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10 REASONS YOU MIGHT FALL IN LOVE WITH PORTUGAL
- BEACHES
There are miles and miles of them and depending on what coast you are on, the scenery can be completely different. Some are crowded and others are just waiting to be explored. All kinds of water sports are available including deep sea fishing, para-sailing, jet skiing and surfing.
- THE SUN
They say it always shines in the Algarve except for one week a year when it rains. The area gets about 3,000 hours of sunshine each year. While all of Portugal is warm from April to October, the Algarve is mild throughout the year.
 One of the beautiful beaches near Albufeira, the top tourist destination in the Algarve.
- FOOD
Portugal is a seafood lover's paradise. Fresh fish and seafood are abundant and relatively cheap. Favourites are monkfish, tuna and grilled sardines.
The most traditional fish dishes use bacalhau (dried salt cod), which the Portuguese claim can be prepared 365 different ways. Beware though, salt cod can be a bit too fishy for some. Portuguese sausage is also worth trying and many restaurants offer a variety of grilled meats.
Meals are served with a platter of local vegetables, and on the side olives, goat cheese, carrots mixed with cilantro and chopped garlic and delicious breads and buns. Save room for dessert because the pastries and tarts are incredible.
In restaurants, you usually get more food than you can eat.
For those who miss North American food, Pizza Hut, McDonald's and KFC have franchises in the tourist areas.
 A group of tourists go for a sail in the Algarve, where all sorts of water sports are available.
- DRINK
Local table wines are inexpensive, but you have to try the fortified port and Madeira, which the country is famous for. There are also local firewaters, some made with figs or cherries, that will warm you up.
- GOLF
Portugal is a golfer's dream boasting more than 60 courses, with more than two dozen of those located in the Algarve. Many hotels offer golf packages, some unlimited.
- HISTORY
Portugal has a long, rich history and has taken care to preserve castles, churches, old buildings and monuments for future generations. You can walk among Roman ruins or tour centuries-old castles. The one castle not to be missed is in Sintra. It is spectacular, a combination of Gothic style with Moorish influences. You can easily spend a day there exploring the nooks and crannies.
- FADO
The traditional music of Portugal steeped in emotion is served up at a variety of cafes and clubs in Lisbon, mostly in the Alfama and Bairro Alto districts. One of the best is Joao de Praca where you can enjoy a fine meal while being entertained by male and female Fado singers accompanied by two or three guitarists.
You don't have to understand the lyrics to enjoy the music.
"It's like the blues in Portuguese style with Portuguese instruments," says Rodrigo Costa Felix, 33, who has been singing Fado since he was 17. "Emotion is what we sing about, all sorts of emotion."
- SHOPPING
While shopping centres called "Centros Comerciais," featuring fashionable shops and designer clothing have become popular, there are still outdoor markets that are filled with character. In Lisbon, there is a large outdoor market every Tuesday and Saturday. Formerly known as the "Thieves Market," you can find everything from roller skates to fossils.
- ACCOMMODATION
A wide range of accommodation is available from five-star hotels to self-service apartment units for those who want to stay more than a few weeks.
But the most unique places to stay are at the Pousadas. These are old historic buildings such as castles, palaces, convents, monasteries and old manor houses that have been converted into four- or five-star hotels.
Traditionally, when a Portuguese couple married, they would spend their honeymoon touring the country staying in Pousadas.
- THE PEOPLE
The Portuguese are warm and friendly and welcome tourists. Many speak English, particularly in the tourist areas.
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