Portugal - Useful information for your trip

Portugal is the westernmost country belonging to the European Union, it has a long coast facing the Atlantic Ocean. Because of the marine expertise of the Portuguese, in the past, Portugal had a large and important colonial empire.Due to its dissolution, Portugal now boasts only two archipelagos: Azores and Madeira, called "the ocean flower".

The coasts of Portugal have different conformations: some are straight and sandy, others are rocky cliffs. The territory is mainly characterized by plains interrupted here and there by gentle hills and low mountains. Characteristic, in the country, is the fact that it hosts different climatic features, despite not being so extended. In the north there is an Atlantic climate, mild and rainy during autumn. On the other hand, in the south the weather is Mediterranean, therefore very dry. Finally, the inner regions have a continental climate. These diverse weather conditions influence the flora and favor the growth of forests of oak, chestnut and beech, which enrich the local vegetation.

Portugal owns around twenty protected areas, enclosing beautiful examples of local vegetation and wild animals, such as deer, roe deer, eagle, horse and boar.

The economy of the country is mainly based on the financial sector and telecommunications, but also the tourist sector is very important.

Visitors are attracted by the natural beauties of landscapes, amazing and unmissable spots are its islands and its wild coast, natural parks and evocative glimpses provided by the country. Moreover, a strong attraction is exercised by its cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible. First of all, the traditions of Portugal come from the fusion of different ethnic groups and cultures, developing their own architectural styles and musical genres, as well as unique local festivals. Nowhere else in the world are  fishermens' houses so pictoresque as in Portugal. In fact, they are built with a wooden structure painted in colourful rows, or else, when they are painted with lime, they also show some parts jauntily coloured and decorations with majolica tiles. Finally, the modern cities, such as Lisbon and Porto, still preserve the charm of medieval and Renaissance villages.