PORTUGAL

Sitting pretty at the western brink of the European mainland, Portugal retains the rural charms that its other continental brethren have relinquished. It is a land of flavorsome cuisine and fine port wine, romantic beaches, and medieval villages sitting atop scenic hills. The pretty ports along the Tajo and the sheer cliffs of the Serra de Estrela, coupled with the Moorish quarters and high rises of Lisbon, make for an altogether delightful traveling experience.
You will be pleasantly surprised by the variety of the Portuguese experience – variety in food, in music, in landscape – and in the way of life itself.

Capital : Lisbon

Best time to visit :

  1. In most parts of the country, the tourist season runs between spring and autumn – March to October, so this would probably be the best time to visit Portugal weather wise.
  2. If you want to head out to the shores of Algarve but miss the crowds, winter is a good time.
  3. The region receives no less than 3000 hours of annual sunshine, and is never very cold in the so-called winter months of November to February.

Minimum days required : 5 days

Places of Interest :

  1. Lisbon –  Belem Towers,  Lisbon Oceanarium, Castle of Sao Jorge, 25 de Abril Bridge, Santa Justa Lift

Climate :

  1. You will never be uncomfortable under the mild rays of the temperate Portuguese sun. The moderate climate is further tamed by the soothing effects of the sea currents.
  2.  Even in areas such as Alentajo, where the heat may be a little oppressive, there are plenty beaches where you can go and beat the heat.
  3. Snow is rare, and whatever precipitation is there is seen in November through June. Snowfall is common in the mountains though particularly the Serra da Estrela range.
  4. Averages in Lisbon are between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius in the summer months between June to September, and between 9 and 20 degrees for the rest of the year.

Currency : Euro

Things to carry :

  1. Carry sun block, a pair of shades, a hat perhaps and light airy clothes if you plan to be there in the warm summer months.

How to get there :

Air

  1. Tranportes Aeros Portugueos, (TAP), the national airline provides international service from many world destinations. A number of other foreign airlines also have scheduled flights to Lisbon International Airport.