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Portugal

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Tourism in Portugal is quickly becoming a significant portion of the economy. About five percent of the financial gain in Portugal is from tourism, according to officials. Just under fifteen million (a figure that is speculated to increase) tourists are visiting the country every year. Portugal is a small country on the western coast of Spain. It's bordered on the east and north by Spain, and on the west and south by the Atlantic Ocean. Because of the size of the country, there's a good chance that visitors will never be too far from the ocean. This means that a pleasant afternoon on the beach with family, or quietly watching the sunset with your partner, is always within reach. There is so much to see and do in Portugal, that it's really up to the visitors to decide which their favorites are, and the discerning patron won't soon leave this beautiful country behind without sampling as many areas as possible.

So what are the most attractive tourist spots in Portugal? Over the last few decades, the most sought after destinations in Portugal have been the capital city Lisbon, the beach destination Algarve, and the island Madeira. Lisbon has attracted more tourists recently than even the beautiful city of Barcelona, in Spain. It's located just a few miles away from the southwestern coast of Portugal, and directly on the river otherwise known as "Costa de Lisboa". The city at night is absolutely enchanting; the lights, sounds and smells. It's like walking through a twilight paradise, as you make your way to a traditional Portuguese restaurant to share a romantic evening with your partner, or gather at a night club with friends.

The Algarve is most popular for its beaches, but don’t just think of the traditional wide expanses of white sand, though you'll find that here too. On the southern-most edge of Portugal, you will find rocky coastlines, perfect for fishing or sightseeing, diving, and swimming. There is a beach for everyone in the Algarve region. There are also numerous golf courses, and plenty of night-time excitement.

Madeira is one of Portugal's two large islands. The other is called Azores, though the plural name for both is "Ilhas Portuguesas". Madeira's tourist industry generates 20% of the region's total income, making it a particular favorite among visitors. The beautiful beaches aren't the only thing that keeps bringing tourists back however; much of the attraction is to the island's natural environment, and its carefully maintained ecological balance with local plant and wildlife.

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Madeira In terms of "standing out" from the rest, Madeira certainly does. The actual archipelago was once the top of huge volcano, though of course it is currently dormant; the last eruption was approximately 6,500 years ago. A large portion of Madeira's economy depends on tourism, but it's almost an undisc...