|
Portugal is situated
at the south-west point of Europe and also includes the Madeira and Azores
archipelagos in the Atlantic Ocean. Mainland Portugal occupies an area
of 88,889 km2. It is 218 km wide and 561 km long. It has 832 km of Atlantic
coast and a 1,215 km border with Spain.
The Azores are situated in
the Atlantic Ocean between Europe and North America. They have an area
of 2,355 km2 and consist of nine islands - São Miguel and Santa
Maria in the Eastern Group, Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico
and Faial in the Central Group and Flores and Corvo in the Western Group.
Portugal is one of the oldest
nations in Europe. In the 12th century, the country gained its independence
from the other kingdoms in the Iberian Peninsula thanks to Count Afonso
Henriques, who was the first king at his own wish. A century later, with
the conquest of the Algarve, Portugal was todefinitively establish its
continental border.
The climate in Portugal
varies considerably from one region to another and is influenced by the
relief, latitude and proximity to the sea, which offers mild winters, especially
in the Algarve.
In the Porto e Norte area
and Beiras region, particularly inland, nearer Spain, the winters are colder,
although the temperatures are still mild when compared to the rest of Europe.
There is some snowfall. It occurs most in the Serra da Estrela mountains,
where we find the highest point in mainland Portugal (1,991 m) and where
it is sometimes possible to ski.
The summers are hot and
dry, especially in the inland areas (Tras-os-Montes in north-eastern Portugal
and Alentejo). Temperatures are slightly lower in the coastal areas, because
of the influence of the sea.
There are often warm, sunny
days in autumn. Nice weather at the beginning of November is often called
"St. Martin’s Summer" as this saint’s day is on 11 November.
The climate in the Azores
is influenced by the islands’ latitude and by the Gulf Stream, and temperatures
are mild there all year round. The same factors also influence the sea
temperature, which is very pleasant both in winter and summer and ideal
for nautical sports all year round.
The subtropical characteristics
of the weather in the Madeira Archipelago can be explained by its geographical
position and mountainous relief. The climate in Madeira is exceptionally
mild, with average temperatures varying between 24 ºC in summer and
19 ºC in winter.
The sea temperature is also
very pleasant all year round, thanks to the influence of the warm Gulf
Stream. It varies between 18 ºC in winter and 22 ºC in summer.
The culture of Portugal is
divided between traditional rural cultural events and the international
culture of Lisbon.
Portugal has its own theatrical
tradition and also has many small Museums and Galleries, the best known
being the Gulbenkian Foundation based in Lisbon. The foundation also sponsors
an Orchestra.
Most towns have a cinema
which usually shows English language films with Portuguese subtitles.
The regions have their own
fairs and 'festas'. This tradition is probably strongest in the north where
celtic drums and bagpipes play and the villagers, wearing the attractive
'traje' regional costume dance in celtic fashion.
The style of singing in the
north and also the Fado singing of Coimbra and Lisbon is 'an acquired taste'
.
Portugal's rich history has
left a present day reminder in the exquisite architecture throughout the
country including Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline and Baroque. The magnificent
Baroque became an eighteenth century symbol of great economic wealth generated
by gold and diamonds from Brazil and the sudden development of port wine
exports. These buildings virtually bankrupted the country at the time but
they are now available for our enjoyment.
Manueline architecture is
peculiarly Portuguese and is comprised of exotic flowers and vegetation
intertwined as a symbol of overseas exploration. Also contained are Crosses
of the Order of Christ and armillary spheres which commemorate the influence
of Henry the Navigator.
Portuguese wines are of good
quality overall and are inexpensive. It is rarely that you will be unpleasantly
surprised if you order the house wine (Vinho da Casa) in a restaurant.
In the country areas this may be produced by the restaurant itself and
they will be proud that it has not gone through the co-operative and contains
no chemicals (used for preserving wine).
| 
