Portugal holidays make history come alive, especially Algarve holidays

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(Free-Press-Release.com) April 26, 2011 --

Year after year; Portugal holidays have been growing in popularity among holiday makers as they travel to Portugal to enjoy the sun, sea and beaches, in a different cultural setting. They find holidays in Portugal have much more to offer, sometimes leading to discoveries of places that are the hidden jewels of Portugal. There are exotic villages, age old towns, vibrant culture and traditions and the icing on the cake is the amazing cuisine. A Portugal holiday is great throughout the year and, particularly, die-hard sun lovers might prefer the scorching heat during the months of July and August.

Apart from the resplendent beaches, holidays in Portugal attract those interested in experiencing its rich historical past. Portugal has a rich history of seafaring and discovery from its perch on the Iberian Peninsula facing the Atlantic Ocean. Portugal’s last overseas territory, Macau was handed to Chinese administration in 1999, bringing to an end a long era as a colonial power, stretching back to the 15th century when Portuguese explorers like Vasco da Gama discovered a passage to India. By the 16th century these intrepid sailors sailed over a huge empire from Brazil to swathes of Africa and Asia and today there are over 200 million Portuguese speakers around the world!

Portugal's history is displayed in the culture of the country with Moorish and Oriental influences in architecture and the arts. Traditional folk dance and music, especially the melancholy strains of the Fado are ever present. Holiday makers can spend pleasant days exploring old monuments, walking through ancient town squares and enjoying cultural music and dance performances accompanied with delicious food and great local wines.

Some holiday makers prefer to explore the old city of Lagos, from whose harbour Vasco da Gama sailed in 1499 on his historic voyage around Africa to finally reach India. Lagos was the capital of the Algarve until 1756 and ancient buildings here stand testimony to its days of glory. Moreover, holiday makers can find traditional Algarve villas and comfortable Algarve apartments on rent to get an authentic experience while they explore the old city and surrounding areas.

Another hidden gem is the city of Faro in the Algarve. The old part of the city is still surrounded by the Roman walls which date back to the 9th century with several historical sights of interest. It has a beautiful beach just a few miles away making it doubly attractive as a holiday destination with great options of holiday cottages and Portugal villas for rent for your perfect stay. Undoubtedly, Faro is typical of the Portugal experience, with great beaches nearby, historical sites that testify to thousands of years of cross cultural influences, beautiful countryside around, amazing weather, vibrant and welcoming atmosphere with music, dance and festivities to fill the soul and world famous cuisine and wines to feast upon.

During the ideal time of spring, summer and autumn, one can truly enjoy a rejuvenating and enriching holiday in Portugal and experience its rich cultural heritage. With extremely mild winters, Algarve holidays are suitable all year round. To find your perfect holiday cottages in Portugal, you may visit http://www.ownersdirect.co.uk/Portugal.htm which is part of the world’s leading holiday rentals company. Special deals and commission free holiday rentals would help you save money to have a longer and more pleasure-filled Portugal holiday! http://www.ownersdirect.co.uk/Portugal.htm

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