Motorcycle trip

Portugal

Geography Portugal

Opening out to the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal is situated in the extreme south-western part of Europe. With a length of 560 km and a breadth of 220 km, the country shares its borders in the East with Spain, over more than 1200 km. Portugal also includes the islands of Azores and Madeira situated off the coast, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Two major rivers flow into the Atlantic after passing through the cities of Porto and Lisbon: Douro and Tage. The latter is a mythical river that characterizes the natural border between the North and the South of the country. In the North, the terrain is quite rough, with several mountain ranges dividing the country, such as the granite mountains of Serra da Estrela, a true playground for a motorcycle trip in Portugal. The vegetation cover is dense with pine trees, eucalyptus, chestnut trees, cork oaks, etc. In the South, the terrain is softer: low hills, large golden plains of Algarve and Alentejo. Southern Portugal offers a climate that is almost like the Mediterranean climate. Olive trees, almond trees and fig trees can be found here. Portugal is an ideal land for a motorcycle road trip.

History and culture in Portugal

Portugal is the fruit of a rich and passionate history. Celts, Romans, Visigoths, Moors and Christians have left their imprint on the country’s history. In the 15th century, Portuguese sailors including the famous Vasco da Gama embarked on a conquest of the world. They discovered Madeira, Azores, Cape Verde, and their expeditions led them to Brazil, India, China, Malacca and even Mozambique. As soldiers, missionaries, traders, they became stakeholders of the vast Portuguese colonial empire. From the 19th century onwards, Portugal experienced a few chaotic years, political instability and lack of economic power. With Salazar, a brilliant professor of economics, coming to power in 1932, the nation recovered, but at the same time, entered a long period of authoritarian regime. It is “L’Estado Novo” until the Carnation Revolution on 25th April 1974, when the army regained control. The society was liberated. The colonies became independent and in 1986, the country joined the European Union. During a motorcycle tour in Portugal, you will surely have the opportunity to listen to fado, the melody full of melancholy and saudade. Fado emerged in the early 19th century, according to some, as the song of the Portuguese sailors; others think it came from Brazil. You will discover that it is above all, the soul of Portugal!