Saturday, December 10, 2011

Central Portugal - A Holiday Must!

By Frank Jones


Portugal tempts the visitor with snow-capped mountains and lush green pine and eucalyptus forests in the North and Central areas, to beautiful cliff-lined beaches in the South. The "Green Heart" of Portugal is the name given to the Central area because of the blanket of forests containing aromatic pine and eucalyptus trees, which cover the valleys and mountains. breath-taking natural beauty is dominant in Central Portugal. When visiting Central Portugal, it is impossible to miss the natural beauty of the area.

A car is advisable for looking around the outstanding countryside of rural Central Portugal or for getting to the coastal areas and beaches of the Silver Coast. Adding to the beauty of the forests, mountains and rivers in Central Portugal are a variety of adventure pursuits for those who are active. These include fishing, mountain-biking, kayaking, mountaineering and hiking. A superb option to coastal beaches in Central Portugal are river beaches. Or a trip to the historic university city of Coimbra could be an alternative.

From 1139 to 1260, Coimbra, Central Portugal's main city was the country's capital. Dominating the city underneath is the University of Coimbra. It is the main seat of learning in Portugal and one of its biggest tourist attractions. There is a wonderful Baroque Chapel at the University; in excess of 300,000 historical books are contained in the Library, furthermore its ceiling is covered in multifaceted decorations. plus, more than 32 acres of 18th century Botanical gardens, which are celebrated as some of the most fabulous in Europe.

Coimbra was an important area of the Aeminium in Roman times. There is still an aqueduct and cryptoporticus remaining from that era. close is the ancient city of Conimbriga which possesses some of the best preserved Roman ruins in Europe. More than Roman history, Coimbra has a good quality collection of museums i.e. the City Museum and the Museo Nacional Machado de Castro, which is looked upon as the most significant in Portugal.

Slithering along Central Portugal like a snake is the impressive River Mondego. It makes its way through the mountains, towns and villages and is at its most spectacular as it flows through the city of Coimbra. Guests can relish its charm by ferry, canoe or at one of the numerous and varied cafes and restaurants along its banks.

The hospitality, warmth and friendliness of the Portugese populace is well known. It is especially the situation in Central Portugal. At the beginning the language looks challenging and tricky. Notwithstanding, by mastering a couple of the basic words and phrases and trying them out on the locals, a reward of homemade wine or port is often the case.

On average 30% of the country's native populace work abroad at any one instance. The Portuguese people have a history of migrant working. Nearly all families in Portugal have someone who is working in separate country and this leads to a highly adaptable position to those coming into Portugal, either as a visitor, to live or to work.

Central Portugal has a extensive variety of places to see and experiences to be had. It is a region of amazing natural beauty imbued in history, custom and culture. The area is infused in tradition, culture and history and is also a place of outstanding natural beauty.




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