Places to See
Centro de Portugal
Portugal
is a mountainous country with an unpolluted environment. Its pure and
well preserved landscape boasts dense forests and rocky outcrops.In the Centro de Portugal you will find a huge variety of nature, history and culture. First there are glacial lakes, spring waters and all kinds of outdoor sports: on land, in the sky or on water. The Serra da Estrela Natural Park is worth a visit because it boasts clear spring waters at the sources of the rivers Zêzere and Mondego. If you’re feeling energetic, go to Linhares where you can have a go at paragliding. For natural swimming pools try the Serra da Lousã and the Serra do Açor. And for peaceful footpaths visit the Serra do Caramulo. All of this is in the Centro de Portugal, where you will also find opportunities for canoeing and rafting, rock-climbing, abseiling and many other adventure sports. And be sure to spend some time on the Atlantic coastline with its white sand and high waves. Also in the Centro de Portugal is Coimbra, where Portugal’s oldest university is to be found, with its fabulous baroque library. The region is filled with the history of fierce battles and stories of Portugal’s roots before it became a nation. Get to know the historic villages such as Monsanto. Get to know the cities too, such as Guarda or Viseu, dominated by the traditional stone architecture of Centro de Portugal. The Centro de Portugal is a region of warm hospitality, offering visitors genuine village tourism. The charm of the people is to be seen in the authenticity of their rituals, and their popular religious festivities, such as Easter. But it is also found in their cuisine, with its cheeses, sausages and mountain honey. All of this is waiting for you. |
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| Capital (and largest city) |
Lisbon 38°46′N, 9°11′W |
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| Official languages | Portuguese | |
|---|---|---|
| Recognised regional languages | Mirandese | |
| Demonym | Portuguese | |
| Government | Parliamentary republic | |
| - | President | Aníbal Cavaco Silva |
| - | Prime Minister | José Sócrates |
| Formation | June 24, 1128 | |
| - | Founding of the First County of Portugal | 868 |
| - | Battle of São Mamede | June 24, 1128 |
| - | Kingdom | 25 July 1139 |
| - | Recognized | 5 October 1143 |
| - | Republic | 5 October 1910 |
| - | Carnation Revolution | 25 April 1974 |
| EU accession | 1 January 1986 | |
| Area | ||
| - | Total | 92,345 km² (110th) 35,580 sq mi |
| - | Water (%) | 0.5 |
| Population | ||
| - | July 2007 estimate | 10,848,692 (75th) |
| - | 2001 census | 10,148,259 |
| - | Density | 114/km² (87th) 295/sq mi |
| GDP (PPP) | 2006 estimate | |
| - | Total | $229.881 billion (40th) |
| - | Per capita | $23,464 (2007) (34th) |
| HDI (2005) | ▼ 0.897 (high) (29th) | |
| Currency | Euro (€) (EUR) | |
| Time zone | WET | |
| - | Summer (DST) | WEST (UTC0) |
| Internet TLD | .pt | |
| Calling code | +351 | |