Frommer's Portugal
Chapter One
The Best of Portugal
Centuries ago, Portugal was a pioneer of worldwide exploration. Until recently, however,
it was never as successful in attracting visitors to its own shores. Outside of
greater Lisbon, the Algarve, and the island of Madeira, Portugal remained unknown
and undiscovered by the mainstream visitor for many decades.
Today's travelers are beginning to realize that Portugal was unjustly overlooked. It
offers sandy beaches, art treasures, flavorful cuisine, a unique form of architecture
(Manueline), charming handicrafts, a mild climate, moderate hotel rates, and polite and
friendly people. Only 2 million annual visitors came to Portugal in the late 1970s. The
number swelled to 20 million in the mid-1990s, and an explosion of hotel and resort
building has kept pace. Today Portugal attracts some 22 million visitors annually.
Despite its small size-225km (140 miles) wide and 612km (380 miles) long-Portugal
is one of the most rewarding travel destinations in Europe. Exploring its
towns, cities, villages, and countr ... read full excerpt from Frommer's Portugal ebook
