Portugal offers varied landscapes to explore, historic cities and romantic tours, cultural or gastronomic. Sports enthusiasts can practice diving, sailing, surfing, paragliding, canyoning, and hiking. In addition, this country rightly boasts a rich cultural and archaeological heritage. In each town and village, you will find small or large architectural marvels and will be enchanted by the sense of hospitality of the inhabitants. After a day of discovery or sport, nothing is more pleasant than sitting in the shade of a terrace to sip a fresh fruit juice. You will taste an abundance of fish such as Espada and black saber and lots of delicious seafood. Portugal also has islands, notably Madeira, located in a sunny archipelago. Children will be delighted to watch whales and dolphins during a sea trip.
Funchal and its wonders
The capital of Madeira, Funchal, is a port crossed by Saint John, Jean Gomes and Saint Lucia rivers. Wander among the sweet scents of the municipal market, and appreciate the work of the basketry, or the embroidery of Patricio and Gouveia, the oldest workshop of the island. Stroll the cobbled streets for the charm of houses with flowered windows and original churches. In the old town, admire the 16th-century cathedral, with Spanish-Moorish and Gothic architecture. The curious will visit the Quinta das Cruzes, Sacred Art, the museum of electricity, sugar or photography, or the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Madeira Story interactive center.
Fort São Lourenco, Fort Sao Tiago, and the Frederico de Freitas house are worth a visit. The Sao Francisco Botanical Garden is home to 2,500 exotic plants, and its many species of parrots will delight young and old. Several beaches welcome you, the Barreirinha complex, Sao Tiago, free, the Lido complex, do Gorgulho a pebble beach, the Ponda Gorda, or Doca do Cavacas and Formosa a large beach. You can also take the cable car to the village of Monte. In the evening, taste tuna in escabeche or a wine and garlic fricassee. For dessert, try the honey cake, or the mango mousse.
Learn English before leaving for Portugal
Learn the basics of the English language before heading to Portugal. Thus, you will have the opportunity to explore the country on your own without the help of a local guide. Angelio Academia offers English courses in Paris for all levels. To get started, take the following addresses:
- 20 rue Godot de Mauroy 75009 Paris: the course center from September 1, 2018.
- 8 rue de Prague 75012 Paris: the administrative office for all registrations and to obtain information.
The premises are accessible via the metro and RER lines: Saint Lazare, Concorde, Opera and Madeleine. You will have at your disposal qualified and experienced teachers.