Day-to-Day
How to get to Portugal
Portugal has 4 main airports in mainland and 1 in each main island:
- Lisboa, Portela Airport
- Porto, Airport. Francisco Sá Carneiro
- Faro Airport
- Beja Airport
- Madeira – Funchal Airport
- Azores – Ponta Delgada, John Paul II Airport
A TAP Portugal (www.flytap.com) is the national company and ensures more than 75 international destinations, in addition to domestic flights between Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Azores and Madeira
SATA (www.sata.pt) mainly ensures flights between all the islands of the Azores, but there are also some international flights
The Aerovip (www.aerovip.pt) – ensures air transportation between the Portuguese cities of Bragança, Vila Real, Viseu, Cascais and Portimão
It is also possible to reach Portugal by bus. The routes are made available by Eurolines (www.eurolines.fr) e Intercentro (www.internorte.pt)
Regular bus services connect all cities, villages and main towns in Portugal. In the National Express Network www.rede-expressos.pt it is possible to find routes, timetables and prices
CP – Trains from Portugal (www.cp.pt), covers the entire continental territory, ensuring international train connections to Vigo, Madrid e Paris.
Transport in Porto
In Porto, the bus network is STCP whose on-board fare is 2,00 euros
The Surface Metro allows you to reach the suburbs and some of the small towns around Porto. The single ticket costs 1,60 euros
For trips outside Porto the best option will be to trains. There are several services, connecting urban centers and long-distance services that connect to Spain
Combined bus tickets, metro and train within the urban area of Porto (Andante) cost 7 euros for one day and 15 euros for 3 days
You can simulate routes and schedules at Moovit or using the Google Maps
Porto also has traditional tourist buses – the Yellow Bus and the CitySightseeing
Transport in Lisbon
In Lisbon, the bus network is Carris, the on-board fare on buses is 2,00 euros and in the electric 3,00 euros
In Lisbon Metro, the single ticket costs 1,50 euros but there is the option “7 Hills” and “Viva Viagem” by 0,50 euros and can be loaded with single tickets, or with combined tickets for the Carris and Metro networks that cost 6,40 euros for a full day. It has four lines: blue (Santa Apolónia-Reboleira), Yellow (Rato-Odivelas), green (Cais do Sodré-Telheiras) and red (Sao Sebastiao-Airport). You can consult the map here
The urban rail transport service is the responsibility of CP – Trains from Portugal. The Sintra Line connects the Rossio train station to Sintra. And the Cascais line connects the Cais do Sodré train station to Belém, Estoril and Cascais. The ticket costs 4,50 euros on any of the lines. The amount must be loaded on a card Live Travel or 7 Hills. With Lisboa Card, both routes are free.
To access the south side of the river Tejo by train, the operator will be Fertagus. Transtejo and Soflusa provide a public river transport service, ensuring mobility between the river sides by boat
There are also six tram lines in Lisbon. The most famous is the 28E line. In operation since the 19th century, 3 lifts that allow transportation over the steepest streets. The single round-trip ticket and costs 3,80 euros.
You can simulate routes and schedules at Moovit, Google Maps or Transporlis
Travel between Lisbon and Porto
The trip between Lisbon and Porto can be done by plane, car (near 3 hours), train or bus
On the Alfa Pendular train (the fastest and most comfortable) may cost 31,20 to 43,60 euros (depending on the type of carriage chosen) and the Intercities train varies between 25,00 and 37,00 euros
By bus the trip between Lisbon and Porto can cost around 20 euros
Between Lisbon and Porto take the opportunity to stop and get to know Leiria, Fátima or Aveiro
Travel between Lisbon and Faro
The trip between Lisbon and Faro can be made by plane, car (near 2.30 hours), train or bus
From Lisbon to Faro the ticket can cost between 22,90 and 30,70 euros on the Alfa Pendular train and 21,90 and 28,70 euros on the Intercities train
The express bus journey from Lisbon to Faro, may cost about 20 euros
Between Lisbon and Faro take the opportunity to get to know the Alentejo coast or the inland cities of Alentejo and Algarve
As 10 biggest cities
- Lisboa – To the capital of Portugal
- Sintra – UNESCO World Heritage
- Vila Nova de Gaia – Next to the Douro River
- Porto – The northern capital
- Cascais – Summer resort
- Loures – The living area
- Braga – Northern religious reference
- Matosinhos – At the mouth of the river Leça
- Amadora – Lisbon Dormitory
- Almada – On the south bank of the Tejo River
Tolls
Motorway traffic is subject to the payment of tolls of two types:
At toll booths payment is made in cash or by bank card, there is an alternative form of payment, in Via Verde, a toll system in which the collection is made by bank debit. This system is also available for vehicles with foreign registration, via Via Verde Visitors https://servicos.viaverde.pt/Visitors/
Electronic toll roads are identified. A purely electronic billing system is in place. To make the payment, vehicles with foreign registration may use the payment methods identified at www.portugaltolls.com or Via Verde Visitors
Mobility
In Portugal, private transport services are available as, Uber, Bolt, Captain, Cabify, Taxify, eCooltra. All of them are identified with the TVDE symbol on the glass
At airports, at terminal stations and in the main localities, there are driverless car rental services and it is also possible to hire a driver service
In cities it is still possible to use, in addition to taxis or public transport, electric scooter rental systems, bicycles with and without motor and “Trotinetas”.
There is a vast network of cycle paths in city centers for exclusive use by cyclists.
Experimenting
In Lisbon, o Hippotrip, an amphibious bus that explores the Portuguese capital, by land and water
In Porto take a river cruise and experience the ascent and descent in a dam. In Aveiro a Venetian experience inside a moliceiro
In Algarve, navigate the Ria Formosa channels between the lagoons and small islands
In the Alentejo enjoy the area view over the plains on a Hot Air Balloon or, f you prefer something radical, a tandem jump
In the Azores, enjoy a Catamaran tour to see and dive with Dolphins and in Madeira, the “basket carts ”. Handcrafted, with wicker and wood, are driven and controlled by two guys that use their own boots as brakes.
Accident or Illness
An immigrant who is in the national territory and feels sick or needs any type of healthcare, have the right to be assisted at a health center or hospital (in case of emergency). These services cannot refuse to assist you on the basis of any reasons linked to nationality, lack of economic means, lack of legalization or other
Citizens of European Union countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland, have access to free or moderate-cost health care upon presentation of the European Health Insurance Card (issued in the country of origin) and passport or identification document
Other non-European citizens may also use the National Public Health Service or any private hospital, presenting passport, through, payment of a consultation and exams fee
Health care
Health in Portugal is characterized by the existence of a high quality health care system (ranked 9th in Europe and 12th in the World)
Coexist 3 systems: the National Health Service (SNS), social health insurance schemes for certain professions (health subsystems) and private health insurances
The SNS is universal, general and free. It's universal, since all Portuguese citizens and all residents and foreigners in conditions of reciprocity, has access. It is general because it includes primary and differentiated health care, health surveillance and promotion, disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment of patients and medical and social rehabilitation. It is free, since the system is financed entirely by the State through taxes. Despite being free, moderating fees are charged, that aim to limit unnecessary access
Pharmacies
20 References to visit
- Torre de Belém – Medieval defensive tower
- Palácio da Pena – Romantic palace in the forest
- Mosteiro dos Jerónimos – Gothic building
- Castelo de S. Jorge – Moorish construction
- Castelo dos Mouros – Sea view
- Cabo da Roca – Natural viewpoint and lighthouse
- Ponte D. Luís I – From the Eifel school
- Quinta da Regaleira – Masonic history
- Livraria Lello – For Harry Potter Fans
- Lisbon Oceanarium – Ocean ecosystems
- Igreja dos Clérigos – Church with steeple
- Santuário Nacional Cristo Rei – City View
- Peneda-Gerês National Park
- Capela dos Ossos – With human bones
- Convento de Cristo – Place of Worship
- Museu Nacional dos Coches – Sec.XVI – XIX
- Lagoa do Fogo e das 7 Cities – Azores
- Castelo de Guimarães – Cradle of Portugal
- Madeira Botanical Garden
- Terra Nosta Park – Thermal baths
Lisboa
It is the capital of Portugal. It has a population of 506 892 inhabitants and in their Metropolitan area, reside 2 821 697 people. It is the political center of Portugal, seat of the Government and residence of the Head of State
Lisbon is considered a cosmopolitan city due to its importance in financial aspects, commercials, media, artistic, educational and touristic. The city is at the top of the most visited cities in southern Europe
Most of the multinationals installed in Portugal are located in the Lisbon region, is the ninth city in the world with the largest number of international conferences and permanent headquarter of Websummit
The “Lisbon card” allows the use of public transport in the city and trains that connect Lisbon to Sintra and Cascais and also offers free admission and discounts on Monuments, Museums or tourist circuits
Prices are 19,00 euros for 24 hours, 32,00 euros for 48 hours and 40,00 euros for 72 hours. Prices for children 5 and the 11 years are 12,00 euros for 24 hours, 18,00 euros for 48 hours and 21,00 euros for 72 hours. All information available at www.visitlisboa.com
Porto
It is the city that gave Portugal its name when it was designated Portus Cale, later becoming the capital of the Portucalense County, where Portugal begun as country
It is a city known worldwide for its wine, for its bridges and contemporary and ancient architecture, and for its historic center, classified as World Heritage by UNESCO
Is the most known city and the most industrialized in the Region North, where some of the most important economic groups in the country are located.
The Northern Region is the only Portuguese region that exports more than it imports
The “Porto Card” allows unlimited use of city transport and offers free admission or discounts on tickets to various monuments and museums, as well as to concert halls, cruises on the Douro River, tourist circuits, traditional restaurants and shops.
For pedestrian cards, prices vary between 6,00 euros for one day, 10 euros for 2 days, 13 euros for 3 days and 15 euros for 4 days. More information at http://short.visitporto.travel
Beaches
Portugal has 850 kilometers of sand divided by more than 600 beaches. More of 300 are qualified with “gold quality” and 208 ensure support for people with reduced mobility.
The average sea temperature on Portuguese beaches is 15 ° even in summer. The region with the warmest waters is the Algarve, which rises above 25 ° in summer
The symbol (FL) indicates river beaches; (BA) indicates the beaches with blue flag; (NO) indicates the official nudist beaches, and (NT) those of tolerated nudism
The Costa da Caparica, Adegas beach and Deserta island in the Algarve are in the ‘top 10’ of the best to walk natural, for security, temperature or acceptance of the ‘gay community’
There are several applications that let you know the climatic conditions on the beach, as well as, their occupation in real time
Rural tourism
In Portugal, rural tourism was created in 1986 dividing into three modalities: housing tourism, rural tourism and agrotourism.
Housing tourism is characterized by manors, palatial homes or residences of architectural value
Rural tourism (country houses) are private houses and shelters located in rural areas that provide a hosting service
Agritourism is characterized by dwellings or their complements integrated in an agricultural farm in which tourists participate in the farm's own work.
It is possible to find accommodation offers in all areas of Portugal, from Minho, to the Algarve, passing through Alentejo and the Islands
It is an option that provides peace of mind, privacy and a family atmosphere, away from big cities and in direct contact with nature
Sport
Sport in Portugal is an important component of culture and a way of aggregating and integrating communities
Football stands out as the king sport being the most popular due to the names that have gained international media coverage such as Figo, José Mourinho e Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as the places reached in the scope of international competitions
Beyond football, basketball competitions also stand out, as well as swimming, beach football, athletics, sneakers, paddle, fitness, futsal, handball, volleyball, surf, canoeing, ralli e “taekwondo”
There are more than 400 000 federated sports players
Due to the extensive coastline and favorable weather conditions, water sports, whether in ocean, rivers, ponds or lagoons, are popular, attracting practitioners of all kinds
Festivals
In Portugal there are festivals for all musical genres – from classical music to jazz or fado, going through pop concerts, rock ou heavy metal
The festivals, concerts or events are held periodically and throughout the year, from north to south of Portugal. Can be held by the sea or river, in urban or rural environments but also in cultural spaces such as munitions or leisure parks
They are one of the strengths of tourism in Portugal and a way to meet new people, new cultures and experiences. Ticket prices are among the lowest in Europe and vary by type of artist, place and duration, they can even be free
The most popular festivals are NOS Alive, MEO Sudoeste, NOS Primavera Sound, o Rock in Rio, the Super Bock Super Rock, the VOA Heavy Rock Festival, Vodafone Paredes de Coura, the EDP Vilar de Mouros, the EDP Beach Party, RFM dreams, Solaris Sunset Empire and Musa Cascais
In addition to musical events, Lisbon also hosts Comic Con Portugal
Golf and Skiing
A sport very associated with Portugal is golf, due to the exceptional golf courses that are available throughout the country and the unbeatable climate that is ideal for any outdoor sport
The World Golf Awards elected Portugal as the Best Golf Destination in Europe for six consecutive years, between 2014 and 2019, and as the Best Golf Destination in the World, between 2014 and 2018
Portugal has a great diversity of fields with characteristics appropriate to the various levels of difficulty and available budget
In this Map it is possible to know the fields available in each region
With regard to skiing, Serra da Estrela offers snow and trails for this sport during the winter period. It is ideal for those who are learning or who already have a reasonable level of expertise. There is a black route, four red, two blue and two green. Black being the most difficult
The resort is equipped with an artificial snow production system that allows snow to be prolonged even when winter begins to end
Religion
Although Portugal is a Secular State, Portugal is a tour of temples, cults and religious festivals. Near 75% of Portuguese heritage has religious origin, Christian and Jewish influences are notorious, as well as the presence and acceptance of all creeds
Fátima is the best known religious destination, Capital of Peace and one of the main pilgrimage sites in the world
The Bom Jesus Sanctuary in Braga appears on the list of the most visited religious sites after Fátima
In Gerês, you will find the imposing Sanctuary of São Bento da Porta Aberta and in Viana do Castelo the Church of Santa Luzia
In the center of the country, the Alcobaça Monastery is one of the most recognized religious monuments with high architectural interest, as well as the Convent of Christ in Tomar
In Lisbon you will find the Jerónimos Monastery, and a route through several churches of different styles, and, already on the outskirts of the capital, you can visit the Mafra Convent
Stay
There are different types of tourist accommodation in Portugal – hotels, pensions, inns, Historical Places, motels, apartments, tourist villages, residential tourism establishments, rural tourism or local accommodation and campsites
All comply with European safety and comfort standards and allow us to respond to various purposes, financial needs and availability
Within hotel establishments and camping sites, the maximum category is five stars (*****) and the minimum is one star (*).
Your booking and reservation can be made directly or through tour operators or online platforms.
Service is provided in different languages, just as there are options prepared for people with special needs
Gastronomy
In Portugal eating out is a common habit. Have lunch or dinner, especially at the weekend, it is always a pretext for meeting friends or for walks around the country
The main meals are lunch, between 12 noon and 2:30 pm, and dinner between 7:30 pm and 10:30 pm
Prices are variable and depend on the type of establishment chosen and whether a table or terrace service is implied or not.
Full meals in most cases include starters, sometimes soup, a main course, the dessert (sweet or fruit) and a coffee.
If you eat a full meal you can spend about 8 to 11 euros per person in a snack bar, between 13 to 20 euros if you choose a 2nd class restaurant and around 30 to 50 euros in a 1st class restaurant or in a fado house. In luxury restaurants the value is higher than 100 euros per person.
Typical Dishes and Sweets
- Cozido à Portuguesa
- Codfish (à Brás, grilled, à Zé do Pipo, in Tile or with Cream)
- Alheira de Mirandela
- Francezinha
- Caldeirada de Peixe
- Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato
- Caldo Verde e Sardinhas assadas
- Polvo à Lagareiro
- Pasteis de nata
- Torta de Azeitão
- Queijadas ou Travesseiros de Sintra
- Pão de ló
- Ovos moles de Aveiro
- Arroz doce
- Queijo da Serra
- Dom Rodrigos
- Pudim Abade Deprisca
Traditions
- Fado – Typically Portuguese musical style
- Crafts – Each region has its own, with emphasis on jewelery (Filigree), the tapestry (arraiolos), tricot, the embroidery, the weaving, basketry and painted ceramics
- Tiles – Manufacture and painting for ornamental decoration
- Masks of Podence – Jumping masked beings, dance and play with single girls
- Popular festivals and pilgrimages – They vary from region to region and usually have characteristic clothing
- Conventual Sweets – Secret recipes from 15th century convents
- Barcelos Rooster – Symbol associated with Portugal originating in a legend of the Santiago de Compostela path
- Port wine – Alcoholic drink produced in the North and internationally appreciated for its refinement
- Zé Povinho – Characteristic image of social satire
- Pauliteiros – Type of warrior dance characteristic in Miranda
- Valentine's Handkerchief – Handkerchiefs embroidered by hand, with written messages, used for dating requests
- Xávega Art – artisanal fishing, made with seine and equipment consisting of a float cable that has a conical shaped net bag
Communications
Portugal has a modern and flexible telecommunications system. The regulatory agency for telecommunications is ANACOM
The main telecommunications operators are MEO, NOS, Nowo and Vodafone. All have television services, Internet, landline and mobile phone, with packages that aggregate all these services
All operators offer wireless connections to the mobile Internet and cover the entire territory, having roaming agreements with most international companies
There are zones “wireless” or “wi-fi” duly marked, where it is possible to access the wireless internet
The internet in Portugal is one of the fastest in the world, being a reason of great attraction for digital nomads
5G coverage is being implemented in 2020
The majority of residents are subscribers of cable TV services with more than 100 channels distributed in fiber networks
Post Offices are open from Monday to Friday, from 9am to 6pm. Central and airport stations have longer hours
Radio continues to be very present in everyday life, with multiple stations dedicated to different genres of music and areas such as news, religious and sport
Education
The Education System in Portugal is regulated by the State through the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher Education
Although the system is public, there are also private schools at all levels of education
The school year starts in September until June / July of the following year. The school journey is mandatory for all children when they do 6 years of age and is mandatory up to 18 years (12School year)
Compulsory education is divided into three cycles: primary school, basic and secondary education
Higher education is optional and the Bologna Declaration has been adopted since 2006 by Portuguese universities and polytechnic institutes
The good results of Portuguese education are confirmed by the International Student Assessment Program (Pisa). Portugal is above the average of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)
There are several international rankings such as Times Higher Education (THE), o Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) it's the QS World University Rankings that highlight Portuguese universities, placing several in the world top with highlight to the New School of Business & Economics, a Católica Lisbon School of Business and Economics, ISCTE Business School and Porto Business School
Payment options
With regard to currency, Portugal is part of the group of countries in the European Union, where the Euro is the official currency and common to all
Coins have eight face values: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 Cents and 1 and 2 Euros. The notes are distinguished by their size and color and have the following values: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Euros
There is a national network of ATMs, identified by MB (ATM), that allows cash withdrawal, 24 hours per day
In Portugal, the most used credit cards are: Visa, American Express, Diners Club, Europay/Mastercard, JCB, Maestro. UnionPay is also already accepted in several establishments
There are several other means of payment, in this case virtual, such as, MbWay, MBNet, MeoWallet, PayPal, PayShop among others
Banks are open to the public between 8:30 am and 3 pm, weekdays
Light services, gas and water
In Portugal, electricity services, gas and water are considered essential. Should be, first of all, contracted to connect the respective supplies. In order to hire, a contract is required to certify the person's residence at that address, Portuguese identification document and tax identification number (NIF)
The respective payment is monthly and can be made by Multibanco or by direct debit of the amount in the Portuguese bank account provided and authorized at the time of contracting the service
Contracting can take place by telephone, in person at the services of the providers or at a Citizen's Shop where all basic services can be found, for personal, labor and commercial purposes
Every year the Energy Services Regulatory Authority, reviews prices and regulated tariffs, as well as, of those sold in the liberalized market being possible to compare all tariffs and opt for the cheapest, taking into account your consumption
Alcohol and Tobacco
Since 1 January 2008 indoor smoking is prohibited in Portugal, including electronic cigarettes, under penalty of being subject to a fine
This prohibition covers all locations for minors 18 years, as well as, public administration buildings, work places, public transport, closed areas of sports facilities, museums, food and beverage outlets, covered car parks, concert halls, hotel establishments, service areas and filling stations, notwithstanding the possibility of a particular person creating and identifying areas reserved for smokers, with adequate ventilation
It is prohibited to sell or make alcoholic beverages available, in public places and in places open to the public with respect to minors (-18 years) and to those who are notoriously intoxicated or appear to have psychic anomaly, as they are equally prohibited from the respective consumption
Holidays in Portugal
National holidays
1 of January
New Year's Day
25 of April
Liberty Day
10 of June
Portugal Day
15 of August
Assumption Lady
5 of October
Implantation of the Republic
1 of November
All Saints Day
1 of December
Restoration of Independence
8 of December
Immaculate Conception
25 of December
Christmas
National Holidays on a Moving Date
Saint Day
Friday before Easter Sunday
God's Day
Thursday following Holy Trinity Sunday