Portugal’s location is the most western part of continental Europe. It is surrounded by the Atlantic, which had an impact on Portugal’s history and culture.

In 1415, Portugal embarked on a maritime exploration, which brought a diverse international influence to its culture. This contact with other nations had a far-reaching impact on the Portuguese identity, particularly on the hospitable nature of the people.

 Allied with this universal outlook, the country’s geographical diversity with its many protected areas and extensive coastline make Portugal an ideal tourist destination.

 Contained within a relatively small area, Portugal offers a comprehensive and wide range of activities for the visitor, not only in terms of accommodation, but also regarding activities and scenic holidays; from the seat to the mountains, from the plains to the islands of Madeira and the Azores and not forgetting the cosmopolitan atmosphere of the major cities.

 With a tradition for surprising the world since over 500 years to the time of the great maritime exploration – Portugal has also proved in recent years to be an excellent organizer of major international events, such as EXPO 98, the Tennis Master Cup in 1000, and Gymnaestrada in 2003.

 For all of these reasons UEFA EURO 2004 is going to be a huge celebration. You will be able to experience all the emotions of the European Championship, on an off the pitch, from the north to the south of the country.

CULTURE

Because of its historical background and its natural setting, Portugal has a unique cultural heritage Portugal hardly had any contact with other nations, which also had a profound contact on its identity.

From the ancient rock engravings in the north to the historic centers of the many cities, which between them, house some of Portugal’s most symbolic monuments – the monasteries of Alcobaça and Batalha, the Convent of Tomar, and monastery of Jerónimos and the Tower of Belém in Lisboa – Portugal has many UNESCO World Heritage sites…Many of these historic buildings are masterpieces of the “Manueline” style, dating back to the time of the famous Portuguese maritime explorations. Others, such as the castles mark the locations of the conquests of the Kings of Portugal.

 Portuguese architecture varies from region to region – granite buildings in the north, squat white houses in the Alentejo, white-washed terraces in Algarve, historical villages in the Beiras including manor houses which are often converted into tourist accommodation by TER (Rural Tourism), and the unique Portuguese Pousadas (country inns that combine luxury accommodation and fine dining housed in converted castles, palaces, or convents) which are dotted all over the country.

 A wide variety of museums is scattered throughout the country, whether in main cities or in the small local museums, there are many discoveries to be made, ranging from sacred art from ancient times to modern art from the present day; from glazed tiles and ceramics to regional costumes, from life at sea to farming.

 Each town in Portugal has its own special festivals, which are celebrated each year usually based on a date from the religious calendar or a patron saint. Summer festive days are particularly good for getting to know local customs and practices. For those who prefer other cultural activities, there are the theatre music festivals, or simply being in different places, and meeting the locals, which will enable visitors to gain a better understanding of the Portuguese way of life.

SUN AND SEA

A bright blue sky, the shining Portuguese sun the golden, sandy beaches are the ideal companions with to discover a country where the days pass by pleasantry in a welcoming atmosphere. At the end of your stay, the hardest thing will have to be leaving.

In the tranquility of the small inlets and bays along its coastline, or on the livelier, more frequented beaches of the Algarve, Portugal offers a wide choice for those who are in search of a sun tan and crystal clear water. Anywhere along the Portuguese coast, you can find safe beaches, engage in water sports, and just devote yourself to the pleasure of life in the open air. On the islands of Madeira and the Azores, the sea is a playground for a wide range of leisure activities and water sports.

For the more adventurous there are countless opportunities for more active holidays from cycling to balloon rides, hang-gliding, parachuting, climbing, or simply walking with the possibility of discovering well-kept secrets.

Full and memorable days are expected from a stay in one of the seven regions of Portugal.

NATURE

The Portuguese landscape varies, but has common traits throughout; it is full of hidden treasures and the protection of the environment is paramount.

Portugal provides the ideal conditions for ecotourism. From the sea to the mountains with rivers and plains between, there are many activities to enjoy that are organized by national parks, nature reserves or leisure companies, offering you the opportunity to see protected species in their natural environment, an example of which is the flaming stork observatory on the Sado estuary.

The Lusitano horse originated from Portugal, in the central and southern area in Portugal. You can experience the countryside on horseback by galloping through the vast marshland, which is the Lusitano’s natural habitat, or along the extensive Atlantic coastline, the lagoons, the lakes, and the golden horizon of the Alentejo plain (please click here for the Lusitano horse in Thailand).

To preserve natural environment, there is an ecosystem in northern Portugal, the Peneda Gerês, which remains virtually untouched by man and is classified as a National Park and nature reserves are refugee for rare and protected species of fauna and flora, where harmony between man and nature is maintained.

UNESCO has recognized the World Heritage status of the countryside of the vine-growing Douro valley where the famous Porto wine is produced. It has also given the same status to the cultural landscape of Sintra and the Laurissilva of Madeira which has integrated into the natural park that covers two thirds of the island in the Azores, with its varies nature reserves and unspoilt natural beauty, the profusion of flowers provides a striking contrast on the dominant green of the fields.

GOLF

Portugal is an extremely popular country for golf. Its gentle, pleasant climate means that the game can be played throughout the year. And that’s not all, playing golf in Portugal means that you can combine the pleasure of the game with the beauty and richness of the environment, enjoying the Portuguese cuisine, culture, leisure activities and hospitality.

Portuguese golf courses are concentrated along the coast, where the beaches of the Algarve and the Lisbon coast serve as backdrops. Laid out in the areas of great natural beauty, the golf courses vary in degrees of difficulty, some designed by the famous names such as Sir Henry Cotton, Rocky Roquemore, or Arnold Palmer.

Portugal has over 60 golf courses with all the facilities required for satisfying the most demanding player and for staging major events in the international professional circuit. For this reason, every year, Portugal plays host to important European competitions such as the Algarve Open and the Madeira Open. Now it is your time to shine. Come and enjoy our golf courses for yourself.

TRADITION

From the Romans to the Moors, many people have lived in Portugal, all leaving their mark on Portuguese customs and practice, just as the Portuguese acquired new customs and practices when exploring new lands.

Vines have been grown here from the time immeororial. Porto wine and Madeira are well known abroad. Table wines are considered to be one of Portugal’s best-kept secrets.

Portuguese cooking has been influenced by the spices brought back in Caravels (15^th century Portuguese sailing boats), and takes advantage of the abundant fish and seafood available along the coast. In addiction, one of the most typical dishes is cod, cooked in excellent Portuguese olive oil, and desserts that used to be made from recipes prepared in convents are also very popular.

As far as architecture is concerned, the Moors brought with them a tradition of tiles (azulejos) that the Portuguese evolved and which still remain a prominent gesture today, from north to south. Today the ‘azulejos’ are used effectively in Metro stations, and include works by major Portuguese artists. The abundance of clay in Portugal has also resulted in a great tradition of pottery and ceramics, from simple works in terracotta to the sophisticated porcelains.

Molder glass and crystal ware are also important, as well as Portuguese jewelry. The figure works is just one example of a style that has been popular for centuries. The Portuguese are also very proud of their face and embroidery, the carpet from Arraiolos – both modern and traditional, and other handicrafts such as the tapestries made in Portalegre and the bedspreads made in Castelo Branco.

Fado is also something that influences the way the Portuguese think and feel. Visit a typical fado house and discover people who are always ready to receive you with open arms.

ENTERTNAINMENT

The mild, year-round climate and the warm temperature both on the mainland and on the island is the country’s most pleasant temperature, meaning that the Portuguese often entertain and socialize outdoors.

The café is a typical meeting place with its own distinct culture, which varies from the refined establishments in cosmopolitan cities to much smaller local cafes in rural villages. Pavement cafés (esplanades) and restaurants are another commonplace to meet friends and relax in any village or town.

The main centers of Lisbon, Porto and other densely populated or frequently visited areas (such as the Algarve and other tourist resorts) are known for the nightlife and daily hustle and bustle, as well as for their sophisticated and vibrant atmosphere. By night, there are lively discotheques, bars, and restaurants often located by the sea or by rivers: in Lisboa areas such as Avenida 24 de Julho, the Docas, Bairro Alto and the Parque das Nações, the venue for Exp ’98, and in Porto areas such as Ribeira, Foz, and the Zona Industrial are today places that cannot be missed for anyone wanting to sample Portuguese night life.

Other places, such as the Belem Cultural Center and the Pavilhão Atlântico in Lisboa, the Europarque in Santa Maria de Feira, and the Casa da Musica and the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art in Porto are centers for enjoying culture wjere a wide range of events are held, from paintings to the performing arts, in summer the cultural events offered are extremely varies, with particular emphasis on music festivals – from rock to the classics and jazz = many of them having a worldwide reputation.

 Whether in the north, center, and south of Portugal, not forgetting the island of Madeira, you will also find some of the best casinos in Europe, where it is possible to gamble knowing that you have already won a place in one of the most enjoyable and welcoming countries in Europe.

For more informations                           Compose by: Jose Martins

gabinet.euro2004@icep.pt                                      jose@loxinfo.co.th

www.portugalinsite.com                                           www.aquimaria.com