portugal, go deeper

into a sunny winter

think west

20 19 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 Contacts Map deeper Going USEFUL INFORMATION hidingplacesSecret The warmthofthetable Time to swing To therhythm oftheheart SPEND YOURHOW TO TIME Nature’s magic Ligth andfeeling In love withthesea A balmy winter WHY

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

2 why potugal why

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

Main Image:View over Lisboa and the river Tagus from S.Vicente de Fora Church.

3 in love with the sea

10 WAYS TO MAKE THE MOST OF THE SEA > Enjoy Caminha and Moledo with their beaches surrounded by woods ( 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 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 12 why potugal why

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

5 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 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 xxx why potugal why

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

7 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 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 1 2 why potugal why

Main Image: Island of Flores, Azores. 1. “Levadas”, Madeira. 2. View over the river Douro.

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

9 to the rhythm of the heart

Don’t miss: Docas area alongside the Tagus river, > The rustic charm of north-eastern Trás-os- including the famous Lux disco. Montes (Porto e Norte Region), be it > The pleasurable atmosphere of the relaxed hiking or on mountain bikes for Vilamoura Marina. radical cyclists. > Going sailing along the coast from Lisboa > The Paiva river in the Beiras Region and its to the Algarve. swiftly moving currents, ideal for rafting and whitewater streaming (hydrospeed). > The benefits of thalassotherapy, carried out in the Vilalara Thalassa Centre, one of > The medieval village of Linhares da Beira, the best of its kind in Europe. crowned by its castle tower, seen whilst Main Image: Yacht trip from Funchal to Porto paragliding. > Taking a dip in the iron-rich waters of the Santo, Madeira. Hotel Terra Nostra swimming pool in the > A speleological adventure in the caves of island of São Miguel, surrounded by its 1. A ride on moutain bike at Serra da Estrela, Serra d’Aire, Candeeiros, Montejunto, del breathtaking botanical garden. Beiras. Rei (Lisboa Region) or Sicó at Beiras. 2. A trip along the Estoril Coast and Sintra in a > The hot rhythm of Lisboa nights in the motorcycle and sidecar, Lisboa Region. , the 24 de Julho area and the and many more…

1 2

10 how to spend your time spend your to how

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

11 time to swing!

Don’t miss: located within the Ria Formosa National > The Ponte de Lima golf course,and a night Park. in one of the most imposing stately homes > The most recent windward Algarve golf in Portugal,such as the Paço de Calheiros course is the Morgado do Reguengo, or the Casa do Anquião (Porto e Norte). which, along with the Marina Hotel in > Teeing off looking at the sea from the Portimão, provides a place full of charm Praia d’ El Rey golf course, or a walk with the sea situated in front of it. through the medieval city of Óbidos at > The Sheraton Pine Cliffs Resort in the Lisboa Region. Algarve, to play golf and enjoy the > A weekend at Caesar Park in Penha reserved beach without ever having to Longa, where you should reserve a leave the hotel. table for the end of the day in the much > Tavira, in the Algarve, and the golf sought after Japanese restaurant. course at Quinta da Ria, with a > The nine Estoril golf courses and the breathtaking view over the Ria Formosa evening entertainment in the largest estuary and its sand dunes. casino in Europe. > The colonial atmosphere of the Casa > A spell at the or São Filipe Velha do Palheiro and its golf course in Pousada in Setúbal, and the 5 golf Madeira, which is part of the courses available in this beautiful region Relais&Chateaux chain. located to the south of the Tagus. > The 5 golf courses of Quinta do Lago, and many more…

12 1 2 3 how to spend your time spend your to how

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

13 pleasures of the table

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

14 > > > > > > Don’t miss: located alongthePortuguese coast. multiple esplanadesandrestaurants Fresh fishavailable atany ofthe Nova deGaia. The Port wineFerreira Cellars in Vila and theharshestconnoisseurs. captivating thepalates ofthecritics The newred wineswhichare country. to befound throughout the cakes, The well-known “pastéis denata” potatoes (“abaked murro”) or “à braz“. roasted with salted codfish (bacalhau), Amongst thehundreds ofrecipes for delights awaiting allvisitors.culinary oneofthegreat Shellfish dishes, and many more… > > > > > .Rsarn,Lisboa. Restaurant, 3. Algarve. Grillingfreshly caughtfishinresort, 2. region. Porto eNorte winecellars, Oporto 1. Lisboa Restaurant, Image: Main .Mge,Azores. Miguel, S. The intheIslandof “cozido dasFurnas” Azores. inthe ontheislandof Terceira, Martelo, past intheRestaurant oftheQuintado A journeyto revisit thetastes oftimes navigated theworld before any other. and thesecrets ofawinewhichcircum- The Madeira Wine Company museum orinclassicrice pudding. “Encharcada” to betasted in “Pão deRala” The tradition ofconvent confectionery, richsoups. oritsextremely “Açorda” suchas recipes, most simpleandtasty inits The tastes ofAlentejan cuisine, “Fidalgo” , , 15 how to spend your time secret hiding places

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

16 how to spend your time spend your to how

Don’t miss: Iberian Peninsula. > Places in Douro (Porto e Norte) such as > The hotel Convento de São Paulo in the Vintage House or Casa Casal de Loivos, Serra d’ Ossa, Alentejo, or the hotel whose view was considered by BBC as Convento de São Francisco on the one of the 6 most panoramic in the world. island of São Miguel in the Azores. > The stately homes and country estates > The Pousadas of Portugal, such as Flor throughout Portugal (www.turihab.pt). da Rosa in Crato, Sta Maria do Bouro or > Hotels as the Buçaco Palace and Quinta the one in the beautiful village of das Lágrimas, in Coimbra, both in Beiras Arraiolos (www.pousadas.pt). region. > The luxury resorts in the Algarve, such > The beauty of the houses which offer as Quinta do Lago or Vale do Lobo. Rural Tourism. > The places which have made Madeira one Main Image: Pousada of Santa Maria do Bouro, > The Solar do Castelo or the Belmonte of the most exclusive tourist destinations Amares, Porto e Norte. Palace, in the heart of Lisboa. in the world, such as the Quinta da Casa 1. Swimming pool of “Choupana Hills Hotel”, > The Lawrence Hotel in Sintra, Lisboa Branca or Quinta da Bela Vista. Madeira. Region, the oldest hotel in the and many more… 2. Pousada of Arraiolos, Alentejo.

17 • • • • • • • • going deeper •

• • DID YOU KNOW? > Fantasporto is the well known Sci-Fi Film route to India and establishes trading ports, • Festival, which takes place in the city of heralding the expansion of Portugal’s The average temperatures in the country Oporto. commercial power. • during winter vary between 15º and 20ºC. • It is rare for them to fall below 10ºC. > The Horse Fair held in Golegã, in the 1500 – Pedro Álvares Cabral discovers Brazil. Lisboa region in November. The colonisation of the ‘new world’ begins. In Portugal there are more than 300 days of > The New Year’s Eve party in Madeira, along 1519 – Fernão de Magalhães (Magellan) sunshine per year. with its fantastic firework display. begins the first sea voyage around the Along the coastal region of the country > The Carnival held at Ovar and also world. In 1521 he discovers the Philippines there are festivals of seafood and fish, such Mealhada, both in the Beiras, as well as and is killed in combat. Sebastian d’Elcano • • as the ones in Sesimbra and Ericeira, both in that of Torres Vedras, in the Lisboa region, from his crew completes the and Loulé, in the Algarve. the Lisboa Region. circumnavigation in 1522. Religious celebrations, such as the Nossa • Winter is the ideal time to sample some of 1543 – The Portuguese arrive in Japan, the Senhora da Conceição procession, the • the special dishes which are part of first westerners to discover Japanese culture. Portuguese cuisine, in the many patron saint of Portugal, which takes place gastronomic festivals. in Vila Viçosa in the Alentejo on the 8 1640 – Portugal restores its independence, • December, and which includes the Pope after 60 years of Spanish reign. • In November the following take place: • amongst its previous visitors. 19th century – While Brazil gains > The Santarém Gastronomy Festival, in the The Fogaceiras Festival in Santa Maria da independence (1822), Portugal expands its Lisboa region. Feira, in the Porto e Norte region, held on African colonies of Angola and • > The Óbidos chocolate festival, also in the the 20 January each year. Mozambique. Lisboa region. • • A POTTED HISTORY OF PORTUGAL 1910 – The monarchy is abolished and the > The chestnut festival on the island of Republic is established, with separation Madeira and also at Marvão, Alentejo. 1143 – Count Afonso Henriques establishes • • between church and state. > The Sweet Potato and Barnacles Festival the kingdom of Portugal through the Treaty in Aljezur, in the Algarve region. of Zamora and becomes its first king. 1926 – A dictatorship is established in • • Portugal. > The smoked meats fairs which are held in 1147 – King Afonso Henriques takes Lisboa • Vinhais and Montalegre (Porto e Norte from the Moors. 1974 – Dictatorship ends with the Carnation region). 1249 – The last city in the Algarve is won by Revolution, and subsequent years see > The Taverns fair (Feira das Tasquinhas) is King Afonso III, and Portugal reaches its African and Asian colonies gaining held in Rio Maior, in the Lisboa region, in present shape. independence. March. 1415-27 – Henry the Navigator launches 1976 – First constitutional government > There is a street market for Serra cheese discovery expeditions to Africa, Madeira and formed. • and other regional products located in • • the Azores. • the central square of Celorico da Beira, 1986 – Portugal joins the European • which runs from December to May. 1494 – Portugal and Spain sign the Treaty of Community. There is a group of festivals and other Tordesillas, agreeing to divide between 2002 – Portugal is among the first countries • winter events which are worth getting to them the ‘new world’ yet to be discovered. to adopt the single European currency know: 1497-98 – Vasco da Gama discovers the sea (Euro). • 18 • • • •• useful information portugal • • BRAGANÇA • • VIANA DO• CASTELO •• BRAGA Porto e Norte • GUIMARÃES• • • • AMARANTE • • VILA REAL • PORTO • • GAIA Douro • LAMEGO • • • VISEU • •• AVEIRO • Beiras • GUARDA FIGUEIRA DA FOZ COIMBRA • • Mondego

• • • • LEIRIA • CASTELO BRANCO • FÁTIMA • • TOMAR • • • ÓBIDOS Lisboa • PORTALEGRE SANTARÉM • • Tejo • • • • • • SINTRA ESTREMOZ • ESTORIL • • LISBOA• • ÉVORA • Azores SETÚBAL • • MONSARAZ • Alentejo • • Guadiana • • BEJA• • • SINES SERPA PONTA DELGADA • • • MÉRTOLA • • ODEMIRA • Madeira• • • SILVES• Algarve • FUNCHAL •• 19 LAGOS • • ALBUFEIRA VILAMOURA • • FARO contacts

Find out more about Portugal by checking Or for regional information: ALENTEJO out these websites: www.rtevora.pt LISBOA www.rt-planiciedourada.pt www.portugalinsite.com www.visitlisboa.com www.rtsm.pt www.portugal.org PORTO E NORTE ALGARVE www.adeturn.pt www.rtalgarve.pt BEIRAS AZORES www.turismo-centro.pt www.drtacores.pt www.rotadaluz.aveiro.co.pt MADEIRA www.madeiratourism.org

Portuguese Tourist Offices in English Speaking countries:

TOURIST SUPPORT IN PORTUGAL AUSTRALIA SOUTH AFRICA Tourist information (contact centre) Suite 201, 234 George Street 4th Floor, Sunnyside Ridge, T 808 78 1212 SIDNEY NSW 2000 Sunnyside Drive, E [email protected] T 00-61-2-92412710 Parktown – PO Box 2473 – Houghton F 00-61-2-92412269 2193 JOHANNESBURG E [email protected] T 00-27-11-484 34 87 F 00-27-11-484 54 16 E [email protected] CANADA UNITED KINGDOM 60 Bloor Street West, Suite 1005 TORONTO, ONTARIO M4W 3B8 11 Belgrave Square T 00-1-416-921 73 76 London SW1X 8PP F 00-1-416-912 13 53 T 020 7201 6666 E [email protected] F 020 7201 6633 E [email protected]

IRELAND USA 54 Dawson Street 590 Fifth Avenue, 3rd Floor DUBLIN 2 NEW York NY 10036 – 4702 T 1800 94 31 31 T 800 767 8842 F 00-353-1-670 91 41 F 00-1-212-764 61 37 E [email protected]

PHOTOGRAPHS

Francisco Almeida Dias José Manuel João Silveira Ramos Paulo Magalhães João Paulo Rui Cunha John Copland

© Icep Portugal 2004 Eng.05/2004

ICEP PORTUGAL Av. 5 de Outubro, 101 1050-051 Lisboa - Portugal T +351 21 790 95 00 F +351 21 790 09 61 E [email protected] W www.portugalinsite.com