Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Portugal is underrated. The country seems somewhere just beyond Europe—prices are a
bit cheaper, and the pace of life is noticeably slower than in Spain. While the unification of
Europe is bringing sweeping changes to Portugal, the traditional economy is still based on
fishing, cork, wine, and textiles.
Portugal isn't touristy—even its coastal towns lack glitzy attractions. The beach and the
sea are enough, as they have been for centuries. They were the source of Portugal's seafar-
ing wealth long ago, and are the draw for tourists today.
The locals, not jaded by tourists, will meet you with warmth—especially if you learn at
least a few words of Portuguese, instead of launching into Spanish (see “Portuguese Sur-
vival Phrases” in the appendix).
