Portugal
For many years Portugal has lived in the shadow of Spain in terms of tourism, but the last ten years in particular have seen significant growth both in resorts and in the number of visitors. Real estate in Portugal is becoming more and more popular and there are great properties for sale both off-plan and resale.
Geography
Bordered by Spain and the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal sits on the western edge of the Iberian peninsula. The country is geographically divided into two distinct regions by the River Tagus which flows through Lisbon into the Atlantic. The northern part is mountainous and suffers a quite rainy and cooler climate, though in the south where the landscape is relatively flat the climate is warmer, sunnier and drier, especially inland, with an average summer temperature of 21 C.
Portugal also comprises the Azores and Madeira which are located south west of the country, in the Atlantic.
Vogue Estates sells Portuguese property in several parts of the country. In the Algarve in the south you’ll find: Albufeira, Lagos, Portimao, Vilamoura, Alvor, Tavira and Almancil. Around the centre of the country near the capital, Lisbon, is Palmela whilst slightly further north of Lisbon are Alcobaca and Sao Martinho do Porto giving you a good range of landscapes to choose from.
History
Portugal’s history was closely linked to that of the rest of the Iberian peninsula until it became independent in the 12th century. Portugal formed a strong alliance with England in the 14th century because of troubles in neighbouring Spain and over the next two centuries went on to become a leading colonial power, the largest of its colonies being Brazil which was later lost.
Philip II of Spain took back Portugal in 1580 and it was more than a hundred years before it again became independent. In 1911 Portugal became a republic but being run first by the military and then by dictators did nothing for the country’s secondary importance in Europe until a revolution in 1974 improved matters. A democratic constitution came into effect in 1976 and by 1986 Portugal became a member of the EU.
Cuisine
Portuguese cuisine is very diverse. A national favourite is dry cod, called balcalhau, which you can find cooked in hundreds of different ways according to taste. Otherwise, much of the Portuguese food is rich and full-flavoured, featuring many spices, olive oil and herbs.
Portugal also produces excellent wines as well as the sweet variety, Port wine and the desert wine, Madeira Wine.
Currency
Portugal now uses the Euro, but prior to this the currency was the Escudo.
Language
The official language spoken in Portugal is Portuguese; a Romance language which originated about 2000 years ago. Portuguese became widely used in the 15th and 16th centuries when Portugal spread its wings, the most notable of countries being Brazil where Portuguese is still the official language today.
Featured Property
Quinta de Barracuda
- Price : 163,500 EUR
- Location : Albufeira
- Description:
The desirable Quinta de Barracuda development delivers five-star luxury. These are modern and luxurious one-bedroom apartments finished to an incredibly high specification. With location being one of the keys to a great property, it is worth noting that the location here is truly remarkable....
Fonte Santa Village
- Price : 436,000 EUR
- Location : Vilamoura
- Description:
Fonte Santa Village is a small development of just a handful of town houses. The accommodation is clean and modern, finished in light, airy colours and with a spacious, open-plan feel. Fonte Santa Village is located in the Golden Triangle, between Vilamoura and the prestigious town of Vale do Lobo....