Travel guide – Portugal
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Overview
Portugal shares the Iberian Peninsula with Spain, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south. Its long, varied coastline, sunny climate, and the relaxed lifestyle of the inhabitants of its charming towns and villages have made it a sought after holiday destination. The delight of Portugal is that, although it is undeniably part of modern Europe, it retains some rural enclaves where time has stood still and traditions flourish. In the southern province of the Algarve, modern high-rise resorts line the coast and buzz with all the trappings of a package tour destination; the capital city, Lisbon, on the west coast, is a bright, busy, crowded metropolis surrounded by bustling tourist resorts. Travel a few miles north or east, however, and discover a largely undeveloped picturesque countryside full of medieval villages and towns where life has changed little over several centuries.
The Portuguese have a close affinity to the sea; for centuries their famed mariners led the way in the exploration of Africa and the Americas, and opened trade routes to the East. The country became a strong colonial power, and remained so until the mid-20th century, resulting in distinctive foreign influences on the local culture and architecture. From Africa, for example, was imported the now traditional, sentimental fado music, which is one of the country’s unique experiences for visitors, particularly in the cafés of Lisbon.
In recent years Portugal, long overlooked on the list of the world’s top vacation stations, has been investing time, money and effort into ensuring it is discovered by the world’s travellers, just as once it was the Portuguese who discovered the world. This new age of discovery is paying off, as increasing numbers of visitors arrive each year and hotel and resort construction has exploded. From the visitor's point of view the compactness of the country makes it easy to take in all the best elements: sandy beaches, scenery, history, wonderful cuisine, lively entertainment, charming handcrafts, thrilling nightlife, country fairs, excellent sporting facilities and warm, friendly people.
From the cobbled winding streets of Lisbon’s medieval citadel to the cork forests in Alentejo, and from fishermen mending their nets on remote beaches to the shopping malls and sophisticated glitzy resorts, Portugal is a country well worth discovering.
Regions and cities within Portugal...
Lisbon
Madeira
Climate
Summers are hot and dry throughout Portugal, particularly in the Algarve, which experiences very little rain. However refreshing sea breezes make for pleasant conditions. Winters are cold and wet, particularly in the northern and west coast regions. Spring and autumn are good times to visit with cheaper rates at hotels and less crowded beaches, restaurants and golf courses.
Health
There are no health risks attached to travel to Portugal. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is necessary for entry for anyone travelling from an infected area and destined for the Azores or Madeira. Health facilities are good and reciprocal health agreements exist with most European countries, including the UK, whose citizens receive free emergency care at state hospitals. Dental care and repatriation costs are not covered under this agreement. Medical insurance is therefore advised.
The basics
Time
Local time is GMT (GMT +1 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).
Electricity
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are used.
Language
Portuguese is the official language, but English is widely spoken and understood.
Tipping
Service charges are usually added to hotel and restaurant bills, but it is customary to leave an additional 10%. Bar staff and taxi drivers also expect tips, which are usually the rounding up of the bill to the nearest Euro.
Safety
Travel to Portugal should be trouble-free, but there is a rising incidence of petty theft and pick-pocketing in tourist areas, so reasonable care should be taken.
Communications
The international access code for Portugal is +351. There are no area or city codes required. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Portugal is well covered by three GSM mobile phone networks. Internet cafes are available in most towns and resorts.
Duty Free
Travellers over 17 years arriving from non-EU countries do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g smoking tobacco, or a proportional mix of these products; 1 litre spirits with alcohol volume higher than 22%, or 2 litres spirits or aperitifs made of wine less than 22%, or sparkling wines or liqueurs, or 2 litres of wine, or a proportionate mix of these; perfume up to 50g or 250ml eau de toilette. Travellers over 15 years do not have to pay duty on 500g coffee; 100g tea; medicines for personal use and gifts or souvenirs to the value of €175 per adult or €90 for children under 15 years. Providing goods are bought for personal use, there are no restrictions on carrying tobacco and alcohol between the 15 original countries of the EU (including the UK), with the exception of Finland, Denmark and Sweden.
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