Portugal: Overview
The nostalgic Portuguese Republic, or just Portugal, shares the Iberian Peninsula with Spain, located on the eastern and northern frontiers. The country’s western and southern coast is bathed by the Atlantic waters. Along with its continental territory, the archipelagos of Madeira, Azores and Islas Salvajes are also part of Portugal. This country is one of the most economic and attractive destinations in Europe; there you can enjoy the vestiges left by an overseas past, cosy nostalgic towns, incredible beaches and a beautiful landscape where you can relax near the wheat fields and olive trees.
Climate
The climate of this country varies from north to south. While in the south it is mainly Mediterranean with hot and dry summers and temperate winters; in the north it is more wet and hotter. Between April and October temperatures are a bit lower. The rainy season goes from November to March, with more precipitations in the north and in the central region of Serra da Estrela. If you are looking to enjoy winter sports, ski season goes from January to March, being February the best of these months. The high tourist season takes place form half-June to September in the whole country, except for the Algrave, where it lasts until winter ends. The best moment to visit Portugal is during spring or autumn, when days are sunnier and warmer and tourist areas less crowded.
Important information
There are different entry requirements to Portugal. Nationals from Australia, Canada, USA, the EU and New Zealand need an effective passport. Concerning Latin American countries, only visitors from Colombia and Peru need a passport and a visa.
As a member of the EU, Portugal’s official currency is the euro (EUR). In the main cities and tourist areas you will find many exchanging offices, banks and ATMs where you can convert foreign currencies. The main credit cards and traveller’s checks are also broadly accepted.
As for tipping, hotels and restaurants usually add an extra percentage for service to their bills; if that is not the case, a 10% tip will be enough. Bar staff also expect to be tipped; taxi fares are usually round up to the next denomination in euros.
There are no particular health issues for those travelling to Portugal. People who come from an infected area or go to Azores or Madeira is required a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Medical facilities are very good. There is a health agreement for citizens from the EU and the United Kingdom carrying a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). However, dental care is not covered by the EHIC. It is recommended to hire wide medical insurance for the trip.
Where to go
Lisbon, capital of the country, is built on the shore of river Tajo. This city is one of the most visited destinations, perhaps for its pleasant and nostalgic atmosphere, where the different architectural styles tell the story of the country. Some of the main attractive in Lisbon are Monasterio dos Jerónimos, built during the 1500s in manueline style. Near this monastery is one of the most photographed monuments of the country, Torre de Belem. You can also visit Alfama and Baixa neighbourhoods, where some of the oldest and attractive places of the city are; there you can also walk paved streets, see castles, old squares and crafts markets. As any city with a story to tell, Lisbon has interesting museums to visit such as Museu Nacional de Arte Antigua, Museu Calouste Gulbenkian and Museu National do Tile.
Évora, a small and picturesque walled town surrounded by vineyards, flowery fields, wheat fields and olive trees, is another of Portugal’s best destinations. The better places here are catedral Sé and its treasures’ museum, Praça do Giraldo, the Templo Romano and the macabre chapel of the Igreja de Sao Francisco.
Northwest of the capital is the town of Sintra, where for many years Lusitanian royalty and the English noblemen have vacationed. Nowadays you can still enjoy the beautiful gardens, tree-lined walks and relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Among the vestiges of ancient palaces and newest constructions, Palacio Nacional da Pena, Gothic Palacio Nacional de Sintra, the labyrinthine Monserrate Gardens and the tiny Convento dos Capuchos, built in s. XVI, stand out.
Lagos is a tourist resort visited by hundreds of tourists each year, located in the south coast of Algrave. Some of the most outstanding beaches there are Praia do Pinhao, to the south, and Meia Praia, to the east. Besides enjoying the sun and the sea you can make short boat or horse excurtions and visit the interesting Municipal Museum.
Festivals
Most Portuguese celebrations -ferias, romarias (pilgrimages) and festas (parties)- have a religious influence and towns stop their everyday activities to celebrate them. North of the country is where traditions are better kept and celebrations have not yet been influenced by the tourist industry. One of the main events is the Carnival, full with parties, masks and parades. During the Semana Santa de Braga the streets are full of colours and processions. Oporto stands out in June for its Festa de Sao Joao, during which you can see street dancers. Finally, in November, in Golega, Fair of Sao Martinho takes place, then you will enjoy horses’ exhibitions, bullfights and horsemanship contests.
