Natural and cultural attractions - Portugal

Portugal is a European country that inherited a centuries-old culture of peoples who lived on its territory. Many monuments of architecture and art, preserved traditions and much more - this is a real confirmation of this.

In the country there are not only architectural sights. Portugal has a rich and beautiful nature. The northern part is mostly mountains, between which are small villages, old castles or monasteries. In the heart of the northern territories of Portugal, the monoliths are the Serra da Estrela mountains. An unusually beautiful landscape is created by river valleys that have broken their way in a granite block, which is 60 km long and 30 km wide. It is in these mountains that the ski resorts of the country are located. In addition, you can watch a waterfall with the interesting name "Hell's Gorge" or Posu-u-Inferno in the language of the Portuguese.

Travelers will explore such attractions in Portugal as the forest park "Bukasu", the ridges of San Mamede and Arrabida, the cape of Cabo da Roca, considered the westernmost point of Europe.

Ornithologists from around the world come to the southern province of Algarve, where there is a resting place, located on the way of migratory birds.

In addition, the resort of Algarve is a very popular destination for many tourists. The province is closed by low mountains from the rest of the country, its capital (the city of Faro) is built around a beautiful harbor located in the lagoon. The development of the tourist business in these places began after the opening of the international airport in the mid-1960s.

The area was developed from small fishing villages. From them there were only narrow streets, along the edges of which there were small houses and churches. However, the resort of Algarve is not famous for them at all. Tourists aspire to endless sandy beaches and ideal for a relaxing climate. It seems that nature has worked on the local places: the temperature in summer does not exceed 24 C, and in winter 15 C. That is why the Algarve coastline is built up with numerous hotels and residential buildings.

To the category of attractions in Portugal can be attributed many trees of different species that grow in the same Algarve. Almond trees, which during the flowering period embrace the white shroud of the head resting, create a special attraction for an already beautiful natural area. This "Garden" of Portugal also has to play golf, for which nature itself has provided huge green spaces.

Lovers of history should definitely visit Porto, which is not only the former capital of the country, but also one of the oldest cities in Portugal. Among the most important places to visit are the Cathedral, the Clerigos Tower, carved from granite, the masterpiece of the 16th century - the Episcopal Palace, as well as the San Bento station and many others.

And yet the historical center of Faro is the Episcopal Palace, which is the current residence of the bishop of the country. Here is a unique collection of books, among which there are a lot of ancient theological writings. At the end of the XVI century, some of the books were stolen and now this property is in the library of Oxford University. But the residence still contains many valuable specimens of ancient literature.

Ancient history is literally imbued with the walls of Cascais, in which the most important landmark is the castle of St. George. There are also monuments of world culture - the Bethlehem Tower and the Monastery of the Order of Hieronymus.

Undoubtedly, Portugal will show its attractions in the capital of the country, Lisbon, in which a statue of Christ is installed, which stretches its arms to people from a high pedestal.

Madeira, Sintra, Estoril and many other cities are worthy of excursions and individual articles. Beautiful Portugal, a long history, will be interesting for adults and children. After all, there is everything for an unforgettable holiday, entertainment and knowledge of another's culture.