| Portugal is regarded as one of the oldest countries in | | | | holiday and in search of sun and sea. For those |
| Western Europe. It is a country full of magnificent old | | | | tourists looking to top up their suntans the region of |
| churches, rambling historic castles and beautiful | | | | Algarve fits the bill. |
| monuments. These are equally matched by the new | | | | It is an area of long clean sandy beaches stretching |
| era of buildings and technologies that have sprung up | | | | out to some of the cleanest water in Europe. The |
| in recent years fuelled by a buoyant expanding | | | | area is recognized worldwide for its crystal clear |
| economy. | | | | waters that are mystically surrounded by dramatic |
| Portugal is in the fortunate position of having a | | | | cliffs. To top it off, the Algarve is regarded to have |
| culture and strong regional traditions that have | | | | the best all round weather. |
| developed over many centuries. This has led to a | | | | Due to the superb weather conditions Portugal has |
| strong and varied type of architecture leading to the | | | | many events that keeps the tourists coming back to |
| Portuguese claiming that they have the best | | | | see year after year. One such event held every |
| examples of ancient architecture in the whole of | | | | October is the Angra do Heroismo International Jazz |
| Europe. Mixing this together with Portugal's excellent | | | | Festival. Over the years this event has grown to |
| climate helps make Portugal one of Europe's leading | | | | such an extent that it is now regarded as one of the |
| tourist destinations. | | | | best jazz festivals in Europe. |
| Lisbon is internationally recognized as one of Western | | | | Not to be outdone, the central area of Portugal holds |
| Europe's most unspoiled cities. Many tourists also | | | | its own Festival of The Estuary every year in late |
| succumb to the temptation of visiting the delightful | | | | July, early August. During this festival the city of |
| Sinatra and Cassias which are both easily accessible | | | | Aveiro bursts into life and the flocking tourists turn it |
| from Lisbon. | | | | into a city of colour and joy. |
| While travelling around Portugal, the discerning tourist | | | | For those tourists looking for a more modern culture, |
| cannot fail to be impressed by the numerous small | | | | there is an International Show Jumping competition |
| villages. These radiate a feeling of peace and | | | | held each July in Cascais. This internationally |
| tranquillity often alien to the visiting tourist's homeland. | | | | recognized event brings together some of the best |
| Many of these villages are hidden inside the rambling | | | | horses and riders from around the world. |
| walls of old castles and the one thing that they all | | | | Golf fans are not left out either. As well as having |
| have in common is their stunning geographical | | | | some of the best golf courses in Europe and a |
| locations. | | | | climate to match, Portugal hosts the Portugal Open |
| The paradise island of Madeira set just off the | | | | each year. |
| Atlantic draws in many tourists. They are attracted | | | | It is no wonder that Portugal has turned into one of |
| there by the abundance of local floral creating | | | | the top holiday destinations in Europe. A combination |
| fantastic views set against the magnificent coastlines | | | | of climate, culture and architecture have help provide |
| and mountainous regions. | | | | an ideal holiday location enjoyed by my tourists year |
| Many tourists simply come to Portugal for a relaxing | | | | after year. |