Portugal was once a global maritime powerhouse. In 1755 much of its wealth and status in the world was lost due to the effects of a great earthquake and being occupied by France during the Napoleonic Wars. Portugal also lost a lot of its former glory when Brazil declared its independence in 1822.
Portugal was a monarchy until the revolution of 1910. After the ruling class was deposed Portugal was led by a succession of repressive governments for the next sixty years. That is when in 1974 a left-wing military group led a coup that brought widespread reform throughout the country. Chief among the new reforms was Portugal granting independence to all of its African colonies.
Since that time Portugal has restructured herself as a nation. It has adapted a service-based economic structure partly as a result of becoming a member of the European Union in 1986. This economic system has lent itself to making Portugal a prime destination for the ultimate vacation.
Portugal has become a Mecca for the work weary traveler/ vacationer. It has something to offer everyone, with its old-fashioned charm and medieval castles it is easy to lose oneself in the mystic of its glorious past. This is a history that can be felt in all of its picture perfect villages as well as the university town of Coimbra.
Portugal has a fine National park system with the Parque Nacional da Peneda Geresí being the crown jewel. The wars of the past are forgotten as the scent of the illustrious pines and sounds of the idyllic rivers soothe the vacationers mind. This is just one of the many attractions of this once great country.
Visit the maritime museum to get acquainted with itís exploits in world sea exploration. There is a barge there that was built for the queen of Portugal Maria the first. This was kept operational for over two hundred years and ferried such notable passengers as Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany and Englandísí Queen Elizabeth II.
It is a wise traveler who takes the time to become aware of the laws and local customs of the area they plan to visit. Portugal is very liberal in its criminal justice system and the laws are somewhat more relaxed than most countries including the ones on illicit drugs and same sex unions. The laws in Portugal are greatly influenced by their former French occupiers.
Tourists are forewarned that the major crime there is theft. Keep a close guard on your belongings and identification as travel beyond the borders are impossible without your passport. The biggest crime when planning a vacation to Portugal or anywhere for that matter are the scams for vacation rentals. Be aware before you book and check with your local BBB or other agencies charged with the task of investigating business.
The real crime would be to not go at all. It is beautiful and amazing and the people rely heavily on the tourist dollar that is how they have been able to bounce back from centuries of oppression, repression and devastation.