The Must Know Facts About Portugal

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By Luis Fontese

The Best of Portugal can refer to many different perspectives such as the best activities, best places or best products.

Portugal is located in the south western part of Europe and its fame is spread worldwide because of the supreme quality wines produced in its vineyards. The most popular among the different wine varieties produced in the country are the Port wine and Madeira wines. While it is true that Portugal is very famous worldwide for its wines and vineyards, olive oil too has been emerging slowly as one of the leading cash crops and in some parts of Portugal, olive oil groves are located in close proximity to vineyards. Some of the prominent olive growing regions in the best of Portugal include the hills of the Moura region, the Norte Alentjano, the upper Douro and the Tras-os-Montes in the northern part of Portugal.

Another premier product that greatly contributes to best of Portugal's soaring economy is the cork which is obtained from the cork oak tree grown extensively in Portugal. In fact an estimated area of about 720 hectares of land in Portugal is dedicated to cork oak cultivation and the cork is the bark of the cork oak tree.

Various kinds of Portuguese embroidery patterns practiced include the Palestrina stitch, the Cretan stitch, the Rosette stitch, the bullion knot, the Montenegrin cross stitch, the coral stitch, the herringbone stitch and many others.

The origin of equestrian, a significant sport in Portugal can be traced back to the remote times of the ancient past and the prevalent horse breeds in Portuguese equestrian activities are known to have evolved from the Iberian horse types. The Lusitano is the most popular horse breed in Portugal and it is to be noticed that it owes the origin of its name to Luso who was the son of the roman god Bacchus and also it should be mentioned that under roman subordination, Portugal was known as Lusitania. Apart from the Lusitano, there are two more important horse breeds in Portugal, namely the Garrano and the Sorraia.

Portuguese literature is one of the earliest specimens of literary forms in the west and the origin of the Portuguese language can be attributed to the Latin which was the principle language of the Roman Empire.

Portuguese music is very famous mostly because of its traditional folk music trends like the regional folk songs and most importantly the 'fado'. However, modern musical forms like reggae, pop and hip hop are also equally popular in the country. The fado, meaning 'fate' in Portuguese is the indigenous musical form practiced by the urban poor populace of Lisbon where it had originated.

The south and west of Portugal are surrounded by the formidable Atlantic Ocean and therefore a lot of sea food and sea fish varieties are included within the Portuguese diet. These include sardines and cod fish. Moreover, pork and meat are used in sausages as well for other dishes. Some of the enriched delicacies include caldeirada, feijoada, bacalhau, chorico, cozido, francessinha, pastel de Belem

Portugal presents some of the exotic landscapes and its rich historical and cultural heritage has attracted tourists for years and according to the recent statistics of 2006, a whopping amount of about 12.8 million tourists visited the country. The principle city of Portugal, Lisbon has been esteemed to be the second city of Europe after Barcelona to be visited most frequently by the tourists. The places which lure tourists in maximum numbers include Lisbon, the islands of Madeira and Azores, Alentejo, Greater Porto, Algarve, Porto e Norte or northern Portugal.

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10 Useful Portuguese Phrases

Below are a few useful Portuguese phrases with their English translations which may prove very useful for travellers

Holidays in Madeira Mean Unmatchable Aquatic Adventure

Madeira is a significant tourist spot in Portugal. Every year millions of people plan Madeira holidays especially to get drenched in excitement of beach activities. You can indulge in numerous aquatic activities while vacationing at the beach.

What to do in Madeira?

Madeira holidays are quickly becoming some of the most popular trips to take if you are looking to explore the world and enjoy yourself. This Portuguese peninsula is a beautiful archipelago that will allow you to enjoy a luxury vacation at a budget price.

Cheap Holidays to Madeira and Unlimited Fun and Excitement

Numerous adventure cravers plan cheap holidays to Madeira as this is area where there is no dearth of aquatic and land based activities. Scuba diving is among the most popular activities that can be enjoyed in the waters surrounding Madeira. There are several things that make this area an incredible place to enjoy the sport. Its climate that remains same all through the year offers great conditions to dive into the waters and explore the exuberant underwater beauty.

Madeira – the Best All Round Climate in Europe?

With a summer maximum of 29° centigrade (OK, occasionally there have been exceptions), and a winter low of around 17° centigrade, where else can you find such bearable temperatures. Even the sea only wavers a degree or two above and below the 20° centigrade mark all year around.

Explore Typical Madeira Markets in Madeira Holidays

Many markets were set up for selling flowers but with the time they are expanded into complete markets and you can buy many other things from here. Now you can find agriculture products and local food specialties from here such as grilled chicken‘bolo de caco' bread and wheat soup which can be consumed right there or take away.

Best Churches to Explore in Madeira Holidays

Madeira Holidays gives the opportunity to explore best religious places of the town. You can visit popular churches of this attractive tourist destination. Madeira is best known for different museums and art galleries due to the rich culture of this place. But if you are searching for historical and religious holidays you can plan your cheap holidays in Madeira to see best churches.

Madeira Portugal Pearl of the Atlantic

Madeira volcanic soil, plants and flowers blaze as creating a palette with a Tahitian Gauguin. The island grows a variety of colors - this zhakaranda, weight bougainvilleas, orchids, geraniums, puansettii, Cannes, wisteria. Scrub apples, avocados, mangoes and bananas grow on the island. Scents such as vanilla and wild fennel, mixed with the smells of the sea breath, get into the valley and create a unique charm of the island.

Explore Natural Richness of Madeira with Funchal Holidays

Nature lovers from around the world visit Funchal especially to visit gardens in Madeira Island. Some of the travel writes have referred Madeira as the "Floating Garden in the Atlantic." This is one of the most notable attractions in the city. While strolling around this city, you would come across variety of gardens. Some of these gardens are natural whereas others are maintained very carefully so that they don't lack even an ounce of the natural feel.

Funchal Holidays – Experience the Real Excitement of Visiting Portugal

Are you planning to spend your next vacation in Portugal? Yes! If you don't want to lose even a single aspect of Portugal, look out for Funchal holiday packages. Funchal is the city that summarizes the country. Visit the city to experience different colors of Portugal.