Portugal – Where the land ends and the ocean begins
Portugal is on the edge of Europe, where the Atlantic Ocean begins and the land ends. Portugal is the western edge of Europe, and its inhabitants still make a living from traditional activities such as farming and fishing.
written by: Continent Surfer
At first glance, the Portuguese seem to be a pleasant, patient and adaptable people, but they are still gnawed by a secret inner sadness. The traveller who visits this corner of the world for its sunny shores, its monuments, its natural beauty, its delicious cuisine, its fiery wines, can expect a very warm and direct welcome. Punctuality is not their virtue, they are timeless, you might say, but this is not a deliberate insult on their part. Tolerance and acceptance may be called the primary virtue of the Portuguese. They were among the first to abolish the death penalty from the penal code, but serious and violent crime is rare. If they get behind the wheel? Getting into a car or on a motorbike can make even the most reckless Portuguese a terror on the roads. They get caught up in the racing frenzy, overtaking and racing back and forth. This is something to be very careful of, as it has the highest accident rate in Europe.
Family
Family and patriotism, the most important thing for Portuguese people. They live in a stable way and respect tradition. There are hardly any big stores or shopping malls in the country, and they prefer smaller family-run shops. The majority of the population does not live in big cities but in small rural areas. There is little industry, with agriculture and fishing being the main activities, thanks to the extensive coastline. Unemployment is relatively low. Employers prefer younger workers because they can make do with lower wages. There is little production for export, but only for domestic consumption.
Religion permeates the whole of society and life, with almost every town having its own saint, so you could say that every day of the year has a holiday.
Gastronomy
Portugal was once a great conqueror, its colourful ships sailing the seas of the world. They carried wine, fish, slaves and seaweed, but nowadays, they are mostly used for sports and excursions.
If you like fresh fish, delicious pork roasts and soups seasoned with garlic, this is the place for you. If you visit a small restaurant to sample the delicacies of Portuguese cuisine, you’ll get a taste of half the world. They’ve attracted their entire colonial empire, from Brazil to Macau. So it is to their long-gone colonial empire that they owe their abundance of exotic spices and varied cuisine.
Wine
Port wine is the pride of the nation, not only because it is an excellent wine, but also because it is the only brand that the average person associates with Portugal. Their excellent but lesser-known wine is Vinha e do Vinco, which is now beginning to get the recognition it deserves alongside Port. Virtually all their wine regions are located along rivers or tributaries. If you travel around the countryside, you can meet several serious wine dynasties, as they are still family-run.
Architecture
Almost all architectural styles can be found in this small country, from Romanesque to Rococo. The most beautiful buildings are monuments, mostly churches, but palaces elaborated and decorated with fabulous richness bear witness to their conquests and colonisations.
The Portuguese museums and churches house the treasures of more than five hundred years. They have everything from altarpieces to modern paintings.
Tourism
You don’t really find large and ordinary hotels. Rather, you can stay in small manor houses converted into hostels, farms, castles, perfect for discovering rural life. For those who like to take a stroll in the gardens of a castle before retiring to their princely suite, Portugal is the place to be.
Portugal’s most famous city is Lisbon. Its cafés, cultural life and castle are sure to fascinate visitors. It offers a wealth of experiences to suit all tastes. You can window-shop, sample a wide range of restaurants, or relax in the shade. But the city really comes alive in the evening. Its nightlife is one of the liveliest in Europe. The smaller wine bars and restaurants in particular are buzzing with life. Thanks to the hot summer and mild winter, Lisbon’s beauty can be enjoyed all year round.
South of the city is one of Portugal’s most beautiful holiday resorts, Estoril, which is easily accessible and accessible from the capital. Estoril is a little jewel famous for its flower-filled palm tree-fringed spas. The famous ATP tournament of Estoril is held here every year.
If you venture further afield from Lisbon, be sure to visit the beautiful landscapes of Sintra. With its lush pastures and gently flowing streams, Sintra has been one of the most popular holiday destinations for some time. The Serra Da Sintra, where the Moorish influence is most evident, has palaces and monuments, as well as magnificent beaches. Many conquerors have set foot on Portuguese soil, so it’s no wonder that the culture is so varied and complex. The Romans were perhaps the most visited and their influence is most evident alongside that of the Moors. That’s why, if you look around a bit, it seems as if you’re not in the same country.
Football
The Portuguese are crazy about football. Their teams are always among the best in Europe, so there’s always a full house at big matches. Today’s greatest player, Cristiano Ronaldo, comes from this small country of just 10 million people.
It is a complex combination of natural forces that has made Portugal so diverse. A short trip of a few hours can take you through a wide variety of climates. From hot to cold, from dry to wet. The landscape is equally varied. From lush pastures to barren plains, from farmhouses to large estates.
If you’re a tourist in search of inexpensive goods made in small family-run ‘manufactories’, or if you want to gaze at the end of the old continent from the base of a romantic lighthouse and enjoy the variety, eat a good spicy pork rib or drink a really juicy wine, then head to Portugal!
Would you like to explore Portugal in the most authentic way?
Krisztina helps you to create unforgettable memories during your visit, and hopefully inspire you to return one day. Consider her as your personal travel guide, ready to show you all the hidden gems of Portugal.
Did you know?
Portugal is one of the most peaceful countries. In 2021, Portugal came in 4th place on the Global Peace Index (GPI), making it one of the most peaceful countries in the world, behind Iceland, New Zealand, and Denmark. Portugal is thus one of the safest countries in the world, with little violence.
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Source(s):
Original article: Portugália-Ahol véget ér a szárazföld és kezdődik az óceán Translated by: BOGI – CONTINENT SURFER
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