Imprint - Links

Portugal is one of Europe oldest countries, and yet, despite being rife with fascinating history and culture, historically, it has not qualified as a popular tourist destination. The past decades, however, have revealed a shift in this longstanding trend as the number of Portugal’s annual visitors has grown exponentially. Likely, one reason tourists abstained for so long is due to the country’s turbulent history. Between the 14th and 16th century, Portugal qualified as a formidable player during the “Age of Discovery,” navigating distant lands, conquering numerous colonies, and establishing itself as one of Europe’s richest nations. Rising as a great Maritime power, this period in the country’s history still functions as a sources of national pride. But, like many great powers, Portugal’s golden era came to an end. The follow centuries were defined by a series of crippling events, which terminated its glory day. Crisis befell Portugal during the Napoleonic Wars. The subsequent loss of its largest colony, Brazil, in 1822, marked a seminal defeat, while the next century witnessed an exodus of nearly two million Portuguese to the United States and Brazil. In the beginning of the 20th century, a republic replaced the former monarch, only to fail in its attempt to mend the country’s problems. Soon falling pray to a military coup in 1926, a dictatorship remained intact until 1974, when liberation was granted and democratic rule implemented.

With Spain representing a more tranquil, equally exotic travel destination, tourists opted for the Spanish getaway, leaving Portugal’s beauty largely untapped. In the wake of restored social accord, a newfound appreciation and interest in Portugal developed. Next to the mainland, the luxurious Algarve coast now lures visitors to its southern shores, while the Atlantic island constellation of Azoren represents another magical retreat. The Portuguese mainland is surely not to be overlooked, boasting green forests, plush wine country, mountains, and more. The capital city of Lisbon offers a unique mixture of old and new, its ambiance defined by a paradoxical melancholic joie de vivre. Endowed with a pulsating energy and colorful landscape, Lisbon has become a favorite travel spot. The narrow streets are dotted with impressive Gothic architecture and colorful buildings. Locals and visitors alike enjoy the abundance of fresh fish along with the melodic tunes of traditional Fado music—two important cultural traits, ubiquitous throughout the country.

Despite that tourism has ‘discovered’ Portugal—so to speak— that’s not to say that there aren’t places where one can escape the surges. In fact, it’s relatively easy to find a bit of shoreline serenity, unspoiled by the masses. And a trip to the coast shouldn’t weigh heavily on the pocketbook since Portugal happens to be one of the most affordable countries in Western Europe. With regards to the climate, Portugal retains a mild temperature into winter, while the summer months can bring scorching heat. On the mainland, it is only the mountainous regions, which border Spain, that become relatively cold. The further south one travels, the drier and hotter it gets.