon coastal b b

  • seven perfect days in aruba

  • should you buy a used inflatable boat

  • siberia here i come adventure travel part 1

  • siberia russia part 1 here i come

  • siberia russia part 2 where are we and what day is it

  • siberia russia part 3 communist planes and defining fluent

  • siberia russia part 4 airport follies and a stern lecture

  • siberia russia part 5 khabarovsk and a little russian

  • silent macau

  • small town big fishing problem

  • something for everyone in new zealand south island part 2

  • southern california museums more next to ucla in westwood california

  • south african whale watching hotspot

  • spains beaches youre spoilt for choice

  • spanish beaches

  • spring break on south padre island

  • squamish bald eagles arrive

  • student travel backpacking in europe

  • st tropez a jewel of the french riviera

  • st tropez a must see part of the french riviera

  • sunrise to sunset and endless escapes in kauai

  • surfing costa ricas pacific coast

  • surf and sand resort and splashes spa in laguna beach

  • surviving the aboriginal outback

  • sydney road trip to brisbane taking it slowly

  • sydney to brisbane make time to stop and smell the roses

  • sydney to brisbane road trip taking it easy

  • tahoe vacations prepare for the fun

  • thars gold in them thar hills gold mountain manor in big bear california

  • theres nothing like a poconos vacation

  • theres something for everyone in new zealand north island part 1

  • theres something for everyone in new zealand south island part 2

  • the benefits of inflatable fishing boats

  • the benefits of lake tahoe cabin rentals

  • the best of universal orlando

  • the canadian rockies trail of the grizzly

  • the caribbeans best boutique hotel villa nova on barbados

  • the castle parador of hondarribia spain

  • the dominican republic almost a tropical paradise

  • the dude ranch vacation an american tradition

  • the east coasts 1 family resort

  • the east coasts number one family resort

  • the exuma islands of the bahamas

  • the florida keys

  • the flying fish of rainie falls

  • the galician coastal town of noia

  • the historical wale watching town of hermanus

  • the historic and natural wonder of cades cove tennessee

  • the historic town of le¢n

  • the history of gatlinburg tennessee

  • the japanese started cannery row

  • the lumemo trail a tanzanian wilderness experience for the practiced hiker

  • the lumemo trail in the tanzanian wilderness

  • the luxury of renting private yacht charters

  • the many wonders of flamingo bay

  • the parador of cangas de onis spain

  • the railroad a book and a dam

  • the red sea in egypt for scuba diving

  • the rias altas in spain

  • the rustic charm of a california dude ranch vacation

  • the selous and the rest of the animals

  • the selous game reserve the birds

  • the spanish costa blanca a nature lovers paradise

  • the spiced islands of zanzibar

  • the state of the reef

  • the top 5 reasons to choose a bed and breakfast

  • the unique benefits of motor yacht charters

  • things for families to do in hawaii

  • thinking of traveling to alaska

  • those ellusive crab and prawn traps

  • three places to interact with dolphins in hawaii

  • three towns of mijas

  • timeshare options for military personnel

  • tips for traveling to mexico

  • tofino bc canada beach paradise in canada

  • tofino bc canada beach paradise on canadas big island

  • top holiday travel destinations

  • top ten travel nursing hot spots

  • tourist attractions in sweden a personal top 10

  • tours in myanmar asias best kept secret

  • travelers with disabilities the untapped market

  • traveling on a budget the cheapest vacations possible

  • traveling to eastern europe

  • travellers paradise in india kullu manali himachal pradesh

  • travel alaska an adventure of a lifetime

  • travel in albufeira portugal

  • travel massachusetts locals favorite must see sites

  • travel spain girona and the dali triangle

  • travel to lake louise vacation capital of canada

  • travel to nova scotia canadas new england

  • travel to russia kamchatka

  • uganda hotels the boost for tourism

  • uganda the pearl of africa glows again

  • vacations st tropez

  • vacation in dubai

  • vacation in florida your best destination

  • vietnam ho chi minh city

  • villas in algarve

  • visit big bear california

  • visit boca raton florida

  • visit buena park california

  • visit canadas west coast in winter

  • visit delray beach florida

  • visit hong kong

  • visit monterey california

  • visit newport beach california

  • visit palm beach florida

  • visit pismo beach california

  • visit santa barbara california

  • visit san francisco

  • welcome to bragg creek

  • welcome to floridas emerald coast

  • westaccom net western australia your holiday destination for all the family

  • westaccom net western australia your holiday destination for a pure australian experience

  • what do you need to know about ireland travel

  • what dreams are made of dreams los cabos resort review

  • what makes zambia safari unique

  • what to see and to do in mexico

  • what you need to know about camping vacations

  • what you need to know about canada travel

  • what you need to know about costa rica

  • what you need to know about hawaii islands

  • what you need to know about portsmouth city

  • what you need to know before you sell your boat

  • where rock meets la roca

  • why an algarve vacation

  • why florida heres why

  • why people flock to lake havasu for spring break

  • why visit magical cape town

  • why visit magical city

  • wisconsin dells is a fun family vacation destination

  • world billfish tournaments reeling for dollars

  • yacht charters provide a luxurious escape

  • yellowstone camping in the fall

  • yellowstone national park wyoming

  • yosemite national park

  • your breckenridge vacation

  • your gold panning trip camping for fun

  • your hawaii vacation five islands infinite variety

  • your vacation first aid kit

  • zambia african safari

  • zambia what an amazing country

  • zanzibar and the dolphin safari

  • zanzibar a magnet for adventurers men of god explorers and conquerors

  • zanzibar potted