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Portugal
An independent kingdom since 1143, Portugal established its
continental frontiers in 1297 and is one of the oldest nations in
Europe.
Situated on the west side of the Iberian Peninsula, its geographic
location along the Atlantic coast soon determined its vocation to the
sea.
In 1415, the Portuguese set sail on an epic voyage that would make
them the first to discover the ocean routes to India, Brazil, China and
Japan, and at the same time founded settlements on the east and west
coasts of Africa.
Traces of this worldwide historic presence may be seen as trademarks
of the Portuguese genius. 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 archaeological 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 (Celts, Suevians,
Visigoths, Romans and Arabs).
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 the
greatest treasure of a renowned reputation for hospitality that makes
the country a haven of congeniality and safety.
Algarve
Gorgeous beaches, warm water and glorious sunshine year-round,
Algarve is the dream holiday.
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.
However, the distance that was difficult to cover back in the 13th
century is no longer an obstacle thanks to the modern highway and
coastal road and Faro international airport. So why not visit this
charming region, with its idyllic temperatures (average temperature in
winter of 14°C and 24°C - 57°F and 75°F - in summer, rarely going below
12°C - 53°F- during winter and reaching as high as 28°C or 30°C - 82°F
or 86° F - in July and August), which are ideal for playing golf and
other sports.
In the northern part of Algarve, the ranges of Espinhaço de Cão,
Monchique and Caldeirão shelter the coast from strong winds. This
brightly colored region, with its fig trees, orange groves and almond
trees in blossom, is also the most verdant and fertile. The southern
coastline consists of a long stretch of fabulous sandy beaches, broken
up by extraordinary rugged red cliffs and fantastic grottoes.
Apart from the wealth of available water sports facilities (the
marinas of Vilamoura and Lagos deserve special mention, amongst the
various ports and harbours), there are other alternatives, such as
tennis courts, famous golf courses, luxury hotels or quaint holiday
resorts and an exciting nightlife.
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