The history of Portugal is one of ups and downs, as periods of foreign invasion alternated with times when the country benefited from the wealth of its colonies. Celtic people were living in the north when Romans arrived in 218 BC and claimed the entire Iberian Peninsula (what is today Spain and Portugal).

The disintegration of the Roman Empire in the 4th century allowed Germanic tribes to move into the area until Moors from North Africa established themselves as rulers of the southern peninsula in the 8th century. Physical reminders of the Roman and Moorish occupants are still to be found today, both in ancient forts and their influence in architecture and gastronomy.

The movement to regain control of the peninsula had its first success in the 11th century. During this time of re-conquest, political regroupings of the various Christian kingdoms occupying the north of Spain led to the separation of Portucale, then part of the kingdom of León and Castile. When the remaining kingdoms eventually united, Portugal remained removed from the spread of Castilian language and culture, using its own dialect that became farther and farther removed from its neighbors to the east. Besides being extremely significant culturally, Portugal breaking away from the rest of the peninsula in 1139 also means it is one of Europe’s oldest nations. 

After gaining independence, the new kingdom slowly began expanding to the south formerly under Moorish rule. By the 15th century Portugal moved beyond exploring these new lands and went in search of territory and wealth farther afield. Its age of exploration hit its high point at the turn of the 16th century, with establishment of Portuguese settlements in India coinciding with the discovery of Brazil.

But the wealth brought in by these new acquisitions wasn’t to last long. Weakened by defeat in Morocco, Portugal was invaded by Spain in 1580. All the money made by the colonies thus went to the Spanish kings now ruling the country, but it was only after Portugal regained its independence 60 years later that gold was discovered in Brazil. The country prospered once again and society moved along with the rest of Europe until the early 19th century. At that time another invasion (this time by Napoleon) and loss of colonial revenue (this time by the independence of Brazil) hurt the county politically and economically.

People eventually took matters into their own hands by ousting the monarchy in 1910. However, the new government did little to alleviate the country’s woes, paving the way for a military takeover in 1926. The long dictatorship of António Salazar lasted until 1968, when he was succeeded by a more moderate ruler. But people were still not satisfied and in 1974 Caetano was pushed out of office in the famous and essentially nonviolent Carnation Revolution. Democracy was established in 1974 and in 1975 the last of Portugal’s African colonies gained independence, ending the drawn-out wars that marked much of Salazar’s regime.

Now a member of the European Union, Portugal receives support and is recovering economically. It is becoming ever more popular as a travel destination, even beyond its resort-laden southern coast, and offers visitors a glimpse into its long history and the unique culture and traditional ways of life it has managed to hold on to despite the challenges it has faced. 

 Although Lisbon and Oporto are very modern, cosmopolitan cities, for the most part Portugal remains unindustrialized and traditional. People are easy going and relaxed, and place a high value on family and community celebrations. Festas (parties or celebrations) are enjoyed in large groups on a variety of religious and secular occasions, though Catholicism is still pervasive throughout the country. But alongside this laid back style of living is a certain formality that helps to maintain good relations, and a fierce pride of language and culture.

For travelers, this means that things that set Portugal apart—great and diverse wines, beautifully tiled buildings, and a mix of Moorish and Roman influences—are maintained despite the country’s growing connection to the rest of Europe and the inevitable rise in industrialization. Though it is steadily growing in popularity as a travel destination, it is usually not the first place in Western Europe that people think of visiting, making it an even more beautiful gem for those who decide to step off the traditional tourist path.

 Portugal lies between Spain and the Atlantic Ocean in the far southwest of Europe. The archipelagos of Madeira and the Azores are also part of Portugal, lying southwest and west of the capital Lisbon, respectively. The north is the coldest, greenest, and most mountainous area, though even there it never gets too cold.

Inland areas experience more extreme changes of season than the coast and the Mediterranean climate of the south. The hottest and driest areas are to be found along the border with Spain, but for the most part the weather is fairly mild most of the year, only really heating up in the summer. The island of Madeira is separated into rainy (north) and dry (south) sides. The smaller Azores experience mild temperatures year round, but also get quite a lot of both 

 The natural beauty of Portugal’s mountains, valleys, and beaches are only enhanced by its unique and beautiful decorative architecture. Manueline architecture is a late gothic style developed during the reign of Manuel I in the early 16th century. The naval designs found adorning opulent buildings from this period are what set Portuguese constructions apart from others in Europe done in the same style. They are relics of the days when Portuguese ships set out to conquer the world. A great example of this style can be seen in Lisbon at the Torre de Belem, a beacon for ships returning to the port, but the style can be found in churches and palaces throughout the country.

Another style that sets Portuguese buildings apart from their European neighbors is the liberal use of decorative tiles. Originally brought over from North Africa by the Moors, the tiles began to be produced in Portugal in the 16th century. A great variety is used to cover floors, ceilings, and walls inside and out, though blue and white Baroque tiles are favored. Not surprisingly, other decorative ceramics are also a specialty of Portugal.

Fado is considered the national form of music, and is unique to Portugal. From the Portuguese word for fate, fado is the musical expression of the shared national culture/philosophy of bittersweet sadness and longing referred to as saudade. Many compare its overall spirit to that expressed in American blues music. The haunting melodies can be sung by either a man or a woman, always accompanied by various guitars. Don’t miss the chance to see a performance when in Lisbon, the center of fado music for the last 150 years.

In a country with 500 miles of Atlantic coastline, seafood is widely available throughout the country-from tiny sardines to mammoth tuna and delicious shellfish. Yet the most popular fish dish is not a native of Portuguese waters. Bacalhau (salted cod) is a national favorite prepared in a number of tasty ways. Food in general is rich and hearty, from hot caldo verde (green broth) to stews of beans and salted meats, sausages and fresh sheep cheese. Sweets are very popular, with each region favoring its own special pastries. Wine is produced pretty much everywhere, and ranges from Douro Valley reds to vinho verde (green wine), a dry, slightly carbonated wine from the Minho. Port is best enjoyed in its hometown (Oporto).

 * People in general are fairly formal in their manners and way of dress. Use formal titles when addressing new acquaintances and dress conservatively when not on the beach.

* Travelers who speak Spanish may be tempted to use it because of its similarities to Portuguese. Don’t-the Portuguese are very proud of their distinct culture and beautiful language. Being spoken to in Spanish is considered by some to be an insult. If you don’t have the Portuguese vocabulary for a certain situation, let English be your fallback language. 

* The beaches of the southern coast are a major destination for vacationers from northern Europe. As such, July and August are the most popular times to visit as the hottest weather and the traditional vacation months of Europe coincide. If you want to avoid crowds, try going in spring. The weather is still gorgeous and there are far fewer people.

 * DK Eyewitness Travel Guides: Portugal.

* The Food of Portugal by Jean Anderson.

* Portugal: A Companion History by Jose H. Saraiva.

* Portgual: A Traveller’s History by Harold Livermore.