Places to See
Centro de Portugal
Skiing, Serra da Estrela | Skiing, Serra da Estrela |
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A stay in the Serra da Estrela mountains is a pleasure in summer or winter, with or without snow. The Serra da Estrela Nature Reserve is the largest protected area in Portugal and one of the largest biogenetic reserves in Europe. As the highest point in mainland Portugal, it is a place where it often snows, so it’s excellent for winter sports. Every year, more and more enthusiasts flock to the runs in Torre to ski, snowboard or to simply ride their sleigh. If you’re a real fanatic, then practice your skiing and snowboarding in Manteigas on an artificial slope. The techniques used are the same, but with the added advantage that you can ski day and night, even during summer. ![]() |
| 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 | |