Portugal is roughly a rectangle in shape; 561 km (350 miles) long and an average of 188 km (117 miles) wide. Portugal 's strength as a holiday destination is its diversity, a something-for-everyone kind of place with mountains, vast arid plains, sub-tropical volcanic islands and lush-green meadows, not forgetting 528 miles of sandy beaches. Rich in cultural traditions and history it is one of the oldest nations in Europe, an ideal country with lovely beach resorts offering the opportunity for a pleasant and restful break at any time of the year. First-time visitors touring the interior are usually overwhelmed by the warm hospitality of the people, and left breathless by the magnificent scenic landscapes, especially in the north.

Portugal history is very interesting, which makes this country to be proud of mainly for its Paleolithic and Mesolithic culture, and architectures. Of great interest of Portugal history are the Celtic remains dating from the invasions of the 4th and 5th centuries B.C. Portugal is one of the oldest places in Europe, having existed as a country for more than eight centuries. There are strong traces of Palaeolithic and Mesolithic culture to be seen across the land, most notably the collective tombs cut out of the rock at Palmela, Cascais and Alapraia near Estoril. Also of great interest are the Celtic remains dating from the invasions of the 4th and 5th centuries B.C. By 1337, Portuguese explorers had reached the Canary Islands. Inspired by Prince Henry the Navigator (1394-1460), explorers such as Vasco da Gama, Bartolomeu Dias, and Pedro Alvares Cabral made explorations from Brazil to India and Japan. Portugal eventually became a massive colonial empire with vast territories in Africa and Latin America ( Brazil ) and outposts in the Far East. Dynastic disputes led in 1580 to the succession of Philip II of Spain to the Portuguese throne. A revolt ended Spanish hegemony in 1640, and the House of Braganca was established as Portugal's ruling family, lasting until the establishment of the Portuguese Republic in 1910.

Portugal is a country of astonishing beauty and diversity, not to mention clear blue skies and friendly, courteous people. Pick any destination and the view from your window might be a rugged stretch of windswept coastline (Cabo do São Vicente, Castelejo, Cabo Espichel), a pristine beach where fishermen mend their nets beside brightly painted sardine boats (Albufeira, Bordeira, Praia do Camilo) or a cobbled street overlooked by dazzling whitewashed houses with wooden balconies and red-tiled roofs.

Want to know all about Portugal ? Come and join us at StayResPortugal.com, which not only provides you interesting facts about Portugal but also gives full information about Portugal hotels. Book your room @ discount rate up to 70%. The best advice is to explore it bit by bit, allowing yourself time to appreciate what each region has to offer in the way of cultural attractions, monuments, gastronomic, specialties, etc. We help you know more facts about Portugal. Come and join your trip with us to Portugal.