Davidsbeenhere - Boston, Massachusetts City Travel Guide 2013: Attractions, Restaurants, and More...

CountryIntro
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Brief History
The Portuguese Republic is the westernmost country of mainland Europe and issituated on the Iberian Peninsula. Further to the west, the Azores and Madeiraarchipelagos also form part of the Portuguese Republic. Like its neighbor Spainto the east, Portugal has been inhabited for millennia since the Stone Age.Later on, Celtic tribes that migrated from central Europe came to control muchof the Iberian Peninsula for more than six hundred years until the arrival ofthe Romans in the year 218 BC. The Romans were attracted to the fertile soiland Atlantic Ocean access that the western lands could provide them, thus theLatin title Portus Cale (Big Port) was born.
Fast forward to the Middle Ages, when an Islamic force from North Africa beganconquering the peninsula then known as Hispania and establishingkingdoms collectively known as Al-Andalus. The Moors dominated the land untilthe centuries-long Reconquista movement (718-1492) eventually drove them out ofSpain and Portugal for good. During the Reconquista, several Christian kingdomswere able to emerge. At first, Portugal formed part of the Kingdom of Galicia,but eventually gained its independence. On June 25, 1139, Afonso Henriquesproclaimed himself the first monarch of the land, becoming King Afonso I ofPortugal.

Weather
Portugal has a temperate, Mediterranean climate with a particularly wet winterseason. During the summer months, visitors enjoy 11 to 12 hours of sunshine andbreezy conditions, especially in coastal cities like Lisbon and Porto. Areasnorth 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 onecould fly from New York City to Lisbon, and the country boasts hundreds ofunforgettable experiences. With a host of stunning beaches, megalithic sites,energetic cities, wineries and medieval castles, who would ever want to leave?

Culture
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. Fadomusic is by far the most iconic genre of Portuguese music. Characterized bypassionate lyrics about love and loss, a melancholy tone and seductive guitarsounds, a live Fado show is a cant miss experience when in Portugal.

Cuisine
While largely influenced by its position in the Atlantic Ocean, Portuguesegastronomy varies significantly by region, giving foodie lovers reason torejoice. While the Southeastern Alentejo region is known for its aromatic soupsand pork dishes, the Centro region is known for its hearty goat recipes. Lisbonpacks a punch with a remarkable selection of fresh seafood and scrumptiouspastries like the famous Pastel de Bel m tart. No trip to Portugal iscomplete without sampling some of the countrys renowned wines. Few know thatPortugal actually produces more types of wine than Spain. In recent years, winetourism here has boomed due to the abundance and rich flavors of wines likePort, Bairrada, Verdelho, Verde, Bucelas, Ribatejo and Douro.