Portugal: 10 Amazing places to visit

From the traveltalk.dk family – started in Denmark in 2018

Read in: Dansk (original)

Portugal is one of the sunniest holiday destinations in Europe

We know Portugal as the friendly, sun-drenched southern European holiday country on the Iberian Peninsula in the south-west of Europe. The country borders Spain to the north and east and is otherwise surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south. In the Atlantic lie the island groups of Madeira and the Azores, which enjoy extensive self-government. Madeira in particular is a firm favourite with Danish holidaymakers.

Praia do Camilo, Algarve and its beautiful beaches

Portugal was founded in 1139, when Alfonso I was proclaimed king. The new kingdom expanded southward to the Algarve, from which the Moors were finally driven out during the 13th century. In the 15th century Portuguese seafarers began to explore the African coast. This marked the beginning of the country’s golden age, an expansive period of ocean exploration in which the sea routes to India and Brazil were discovered. Portuguese colonies were founded in Asia, South America and Africa.

The trade in slaves, gold and spices made the nation, for a time, one of the wealthiest countries in the world, and Lisbon one of Europe’s largest trading cities. During the later decolonisation and industrialisation, the south-westernmost country in Europe, predominantly agricultural and under dictatorship, found itself in a weak position within Europe, but with the introduction of democracy in 1974 it achieved political stability, and its accession to the EEC (EU) in 1986 brought an economic boost.

Portugal today is a developed country with an advanced economy and a high standard of living.

It is one of the most globalised and most peaceful nations in the world