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Portugal travel facts
| Area (sq km): | 91,950 | |
| Population: | 10,524,145 | |
| Nationality: | Portuguese | |
| Local Name: | Portugal | |
| Language: | Portuguese, Mirandese |
|
| Time Zone: | GMT | |
| Currency: | 1 euro = 100 cents | |
| Rate: | www.xe.com | |
| Capital: | Lisbon | |
| Dialling Code: | +351 | |
| Electricity: | 220V/50Hz | |
| Internet Code: | .pt | |
| Religion: | Roman Catholic, Protestant |
|
| Climate: | Mediterranean, Maritime |
|
| Government: | Parliamentary Democracy | |
| Inoculations: | None | |
| Driving: | Right | |
| Int'l License: | Not Required | |
| Banking: | M-F 8.30-15.00 | |
| Major Airports: | Faro(FAO), Lisbon(LIS), Madeira(FNC), Porto(OPO) |
Villas in Portugal & Festival of St John
Festa de Sao Joao, Festival of St John, can be celebrated from villas in Portugal in many areas of the country, but no where is this holiday observed like it is in Porto. In commemoration of the patron saint of lovers, in June Porto rolls out one of the most energetic street parties in Europe!
Like Carnival, the Festival of St John is a fantastic time to rent villas in Portugal and spend your holiday in the embrace of Portuguese culture. It is interesting to note that the Festival of St John has religious roots and it is hinted that it may even have pagan roots.
Today the religious elements are played down in favour of a more unruly party environment. In Portugal, the towns and villages all adopt their own saint, Antonio, Peter or John to honour in June. From beautiful villas in Portugal you’ll be able to experience the best of the Festival of St John.
A leek headache & glass of port
The separate districts of the city compete in a motif display competition featuring cityscapes and ornaments. All ages are out enjoying the kick off to the festivities. As the night rolls in, so do the leeks. Yes, the vegetable is used to hit people over the head and it hurts more than one might think. In an attempt to ease the pain, some people have opted for plastic hammers by which to thrash you.
The home of Port bedecks its streets with makeshift stages for live bands, beer stands and food tables and all the port you can drink. Rent villas in Portugal to see fireworks blast and explode overhead showering the city and its carousing peoples. The night creeps into dawn when the party moves to the Porto beaches and the ceremonial lighting of bonfires keeps the festivities going as the sun comes up.