There are so many things about Portugal in this blog, but what is Portugal actually known for?
Football, Bullfights, Castles, Shrines, Food, Music, Beaches. All of these contains unique points that only Portugal has. Portugal is such a huge country nobody can visit all of the attractions in just one day.
When you type in the word 'Portugal' in google search, you will see many different images of Portugal, from football to beautiful beaches, artefacts and even religious buildings.
Among these attractions, the history of Portugal is most popular, as it is the oldest country in Europe in its shape. Portuguese castles have been in existence since the 12th and 13th century when Portugal declared its independence from Castile and Leon. Contrary to most of the castles in the rest of Europe, which were converted into more pleasant palaces as times became more peaceful, the Portuguese castles maintained much of its medieval military characteristics due to the constant invasion threat from Spain. This gives people the possibility to feel how the true and original castles would have been in the past: strong, practical, rough and harsh strongholds with minimal comfort.
Belem tower
Almourol castle
Guimaraes Castle
I have covered most of the things you can experience and find in Portugal. Does that make you want to travel to visit Portugal? By doing so, you will be engaging in tourism, just like anyone who visit to places and stay in places outside their usual environment (for less than 1 year) for leisure and other purposes.
Tourism has proved to be one factor that helps boost a country's economy, allows self-actualisation in oneself,encourages a form of social exchange and mutual understanding among one another. In principle, it is a remarkable gift bequeathed upon humanity by humankind. However, at the same time, tourism is a culprit of negative change, whereby destination environments deteriorated, cultures change, and economies faltered.
In the following entries, I will be discussing more on these issues, and how tourism has 'disneyfied' the culture and society in parts of Portugal.