Portugal is a country with a rich history of exploration and discovery. Many of the greatest explorers, such as d’Azamburia, Dias, Columbus and da Gama were born in Portugal and it was through their achievements that Portugal became an imperialist power in the early part of the last millennium.

Now, at the turn of the new millennium, a new era has come to Portugal, now it is being discovered by the outside world. Not everyone though has the financial capacity to own a house in the many prime tourist locations in the country. On the other hand, because of its increased popularity, hotel accommodations have become scarce and pricey. The next option now to enjoy the sights and scene of Portugal is through the concept of timesharing.

In essence, timesharing is the purchase of a legal right to use a particular property over a period of time. The true owner of the property divests the use of the property to third persons for a fee. This contractual agreement is more formally called a usufruct. In this concept, the owner of the property allows full use of the property for the purpose of its existence. This means, if the property subject to the usufruct is a farmland, then the use of the land is limited to planting and harvesting crops on the land. This concept has become popular in tourist havens in Portugal, such as the Algarve, Alentejo and Lisbon. This is how the concept is applied to the current situation. An individual or corporation builds an apartment complex. Then they employ agents not to sell the property but only to sell the rights to use and live in the apartment complexes or homes at defined schedules all year round.

The concept of timesharing is perfect for an individual or a family traveling to Portugal. Here, you can plan around your around the timeshare you have purchased. When you own a timeshare, you are assured of a place to stay to your liking, away from the trampling and maddening crowds of hotels. Though there is no room service or people to fix your room, you need not worry about running up the bills during your stay in a hotel as you feel you have brought your home all the way up to Portugal during your vacation.

The Benefits of Timesharing

Timesharing has become large business in Portugal, especially in the tourist areas. This has fueled the current construction boom in areas frequented because of their beaches and other offerings that are traditionally Portuguese. Not only has this benefited the environs of the construction areas, there are many other benefits the purchaser derives in buying a timeshare in Portugal.

• Expenses are planned out. One of the greatest concerns for an individual and a family is the cost of the vacation. Literally all the purchases and expenses that one pays for are well above the normal prices when you are in a hotel. With a timeshare, you can pay for your vacation even before getting there, allowing you the financial flexibility to purchase more when you are on your vacation.
• Home away from home. Often, living in a hotel makes one feel that one is living in an anaesthetized and antiseptic room during your vacation. Also, there is a problem with security as many others have access to your room and belongings during your stay in the hotel. In a timeshare, this is very different. You can set up the apartment according to your liking, cook your own meals and treat it as your home away from home. You do have to clean up though and make sure the keys are with you when you leave the house.
• Timeshares are assets. Since what you have is a usufruct, it is a right that can be bought and sold, or even pawned depending upon the contractual provisions of the timeshare. You thus have an asset to form part of your portfolio so long as it is valid and subsisting.

The Places for a Timeshare

There are many places that you can purchase a timeshare in Portugal. Here are but some of the places that one can fully realize the value of a timeshare.

The Albufeira is one of the most happening places in Portugal. There are many timeshare properties that are located all around the so-called “Strip” in the Albufeira. There are also many other properties in the famed beaches such as the Praia de Castelo, Praia de Falesia and the Praia de Gale de Olhos d’Agua. The marina is the center of the city and is but a stone’s throw away from the timeshare properties available.

The Algarve still retains its allure as the best beach tourist destination in the Portugal. There are many hotels though that dominates the beachfronts of the area, so getting a timeshare near them will surely cost a pretty bundle. In return though, you will be in the center of the spectacular sights on the beach and in the surrounding environs.

The Tips in Purchasing Time Shares

The popularity and the rewards of timeshares have its upsides and its downsides. In order to make sure you enjoy the benefits and promises of timeshares, here are some tips you need to follow to keep your investment in check and safe.

• Do your research. Since what you are being offered is a piece of paper, you need to look at the company offering it, the property described and the other things that can validate the existence and reality of the time share. This also ensures that you do not fall prey to unscrupulous individuals that will only dupe you of your hard earned money.
• Look at the property. Looking at what you are purchasing is also an important aspect of the investment. It is not enough you look at the property online or through pictures, but you need to physically see the house and the brokers of the timeshare. Not only is this important for your confidence in the investment, but you need to sign the dotted line to consummate the sale.

This long term investment is a definite plus for you as you enjoy the scenery and the culture that is Portugal. This option will make you rest and recreation truly enjoyable, making you come back for more as each year arrives.

The increased activity in the real estate market in Portugal has been the fruit of the streamlining of legal processes in the transactions for properties. This has certainly been the foundation of a business in the purchase and sale of properties through financial intermediaries, such as local Portuguese banks to international banks. Currently, Portugal has established a set of rules and regulations as to the parameters involved in the lending and borrowing of cash for property purchases. It is in this system that the viability of mortgage loans for properties in Portugal has flourished over the years.

The mortgage rules and regulations in Portugal can be simplified all the more with the following by lines so that when you explore this option, you will not be surprised as to the outcome of your mortgage loan application.

• Kinds of properties. Mortgage lending institutions have been known to disapprove applications for loans on the purchase of so-called “rustic” properties. These are properties that are located in the very rural and agriculture areas of the country. In contrast, these financial companies have been much more amenable to mortgage loans for a remortgage on existing property, off plan homes as well as in the purchase of land in order for one to construct one’s home.
• The terms of the loan. Often, mortgage loans are spread between five to twenty five years, with some more established financial institutions carrying the loan well over thirty years. Banks often allow the release of 70% of the proceeds for an existing property or for an off plan property while one can receive at least 40% of the total valuation up front when an individual seeks to purchase land and build the property.
• The eligibility requirements. Like many of the banks all throughout the world, the criteria for borrowers remain largely uniform. The individual’s income, expenses, age, credit history, existing assets and other pertinent information are taken into consideration. Basic information such as proof of address, identity and credit investigation results will also form part of the factors in the approval or disapproval of the loan.

The Pitfalls You must Avoid

In purchasing property, there are many pitfalls you need to avoid, whether you are Portuguese citizen or that of a foreign nationality. Here are some tips you can take into consideration when undergoing the process of obtaining a mortgage in Portugal.

• Seek Professional Help. You need to have an individual well versed in the process involved, from the purchase itself and all the other of items that need to addressed regarding the purchase. Also, these real estate brokers may have the necessary leverage for you to obtain much more favourable terms and conditions regarding your mortgage loan application.
• Proper evaluation. Finding a surveyor and assessor that is able to provide an unbiased and fair valuation of the property is top priority. The evaluation not only goes to the land, but also in your capacity and ability to repay the loan incurred from the bank.
• The costs of the transaction. The true cost of the purchase of the property is not the land valuation made. When the mortgage is applied for, the total cost increases as there are many inclusions to the mortgage amount. These include surveying cost, loan administration, interest, taxes and all sorts of applied expenses tacked unto your mortgage loan. This balloons the total loan cost compared to the valuation of the land.

The Process you must Undergo

Unlike many other jurisdictions, the Portuguese system of obtaining a mortgage loan is slightly more demanding in terms of legalities and administration. In Portugal, the raising of finances is both complicated and time consuming. This means the earlier you are able to undergo the process, the better you are able to handle the many problems that may arise in the purchase process.

In order to obtain a mortgage, you would need to submit an application with all the pertinent information, financial or otherwise. All these will be considered, so long as an acceptance of mortgage has been issued by the seller. This indicates that the mortgage proceeds are acceptable as to the payment over the purchase price. Once this is made, an evaluation of the property is made. All these factors are determinant of the viability of the investment and will be used to approve or disapprove the loan.

The approval of the mortgage loan brings with it a monetary value. This is the land valuation made after due survey and determination by the bank or financial institution. This is also the amount you would need to pay the lender at an agreed upon rate over a number of years. This is also the amount that the seller deems as acceptable for the transfer of the property. The offer then needs to be approved in order to consummate the sale.

If an approval has been garnered, then a contract is drawn up for the sale and transfer of the property. The provisions of this contract include the price, completion date and all such other pertinent information of the transaction. An ancillary contract is also drawn up, this time for the mortgage itself, between lender and borrower. Another application is then completed to formalize the transfer of the property from the name of the seller into name of the buyer. Final sign off of the documents are made and release the proceeds of the mortgage are used to pay for the sale of the land.

There are some other nuances to the mortgage process that need to be considered. When buying properties that are “off plan” the mortgage proceeds can only be released upon completion. This is because the final survey of the property is necessary for the valuation of the property. Without this valuation, there can be no valuation of the property and thus no mortgage can thus be formulated.

Another aspect you need to consider are the other “add-on” costs over and above the mortgage itself. These include payment for the business representative and day-to-day costs of the purchase. Do include the time and the attention to the detail, as well as the stress in the transaction. These costs though are well worth it because in the end, the mortgage will be the means to an end of having your own home and roof over your own head.

Coimbra is a vibrant city of almost 150,000 spread over 319.4 square kilometres. Coimbra is a capital of the Centro region and is found in the Baixo Mondego region. One of the central structures in the city is the Coimbra University that was established in 1537. Aside from this institution, there are many other major architectural edifices that have been preserved throughout the ages.

Coimbra is about a two-hour drive from Lisbon, the country’s capital. It is an ideal place for homeownership as it is a quiet suburb with amenities such as bars, restaurants, concerts and nightspots. The city is vibrant with youthful energy, being a university town, and academic learning, with its educational institution. The city is historic, with many structures dating back to the Arab, Jewish and Christian times as well as artistic as many treasures of the past have been preserved for the youth in the city

Another delight that makes Coimbra an attractive city to choose as one’s residence is the shopping paradise it provides. The old town is nestled on a steep hill with a good number of crafts and art shops and the city have a long tradition of cultural excellence and artistry because of the university. There are many bookshops with many other specialty shops and galleries which would enrich the soul. There are many bargains available in the many shops and stores located in and around the city square. The central clock tower presides over the passage of time in the city, and watches over the many parades and festivities the city celebrates. All these make Coimbra such an attractive option for one to reside in.

The Property Conundrum of Coimbra

One of the most important and financial decisions one can make in their lives is in the purchase of a home. Not everyone is given the ability and the time to pore through the complexities and conundrums of property purchase and sale. It is this niche that real estate brokers and sales agents provide for the many individuals wishing to own property in Coimbra. These individuals know the neighbourhoods that are best suited to the individual’s tastes and preferences. Their expertise also extends to their ability to understand and navigate the peculiarities in the administrative and legal aspects of property transfer and ownership in Coimbra. They also are important go-betweens regarding price discussions between the sellers and buyers. Their functions include the verification of the title as well as title searches. They also facilitate meetings between buyers and sellers until the final agreement on the details of the transaction. These individuals also arrange mortgaging or financing up until the actual physical transfer of the property.

The Keys in Purchasing Property in Coimbra

When you are purchasing property in Coimbra, you need to know where and how the process of purchasing property works. There are many factors that come into play in a property transaction and many individuals play great roles in the whole process. The following are certain events during the process that can be the difference between making the sale and failing to enter into an agreement.

• Title verification and search. This is a process where brokers and agents make the title to the property as to the authenticity of the document as well as the correctness of the facts contained in the document. If there is a defect in the document’s contents, then the sale can just as easily go bust. If it is a correctible mistake, then the agent or broker can arrange for the amendment of the title.
• Preparatory meetings. The brokers and the agents arrange for the meetings between buyers and sellers as well as limit the talking points between the two parties in order to bring them closer to an agreement. These include finding the maximum allowable negotiating points between the parties and finding common grounds for the parties to agree at the soonest possible time.
• Financial assistance. These brokers and agents are also able to find financial institutions that can provide loan terms that are reasonable for the buyer. When the buyer is unable to raise enough funds for the purchase, then the sale will not push through. In finding a mortgage loan for the buyer, the agent or broker can be assured of the consummation of the sale.

It is important that before you engage the services of an agent, you must already have an idea of the kind of property you are to purchase, be it a home, a condominium, an apartment or farm. From there, you also need to find out your maximum allowable purchase price to be able to get a ceiling for your prospective purchase. From there, the agent or broker you would be engaging can make calculations as well as identify prospects for your purchase. The agent or broker will only do this after you sign an engagement agreement that makes the agent or broker your exclusive representative in your property purchase. The listings that the agent or broker will provide as well as possible sources of financing are services that an agent or broker can provide once they are properly engaged. They are vital cogs as both representatives and agents for and on your behalf in your plan to purchase property in Portugal, especially in Coimbra.

There are other important personnel that you need on your side in order to assist in the transfer of your property. It is best that you engage the services of a lawyer or advogado when undertaking this kind of purchase. They will specifically function as individuals who will review the terms and conditions of the contract and ensure the enforceability of its provisions. You may also want to engage the services of a real estate appraiser to make a proper estimation of the true value of the property. These specialists examine income records, building valuation and the trends in property valuations of the area over a period of years to make an assessment of the fair market value of the property. This helps as you can become fully apprised of the property value and the future value of the prospective property to be purchased. Though these services can be provided by the agent or broker, it is highly recommended that you engage any of these specialized professions to verify and properly evaluate the property to be purchased in Coimbra.

A few decades ago, setting up a business in Portugal was a very stressful and time-consuming affair. This was then recognized by the leaders of the country as one of the main causes for the slow growth of the business sector. In response, new laws were instituted to make the process of setting up a business more simplified. Barring any difficulties and issues, you can have your business registered and set-up in a single day. Here is the overview of the process of setting up a business in Portugal.

Who can set up a business in Portugal? Portuguese citizens can set-up a business while foreign nationals can set-up a business through the facilitation and assistance of a Portuguese lawyer, solicitor or notary duly holding a certificate that allows them to do this kind of business. There are no restrictions for foreigners to set up a company in Portugal so long as they apply for legal residence and obtain the necessary work permits and the infusion of the minimum capital investment for the company.

Here are the required certifications for foreigners to be able to set up their business in Portugal. These particular requirements are strictly observed and this is where assistance of a professional becomes critical to the success of your planned business:

• They must obtain a Residency Card or Cartao de Residencia that has been duly issued by the Portuguese Immigration Service or a Servicios se Estrangeiros e Fronteiras or work permit.
• They also need to obtain a Tax Number or a Numero Fiscal de Contribuinte be it for the establishment of a business or those intending for work. This identifies the individual for tax purposes.
• The individual should also register to obtain a Social Security Number or a Cartao de Seguranca Social. As a mandatory requirement, foreigners working in Portugal for more than a hundred eighty days need to pay their share for social security.
• You also need to determine the type of company you would be setting up in Portugal. The following are four types of companies that can be established.

1. Private limited liability companies, or Sociedade por Quotas require at least two individuals as partners to its establishment.Sole proprietorships or Sociedade Unipessoal por Quotas have an individual owner, either as one person or as a collective entity. The corporate entity is liable solely for the liabilities. The minimum capital investment for these kinds of companies are €5,000.
2. Public limited companies or Sociedade Anonima SA Corporation requires at least five individual shareholders. If one of the shareholders is the State, then only two other shareholders are needed. The corporate entity is liable for the company liabilities.
3. Limited co-partnership companies or Sociedade em Comandito SC are special kinds of companies. There are two categories of partners in the corporation, the dormant partners or socios comanditarias and the full partners or socios comanditados. The dormant partners liability is limited to the amount of their shares. The full partners are fully liable for any and all of the company debts.
4. General partnership companies or Sociedade em Nome Collectivo SNC partners are liable for any and all of the company’s debts.

There are many companies that offer professional advice and help in putting up a business. These entities include the local Municipal Councils, local Citizen’s Shops or Loja do Cidadao and the local employment services. Some other modern towns and cities have Business Formality Centers or Centros de Formalidades das Empresas or CFE. These specialized offices are designed to assist the setting up of the business. They provide entrepreneurs the documents required for submission, provide organizational management advice, process orientation and other information on government bodies to assist in its establishment.

You can opt to hire a professional or a Portuguese business broker known as a Despachente. This individual or individuals are well versed in administrative procedure. It is also necessary to engage the services of an accountant or Contabilista and a lawyer or Advogado. Another important item to have when putting up your business is a Conta Bancaria or a business bank account as well as individuals designated who can sign and issue checks.

Individuals choosing to put up a business need to choose a name for their business. The proposed names can be checked against a database of company names. The name, if it is available, can be registered with a validation certificate or Certificade de Admissibilidade issued by the Registo Nacional de Pessoas Colectivas or the National Registry of Companies.

Setting Up a Business in a Nutshell

The basic steps in putting up a business in Portugal are as follows:

• Entrepreneur applies for a Validation Certificate or Certificado de Admissibilidade for the issuance of a Provisional Company Identity Card or Cartao Provisorio de Pessoa Collectiva from the Registo Nacional de Pessoas Colectivas or RNPC.
• The Deed of Incorporation is prepared and signed at a notary public.
• An application for a Start of Activity Declaration or Declaracao de Inicio de Actividade para Efeitos Fiscais at the Tax Office or Direccao-Geral dos Impostos. This application needs to be filed within 90 days after issuance of the Provincial Company Identity Card.
• The Conservatorias do Registo Comercial or the local Commercial Registry is the next office to go to as one applies for the registration of the company. The registry will then organize the company’s publication in the Portuguese Official Journal or Diario da Republica.
• Another office that needs to be dealt with local Social Security center as the employees need to be registered and the company needs to pay its share in social welfare.
• The owners also need to register the company within thirty days with the Commercial or Industrial Records Office or the Cadastro Comercial or Industrial at the Directorate-General of Enterprise or the office of the Ministry of Economy.

This simplified process has made setting up a business in Portugal much easier. This has helped foster the current economic growth in Portugal. Now, you should not have any other problems when you want to earn a profit in Portugal since this registering a business is now just a breeze.

Purchasing property in Portugal occurs in stages. Often, these stages occur sequentially and the following is an advisory of how properties are bought and sold in Portugal. Here are some tips though you need to do in order to avoid getting into complications when going through the process of property transfer and ownership in Portugal.

1. Look at the property. You can do this by either going to the house and seeing it for yourself or if it is advertised online, look at all the pictures closely in order to have an idea of the condition and location of the property.
2. Learn Portuguese. In order to be able to get into the thick of things. By being able to understand the discussions, you can get to up to speed with everything that is being communicated about property.
3. Check your finances. This is a long-term investment involving long-term cost. So, you need to be properly prepared financially since there is a lot involved before being able to secure ownership of your dream home.

The Contract of Sale

The very last stage to transfer ownership is in the signing of the contract of sale or escritura. Here are the peculiarities prior to this formality.

• The first stage in purchasing a property in Portugal is the signing of a promissory contract, called a contrato de promessa de compra e venda. This document details such as the owner’s identity, detailed description of the property and the boundaries of the land, tax and registration numbers, the purchase price, deposit and completion date.
• This document can be drafted in English and a deed of sale or the Escritura can be drafted by obviating the contrato de promessa. This is a requirement though when paying a deposit, which is the norm in buying property in Portugal.
• If you purchasing property still to be built, or “off plan” properties, you would need to pay a holding deposit to reserve your right to purchase the property. This holding deposit is provided until the promissory contract is signed. The whole period for this process takes around four weeks.
• In purchasing “off plan” properties, payments are made in stages. These installment plans consist usually of a percentage deposit at about twenty percent. After this payment, you pay another twenty percent upon completion of the roofing, then another twenty percent when tiling on the bathroom and kitchen or doors and window frames are completed. Then you pay another twenty percent upon the completion of the building, ten percent when the exteriors are completed. The remaining ten percent is paid after an agreed period as insurance against defects. This may change altogether depending how far off of the “off plan” property is from completion.

A completion schedule needs to be included in the contract. The details included in this schedule must refer to stage payment dates, completion dates and penalties for non-completion. There must also be explicit guarantees for building work, builder’s insurance policy and the plans and specifications of the building that have been signed off by both parties.

Now that you know some of the finer points, finding the right location for your dream home in Portugal is an important part of this process. Here are some of the great places you can buy your property in Portugal.

One of the most popular places to buy properties is the Algarve. This is the foremost tourist location in Portugal. The sunny temperatures, the white sand beaches and the vibrant atmosphere makes the Algarve one of the best places to make your home. Aside from the great natural setting, there are many resorts located in the region offering amenities such as golf courses, tennis courts, swimming pools and shopping complexes. The only drawback though is that the Algarve is popular with tourists, so expect many out of towners as well as services costing quite high compared to other places.

Lagos is another town that provides a more natural setting with the amenities of the resort towns have. This is one of the most desirable places to live in as it has many gated complexes as well as stunning beachfront properties. This though comes at a price but it sure is well worth it.

Also located near the coast are the towns of Tomar and Abrantes that also have the allure of the more expensive locations but provides much more value for money. There is also a lot of stunning scenery of pristine environments that have been preserved against overdevelopment. In these smaller towns, you can choose to restore an old home and make it your own or build one from scratch. In the end, you can make your home truly your own instead of being limited to the homes built en masse.

If you want a more metropolitan ambience to your home, then you can choose to live in the cities in Portugal. The prime location is Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal. There are other secondary cities you can choose from, such as Sesimbra, Porto and other highly urbanized centers as your home. The prices are very high in these places together with rather cramped options for your home, but being in the hustle and bustle of the city more than makes up for these limitations.

Thus in purchasing property in Portugal, two main factors come into play. The first one is your desire to make Portugal your home. This desire translates to the kind of acumen and perseverance you are willing to undergo and endure as a future homeowner. This includes the time and stress involved in looking for, agreeing to and eventually gaining ownership of a particular piece of property. The second factor involves the financial capacity available to you in purchasing property in Portugal. There are all sorts of fees that need to be paid over and above the purchase price for the property and in sprucing up the purchased home. Add on the cost of your travel and personal expenses in following up and engaging services results in a rather tidy sum. You need to save up in order to gain the rewards you desire in the new home you have just purchased.

This fine magnificent city is a step back into the Middle Ages. This city and municipality is located in the Dao- Lefoes sub-region of the Centro Region in Portugal. The municipality and city has a total area of 507 square kilometers. The land area has many irregular surfaces with high points of 400 to 700 meters. The rough terrain has many bodies of water where three basins are found, namely the Vouga, the Dao and the Paiva. This makes the municipality a zone of many microclimates, known as areas of transition. The bodies of water interacting with the Serra do Caramulo that is found out to the western area of the city, makes the weather of the Concelho be in the extremes as very wet winters and very dry summers.

The most developed area in the Viseu Concelho is the Grandes Areas Metropolitanas. This area is in the northern central part of the city as it has been a center of commerce for telecommunications, industry, trade and education. An industry that flourishes in the region is the processing of Dao wine, an inebriating spirit. There is the Dao Wine Institute and the Solar do Vinho do Diao that makes the city its home. There are three universities within its confines making it both as an educational as well as commercial hub in the region. The locale is also the crossroads to the Aveiro seaport in the Atlantic to Guarda on the Portuguese-Spanish border and then to Salamanca in Spain. Coimbra, the capital of the Centro Region, is a far eighty kilometers away. Another aspect that Viseu is known for is its art scene, as it is the site of the Grao Vasco Museum. There is also a thriving industry of handicrafts offered to all such as black pottery, bobbin lace, copper and wrought iron items and embroideries. These industries make up the richness of commerce and culture in the region.

Over the course of history, Viseu is well known as an urban center and home of national hero Viriathus. During Roman times, the town’s name was culled from the Roman term viso meaning good view. This was due to the original Roman settlement’s location, which is the highest point of the locale. On the square is the large cathedral with twin towers designed in the Manueline tradition in the exterior and magnificent baroque altarpiece and cloister is in the Baroque tradition. Then in 714 AD, Viseu was conquered by the Moors and holds it for almost a full century. In 791, the forces led by Alfonso II of Asturias recaptured the city.  Upon the victory of Alfonso II, a grave was found bearing the inscription “Hic requiescat Rudericus rex gothorum” or “here lies Rodrigo gothic king”. Rodrigo was known as the last Visigoth king before Iberia fell to the Moors and was believed to have been killed in the Battle of Guadelete, but his body was never found. The Moors were able to recapture the city in 930 AD. The city was fully liberated by Ferdinand I of Leon from the Taifa of Batlabus in 1058.

Viseu is known as the birthplace of one of the foremost painters of Portugal, Vasco Fernandes, or more known as Grao Vasco. His name is enshrined in the museum that showcases most of his works, the Grao Vasco Museu. The museum is situated in the former Episcopal palace and his seminal work inspired others to form the School of Viseu. The most important work by Grao Vasco is the fourteen-panel work depicting the life of the Christ. Another masterpiece is The Adoration of the Magi, where Balthazar is pictured as an Indian king from Brazil. Two other works showcased is the St Peter Enthroned and the Last Supper.

The museum is not the only place of historical interest in the city. There are a large number of churches, convents and chapels located all throughout the city. All in all, there is a cathedral, six major churches, four minor chapels and two convents together with the bishop’s palace. The cathedral is in the center of town and opposite it is the Igreja de Misericordia. The church is acclaimed for its Rococo façade and the religious artifacts in the church are both venerated and valuable.

The Praca Dom Duarte is a romantic square filled on all sides with wrought iron balconies and with stunning views of the cathedral. The street of many activities is the Rua Direita with its many shops, cafes and old townhouses. Another vibrant square is the Rossio that showcases a long mural with blue and white tiles that depict country life. The mural fronts the 19^th century town hall that has many more scenes of Viseu’s history and famous people. There are also fine pieces of woodwork and a courtyard. Lying a little distance to the south is the Church of the Brotherhood of St Francis built in the 18^th century.  To the south is República Square or Rossio, the vibrant main square with a long mural attractively covered in blue and white tiles depicting scenes of country life. Across from the mural is the 19th century town hall, with more tiles featuring the town’s history and personalities, fine woodwork, and a courtyard in the interior, and to the south is the 18th century baroque Church of the Brotherhood of St. Francis. Sitting atop a hill is mansion of the Moorish style that was once the home of the first director of the Grao Vasco Museum. The manor is called the Almeida Moreira House Museum with a wide array of paintings, ceramics, furniture and antiques that bring the visitor back in time. Another place to enrich the soul is the Teatro Viriato, named after the Lusitanian king who fought the Roman invaders of the Viseu. The statue of Viriato stands at the edge of town to welcome its visitors.

The views from Viseu are not only seen atop the Cathedral’s watchtowers. This was the view in the ancient times. Now, in the modern times, the views of the city have changed into the great future that lies in store for the city of Viseu.

Costa Verde is the second largest city in Portugal and is located on the northwest coast of Portugal. It is considered as the coffers of Portugal, being the center of finance and commerce in the country. Even with this modernity, the locale has stunning natural environs, white beaches and beautiful wineries making the city truly a unique place to visit for foreigners and locals alike. There are many offerings for the varied interests and enjoyments of the visitors to the Emerald Locale, and one can surely find the most suitable one while enjoying the history, culture and cuisine of the area.

The Costa Verde is in actuality the tourist area that comprises the districts of Minho and the greater part of Douro Litoral. The area is a swath of land area from the City of Porto right up to the Spanish border and the Viana do Castelo. The area has six sub-regions covering three districts of the eighteen spread throughout Portugal. There are many historic and interesting sites up and down this area that will surely pique the interest of many tourists. Primary among these locales are the towns of Braga and Guimaraes, as these are frequented by the young and the jet set. These towns offer the very best of Portuguese hospitality and culture that often guests become inebriated with a heady feeling of enjoying their lives in the wide expanse of the region called the Costa Verde.

One of the first items of historic interest in the region is that this is the birthplace of King Dom Afonso Henriques, Portugal’s first king. It was under the reign of King Henriques that Portugal was unified and was able to drive out the Moors from the country. As can be seen all throughout the area, Moorish influence still pervades in the architecture, cuisine and culture. Costa Verde is divided into three districts. These three districts are Viena de Castelo, Braga and Porto. Its climate is perfect for tourists, with mild dry summers and calm wet winters spread in seasons all year round.

Porto, or also known as Oporto, is one of the most charming albeit more older towns in Costa Verde. It is located in the southernmost part of Portugal, embracing the Duroro River. It is the acclaimed capital of the Costa Verde region. Within the city of Porto has an international airport and has the best and the most modern road system in Portugal. The tourist scene in the city is diverse, as there are many historic places, beautiful parks and gardens, and the delights one can enjoy in Oporto are many. The city has been subjected to conflicts of both local and foreign origin. Despite the many conflicts throughout its history, the populace has kept steadfast in its perseverance to survive and overcome. This overall feeling has been passed over generations, making it one of the academic centers, with the Universidade de Porto and the surrounding merchants and commerce of the city.

The city is also most known for the inebriating spirit affectionally called “Porto”. The grapes come from the lower slopes up in the middle area of the River Douro to be brought downstream to the city. Scattered on the riverbank are many manufacturers and artisans that make the renowned distilled spirit. A similar product is indigenous to the area and it is called Vinho Verde or young green wine. Though not as popular as Porto, Vinho Verde is said to capture Costa Verde’s spirit in a bottle.

One of the towns of Costa Verde is Braga, which is best known for the magnificent edifices that populate its skyline. The town was the original capital of the district in the medieval times, making for the many structures that are of the era’s design including the imposing castle in Braga. Guimaraes is the second town of great interest in the area. In 1139, Portugal’s first king, Dom Afonso Henriques declared in the town’s cathedral to conquer the rights to a kingdom and enlarge his fiefdom known as Portucale into a kingdom to be known as Portugal, where he will stand as king. His words rang true as from this area he was able to unify and proclaim his dream of a unified Portugal under his rule.

One of the reserves in the Costa Verde region is the Parque da Penada Gerez. In the nature reserve, many kinds of indigenous flora and fauna can be found, making it one of the serene natural environs in Costa Verde. The very northern part of the area is the Minho River basin, which lies on the border with Spain. The capital of this area is Braga and is said to have been founded by the Celts in 300 BC. From there, it developed into a Roman administrative center and continued on its career as an industrial as well as a religious area for tourists and visitors alike. One of the main edifices in the city is the Braga capital, the religious center of Minho. Another favored tourist destination are the locales around Pinhao and Sao Joao da Pesquiera. These farmland areas make use of the arable land even on the steep walls of the valley. This area is said to be the very heart of the wine industry, making it also a center of industry and culture in the Costa Verde Region.

The economy of the Costa Verde is greatly dependent on the Valley of the Douro River. It has a great agricultural base from the fertile areas surrounding it. Also, much of the income of the area comes from the trade and commerce of Port wine. It has also become one of the most industrialized regions in Portugal. This is best shown by the presence of many large corporations and businesses that call the area its headquarters. The tourism industry is also one of the cash cows of Costa Verde, especially during the high summer season as tourists come in droves to enjoy the sights and delights of the area. As its name implies, the Costa Verde is the one of the jewels of the Portuguese crown, the emerald locale for all to visit and enjoy.

Found in the district of Setubal is the municipality of Sines. The Municipality is spread over a total of over two hundred square kilometres of seafront land. It is located on the center of the Alentejo coast and is within the St Vincent and Southwest Alentejo Coast Natural Park. The town is a Mediterranean climate greatly influenced by the ebb and flow of the ocean. The highest temperature at the hottest month is nearly 21 degrees centigrade and at its coldest, it reaches 11 degrees centigrade. Its topographical features is a coastal plain with the Cape of Sines and the Cercal Mountains making it perfect as a getaway under the sun.

Sines has long been an established settlement throughout history. The area was called home at some time by Celts and the Carthaginians. During the Roman era, the town was called Sinus or bay in Latin. The town of Sines together with Pessegueiro Island had become the center of fish salting and shipping in the region. Originally, it was a small fishing hamlet until Dom Pedro I granted the charter to become a town in 1362 mainly due to its strategic location on the coast. At this time, in return for the grant of autonomy, the town authorities built the Castle. This castle is the single biggest monument in the history of Sines.

Another important historical figure that hails from Sines is the famed explorer Vasco Da Gama, the national hero of Portugal. The future discoverer was born in the town of Sines in 1469 and upon his return from India, Da Gama was given feudal rights over all of Sines. Two other important historic sons of Sines are the painter Emmerico Nunes, the painter and Al Berto, the poet.

The center of the town is the Parish Church dedicated to St Salvador, the Patron saint. There are also dedicated statues of religious significance to Our Lady of Salas for Sines and the Our Lady of Soledade for Porto Covo. Aside from these religious structures, there are many important historic edifices about the town. The Sines Castle is at the top of the list, followed by the Church of Our Lady of Salas and the Mother Church. For culture and arts, the focal building is the Sines Art Center.

The biggest attractions in Sines are its beaches that are white sandy shores with pristine waters. The biggest one is Porto Covo, a picturesque village with the most well preserved beaches as it forms part of the Sudoeste Alentejano and Costa Vincentina Natural Parks. The northern parts of the beaches are the Pessegueiro Island, the Sancha Lagoon, Ribeira dos Moinhos, Morgavel and Junqueira beaches. The main beaches have round the clock services with excellent facilities. The most popular tourist beaches include the Morgavel, the Vale Figueiros, the Grande of Porto Covo, the Ilha de Pessagueiro and the Torpes. The Praia Grande is one of the widest and most easily accessible. All throughout the area, there are many small coves and beaches with fine white sand and clear blue waters. The beaches are often separated by large rocks that create a wall for some exclusivity and intimacy. These areas are named as Vierinha, Oliverinha, Foz, Samouquiera, Burrinho, Espingardeiro, Pequena and Buzios are but some of the small but picturesque inlets you can relax in peace and in quiet. One of the most exclusive beaches, the Praia do Salto is a naturist beach and one of the few ones allowed in Portugal.

The beaches of Sines do not only provide entertainment value, but there are other reasons for the beauty and value of these seashores. One of these is the Praia Vasco da Gama as it is one of the most hallowed historic beaches of Sines. The beach has an adjoining Fishing Harbour, this strip of sand has become part of the very fabric of the municipality, as it has become witness to the marauding attacks of pirates to historic send-offs of galleons during the Age of Discovery. Another beach of historic and this time religious significance is the Praia de Sao Torpes. Legend has been told that the lifeless body of the martyr was found resting on the sands of the beach during the first century of the Christian era. The Praia Ilha do Pessegueiro was used as a refugee harbour by the Carthaginians as well as the Romans before going up the coast of Alentejo.

After a day at the beach, one will certainly be famished. Another way to enjoy the great offerings of Sines is in the cuisine of the area. Most if not all of the dishes in the Sines region have seafood as the main ingredient or mix seafood. The fresh bounty of the sea is often part of the culinary delights of inland Alentejo, such as Migas or fried breadcrumb with fried fish, beans with whelks, limpet rice, whelk and roe salad and so much more.

Further inland the Rua Candido dos Reis and the Rua Teofilo Braga are the shopping streets of the town. Another important historical edifice is the Largo dos Penedos, a watchtower built as an early warning system against invaders and/or marauders. It is also the highest vantage point in the town. On Rua Vasco da Gama, the home where the national hero of Portugal was born is located, making the town seeped in both history and culture. The town’s church is home to many religious artefacts that has gained both great spiritual and historic importance in Sines.

As the modern world comes into Sines, many projects in the region have been geared towards creating an economic support system to expand developmental aims in the region. The primary project is the large marina along a long breakwater together with a deep-sea port and industrial platform. There are also many construction projects in the energy industry and commercial shipping.

Sines has experienced a long and historic love affair with the sea. From its establishment to its economy, the sea is part and parcel in its every day life. It is home to the national hero of Portugal as well as many other lovers of the sea. In Sines, life is truly a beach.

Aljezur is located at a distance of thirty kilometers north of Lagos in a fertile valley filled with greenery and vegetation. The valley has long been known for its sweet potato crops as the rich land is fed by the river that cuts the area. The old town is located on one side while the new town is on the other side. The old town is built on a hillside, with the main street runs parallel to the river where there are many small cafes serving delights al fresco. A Moorish castle built in the 10^th century is located high on the hill overlooking the old town with a full picturesque landscape.

Archaeological discoveries have confirmed that human had settlements in the area at about 4,000 BC. This period was called the mirense of the Brone Age. The oldest formally recorded civilization was established by the Romans, which was soon supplanted by the Moors who lorded over the area for six hundred years. In 1280, the town received its charter from the reigning King Dinis. The boundaries of the municipality are shaped as a rectangle delimited by the hills around it and the sea, making much of its landscape is greatly influenced by these two bodies. The coastal area is lined with high cliffs that nestle beach coves and untouched dunes. The inland is covered by rolling hills with receding vegetation lined up all in the row.  In between these rows, vegetables, sweet potatoes and peanuts are grown over the centuries. Largely untouched during the centuries succeeding this era, it is now one of the fastest growing areas in the 20^th century.

All throughout its chequered past, agriculture was the main economic industry in the region. So overflowing was the produce that the farm products were shipped to the market via the port up the Aljezur creek. Over time, siltation made the creek impassable to barges or boats, the road running down Lagos was used for economic traffic. The earthquake of 1755 caused much destruction and disease to the town. In the 18^th century, the old town was infested with malaria. To assist the people in the grave malaise of the time, the Bishop of Algarve, Francisco Gomes de Avelar, instructed the construction of the new town, called Igreja Nova, in order to escape the deadly consequence of the disease and death. Despite these efforts, many of the residents stayed in their old homes that eventually created the two halves of the municipality known as Aljezur.

The beaches of Aljezur are the most breathtaking as the sea had carved the cliffs to make for the fine white sand beaches. On the cliffs, many migratory birds have built nests amongst the many wild flowers. The bay faces the sun with the long strip of beach separating land from the sea. The following are some of the famed beaches of Aljezur.

The Odeceixe is known for its long beach cut by the mouth of the Seixe creek. There is a resort built near the mouth of the creek and is geared for great family fun. The resort provides the greatest views from the inland Miradouro da Ponta Branca.

The Quebrada beach is one of the least visited beaches as this small swath of sand is hugged by the sea and the cliffs. Some of the other virgin coves are the Samouqueira, Vale dos Homens and Carriagem.

The Amoreira and Monte beaches are twin beaches separated by rock formations that lead up to Ponta da Atalaia or Lookout Point.

The Arrifana Beach is a fishing hamlet with a long stretch of sand that is sheltered by cliffs. This area is best attributed to the Moorish prince Ibn Caci in the 12^th century. He lived in the area as a recluse while writing poetry. There are also the remains of a fort built in the 17^th century to protect the village. The Pedra da Agulha is located in this area and is a magnificent sight to behold.

The most well known beach in the Aljezur is the Bordeira. The beach’s name comes from the Ribeira da Bordeira, which flows into the southern end of this swatch of sand. There is a fort built in the 17^th century to protect the bay from marauding pirates. There is a small headland named as Pontal that provides the best view of the surrounding beaches. There is also a large deposit of fossils from the Mesozoic era and can be reached by the use of a wooden footbridge over the stream.

Aside from enjoying the beach, there is a whole host of activities that can be enjoyed in Aljezur. Sports anglers can rent boats for the day and be hopeful of landing big game fishing in the area. The waters are overflowing with many species of fish such as sea bass, conger eels, snook, sea bream and dory. The famed fishing grounds of Aljezur are Baia dos Tiros, Esteveira, Samouqueira, Vale dos Homens, Carriagem, Fonte Sala, Pipa, Vale Figueiras, Canal, Atalaia, Bordeira, Pontal and Amado. You can also enjoy the waves and go surfing or body boarding as the waters in and around Aljezur are among the best in Europe.

There are many historic sites in Aljezur. Lying atop the hill, the castle foundations have seen much conflict between Christians and Moors over the centuries. The castle was built in the 10^th century by the Moors with a large courtyard surrounded by high walls punctuated by two towers. The castle was badly damaged during the great earthquake of 1755. Another historic site is the Fonte des Mentires or Fountain of Lies. It was called such because of its association with a beautiful Arab woman and the taking of the castle. There is also the Pillory, an area where criminals are paraded in front of the townspeople to be scorned and humiliated. There is also the Misericordia Church, a church rebuilt twice, first in the 16^th century and then again the 1755 earthquake. The doorway is in the Renaissance with a fraternity table.

The Main Church of Aljezur was completed by the end of the 18^th century and stood as the center of the Igreja Nova area of the town. There are three main areas to the church with the magnificent main altar. The church has a statue of the Nossa Senhora da Alva or the Lady of Daybreak made in the 18^th century. Many of the religious images and artifacts come from the old church that was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake.  The side chapels are from the Nossa Senhora do Destiero or Our Lady of the Exile from Monchique. The baptismal font is in the Manueline style of the 16^th century with crucifixes from the 18^th century. The finest treasures in the Church is a Eucharist box made of mother of pearl and gothic chalice, all housed in the Church’s ostensorium. 

The municipality of Aljezur is a bit of the old and a bit of the new. Its natural surroundings and historic sites are must see places to be in as one enjoys the development of the modern Portugal.