Portugal is a European country situated on the Iberian Peninsula in the southwest corner of Europe. The west and south of Portugal are cornered by the Atlantic Ocean, giving it some of the most dramatic coastline in Europe. Portugal borders only one country, Spain, which makes up the rest of the Iberian Peninsula. With a coastline running over 500 miles Portugal is bursting with scenic sandy coves and rocky cliffs with a dramatic inland landscape. Portugal is a very pleasant country to visit - especially for any person in love with seafood. All along the coast are amazing restaurants dedicated to cooking fresh fish. Most restaurants are reasonable priced with generous portions. When you are having food in Portugal don’t forget to sample the excellent local wine. While Portugal is noted for Port, excellent wines are home grown in regions north of Porto and Lisbon.

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and the largest city in the country. Its population comprises about 2,5 millions (with suburbs). This most western European capital lies on the Atlantic Ocean coast at mouth of Tagus River. The history of the city counts nearly 2000 years and for almost 1000 years it’s the capital of Portugal. The first Portuguese king Alfonso Henriques in 1147 freed Lisbon from Arab invasion and made it a capital. In 1256 Royal Court moved here. Soon Lisbon has become one of the most powerful and flourishing European cities. It reached the highest peak of its bloom in XV-XVII centuries. Then it was the major European transit point and commercial city.

Portugal emerged as a country in 1143, subsequent to a 15-year revolt by Dom Afonso Henriques. Afonso Henriques overpowered his mother Countess Teresa of Portugal, regent of the County of Portugal and loyal to the Kingdom of Leon at the battle of Sao Mamede close to the town of Guimaraes, in June of 1128. Countess Teresa was jailed and exiled by her son. She died in 1130. Hence, Guimaraes is known as the birthplace city of Portugal. Yet, the true test of a sovereign nation did not take place until 1385. In 1385, Joao Mestre de Avis with the aid of legendary supreme constable, Nuno Alvares Pereira overpowered the Castilians at the epic Aljubarrota battle, where the Castilians outnumbered the Portuguese 6:1.