2010 - 04 - The spring is a wonderful time in Portugal

Monday, 05 April 2010 14:34

The spring is a wonderful time there. As a country with seven tourism regions, and more than 300 miles of beaches, there is a lot more to Portugal than you might think: flowers are in bloom in the warm hillsides of Madeira and the Algarve. Temperatures climb into the 70s, and airfares are still quite affordable. In fact, four airlines now fly directly to Portugal from the United States. As for things to do, from some of the top-rated golf courses in Europe to 13 UNESCO World Heritage sites ranging from the vineyards of Pico in the Azores to the Vale do Coa Archeological Park, there is no lack of fun.  Portugal has more castles per capita than any other place and the largest cork forest in the world. All this in a country about the size of Maine.

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*** INSIDE THIS MONTH'S EDITION ***

1. THIS MONTH'S TRAVEL SECRET
2. NEWS
3. PACKAGES/DEALS
4. EVENTS
5. EATS
6. CONTACT INFORMATION
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1. THIS MONTH'S TRAVEL SECRET: Legend of Moura

Within Moura's well-preserved walls visitors can find excellent olive oil and local cuisine, numerous palaces and a rich history. But this bright Alentejo town set near the River Guadiana is also home to a tragic tale. The Moorish princess Salúquia was engaged to a dashing young soldier when Christians to the north were retaking the peninsula during the 12th century.
The legend says she waited on a high tower to watch for him to return from battle, but as her lover approached the city, Christian soldiers dressed in Arab clothes tricked the city defenders into opening the gates and ambushed the young soldier and his band. Portuguese Christian forces regained control of the city and Salúquia threw herself from the tower. The sad tower still stands today, surrounded by hills, olive-groves and vineyards. The town's name, Moura, honors her, as does its crest.

Today, the city's Mouraria, or Moorish quarters, is one of the largest and best-preserved in the country. It includes the Arab Museum, built around a well that dates from the time of the Moorish occupation. The 14th century castle tower Torre da Taipa is also from the Moorish period.

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2. NEWS

New Azores flight to start April 10th

Barack Obama to Attend 2010 NATO Summit in Lisbon

5-star Martinhal Resort to open in April

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3. PACKAGES/DEALS

Affordable luxury at the Bussaco Palace Hotel Enjoy a double room starting at 120 Euros per night at the famous Bussaco Palace Hotel. The hotel was recently recognized as one of the 25 most beautiful hotels of Portugal in Gabriela Botelho's book, "The Luxury and Charm of Portuguese Hotels." This fabulous palace, built for the last kings of Portugal, still retains the original furnishings, rare tapestries, master paintings and the country's most important collection of "azulejos," or Portuguese ceramic tiles, of the 19th century.

This offer includes a classic double room and a buffet breakfast. Guest can also request as a special offer a bottle of exclusive Red Wine Bussaco 2002 Reserva. For more information, go to http://www.almeidahotels.com.

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4. EVENTS: Portimão's Annual Sardine Festival

The sardine was once the food of the people, a tasty and abundant coastal fish that would keep well in salt. Over the centuries, this little fish worked its way into the hearts and souls of the Portuguese, making the Sardine Festival one of the summer¹s essential culinary events.
Portimão, the port city where the daily catch is as fresh as the ocean breeze, plays host to this culinary and cultural festival. The fresh grilled sardines are served with boiled potatoes, grilled peppers, local red wine and music. The festival features Fado singer Carlos do Carmo, the songs of Dulce Pontes, Pedro Abrunhosa and Vitorino Salomé, and the pounding rhythms of Toranja and Canta Baía, among others. Other features include handmade crafts on display and for sale and a magnificent aquatic firework display. The festival begins in early August 2010.

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5. EATS: The Toast of Old Iron Sides

From the time of Da Gama to the age of the steamship, the island of Madeira served as a supply and fuel stop for countless sea voyages. Madeira¹s location along the trade routes to Africa and the Americas made it a strategic port for provisioning the new colonies, and the colonists in these new territories were a thirsty bunch. The export of wine to America quickly grew to 30,000 barrels annually.
In 1665, Charles II prohibited the shipping of European goods to the West Indies and America unless these goods were being shipped with British ships from British ports. Madeira had been intentionally left out of this decree, because it meant more tax income for the king.
The new American colonies became a favorite trading partner with Madeira and well-known colonists, like General George Washington, were great friends of this wine. Washington enjoyed the wine so much, it is said he drank a pint of it daily.

When it came to important revolutionary events, Madeira wine was often there. The first presidential inauguration and the appointment of the city of Washington as the capital were celebrated with Madeira, as was the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The legendary frigate the U.S.S.

Constitution was even baptized with Madeira wine. Known as 'Old Ironsides',  it is the oldest ship in the world still afloat. Some say it is not only the ship¹s special sandwich live oak planking construction that has helped it last so long, but its Madeira wine treatment as well.

Today's Madeira comes in a range of styles, from young, light and dry, to the rich, honeyed vintages from over 100 years ago.  The younger wines are refreshing and lively and pair well with aged cheeses and savory snacks. The richer, darker styles of Madeira are the perfect end to an autumn meal and are best enjoyed on their own.