Portugal by Exotik

What Exotik can offer

Portugal has a rich seafaring past, superb beach resorts, wistful towns and a landscape wreathed in olive groves, vineyards and wheat fields. Littered with UNESCO World Heritage sites and graced by one of Europe’s most relaxed and attractive capitals, it also remains refreshingly affordable. Savouring life slowly is a Portuguese passion, and much of the best is humble – traditional folk festivals; simple, honest food drowning in olive oil; music that pulls at the heart strings, recalling past love and glories; and markets overflowing with fish, fruit and flowers. The Azores islands are a Portuguese archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean, located about 1 450 km (900 mi) from Lisbon. Nowadays, Azores’ main industries are tourism, cattle raising for milk and meat, and fishing. The Azores are actually the summits of some of the highest mountains on the planet, whose base is hundreds of meters below the ocean. The archipelago forms the Autonomous Region of Azores, one of the two autonomous regions of Portugal, along with the archipelago of Madeira.

Cities

Lisbon

Lisbon is a magical city, where the imperial past and an independent present come together to make the city unique, a special place full of infinite possibilities. Lisbon’s cultural dynamics and its night life are the mark of a city that leads a fascinating and multifaceted existence. Lisbon is a city that is bursting with life. Cultural events, feasts, festivals and fairs are a constant part of the Portuguese capital. Probably the most fascinating, passionate and satisfying of all European cities, with blues skies all year round and a pleasant winter, this city offers opportunities for fabulous shopping with designer labels, exciting views of the city and the river and a picturesque setting where old electric trams lead you through narrow alleys. Ancient ways fuse together with the sophistication of the 21st century.

Porto

Porto is one of the last undiscovered European metropolises, that is about to change. But Porto is not a new city. It is an ancient port steeped in history and tradition. It is a highly atmospheric place that has become known for its monuments by renowned architects (Gustave Eiffel’s Dona Maria Bridge, Nicolau Nasoni’s Clerigos Tower, Rem Koolhaas’ Casa da Musica, or Siza Vieira’s Serralves Museum). This is the city that originated and named Port Wine, and gave birth to one of world history’s legendary figures, Prince Henry the Navigator.

Algarve

The Algarve has something to offer everyone, tempting golf courses on which international tournaments are played, superb tennis and riding, and every watersport you can think of. There’s an excellent choice of holiday apartments and villas, and hotels which also provide first-rate business and conference facilities. Walk through the busy local markets to choose from traditionally made handicrafts such as matgrass baskets and rugs, beautiful handpainted pottery and tiles, beaten copperware and intricate bobbinlace. At night visit one of the many glittering casinos or clubs, or simply sit outside beneath the stars and sample some freshly-caught seafood.

Language

Portuguese is the official language, but most people can understand English and French.

Electricity

The electricity is 220 volts; therefore, an adapter and/or converter will be required.

Communication

International access code (exit code in Europe): 00 International dialing code: 351 If you are calling from any other European country, the international dialing code 351 is only required to call Portugal from abroad. So it will be: 00 351 and local phone number. Concerning national calls made in Portugal, it is not necessary to dial the 351-country code. If you are calling from Canada, please dial 011, then 351 and finally the local phone number in Portugal.

Useful links