PORTUGAL

Beautiful sandy beaches and severe coastal cliffs, which break down the waves of the Atlantic Ocean, flat hills covered with greenery, and the mountains with snow-covered peaks, the abundance of flowers ... This is Portugal, a country which by lots of people described as a European province. The country, completely unknown to tourists, until recently. The name of the country was given by the Roman settlement Portus Kale, once located at the mouth of the River Douro. For centuries, residents of Portugal maintained their identity. That is why they so painfully respond to the attempts of researchers to consider their country as a historic appendage of Spain, independence of it Portugal gained in 1139.

Portugal is very colourful country. Fantastical rocks, looming over the ocean, scenic parks, dormant streets of old cities, purple vineyards, ancient castles and palaces, golden beaches of the Atlantic coast - over all of this still soars the spirit of the Middle Ages. In the territory of a small Portugal carefully stored huge quantities of the richest historical heritage monuments. Four centuries of Mauritanian yoke severely affected the image of Portugal, giving it a unique identity and originality.

Rest in Portugal wonderful. Fashioable hotels, cuddling up to the ocean, form several resort zones: Kashkaish and Estoril near Lisbon and the Algarve in the south. People call the magical beauty of the island of Madeira "The true piece of paradise". Top hotels in the Portuguese are old hotel (pousadas), corresponding to four or five "stars". They are typically located in monasteries and historical cities.
Portuguese cuisine is presented by simple and substantial dishes of meat, fish and vegetables. The art of making dishes is passed from generation to generation. Portuguese wines are known to the whole world by their delicious taste. The country produces an enormous amount of red, white and green, reminiscent of champagne, wines. But the true calling card for Portugal is port.