Exploring Lisbon and Portugal on Your Next Vacation

Portugal has always been known as the land left for Spain in the Iberian Peninsula, caught among its traditional way of life - fishing and agriculture. But thanks to technology and integration, Portuguese 91,985 km2, of which 88.944 km2 correspond to the mainland and other islands of the Azores and Madeira.The country is divided into 11 regions, 18 districts, headed by a governor and not these districts, each has its own traditions and Mayor.Portuguese Hall TimesAt From the beginning, Portugal was differentiated from the northern part of Spain called Galicia, because it was a homogeneous culture. The cornerstone of the border has begun in the Neolithic, when the crop began with Castrén bunkers in a circular pattern topped with straw roofs shaped like a cone. While in the fertile southern plains Tartarians, Greeks and Phoenicians started rich colonies, bonuses and grenades as northern Portugal, the Lusitano presented its resistance. The Roman conquest put an end to this domain and for the first time in history, the Portuguese territory was separated from Galicia. Braga has been named the first capital of the Swabian kings who reigned in Portugal 408-585. Later Visigods, who settled in Spain in Portugal extended their lands. But as the Iberian Peninsula, the Arabs extended their powerful arm and in 711 also from the south. But for unknown reasons, the Arabs left Portugal, only leaving behind their culture and architecture.But Henry, who was Count of Portugal and his father-in-law of King Alfonso VI of Castilla had his plans for Portugal and it was his son Enrico Alfonso, after a decisive battle in Guimaraes was proclaimed King of Portugal in 1128. From there, his successors expanded the territory to the Portuguese territory thirteenth completed.In 1415, King John wanted to conquer more land and began a campaign in the African territories. This impulse also sent naval vessels in 1418 to fill Portuguese Madeira and the Azores in 1427. But do not stop there, as we all know, have reached the Brazilian coast without heirs Portugal too.Leaving King Philip II of Spain, who was born the daughter of the king of Portugal, was proclaimed in 1580. But in 1640 the Treaty of Lisbon, Spain gave up its independence.Coming more modern times, Portugal joined the Atlantic Treaty Association in 1949 and United Nations in 1955. Having driven many different political parties, Portugal is now a stable, open for more rapid PortugalPortugal world.I have a seductive charm that comes to him will never regret. The best way to see Portugal has to do with the car and very slowly. By car, it is the most convenient way to stop and see all the beautiful landscapes that this incredible place has to offer. It is known as the country with 101 castle and we would see a lot '. Gradually, because the roads, not main roads of the capital, are very sinuous.Lisbon and recommends the heart of Portugal from Lisbon, Portugal's capital and its neighboring cities. Lisbon is a city that makes you feel that time is never past, not only for its architecture, but thanks to the people themselves and not in a hurry. You can start at the center of the Plaza do Comercio, located in the River Tagus, is the head down to the water and the promenade of the city or to visit the numerous churches, monuments and living history unfolding before eyes.Once his visit to the city, I head to the nearby cities just a couple of hours south, in the region called the Algarve. There are incredible fishing villages and beautiful sandy beaches. Once you relax for a day or two, it would be interesting to venture into the countryside and take in a northerly direction for the establishment of the Alentejo region. The main city in this region is called Evora. The oldest monument in the city dates back to the II or III C is the temple of Diana - A real architectural beauty. There is a Pousada, reconverted castles and historic buildings converted into homes that are all over the Portuguese geography. Always north, but towards the Atlantic, we encountered one of the most symbolic in the Catholic world, Fatima. If you are a believer or not, everyone has a favor or a burning desire to help someone with problems deeply religious and the environment here is very special. From a religious intelligence, when the feast our eyes on the ancient university city of Coimbra. Simply visiting the campus is a journey in itself. Still going along the coast, one reaches the Douro River and the city of Porto or sometimes called Oporto. This area, along with the Mino River Valley up the fertile vineyards