Portugal a Country Full of Romance

If you are looking for Romance, culture and charming beaches than Portugal should be on your travel rotary. This country has a little something for every one. You can find castles and Museums or just hang out at some Europe's best beaches and hottest clubs.

For the layed back:
The Douro region: You can take a cruise a day cruise through this UNESCO classified region. This is a spectacular mostly unspoiled area in the northern Portugal, and one of the most beautiful sites I have seen. Along the way you will be able to travel and stop at age-old winery's, that are not only some of the most beautiful landscape but also world famous. Douro Micro climates allows this region to have some of the best wines in the market. Along the way there are pousadas where you can stay for the night. Lamego is a city that dates back to the 7th Century. The city has many baroque style monuments to visit. Nossa Senhora dos Remedios church is the towns main church. Not miss is the "Festa de Nossa Senhora does Remedios", for the Patron saint. Lamego has many other monuments. If you are the adventurous type, take a train ride on the historic railway, to Tua railway station, you will be delighted with the views.

For the Adventurous: If water sports is your thing, than Portugal is definitely the place for you. The country is surrounded by water three sides and is criss crossed by rivers, making it ideal for water sports. Its geographic location also allows for some really great waves to surf. The northern part of Portugal probably has the best waves of the country but it is colder than the south. Visit the beaches of Aveiro, like Barra, Costa and Praia da Vagueira, they maybe some of the best kept secret surfing location. If Surfing is not your thing try canoing in one of the Portugal islands, its volcanic origins make for some of the most diverse canoing experience. All thru out Portugal coast you will find para sailing , wake boarding, jet skiing, sailing and almost any other water sport. Than just to relax you can go whale watching off the coast of Madeira or dolphin watching off the coast of Algarve.

For the partier: Algarve is Europe's playground, during the summer months Algarve is invaded by Europe's Jet set and the night clubs go all out to bring them in. The best DJ's are brought in and the party goes on from June to the end of July . Praia da Rocha is the most famous beach in Algarve and for a good reason. It is filled with great accommodation, restaurant, shops and with a incredible nightlife. There are plenty of secluded and family oriented beach towns in this region, but if you are looking for a place to let loose and enjoy Algarve is a must.

If you are looking for Culture, than Lisbon is the town for you. Portugal is one of the oldest established countries in the world and with a rich culture to prove it. In Lisbon you will find the perfect harmony between modern and historic buildings. Like most of Portugal, Lisbon has a deep connection with the sea. The city stands on the shore of the Atlantic ocean, which makes for spectacular views.
This city breaths culture, from the traditional fado you may hear on one the many restaurants it has to offer to the world quality museums. No one does museums quite like like this town. There is the Gulbekain, the 'Museo do chiado de Arte conteporania', Palacio nacional da ajuda, the National Archeology Museum, among many others, but perhaps the most impressive and well know among the Portuguese is, O museu dos Coches. It has the worlds most complete collection of carriages from the times kings and Queens.

Portugal is a country famous not only for its beauty but for the hospitality of its people, the Portuguese are well known for being gracious hosts and they will welcome you into their country, many of them in your own language. As it emerged from its dictatorship more than 30 years ago, it has done a great job of modernizing without hurting its roots and history. You will find your self surrounded by castles and Architecture that is hundreds of years old, but you are never too far from todays comforts.