Portugal: Portugal, a small country with great promise

This small country on the western edge of the European continent has been attracting tourists from all over the world in recent years. Portugal is only one-sixth the size of France, but it still has a lot to offer. Beautiful beaches, cultural and historical sites, typical little villages and charming towns - that's just a taste of what you can discover when you visit Portugal. Culturally southern, don't be fooled by its Mediterranean pretence: Portugal is oceanic, always turned towards the Atlantic, full of beautiful colours and fantastic landscapes, sometimes also quiet and melancholy, lulled by the rhythms of the fado.

With its mild winters and sunny summers, Portugal is a pleasure to visit all year round. Its capital Lisbon has many assets that have made it one of Europe's favourite city-trips. With its gentle ocean breezes, it is the figurehead of the entire country, showcasing its rich historical heritage while looking to the future. Lisbon is one of Europe's most dynamic capitals.

But its popularity is gradually being matched by the charming city of Porto. Overlooking the Douro, this beautiful northern city has a character all of its own, like the old Ribeira quarter and its colourful houses. This is where Port wine is produced, and its famous eponymous aperitif can be tasted in one of the many cellars in the Vila Nova de Gaia district.

A city, but also an entire region to explore: along the Douro, the vine-covered landscapes that have been worked by man for centuries are among the most endearing in the country. The beautiful countryside, as well as the Serra da Estrela mountain range, are all to be found on the roads of the Central region, which boasts a host of Unesco-listed sites: Coimbra, Tomar, Alcobaça, Batalha...

Another region, the largest in the country, theAlentejo is essentially made up of vast agricultural plains dotted with charming little villages, medieval castles and ancient monasteries. Still little-known by tourists, the Alentejo remains authentic and wild. A hiker's paradise, there's plenty to linger over for an entire trip.

However, we mustn't overlook the immense Atlantic coast, dotted with beautiful beaches and a number of famous surfing spots: Nazaré, Peniche, Ericeira, the beauty of these seascapes extends to the beaches of the Sétubal and Comporta peninsulas, where Lisboans take refuge at weekends.

The coastline is truly spectacular in the splendidAlgarve region, from Faro to Sagres, alternating large sandy coves and sea-beaten cliffs in the very south of Portugal: magnificent in every season!

Our gaze then turns to the open sea and the splendid islands of Portugal, confetti scattered across the immensity of the Atlantic. The Azores, always discreet, still boast unspoilt nature, as does the increasingly popular island of Madeira, where the scenery is as much a pleasure for the body as it is for the mind. Of volcanic origin, these archipelagos are real treasures for lovers of botany and hiking.

For such a small country, it's easy to see that Portugal is full of promise, with the prospect of numerous trips to the shores of the Atlantic: this is a destination that's always on a roll!

Portuguese gastronomy is extremely rich and varied. It is considered to be one of the most eclectic in the world, thanks to its many influences (Moorish, Iberian, African, Indian). Portugal was one of the pioneering countries in the quest for the spices of the East India route, and these can be found in many local dishes. A Portuguese meal generally consists of a soup or salad as a starter, followed by a meat or fish dish.

Portugal's emblematic fish is of course cod(bacalhau), and it is said that there are as many ways of preparing it as there are days in the year! You'll also find sole, skate, squid, tuna and, of course, sardines. They are generally eaten grilled, stewed or in caldeirada, a kind of bouillabaisse, and even as a dessert or for breakfast!

Meat is not to be outdone either, and the Portuguese are particularly fond of pork. The most famous dish comes from the Alentejo region in the south: the emblematic carne de porco alentejana, made from pieces of pork fillet cooked with spices (coriander), lard, red pepper berries, garlic and olive oil, stewed with clams. In the north, the typical soup is caldo verde, made with potatoes and cabbage, sometimes accompanied by chorizo.

For those with a sweet tooth, rest assured that the Portuguese are also very fond of desserts and other pastries. Each region has its own culinary treasures to end a meal on a high note. Desserts are often fruit-based, often flavoured with spices such as cinnamon. The famous pastéis de nata are also well known.

Portugal is also renowned for the quality of its wines (particularly the reds). The most famous are, of course, port wine, made in the town of the same name, and Madeira wine, produced in... Madeira.