Portugal, meaning 'beautiful port' consists of the mainland and two archipelagos in the Atlantic the Azores and the Madeira Islands. It is a country rich in history and culture.

With brilliant blue skies, sleepy inland villages, and beautiful fishing ports Portugal remains one of the most popular holiday and property locations in Europe.

Today Portugal's beaches and ports are offering relaxation, beachside bars and seafood restaurants. The long sandy beaches of the Algarve are magnificent and all along the vast coastline there are opportunities to enjoy a whole host of water sports in crystal clear waters.

The sunny climate, slower pace of life, excellent food and wine, the friendly people are all reasons to buy property in Portugal.

The Algarve offers a paradise for golfers with some of the finest world-class golf courses. Other sports are wonderfully equipped with extensive riding, windsurfing, diving, tennis to name a few.

With 850 kilometres of fine white sand Portugal's coast has something for everyone.


Economy

Members of the EU since 1986, Portugal enjoys a healthy economic growth. Solid economic, political and social stability during the last decades continue to make Portugal attractive for foreign investment.


Climate

Portugal offers a sun soaked and hot dry climate practically all year round except for a few patches of cold misty weather in December. The long summers have temperatures up to 40°C. The Algarve is the most famous resort in Portugal due to its annual mild climate. This paradise on earth has some of the best weather conditions in all Europe, being perfect for all sort of activities throughout the year. The blossoming almond trees in January welcome a long spring, followed by a sunny beach summer and an orange and pomegranate coloured autumn. A real year-round destination!

In fact, the Algarve is a privileged area in Portugal and one of the most stable in the world. Rarely facing rainy days, this region counts on water temperatures around 21/22 degrees Celsius on summer time.


Health

If you require medical assistance contact the local Health Centre. Hospital emergency services should be used only in serious situations (serious injury, poisoning, burns, infarction, thromboses, breathing difficulties, etc.).

In case of illness or accident while visiting Portugal, Nationals from the 25 European Union countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland are entitled to free or reduced-cost healthcare (the same benefits as Portuguese citizens).

In order to have access to health services, citizens from the above-mentioned countries, who are not resident in Portugal, must produce their European Health Insurance Cards (issued by the origin country) together with passports or identity cards.


Roads

Portugal has a good road network consisting of auto-estradas (AE, motorways), itinerários principais (IP, main trunk roads), itinerários complementares (IC, complementary trunk roads), estradas nacionais (EN, national roads) and estradas municipais (municipal roads).

All motorways are marked with the internationally recognised sign and motorists using them have to pay tolls. See prices at www.brisa.pt or www.aeatlantico.pt

In case of breakdown or accident on the motorway, you can phone for assistance on 808 508 508

Toll gates have Via Verde channels. This is an innovative electronic system enabling motorists to debit tolls to their bank account. Only holders of Via Verde identifiers supplied by Brisa can use it.


Population

Portugal has a population of about 10 million. The population density is at its greatest in Lisbon, the capital and its suburbs, where about 1.9 million people live.

The second largest city in Portugal is Oporto in the north. Generally speaking, there are more people living in the country's coastal regions than in the inland areas.


Religion

The majority of Portuguese are Catholics, but the Portuguese Constitution guarantees religious freedom and there are a number of different religions in Portugal.


Things to see and do

Portugal offers miles of beautiful white sandy beaches, unspoilt countryside, mountains, sophisticated cities, good wine and cuisine, historic buildings, museums and galleries, fiestas - and tranquillity. Apart from the wealth of available watersports facilities (the marinas of Vilamoura and Lagos deserve special mention, amongst the various ports and harbours), there are famous golf courses, luxury hotels or quaint holiday resorts and an exciting nightlife.


The cuisine

The cuisine of Portugal is rich and hearty. Seafood and fish are major players, as are cheeses, cured meats and, of course, wine. Portugal's most famous wine is Port, made in the gorgeous terraced Douro Valley. Other excellent wines include Vinho Verde (fruity, young, dry white wines) and many delicious red wines from the Alentejo.

The Moors ruled various kingdoms in Portugal for centuries, and they left their mark on Portugal's gastronomy, on its architecture and indeed, on its culture. The entire Algarve region is full of Moorish reminders - whitewashed villages, fig trees, orange groves, almond trees, lemons and pomegranates. Almonds, pine nuts and cinnamon (all Moorish influences) are all used frequently in Portuguese cooking, both for sweet and savoury dishes.