Portugal - Portugal Overview

Article Date: 2008-02-11

Portugal is a country with a rich, seafaring community situated on the Iberian Peninsula west of Spain and cornered by the Atlantic Ocean. Fishing is an important way of life for many in Portugal. Every year in August one of the ports in the Algarve hosts a huge seafood festival. With a coastline of over 500 miles, it has some of the most beautiful and dramatic coastlines in Europe.

Portugal is a lovely country to visit with amazing restaurants to delight the seafood gourmet. The country is well known for its excellent wines especially Port. Most restaurants are reasonable priced and serve generous portions. It is also standard practice in Portugal to add a 5 - 10 percent tip for hospitality staff.

There has been a real estate boom in Portugal in recent years. The coastal regions have attracted visitors and investors from all over the world. Residential real estate is also trading briskly in the rural areas as the interior of Portugal has much to offer to both the visitor and investor.

The locals are very friendly and open towards visitors and English is widely spoken throughout the country. A large selection of English-written newspapers is also freely available.

Portugal is rich in the arts and history. Many beautiful old buildings have been restored and used as hotels. Remember that hotels are plentiful in tourist areas; they are rare in the countryside. Plan your journey well. The architecture of Portugal differs from region to region. Roman and North African influences can clearly be seen. The countryside has magnificent old churches, temples and buildings.

Algarve is the most sought after area as it has perfect all-round weather and much to offer visitors and residents. It has a reputation as one of Europe's top golfing destinations. In general, it is more costly to purchase real estate in the coastal resorts with Algarve at the top of the list.

A special treat for the visitor is a trip to some of the islands along the Portuguese coast. The Azores, 800 miles west of Portugal is known for its beauty and peaceful way of life and easy access to the Portuguese mainland. This makes it a much sought after attraction by visitors and property investors alike.

Travel in Portugal is comfortable with some cities connected on the air routes. Inside the country people may choose to travel via buses, trams, cabs and underground tubes. Driving yourself is possible if you have the appropriate driving licences.

For the investor looking for an asset, property in Portugal holds many benefits. Real estate is suitable for a retirement home, a holiday home, a golfing home or pure investment.

Written by Karen S © Asset-Property.com

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