Tourism - Portugal (EU)
Lisbon and Porto
Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and Porto is the second largest city, in the north of the country. They are both vibrant cities filled with history that retain a human dimension, with their historic districts, monuments and tile façades. Lisbon is known as the white city due to the sunlight that reflects off the River Tagus. Winner of the Travellers' Choice title in 2014 on TripAdvisor, for the second year running, it was also awarded Europe's Leading City Break Destination 2014 by the World Travel Awards. Porto, which gave its name to a wine enjoyed all over the world, was again elected Best European Destination in 2014 and is one of the top 14 cities chosen by British Airways to visit. Previously, it was Number 2 on TripAdvisor’s 2013 Travellers' Choice list for emerging destinations in Europe. |
Have your say directly to the tourist commission of Portugal - Portugal is situated in southwestern Europe, and shares a border with Spain
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The main tourist areas are, by order of importance, the Greater Lisbon (Lisboa), the Algarve, Greater Porto and Northern Portugal (Porto e Norte), Portuguese Islands (Ilhas Portuguesas: Madeira and Azores), and Alentejo.
Lisbon is, after Barcelona, the European city attracting most tourists, with 7 million tourists sleeping in the city's hotels in 2006, the number grew 11.8% compared to previous year.
Lisbon in recent years surpassed the Algarve as the leading tourist region in Portugal. Porto and Northern Portugal, especially the urban areas north of Douro River, was the tourist destination which grew most (11.9%) in 2006 and surpassed Madeira, in 2010, as the third most visited destination.
Today, most tourists in Portugal are British, Spanish or German, travel in low cost airliners, and are not only in search of the beach and the sun, but mostly searching culture, city breaks, gastronomy, nautical tourism or travel in business.
Lisbon is, after Barcelona, the European city attracting most tourists, with 7 million tourists sleeping in the city's hotels in 2006, the number grew 11.8% compared to previous year.
Lisbon in recent years surpassed the Algarve as the leading tourist region in Portugal. Porto and Northern Portugal, especially the urban areas north of Douro River, was the tourist destination which grew most (11.9%) in 2006 and surpassed Madeira, in 2010, as the third most visited destination.
Today, most tourists in Portugal are British, Spanish or German, travel in low cost airliners, and are not only in search of the beach and the sun, but mostly searching culture, city breaks, gastronomy, nautical tourism or travel in business.
Portuguese-style bullfighting differs in many aspects from Spanish-style bullfighting. The cavaleiros and the forcados are unique as well as the horsewomen (cavaleiras).
Cavaleiros - A horseman or woman (rider), dressed in traditional 18th century costumes fights the bull from horseback. The horses are Portuguese Lusitanos, specially trained for the fights.
The purpose of this fight is to stab three or four bandarilhas (small javelins) in the back of the bull. In the past, horseback bullfighters were often members of old aristocratic families. The horsewomen (cavaleiras) are a pioneer and unique feature of the Portuguese bullfighting. Ana Batista, Sónia Matias and Ana Rita are among the first and most renowned cavaleiras of Portugal.
Cavaleiros - A horseman or woman (rider), dressed in traditional 18th century costumes fights the bull from horseback. The horses are Portuguese Lusitanos, specially trained for the fights.
The purpose of this fight is to stab three or four bandarilhas (small javelins) in the back of the bull. In the past, horseback bullfighters were often members of old aristocratic families. The horsewomen (cavaleiras) are a pioneer and unique feature of the Portuguese bullfighting. Ana Batista, Sónia Matias and Ana Rita are among the first and most renowned cavaleiras of Portugal.
Covering more than 850km, the Portuguese coast boasts such a large number of fine, white sandy beaches that it’s almost impossible to keep count. All bathed by the Atlantic Ocean and all different, their beauty is hard to describe, so there’s nothing better than to discover them for yourself.
The most famous are in the Algarve. With three thousand hours of sun per year and warm waters, there are beaches along its 200km length to suit every taste and many dreamlike resorts. The choices are many, from sandy stretches extending as far as the eye can see to the smaller coves, sheltered by jagged cliffs, the trade image of the region, and they are always accompanied by a clear, calm sea which is ideal for practising various water sports.
Sagres, on the southwestern tip of the European continent, marks the transition. It is situated on the Vicentina Coast which forms, together with Southwestern Alentejo, one of the best preserved stretches of the European coastline. There are deserted beaches here, of a wild beauty, where you can enjoy an unparalleled contact with Nature. And near Sines a stretch of sand starts that extends for over 60km to end in Troia, a challenge for trekking buffs!
The most famous are in the Algarve. With three thousand hours of sun per year and warm waters, there are beaches along its 200km length to suit every taste and many dreamlike resorts. The choices are many, from sandy stretches extending as far as the eye can see to the smaller coves, sheltered by jagged cliffs, the trade image of the region, and they are always accompanied by a clear, calm sea which is ideal for practising various water sports.
Sagres, on the southwestern tip of the European continent, marks the transition. It is situated on the Vicentina Coast which forms, together with Southwestern Alentejo, one of the best preserved stretches of the European coastline. There are deserted beaches here, of a wild beauty, where you can enjoy an unparalleled contact with Nature. And near Sines a stretch of sand starts that extends for over 60km to end in Troia, a challenge for trekking buffs!
Those who visit Portugal will discover a lively people who enjoy the climate and the pleasure of being with each other, often in the open air, experiencing various activities surrounded by nature.
From kite surfing to bike rides over hill and dale, or rock climbing, abseiling and zip wiring for the more adventurous, the options are endless for those who like to keep active.
For those wanting to pump the adrenaline, Portugal has some great challenges in its perfect waves for surfing. Or windsurfing, sailing or paragliding with winds that are guaranteed to get the thrills soaring. Skiing and parasailing, too, provide some amazing experiences.
From kite surfing to bike rides over hill and dale, or rock climbing, abseiling and zip wiring for the more adventurous, the options are endless for those who like to keep active.
For those wanting to pump the adrenaline, Portugal has some great challenges in its perfect waves for surfing. Or windsurfing, sailing or paragliding with winds that are guaranteed to get the thrills soaring. Skiing and parasailing, too, provide some amazing experiences.
Try rafting, canyoning and canoeing on Portugal’s rivers. And discover their sources deep within the earth, going potholing to delve into unexplored caves.
To enjoy nature in all its charm, we recommend some calmer activities, such as hiking or horse riding, taking in the fragrance of the wild flowers on a beautiful sunny day. Or mountaineering, where apart from the stunning views, you can reach the highest peaks to be rewarded with a view of the nests and flight of birds of prey. There are also boat trips to see dolphins and whales, images that you will never forget.
There’s no shortage of ideas and suggestions, the landscapes offer a wealth of diversity and the fine climate will surely be on your side... We might even say that in Portugal, the best companion for adventures is Nature!
To enjoy nature in all its charm, we recommend some calmer activities, such as hiking or horse riding, taking in the fragrance of the wild flowers on a beautiful sunny day. Or mountaineering, where apart from the stunning views, you can reach the highest peaks to be rewarded with a view of the nests and flight of birds of prey. There are also boat trips to see dolphins and whales, images that you will never forget.
There’s no shortage of ideas and suggestions, the landscapes offer a wealth of diversity and the fine climate will surely be on your side... We might even say that in Portugal, the best companion for adventures is Nature!
Portugal is a friendly, safe country, with a mild climate and an excellent cuisine, ideal to tour with the family.
There are numerous activities designed for the little ones, both outdoors and indoors, in castles, museums, zoos, theme parks and aqua parks.
Following the footprints of dinosaurs, watching dolphins and whales at sea or learning about the stars are just some ideas of what you can do. Bicycle or donkey rides in natural parks and reserves are also much appreciated and a relaxed way to learn about and discover nature.
On the fine sandy beaches, with their calm waters and pleasant temperatures, children can run and play at will, swim and make sandcastles. But the greatest fun of all is to take advantage of the waves and introduce the whole family to surfing.
As for rest, it’s easy to find a quiet hotel where parents and children will feel comfortable and recharge their batteries for the following day.
There are numerous activities designed for the little ones, both outdoors and indoors, in castles, museums, zoos, theme parks and aqua parks.
Following the footprints of dinosaurs, watching dolphins and whales at sea or learning about the stars are just some ideas of what you can do. Bicycle or donkey rides in natural parks and reserves are also much appreciated and a relaxed way to learn about and discover nature.
On the fine sandy beaches, with their calm waters and pleasant temperatures, children can run and play at will, swim and make sandcastles. But the greatest fun of all is to take advantage of the waves and introduce the whole family to surfing.
As for rest, it’s easy to find a quiet hotel where parents and children will feel comfortable and recharge their batteries for the following day.
