For some people, all knowledge of Portugal is limited to soccer, the beach, and the sun. In fact, it's a very multifaceted and interesting country. There are 7 main regions of Portugal.
The central regions of Portugal are divided into 12 sub-regions. This part of the country boasts mountains and superb beaches, one of Europe's oldest universities and mysterious castles. It is also home to the holy land of Fatima, where thousands of pilgrims from around the world go every year.
The central part of Portugal is considered one of the richest in the country. Good transportation allows residents to trade profitably and travel all over the country in a short period of time. The central region is also famous for producing the famous Serra de Estrela cheese.
The northern region of Portugal is considered the place where the whole country began. It is still home to medieval castles, Celtic villages, and monumental monuments. Walking around here, you may get the impression of being transported back in time.
Aside from the historical facts, the city of Braga has an active industrial sector. The northern region is rich in dense vegetation and is helping the economy to grow rapidly.
The southern regions of the country are represented by the Madeira Archipelago, which is located in the Atlantic Ocean. In turn, it is divided into two islands: Madeira and Porto Santo. Due to the favorable climate, locals called the islands "floating garden". The immense amount of flowers and plants beckon many tourists to this part of Portugal.
The southernmost region of Portugal is also considered to be Algarve. This area hosts the largest number of tourists. At the height of the high season here can be about 7 million vacationers from around the world. Visitors are attracted not only by the favorable climate, but also by the good living conditions, as well as the presence of a variety of attractions.
The guidebook also gives the name of such a region of Portugal as Alentejo. This part of the country is considered an economically important unit of Portugal and the center of agricultural life in the whole country. Vacationers are attracted here by the so-called "rural tourism". This region is famous for its famous Alentejo wine, cork and olive groves.
The majestic Lisbon is considered both a city and a region in Portugal. From the outside, it looks like a movie set. This city mixes modernity with ancient history. The region includes not only Portugal's capital, but also the unruly Cape Roca, glamorous Cascais and romantic and mysterious Sintra.
The Azores Islands deserve a special mention. This unspoiled place of volcanic origin is considered a separate region of Portugal, which is famous for its friendly people, incredibly beautiful lakes, and breathtaking views of the endless ocean. Throughout the archipelago, there are currently 19 municipalities.
