photo credit: Madeira Web
Portugal
Like Spain, her Iberian neighbor, Portugal has a long and colorful history full of kings and queens, merchants, world explorers and adventurers. These days Portugal is a constitutional democracy with a population of about 10.5 million citizens. In addition to the capital port city and culture of Lisbon, visitors can delight in the small fishing villages with their whitewashed homes, terra cotta roofs, fountains, and cobblestone streets. There are grottos to explore, wineries, pastures full of goats and sheep; you can even reach the westernmost point on the European continent.
While Portugal is not the economic power it was centuries ago, it is among leaders when it comes to renewable energy – up to 50% of private and public buildings are powered by wind, solar or hydroelectric sources.
Visitors enjoy exploring the national capital of Lisbon with its history and modern cultural scene, relaxing on a beach, watching the fisherman bring back their daily catch, and dining on the fresh seafood in quaint village restaurants. In the north you can visit the Peneda-Gerês national park with its camping sites and marked hiking trails. You may see wild boars, grey wolves, deer, snakes, weasels, bats, and birds of prey. To the south of the country is the beautiful and popular Algarve region with beaches, hotels, and spa centers. The Ria Forma nature park is also not far. Out in the Atlantic Ocean and away from Portugal's mainland are two island archipelagos - Madeira and the Azores - both known for their exquisite scenery and unique plants and animal life. The cost of airfare to these islands has dropped significantly in the past year. From the islands you can take whale-watching expeditions.
Learn more about these eco tour companies - click on the button links below:
Like Spain, her Iberian neighbor, Portugal has a long and colorful history full of kings and queens, merchants, world explorers and adventurers. These days Portugal is a constitutional democracy with a population of about 10.5 million citizens. In addition to the capital port city and culture of Lisbon, visitors can delight in the small fishing villages with their whitewashed homes, terra cotta roofs, fountains, and cobblestone streets. There are grottos to explore, wineries, pastures full of goats and sheep; you can even reach the westernmost point on the European continent.
While Portugal is not the economic power it was centuries ago, it is among leaders when it comes to renewable energy – up to 50% of private and public buildings are powered by wind, solar or hydroelectric sources.
Visitors enjoy exploring the national capital of Lisbon with its history and modern cultural scene, relaxing on a beach, watching the fisherman bring back their daily catch, and dining on the fresh seafood in quaint village restaurants. In the north you can visit the Peneda-Gerês national park with its camping sites and marked hiking trails. You may see wild boars, grey wolves, deer, snakes, weasels, bats, and birds of prey. To the south of the country is the beautiful and popular Algarve region with beaches, hotels, and spa centers. The Ria Forma nature park is also not far. Out in the Atlantic Ocean and away from Portugal's mainland are two island archipelagos - Madeira and the Azores - both known for their exquisite scenery and unique plants and animal life. The cost of airfare to these islands has dropped significantly in the past year. From the islands you can take whale-watching expeditions.
Learn more about these eco tour companies - click on the button links below:
