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Travel to Portugal travel
Situated in the southwestern Europe, Portugal is the ideal holiday destination all year around. It is one of the oldest nations of Europe. Once the earth’s maritime leader, Portugal has an intricate history to discover alongside spectacular geographic landscapes, turquoise beaches, a rich food scene, and all the Port and bacalhau (salted cod fish) you can demand. Trace the diverse civilizations that have crossed Portugal in the castles, palaces, and narrow cobbled streets typical around the country. But Portugal has some surprises, as well – whale watching, natural springs, a village built from boulders, and a chapel made of human skeletons, to name a few of Portugal’s top sites to see.
Diving in Portugal
Portugal is host to almost 100 dive sites which are situated up and down its 1200 kilometers of Atlantic coastline and around its islands. You can expect to spot historical wrecks, vibrant marine reserves, underwater caves and active volcanoes while diving in the country. With a long Atlantic shoreline, diving takes place at locations around the country including Porto, Aveiro, Peniche, Lisbon, Sines, Sagres, Lagos and Faro. Wreck enthusiasts will delight in Portugal’s variety of sunken ships and submarines from its long maritime history. Open ocean dives near Madeira and the Azores are sure to amuse pelagic lovers. Interestingly, the Azores is one of the only places in the earth to dive over a live volcano.
Diving regions in Portugal (4)
Faial-Pico Channel Marine Protected Area
An 8.3 km strait between Faial and Pico islands, designated a Special Conservation Zone, with volcanic boulder fields, calderas and strong tidal currents.
Formigas Islets and Dollabarat Reef
A protected group of uninhabited islets and an adjoining submerged reef between São Miguel and Santa Maria, designated a Nature Reserve, Natura 2000 site and Ramsar wetland.
Princess Alice Bank
A submerged seamount about 50 nautical miles southwest of Pico Island, rising from depths of over 1,500 m to a peak near 35 m, famous for large pelagic encounters.
Vila Franca Islet Natural Reserve
A small volcanic crater islet and its surrounding protected waters off the south coast of São Miguel, near Vila Franca do Campo, designated a Natural Reserve since 1983.
