portugal, go deeper into a sunny winter think west

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1 portugal, go deeper into a sunny winter think west

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3 contents WHY PORTUGAL A balmy winter In love with the sea Ligth and feeling Nature s magic HOW TO SPEND YOUR TIME To the rhythm of the heart Time to swing The warmth of the table Secret hiding places USEFUL INFORMATION Going deeper Map Contacts

4 a mild winter I don t know if it is a dream, or if it is truth If it is a mixture of dream and life that land so smooth Fernando Pessoa Winter in Portugal remains a secret. It s a secret that must be shared. In the midst of winter, go for a morning walk on the fine sand of the beach, eat a healthy lunch of fresh fish on a seaside esplanade, in the afternoon uncover a style of Gothicism unknown elsewhere in the world and spend the night in an aristocratic manor house. In what other European country can you do this? Well in Portugal you can, from the North to the South of the country. In first place: the climate. Many winter days bear the hallmarks of spring. An intense light covers the country and sunglasses become a must. All year round in the Azores and Madeira, temperatures hover between 20º and 25º C. Moreover, temperatures on the mainland match the amenability of the temperament of the inhabitants. Even in the height of winter, if the day begins or ends below 10º C in Lisboa, not to mention the balmy Algarve, the Portuguese wrap up warm, amazed, and comment among themselves It s really cold!. This is because maximum winter temperatures are between 15º and 20º C. The incredible variety of nature is the second reason to be in on this secret. In a country where diversity is the keyword, it s well worth while hitting the road in your car or surrendering to the peacefulness of a train journey, in order to notice the most surprising of contrasts over a short distance. In only 92,000 m2, your gaze will wander from the northern landscape of hillsides 2

5 dotted with vineyards, to the imposing granite mountains of Trásos-Montes, from the tall, dense forests of the Beiras, to the green marshes of the rice plantations of the Tagus riverside, from the wheatcoloured plains of the Alentejo, with their olive and cork trees, to the golden sands and rocks of the Algarve coast. However, the most important distinction is to be found in the warmth of the people, the traditions and culture of one of the oldest countries in the world. In big cities, such as Lisboa and Oporto, winter events bring you to the boil, with shows and exhibitions from classical, contemporary or alternative culture, as well as nightclubs renowned on a European level, whose doors only close in the morning light. While the country s diversity never ceases to amaze, one constant holds true: from North to South, you can count on exceptional and warm hospitality. Main Image: View over Lisboa and the river Tagus from S. Vicente de Fora Church. 3why potugal

6 in love with the sea 10 WAYS TO MAKE THE MOST OF THE SEA > Enjoy Caminha and Moledo with their beaches surrounded by woods (Porto e Norte Region) > Get to know the Costa Nova, the beauty of its scenery and the tastes of its gastronomy (Beiras) > Surf, windsurf or kite surf at Guincho and Ericeira beaches, west of Lisboa, home to recognized international competitions > Walk through Parque das Nações and visit Lisboa Oceanarium, one of the best in the world > Make the most of the 30 km Costa da Caparica beaches, a Protected Landscape area on the doorstep of the capital. > Observe the dolphin colony in the Sado river, Lisboa Region > Appreciate the beauty and peacefulness of Vila Nova de Milfontes, a typical town at the mouth of the Mira River, in the Alentejo > Visit Sagres and São Vicente Cape,in the Algarve, site of the mythical Nautical School of the 15th century > Also in the Algarve, stroll along beaches hidden between golden cliffs, and enjoy the calm of the quieter months > Dive in the Madeira or Azores archipelagos, Atlantic reference points for divers from all over the world and many more 4

7 1 2 Main Image: Costa da Caparica beach, Lisboa Region. 1. Ferragudo, Algarve. 2. The Oceanarium, Parque das Nações, Lisboa. With around 850 Km of coastline, the Portuguese live a perpetual love affair with the sea, all year round. You need to come here in winter to understand why. Because between the marinas, bays and coves, golden sandy beaches stretch out - an invitation for romance, to relax or have fun. Accept it. Take a stroll by the seaside and purify yourself with the perfume of the Atlantic. Settle down at an esplanade and admire the blue-green of the waves, while you savour a milky coffee galão and egg-custard tart pastel de nata.go for a run, play beach tennis, or start a collection of sea shells and conches. Take a book and a towel and give in to the pleasure of reading, with the golden cliffs or dunes as your company. All of this can be experienced from one end of the country to another. In the North, for instance, Moledo beach is a landscape in constant change, which is why it s always worth going back to.the Costa Nova, in turn, is a tongue-like slither of sand separating the peaceful waters of the Aveiro estuaries from the pounding of the ocean. Closer to Lisboa, we have the almost-closed bay of S. Martinho, Baleal and the Adraga and Maçãs beaches. Moreover, on the capital s doorstep, the temperature heats up along the Estoril and Cascais coastline, the choice of royalty and celebrities. A visit to Ericeira or Sesimbra is compulsory, both beautiful fishing towns, favourites of Lisboa dwellers for a supper of fresh, grilled fish or seafood.to the south of the capital, there are seemingly endless sandy beaches, like Praia da Comporta and do Carvalhal or beautiful beaches, such as Amoreira and Carrapateira. On the southern coast of the Algarve, you can choose between the wilder beaches at the Sagres end, enamoured by surfers and nature lovers, and the warmer beaches around Vilamoura, Faro and Tavira. What s more, in the Azores or Madeira, winter feels like summer: lose yourself among natural swimming pools carved into the volcanic rock, deserted coves between heady cliffs, or islands with kilometres of beaches like Porto Santo. For the younger generation, whether active or radical, this relationship with the sea exists in more energetic and direct guises: sailing, surfing and windsurfing give colour and cheer to the whole coastline. Here, you can lose your blues and nostalgia for those water sports prohibited by the weather in the colder months in the rest of Europe. 5why potugal

8 light and feeling 10 WAYS TO WARM UP YOUR WINTER > Visit the Contemporary Art Museum of Serralves, in Oporto, and finish by having a cup of tea in its most beautiful gardens > In the Beiras, don t miss the historic villages itinerary: real mediaeval strongholds, such as Sortelha, Marialva or Castelo Mendo > Learn the dramatic story of D. Inês and D. Pedro, buried in the monastery of Alcobaça (Lisboa Region) > Visit the Palace and Convent at Mafra in the Lisboa Region; wonder at its artistic heritage and the majesty of its library > Go up to the exuberant and romantic Pena Palace at Sintra and marvel at its magnificent landscapes of gardens and woods, stopping only at the sea (Lisboa Region) > After a stroll through the many monuments of Belém in Lisboa, try one of the famous Belém pastries, in one of Lisboa s oldest cake shops > Walk through the streets of Évora, a world Heritage Site in Alentejo, until you reach the impressive Roman temple, next to the magical guest-house, Pousada dos Lóios > Go to Alter do Chão, also in the Alentejo, where the noble Lusitanian horse is the grand attraction in the old-fashioned royal stables > Spend New Year on the island of Madeira, in an unforgettable party atmosphere, with colossal firework displays > Experience a Saint Martinho summer in November and try crisp and crunchy roast chestnuts and pomace wine and many more Main Image: Ribeira, Oporto. 6

9 Portugal attaches a deep meaning to each thing, each expression, large or small. By the light of the winter sun, the legacy of a monumental country, of a people with so many stories to tell, from this and other continents, Portugal becomes even more irresistible. In winter, the timeless stone of its vast heritage assumes pink and golden hues, as if in constant daybreak or sunset. It is worthwhile to travel through the Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque up to the great architectural names of our times, under this light. By this light, the Convent of Christ, in Tomar (Lisboa Region), a World Heritage Site, is a perfect example of mysticism and mystery; to know its story is to understand Portugal and to steal from time the veil which separates fantasy and reality. It is also a fantastic experience to visit mediaeval villages and towns, where fog and clouds are broken by rays of sun. Examples of such places are Belmonte, Monsanto, Sortelha and Marvão: spend the night in a manor house in these villages. Winter is yet still the right time to visit romantic Sintra, also a World Heritage Site near Lisboa, and after seeing the magnificent castles and palaces, have a tea and try one of the local pastries, such as a queijada or a travesseiro. However, it is in their love of conversation and socializing, the care shown to traditions and meetings that the feeling of the Portuguese is at its best. Feel it at the ancestral pagan celebrations in Trás-os- Montes, at the December festivities in Madeira, in the irreverent student traditions in Coimbra. On 11th November, it s Saint Martinho s day time to hang out the chouriços to dry and the smell of roast chestnuts fills the streets. The gastronomy and Bull Fairs in Santarém, and the Horse fair in Golegã (both in Lisboa Region) allow you to enjoy the more unique and traditional characteristics of a Portuguese festival. 7why 7xxx potugal

10 nature s magic 10 MAGICAL EXPERIENCES > The unique scenery of the Montesinho and Alvão Natural Parks, in the Porto e Norte Region > The Douro vineyards (Porto e Norte Region), where the famous Port wine is produced > The Serra da Estrela mountain range, in the Beiras, the highest point in mainland Portugal and the ideal place to purchase the renowned creamy cheese > The Berlengas archipelago (Lisboa Region), its biological relics and secrets of boats shipwrecked there over thousands of years > The view from Cabo da Roca in the Lisboa Region, the most westerly point of the European continent, where the land ends and the sea starts (Camões) > The Convent at Arrábida and the view of the green hills of the range down to the intensely blue sea, in the Lisboa Region > The trail of the Iberian otter, in the dunes and scarps in the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina, Alentejo > The marine birds from the Formosa Estuary Natural Park (Algarve), where sand banks create a golden refuge for an enormous variety of aquatic species > The levadas of Madeira, from the highest peak of the island to the natural swimming pools lapped by the ocean > The Lagoon of Seven Cities and many others in the Azores, fruit of the capricious volcanic formations and many more 8

11 1 The sky remains blue and the fields green in the Portuguese winter. Mother Nature granted Portugal a singular marriage of climates: Atlantic, Mediterranean and continental and the result is a botanical paradise boasting unique flora and fauna species. If you are looking for tropical splendour in the height of winter, immerse yourself in the Madeira and Azores archipelagos.the temperatures, varying between 20º and 25º C, keep these exuberantly vegetated paradises as guardians of relaxation and accomplices for the most varied of adventures. See the Laurissilva in Madeira, classified a World Heritage Site, as it is the largest forest of its kind worldwide, dating back to the Tertiary 2 Main Image: Island of Flores, Azores. 1. Levadas, Madeira. 2. View over the river Douro. Period. Follow the tracks of the Levadas, the ancient and rudimentary canals distributing the water falling from high points to all corners of the island. In the Azores, after a visit to Angra do Heroísmo, also a World Heritage Site, set off on a quest for the lagoons of the Seven Cities and the caves. Its mosaic of flowers reflected in the water has the power to move even the most seasoned tourist. Even for the well-travelled, they are some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. On the mainland, from North to South, it is worth remembering the variety of greens, browns and golds. In the Porto e Norte region, try spending a few days in the Pousada at Caniçada, in the midst of Nature, and marvel at the Serra do Gerês dams. In the Beiras, try instead a romantic retreat in Bucaço and stroll through the enchanted woods. Alternatively, make Monsaraz or Castelo de Vide your starting point for discovering the Alentejo plain. For Nature fans, there are further depths you can go to in order to discover nature reserves and their secrets: the Natural Parks of Montesinho or Peneda-Gerês, the Berlengas Islands, the Serra da Arrábida or São Mamede, the Sado river estuary, the Formosa fjord, are but some of the examples.whether it is inland, the coast or the islands, the natural diversity, its state of conservation and the climate make winter in Portugal an enormous Natural Adventure Park. 9why potugal

12 to the rhythm of the heart Main Image: Yacht trip from Funchal to Porto Santo, Madeira. 1. A ride on moutain bike at Serra da Estrela, Beiras. 2. A trip along the Estoril Coast and Sintra in a motorcycle and sidecar, Lisboa Region. Don t miss: > The rustic charm of north-eastern Trás-os- Montes (Porto e Norte Region), be it relaxed hiking or on mountain bikes for radical cyclists. > The Paiva river in the Beiras Region and its swiftly moving currents, ideal for rafting and whitewater streaming (hydrospeed). > The medieval village of Linhares da Beira, crowned by its castle tower, seen whilst paragliding. > A speleological adventure in the caves of Serra d Aire, Candeeiros, Montejunto, del Rei (Lisboa Region) or Sicó at Beiras. > The hot rhythm of Lisboa nights in the Bairro Alto, the 24 de Julho area and the Docas area alongside the Tagus river, including the famous Lux disco. > The pleasurable atmosphere of the Vilamoura Marina. > Going sailing along the coast from Lisboa to the Algarve. > The benefits of thalassotherapy, carried out in the Vilalara Thalassa Centre, one of the best of its kind in Europe. > Taking a dip in the iron-rich waters of the Hotel Terra Nostra swimming pool in the island of São Miguel, surrounded by its breathtaking botanical garden. and many more

13 how to spend your time Far from the cold of other parts of the world, take the chance to set your heart pounding at the speed it is longing to. If you are seeking tranquility, contemplate nature in its purest state, or rediscover the equilibrium in your body and minds in the thermal spas which are to be found throughout the whole of the country. If you wish to set off your adrenalin levels, then practise sports as varied as climbing, parachuting and rafting, or dance the night away to the rhythm of the best DJs in the world, on your visit to Lisboa. You can start in a hot air balloon and fly over mountain landscapes, rivers, woods and plains which will form the backdrop for your adventures. The Alentejo is a suitable place to learn how to steer one of these giants of the air. The crags of Serra da Arrábida, the granite walls of Serra da Estrela and the Sintra and Montejunto Serras, or Cabo da Roca all await you should you wish to try the stronger emotion of rock climbing, and the scenery will provide ample reward for your efforts. Rivers both placid and with strongly moving currents offer the possibility of various activities, such as peaceful canoeing or more radical experiences such as rafting, whitewater streaming (hydrospeed) and cannyoning. Linhares da Beira, in Guarda, Serra do Marão and Serra da Arrábida are sites of international renown for paragliding. It would be natural that after so much exertion you would want to get back the energy you have lost. In the Monchique hot springs, in the Algarve, you can combine a spa treatment with the many leisure options of a cultural heritage waiting to be discovered. By the coast, thalassotherapy centers as well as certain hotels offer special treatment facilites which take advantage of the tides and the properties of sea water. In fact, if you prefer to do nothing, why not hand yourself over to professionals and wipe winter from your thoughts. You can do these both luxuriously and exotically in some of the best spas in Europe, such as Vilalara and VilaVita in the Algarve; Reid s or Choupana Hills in Madeira; or the Ritz or Pestana Palace in Lisboa. 11

14 time to swing! Don t miss: > The Ponte de Lima golf course, and a night in one of the most imposing stately homes in Portugal, such as the Paço de Calheiros or the Casa do Anquião (Porto e Norte). > Teeing off looking at the sea from the Praia d El Rey golf course, or a walk through the medieval city of Óbidos at Lisboa Region. > A weekend at Caesar Park in Penha Longa, where you should reserve a table for the end of the day in the much sought after Japanese restaurant. > The nine Estoril golf courses and the evening entertainment in the largest casino in Europe. > A spell at the Palmela or São Filipe Pousada in Setúbal, and the 5 golf courses available in this beautiful region located to the south of the Tagus. > The 5 golf courses of Quinta do Lago, located within the Ria Formosa National Park. > The most recent windward Algarve golf course is the Morgado do Reguengo, which, along with the Marina Hotel in Portimão, provides a place full of charm with the sea situated in front of it. > The Sheraton Pine Cliffs Resort in the Algarve, to play golf and enjoy the reserved beach without ever having to leave the hotel. > Tavira, in the Algarve, and the golf course at Quinta da Ria, with a breathtaking view over the Ria Formosa estuary and its sand dunes. > The colonial atmosphere of the Casa Velha do Palheiro and its golf course in Madeira, which is part of the Relais&Chateaux chain. and many more 12

15 1 2 3 how to spend your time Main Image: Pine Cliffs Golf Course, Algarve. 1. Victoria Clube de Golfe, Vilamoura, Algarve. 2. Penha Longa Golf Course, Lisboa. 3. Praia d El Rey Golf Course, Óbidos, Lisboa Region If you like golf or are thinking of giving it a try, Portugal is the place and winter the time. You can practise calmly in an ideal temperature; you have around 65 golf courses set in the most varied and breathtaking scenery, from the Porto e Norte Region to the Azores, not to mention the beaches of the Algarve and Porto Santo in the Madeiran archipelago. Support structures hotels, restaurants, transport, etc are exceptional, due to the continual investment in them, and almost all of the Portuguese golf courses play host to golf schools, which offer custom-designed training programmes and organize specialized courses. The Algarve is one of the main golfing destinations within Europe. There are more than 30 golf courses to be found from the western Cape of Saint Vincent to the banks of the Guadiana river, which are of note for their climate, the paths round the golf course, the idyllic scenery and for the variety of additional services on offer. Courses such as those at Quinta do Lago, the Sheraton Hotel Pine Cliffs Resort, Le Meridien Penina Golf & Resort and the four courses located in Vilamoura (the fifth, designed by Arnold Palmer, is the Victoria Clube de Golfe, to be inaugurated in 2004) contributed without doubt to the fact that in 1999 the International Golf Travel Awards elected the Algarve as the world s best destination for the practice of golf. The Estoril Coast, half an hour from Lisboa, is another of the favorite locations to paly golf. The nine golf courses to be found here share marvellous views of the Sintra Serra and the open fields of stone pines, as well as the dunes and cliffs alongside the ocean. Some of these courses are partially or fully integrated within the protected area of the National Park of Cascais and Sintra, such as the Oitavos Club. The golf course at the Caesar Park Penha Longa Golf Resort is unanimously considered by professionals as one of the best on the European circuit. The Madeira Open is usually held at the Santo da Serra course, which is situated 700 metres above sea level, and it offers a breathtaking view of the island. And in the Azores, even in the middle of the Atlantic you can practise your swing on 3 different courses alongside nature itself. 13

16 pleasures of the table Critics of renown usually recommend a restaurant by stating that it is worth the journey. In the case of Portugal, for any one who appreciates a good meal this phrase is applicable to the whole of the country and to each one of its regions. And winter is an ideal time to sample some of the best national dishes. Along the Portuguese coast, freshly-caught grilled fish, seasoned only with a good quality olive oil, salt and lemon, truly fresh seafood and a fish stew caldeirada are characteristic sights and tastes of Portuguese cuisine. Away from the coast, winter is the ideal season to try cabrito assado in the north, and the migas, açordas and soups of Alentejan cuisine, in which bread and herbs create unimaginable results. Salted codfish (bacalhau) is a characteristic dish throughout the whole country, the whole year round. This is also the case with the traditional cozido which can employ a thousand different ingredients as well as local habits of preparing the dish. The tradition of smoked meats and cheeses is also common throughout Portugal. Fame goes before the cheeses from Serra da Estrela and Castelo Branco in the Beiras Region, Azeitão (Lisboa Region), Serpa (Alentejo) and the island of São Jorge, in the Azores. As for smoked meats, the choice ranges from the alheiras sausage of Trás-os-Montes to the excellent Alentejan products which use Porco Ibérico (Iberian pork). However, it is through confectionery and cakes that the image of Portuguese food becomes more sublime. Certain confectionery, whether served as a dessert or to accompany a coffee, are not to be missed, such as caramelized leite creme, ovos moles (sugary egg custard), Sericaia, or the emblematic Pudim de Abade de Priscos. Another permanent tradition is that of wine, which perfectly complements the table of each region. One cannot, however, talk of wine without mentioning Port wine. It is the oldest demarcated wine in the world, and a symbol of some of the best wines in history, sought after throughout the whole world. 14

17 Main Image: Restaurant, Lisboa 1. Oporto wine cellars, Porto e Norte region. 2. Grilling freshly caught fish in resort, Algarve. 3. Restaurant, Lisboa. how to spend your time Don t miss: > Fresh fish available at any of the multiple esplanades and restaurants located along the Portuguese coast. > Shellfish dishes, one of the great culinary delights awaiting all visitors. > Amongst the hundreds of recipes for salted codfish (bacalhau), roasted with baked potatoes ( a murro ) or à braz. > The well-known pastéis de nata cakes, to be found throughout the country. > The new red wines which are captivating the palates of the critics and the harshest connoisseurs. > The Port wine Ferreira Cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia. > The tastes of Alentejan cuisine, in its most simple and tasty recipes, such as Açorda or its extremely rich soups. > The tradition of convent confectionery, to be tasted in Pão de Rala, Fidalgo, Encharcada or in classic rice pudding. > The Madeira Wine Company museum and the secrets of a wine which circumnavigated the world before any other. > A journey to revisit the tastes of times past in the Restaurant of the Quinta do Martelo, on the island of Terceira, in the Azores. > The cozido das Furnas in the Island of S. Miguel, Azores. and many more 15

18 secret hiding places First of all, invite your most dearest, whether a recent passion or the love of your life. Then set a course for Portugal. Here, in the height of winter, you will find both magical and unforgettable places where you can stay at the right time of the year: this is the time of year where neither prices nor demand can disturb your peace. Here you can get to know deep down both Portuguese hospitality and how it is to be received as a guest, a friend and never just a room number. Places which are an attraction in themselves are spread throughout the country and open to the curiosity of their guests and distinct due to the differing forms of their secular heritage, the individuality of their design or the way they harmoniously blend into their countryside settings. A considerable number of country estates and manor houses have been converted into Tourist Accommodation. Palaces, country estates and former manor houses provide the advantages of not only a personalized service, but also a fascinating journey to the heart of the people who live there and who have invited us to relive their tales and stories around the light of the fireplace. Almost always family businesses, they represent an incomparable opportunity to take profit from Portugal s natural and cultural heritage whether in the mountains or along the coast. Another of their attractions is the chance to pursue activities which are in harmony with nature from the rural activities which form a natural part of the farm itself, to yoga, fishing, canoeing, horseriding, paragliding or mountain climbing. The Portuguese Pousadas consist of a chain of 40 small or medium hotel units, spread throughout the whole country, and are located in buildings of sublime historical interest palaces, castles, convents, many of them National Monuments or in regions known for their cultural or scenic qualities. They provide quality service, whilst at the same time valuing the restoration of architectural heritage or preservation of the characteristics of the area in which they are located. Finally, within these magical places there are still innumerable hotels filled with charm. Located in monasteries, forts, palaces or houses from the major contemporary architects of our days, they have wisely mixed secular architecture and tradition with a more minimalist and purifying design. These are the secret and exclusive places, which will provide you with the simplest and at the same time the most sophisticated winter warmth. 16

19 how to spend your time Don t miss: > Places in Douro (Porto e Norte) such as Vintage House or Casa Casal de Loivos, whose view was considered by BBC as one of the 6 most panoramic in the world. > The stately homes and country estates throughout Portugal ( > Hotels as the Buçaco Palace and Quinta das Lágrimas, in Coimbra, both in Beiras region. > The beauty of the houses which offer Rural Tourism. > The Solar do Castelo or the Belmonte Palace, in the heart of Lisboa. > The Lawrence Hotel in Sintra, Lisboa Region, the oldest hotel in the Iberian Peninsula. > The hotel Convento de São Paulo in the Serra d Ossa, Alentejo, or the hotel Convento de São Francisco on the island of São Miguel in the Azores. > The Pousadas of Portugal, such as Flor da Rosa in Crato, Sta Maria do Bouro or the one in the beautiful village of Arraiolos ( > The luxury resorts in the Algarve, such as Quinta do Lago or Vale do Lobo. > The places which have made Madeira one of the most exclusive tourist destinations in the world, such as the Quinta da Casa Branca or Quinta da Bela Vista. and many more Main Image: Pousada of Santa Maria do Bouro, Amares, Porto e Norte. 1. Swimming pool of Choupana Hills Hotel, Madeira. 2. Pousada of Arraiolos, Alentejo. 17

20 going deeper DID YOU KNOW? The average temperatures in the country during winter vary between 15º and 20ºC. It is rare for them to fall below 10ºC. In Portugal there are more than 300 days of sunshine per year. Along the coastal region of the country there are festivals of seafood and fish, such as the ones in Sesimbra and Ericeira, both in the Lisboa Region. Winter is the ideal time to sample some of the special dishes which are part of Portuguese cuisine, in the many gastronomic festivals. In November the following take place: > The Santarém Gastronomy Festival, in the Lisboa region. > The Óbidos chocolate festival, also in the Lisboa region. > The chestnut festival on the island of Madeira and also at Marvão, Alentejo. > The Sweet Potato and Barnacles Festival in Aljezur, in the Algarve region. > The smoked meats fairs which are held in Vinhais and Montalegre (Porto e Norte region). > The Taverns fair (Feira das Tasquinhas) is held in Rio Maior, in the Lisboa region, in March. > There is a street market for Serra cheese and other regional products located in the central square of Celorico da Beira, which runs from December to May. There is a group of festivals and other winter events which are worth getting to know: > Fantasporto is the well known Sci-Fi Film Festival, which takes place in the city of Oporto. > The Horse Fair held in Golegã, in the Lisboa region in November. > The New Year s Eve party in Madeira, along with its fantastic firework display. > The Carnival held at Ovar and also Mealhada, both in the Beiras, as well as that of Torres Vedras, in the Lisboa region, and Loulé, in the Algarve. Religious celebrations, such as the Nossa Senhora da Conceição procession, the patron saint of Portugal, which takes place in Vila Viçosa in the Alentejo on the 8 December, and which includes the Pope amongst its previous visitors. The Fogaceiras Festival in Santa Maria da Feira, in the Porto e Norte region, held on the 20 January each year. A POTTED HISTORY OF PORTUGAL 1143 Count Afonso Henriques establishes the kingdom of Portugal through the Treaty of Zamora and becomes its first king King Afonso Henriques takes Lisboa from the Moors The last city in the Algarve is won by King Afonso III, and Portugal reaches its present shape Henry the Navigator launches discovery expeditions to Africa, Madeira and the Azores Portugal and Spain sign the Treaty of Tordesillas, agreeing to divide between them the new world yet to be discovered Vasco da Gama discovers the sea route to India and establishes trading ports, heralding the expansion of Portugal s commercial power Pedro Álvares Cabral discovers Brazil. The colonisation of the new world begins Fernão de Magalhães (Magellan) begins the first sea voyage around the world. In 1521 he discovers the Philippines and is killed in combat. Sebastian d Elcano from his crew completes the circumnavigation in The Portuguese arrive in Japan, the first westerners to discover Japanese culture Portugal restores its independence, after 60 years of Spanish reign. 19th century While Brazil gains independence (1822), Portugal expands its African colonies of Angola and Mozambique The monarchy is abolished and the Republic is established, with separation between church and state A dictatorship is established in Portugal Dictatorship ends with the Carnation Revolution, and subsequent years see African and Asian colonies gaining independence First constitutional government formed Portugal joins the European Community Portugal is among the first countries to adopt the single European currency (Euro). 18

21 portugal useful information VIANA DO CASTELO BRAGA GUIMARÃES AMARANTE VILA REAL PORTO GAIA Douro LAMEGO BRAGANÇA Porto e Norte FIGUEIRA DA FOZ AVEIRO COIMBRA Mondego VISEU Beiras GUARDA ÓBIDOS SANTARÉM LEIRIA FÁTIMA TOMAR Tejo Lisboa CASTELO BRANCO PORTALEGRE Azores SINTRA ESTORIL LISBOA SETÚBAL ÉVORA Alentejo ESTREMOZ MONSARAZ ELVAS PONTA DELGADA SINES Guadiana BEJA SERPA MÉRTOLA ODEMIRA Madeira FUNCHAL LAGOS SILVES Algarve ALBUFEIRA VILAMOURA FARO 19

22 contacts Find out more about Portugal by checking out these websites: Or for regional information: LISBOA PORTO E NORTE BEIRAS ALENTEJO ALGARVE AZORES MADEIRA Portuguese Tourist Offices in English Speaking countries: TOURIST SUPPORT IN PORTUGAL Tourist information (contact centre) T E turismo@icep.pt AUSTRALIA Suite 201, 234 George Street SIDNEY NSW 2000 T F E miguelfont@icep.pt CANADA 60 Bloor Street West, Suite 1005 TORONTO, ONTARIO M4W 3B8 T F E mail@iceptor.ca IRELAND 54 Dawson Street DUBLIN 2 T F E tourism@icep.pt SOUTH AFRICA 4th Floor, Sunnyside Ridge, Sunnyside Drive, Parktown PO Box 2473 Houghton 2193 JOHANNESBURG T F E icepjhb@mweb.co.za UNITED KINGDOM 11 Belgrave Square London SW1X 8PP T F E tourism@portugaloffice.org.uk USA 590 Fifth Avenue, 3rd Floor NEW York NY T F PHOTOGRAPHS Francisco Almeida Dias João Silveira Ramos João Paulo John Copland José Manuel Paulo Magalhães Rui Cunha Icep Portugal 2004 Eng.05/2004

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24 ICEP PORTUGAL Av. 5 de Outubro, Lisboa - Portugal T F E icep@icep.pt W

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