Travel tips to European Countries: Portugal

About the county

Portugal was a world power in 15th and 16th century but was reduced to rubbles during an earthquake in 1755, Napoleon抯 Invasion and Brazil抯 Independence. Sharing the Iberian Peninsula with Spain and bordering Atlantic Ocean by both west and south coast it is popular for its long and varied coastline, sunny climate and the charming towns makes it a traveler抯 paradise. Lisbon is the capital of Portugal.

The best thing about Portugal is that despite being a part of modern Europe one can still find the rural dwellings which has stood by time and has preserved its traditions. While modern architectural marvels like high-rise resorts dot the coast in the Southern province of the Algarve, Lisbon on the west coast on the other hand is a crowded city home to many fine tourist resorts. If you want to go back in time you have to just travel few miles north or east where you will see scenic countryside still resemble medieval villages and towns of earlier centuries.

Population & Languages

The population of Portugal is roughly 10.6 million and the official language being spoken is Portuguese. Mirandese is also second officially language spoken in some parts of Portugal.

Electricity

The voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. The types of plug used are round pin with attachment and "Schuko" plug and receptacle with side grounding contacts.

Geographic Location

It is located in Southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. It shares the Iberian Peninsula with Spain in north and east and borders Atlantic Ocean by both west and south coast.

Climate

The climate of Portugal can be classified into two. It is oceanic in the north and Mediterranean in the south. It is also one of the warmest countries of Europe. The average temperatures in the mainland are 13癈 (55癋) in the north and 18癈 (64癋) in the south. Summers are hot and dry. Winters are cold and wet. Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit Portugal.

Local Customs

Casual dressing is acceptable. But keep in mind not to wear beachwear in towns. Smoking is allowed after meals in Restaurants. Smoking is prohibited in theatres, cinemas and buses. Tipping is 10 to 15 percent in restaurant and hotels and 10 percent to taxis.

Attractions

Castelo de Sao Jorge ?Castle of St. George

Alfama - The oldest part of Lisbon

S?(Cathedral) - first church in Lisbon

Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation Museum

The Bairro Alto - The Bairro Alto district, an historic enclave dating back to 1513

Monument to the Discoveries - One of the popular attractions in Lisbon is the monument, situated on the riverbank in the Avenida de Brasilia in the district of Belem, which was designed to commemorate the Portuguese Age of Discovery

Tower of Belem - This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Parque das Nacoes

Fatima

Museu Nacional de Soares dos Reis - dedicated to Soares dos Reis, the famous sculptor born and bred in Porto

Igreja de Sao Francisco

Solar Vinho do Porto

Vila Nova de Gaia

Frederico de Freitas Museum

Sao Vicente Caves

Cable Car

Cathedral

Whale Museum

Porto Santo

Setubal

Coimbra

Coimbra University

Guimaraes

Guimaraes church and palace

Braganca

Travel

By Air ?The national airline of Portugal is TAP Air Portugal (TP). The airlines operates direct flights to many destinations like Faro, Lisbon and Porto from a number of countries, including Canada, France, Spain, the UK and USA. Portugalia Airlines (NI) operates flights from Europe. Many popular airlines that fly to Poland from UK are British Airways, GB Airways and Monarch Airlines, Easyjet, bmibaby, Jet 2, MyTravelLite, Flybe, Flyglobespan and SATA.The biggest airport is Lisbon International Airport which is located like 4.5 miles north of the city.

By Sea ?The main ports for international passengers are Lisbon, Leixes (Oporto), Funchal (Madeira) and Portim鉶 (Algarve), served by Cunard, Italia, Linea C, Olympia, P&O and Union Cas

By Rail ?If coming from UK, the fastest way is to get on Eurostar train to Paris and from Paris to Portugal by Sud-Express.

Road ?Spain is the only country sharing border with Portugal. The major border posts are open most of the time now.

Duty Free Items

1. Up to 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g smoking tobacco for Non-European union countries.

2. 1 liter spirits with alcohol greater than 22%, or 2 liter spirits or aperitifs made of wine less than 22% or sparkling wines or liqueurs, or a proportionate mix of these, and 2 liters of wine

3. perfume up to 50g and 250ml eau de toilette

4. Gifts up to €175

5. 500g coffee or 100g tea or 40g of tea extract

6. Medicines for personal use

Prohibited Items

Birds and poultry arriving from countries infected with Avian influenza, Un-canned goods, meat or dairy products, Narcotics, firearms, ammunition, weapons, eggs, plants, endangered species, fireworks and alcoholic beverages that contain more than sixty per cent alcohol.

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

Free Useful Information Portugal - Iberian Country Full of History and Culture

Benidorm, which is located just 20 minutes north of the city of Alicanteon the Costa Blanca coast Spain, is such as action-packed city. Even thoughit has a beautiful stretch of soft sandy beaches, we should leave this leisureactivity for the end because there are so many kinds of tourist parks to visitaround Benidorm.
The biggest Attraction around Benidorm: Terra Mitica This park in English is called ´Mythical Land´, because it isa theme park which takes us back to the ancient civilizations of Rome, Egyptand Greece, all of which were Mediterranean civilizations. As we all know,the heroes from those times were very brave, not letting anything or anyonefrighten them. Do you think you will be like them after having ridden on thetopsy turvy roller coaster? Or controlling your heartbeat after riding on manyof the other attractions especially set up for you? Maybe you think you willrecover a little after watching one of the gladiator shows? Your adrenalinwill be pumping fast with all the professional actors making ancient life comeso close to you. There is also a part of this park for adventurous kids too.Terra Mitica is open all year round; from November to April it is only openat the weekends and on Spanish holidays. The entrance fee is approximately40 euros but if you go in groups consult prices. Terra Mitica is found just five minutes north of Benidorm, easily accessible by bus or car.

Aqualandia Water Amusement Park So you want to cool down a little but the beach is not your cup of tea? Hereat Aqualandia you can enjoy a days outing with the whole family. The childrencan slide down all the water slides as many times as they wish, always beingwell cared for by the lifeguards on duty. There are water shutes of every size,diving board areas, rapidly moving waters and even a black hole. For the sunbeauties like mum and grandma, you can lay around on comfortable hammocks andenjoy a picnic lunch in the shaded areas. It is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and is located on the north entrance hillside to Benidorm.

Another view on the Costa Blanca at the Terra Natura Park This is not like any other wildlife park. Here, there are four theme areasand a water park. 1.500 animals of over 200 species, 50 of which are in dangerof extinction. What a privilege to be the lucky ones to see these living specimensup close! And not only these animals but their natural habitats and fauna whichmakes their living quarters appropriate for them. As you enter the park, thefirst area to visit is the Pangea, taking you back in time to hen there wererivers petrified from hot burning lava, abundant vegetation hiding giganticinsects and many other surprises. To the left you are carried away to America,discovering an old mine converted into a tropical farm. The colorful macawsare found in the dove cove and later on the old joins the new in the colonialtown of Copaltenango. In the center is Asia. As you stroll through the naturalreserve of Kaziranga, you are able to see rhinoceros, buffalos and the templeof the wildcats. In this section there is a marvelous park for children toplay in. And last, but of course not least, is Europe. In the town of Kalicameni,white-washed and full of comedians and natives singing their local songs. Allthis may sound tiring, but there are many a new food to be tried and a thirst-quenchingdrink to be had at any of the fabulous restaurants. And for those who needan extra thrill, in the Mare Nostrum waterway, you are fully equipped to havesplash with live sharks! Terra Natura is open all year round, offering specialpasses for those who know how to appreciate a good opportunity and to take advantage of it as often as possible.

Benidorm and the Doliphins at the Mundomar Marine Animal Park Do you enjoy the water and its interesting animal kingdom but prefer to beon land? Then Mundomar (Seaworld) Marine Animal park is your best bet. Allof us have read adventure stories about dolphins and feel that they are ourfriends, well it’s time to visit them. Here we can see the silly anticsof these adorable sea creatures close up. Or chat up a conversation with thecolourful parrots. The elegance and grace is personified with the exhibitionof flamingos, so pink! Who has not had a turtle in their home as a pet, butto see ones that you could probably ride is another surprise. But, are youstill even more curious and want to see what the marine world is like underthe water. Well, we can all become Ariel, or Sebastian as in the Little Mermaidbook and go down into a ship and have a look around the sea bottom. Refreshmentsand resting places are abundant. It is open at 10:00 a.m., adults are 18 euros,children 3-12 years old 12 euros and under 3 are free. The entrance is nearthe cross roads of Avenue Mediterranean and Avenue Europe. Do not miss this amazing experience!
Looking at this huge selection of theme parks and tourist attractions
around Benidorm and the Costa Blanca, you certainly will find your favourite one onyour next holidays around the spanish coast. Make your stay in Benidorm a complete one and visit each and every one, all unique.