Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
the summer months, visitors enjoy 11 to 12 hours of sunshine and breezy conditions, especially
in coastal cities like Lisbon and Porto. Areas north of the Tagus River are hilly while the land
south of the Tagus is flat. Portugal is an ideal destination for Americans. In less than seven
hours one could fly from New York City to Lisbon, and the country boasts hundreds of
unforgettable experiences. With a host of stunning beaches, megalithic sites, energetic cities,
wineries and medieval castles, who would ever want to leave?
Culture
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Portuguese culture is a unique blend of folk traditions that vary by region. The arts, particularly
music, form a huge part of the national identity. Fado music is by far the most iconic genre of
Portuguese music. Characterized by passionate lyrics about love and loss, a melancholy tone
and seductive guitar sounds, a live Fado show is a can't miss experience when in Portugal.
Cuisine
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While largely influenced by its position in the Atlantic Ocean, Portuguese gastronomy varies
significantly by region, giving foodie lovers reason to rejoice. While the Southeastern Alentejo
region is known for its aromatic soups and pork dishes, the Centro region is known for its
hearty goat recipes. Lisbon packs a punch with a remarkable selection of fresh seafood and
scrumptious pastries like the famous Pastel de Belém tart. No trip to Portugal is complete
without sampling some of the country's renowned wines. Few know that Portugal actually
produces more types of wine than Spain. In recent years, wine tourism here has boomed due to
the abundance and rich flavors of wines like Port, Bairrada, Verdelho, Verde, Bucelas,
Ribatejo and Douro.
