Portugal Sustainable Travel, Biodiversity & Culture
Portugal’s capital city, Lisbon, was the European Green Capital Award winner in 2020. Not only that but Portugal wants to position itself as the most sustainable country for tourism, as announced in 2022.
Many people wrongly think that the Algarve is all there is to Portugal. I know we can forgive them as it is beautiful but there is so much more.
Here are some of our articles about Portugal and very soon there will be more coming about biodiversity and culture in Portugal.
By the way, some of these features were written by Irish Tourism students who went to Lisbon just before COVID hit Europe in 2020.
The Portuguese word for Turtle is Tortuga and the Portuguese refer to others from their country as Tortugas.
So far, work on sea turtle biology and conservation by members of the University of Algarve has been conducted both in the Atlantic Ocean and in the Indian Ocean, and in collaboration with local governments and universities.
But past unsustainable coastal development and extensive turtle hunting for meat led to the end of this nesting population.
While there are several turtles endemic to Portugal, there are only two freshwater turtles in Portugal and these include the Mediterranean pond turtle and the European pond terrapin. The other turtles found in Portugal are marine turtles.
Lisbon can only really be explained as a full-body experience, from bumping into people while distracted by the quaint cobblestones or the intricately decorated tiles on the sidewalks, in the Alfama district. At least if you’re having a bad day and your head is held low, you’ve got something to hold your attention or a reason to lift it up!
It’s easy to understand why Lisbon is commonly known as the City of Light, as you are surrounded by bold and vibrant colours that sing out to all the people. But the colour doesn’t stop there… the blue from the Tagus river is emphasised by the sun’s rays that escaped and are now dancing on its surface. The terracotta tiles that adorn the roofs generously lend warmth, even on a grim January’s morning.
Spectacular, yet super authentic, Peniche is well known for its freshly caught seafood. As Peniche is a working fishing town, it has a charming, gritty feeling about it. Head to the port and eat a reasonably priced, delicious seafood meal. During Salazar’s regime, political prisoners were detained at the seaside fort, so this is a must-see for those of you with an interest in history.
For lovers of watersports, the beach in the east of the town is where you can find all sorts of rentals and lessons. Lying 5.7 miles away from the port of Peniche, are the beautiful Ilhas Berlengas (Berlengas Islands), which were declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2011. Consolaçao, south of Peniche also deserves a visit, a stunning situation where you can enjoy miles of magnificent golden sand beaches.
Lisbon, a destination in the south of Europe, known as one of the oldest cities in the world, offers visitors a mix of tradition with modernism which is accompanied by good weather all year round. It’s 2020 and Lisbon is probably one of the best destinations to visit if you are looking for an eco-friendly break.
Every year dozens of cities all over Europe compete for the award of becoming the European green capital, and in 2020, it was Lisbon’s turn. From transportation to accommodation and local food, this destination offer a wide range of options for all the budgets that want to travel in an environmentally friendly way.
The capital of Portugal, Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in western Europe and lies on seven hills. It is known for its beauty, history, food, its nightlife and its good weather. It is a great city to explore the wide range of Portuguese food as it is authentic, unique and interesting.
Lisbon locals are passionate about their food and they all take great pride in finding the best ingredients to create the most unique food. As Lisbon is right beside the ocean, they can source plenty of seafood and can be sold for cheap.
Renowned and very popular, the Algarve region is a place that can meet all kinds of needs. Temperate weather even in winter, great golden beaches, many local restaurants and bars and the chance of living in a typical village or in a more urban environment make this region really interesting. It is no coincidence that it is the most requested location by the retirees who wish to move to Portugal.
retire to Portugal Albufeira
Albufeira in the Algarve
Over 150 kilometres of beaches, interrupted only near Faro by the beautiful “Ria Formosa” lagoon, a protected area and natural park that gathers an incredible variety of ecosystems, protected animal and plant species, as well as being a true paradise for lovers of fishing.