Officially known as the Portuguese Republic, Portugal is one of the oldest countries in Europe, dating back to 868. It was the first country to seek out the new world. After decades of vicious fascist and authoritarian rule, colonial wars and tumultuous politics that followed in the 20th century, Portugal has emerged as a modern and developed country with a high standard of living. It is one of the most peaceful countries in the world, currently ranked number three.
Located on the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal is home to some of the world’s best beaches, particularly in the Algarve region (Check out Lagos), where there are over 300 days of yearly sunshine! There are seven amazing cultural wonders of Portugal recommended that you should see:
- Castle of Guimarães (Guimarães, Braga)
- Castle of Óbidos (Óbidos, Leiria)
- Batalha Monastery (Batalha, Leiria)
- Alcobaça Monastery (Alcobaça, Leiria)
- Jerónimos Monastery (Santa Maria de Belém, Lisbon)
- Pena Palace (Sintra, Lisbon)
- Belém Tower (Santa Maria de Belém, Lisbon)
Whether you’re after some sun, decadent food and Port wine, relaxation, culture, or exploration, you will find something to love in Portugal.
Below you will find key and essential information for your travel adventures in Portugal – information such as visas, transport options, helpful websites and apps, public holidays, top events, helpful Portuguese phrases, cultural tips and advice, vaccinations needed and recommended, and common scams to look out for.
You will also find a variety of informative and easy-to-read blog posts related to Portugal.
All the information here is to help you be a smarter and better traveller.
Essential Information
Portugal is part of the European Union and is part of the Schengen area; visa holders of the Schengen area allows entry request into the area and stay up to 90 days under a typical tourist visa.
You cannot stay more than a total of 90 days in the Schengen area out of a 180 day period on a short stay Schengen visa.
Always check with your local Portuguese embassy or consulate to learn about the latest visa requirements (and length of allowed stay) based on your current and valid passport.
ETIAS
From 2021, if you are a citizen from a country that can visit the Schengen zone visa-free, you’re required to submit your personal details online in the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). It is a detailed security check of each applicant to determine whether he or she can be allowed to enter a Schengen country for security and safety reasons. It is similar in purpose and function to the U.S Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). The ETIAS application will cost (if you’re aged under 18, the application is free) and generally takes less than 10 minutes to complete. Your application is instantly processed and a decision is normally made within 96 hours. An approved ETIAS is valid for three years.
You cannot enter Schengen zone countries without an approved ETIAS.
Learn more about the Schengen area
Learn which countries are in the Schengen area
View visa requirements by nationality
Schengen (number of travel days) calculator
Note: The above information is general visa advice. Please consult with your official government or foreign embassy for the latest professional visa information.
| Type of information | Name | Additional information | Web/Download link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alsa | A Spanish bus company offering several routes between Spain and Portugal, such as Madrid, Seville, Lisbon, and Porto. | ||
| Azores Airlines | This airline has flights between all the Azores islands and from the Azores to Madeira and mainland Portugal. | ||
| CP – Comboios de Portugal | Portugal’s national train service serving most of the country. | ||
| Eva Transportes | Bus service covering smaller cities and towns mainly in the Algarve region (such as Lagos and Faro). They also have routes to Seville in Spain. They also offer 3 and 7 day tourist passes for the Algarve region. To learn more, click here. | ||
| Rede Expressos | Portuguese bus company covering most of the country. | ||
| Rodonorte | This bus company covers most of Northern Portugal with routes to Porto and Lisbon. | ||
| TAP Air Portugal | Portugal’s flagship airline. |
Dates of Public holiday in Portugal are subject to change on a yearly basis.
| Date | Public holiday | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | New Year’s Day (Ano Novo) |
|
| 10 April | Good Friday (Sexta-feira Santa) |
|
| 12 April | Easter Sunday (Domingo de Páscoa) |
|
| 25 April | Freedom Day (Dia da Liberdade) |
|
| 1 May | Labour Day (Dia do Trabalhador) |
|
| 1 June | Autonomous Region of Azores Day (Dia dos Açores) |
Celebrated in Azores only. |
| 10 June | Portugal Day (Dia de Portugal) |
|
| 13 June | St. Anthony’s Day (Dia de Santo António) |
Celebrated in Lisbon only. |
| 20 June | Corpus Christi (Corpo de Deus) |
|
| 24 June | St. John’s Day (Dia de São João) |
Celebrated in Porto only. |
| 1 July | Autonomous Region of Madeira and Madeiran Communities Day (Dia da Região Autónoma da Madeira e das Comunidades Madeirenses) |
Celebrated in Madeira only. |
| 15 August | Assumption Day (Assunção de Nossa Senhora) |
|
| 5 October | Republic Day (Implantação da República) |
|
| 1 November | All Saints Day (Dia de Todos-os-Santos) |
|
| 1 December | Restoration of Independence (Restauração da Independência) |
|
| 8 December | Immaculate Conception Day (Imaculada da Conceição) |
|
| 25 December | Christmas Day (Dia de Natal) |
Events and event dates are subject to change on a yearly basis.
For the latest events happening in Portugal, click here.
| Date | Event | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 25 February | Carnival (Carnaval) |
An extravagant party full of parades and festivals with many energetic samba groups with thousands of participants in magnificent and colourful costumes dancing to electrifying samba music through the streets of Funchal.
It is typically observed 40 days before Easter Sunday. |
| June | Festival of Lisbon (Festas de Lisboa) |
In every day in June, Lisbon is full of art performances, concerts, parades, exhibitions, outside activities, and parties. It all builds up to an amazing party on the night of 13th June – St. Anthony’s Day. You won’t be bored! |
| 23 June | Festival of St John of Porto (Festa de São João do Porto) |
In the city centre of Porto, thousands of people come and pay a tribute to Saint John the Baptist in a party full of unique traditions and cultural events. Attractions include street concerts, dancing parties, jumping over flames, eating barbecued sardines, drinking copious amounts of wine and releasing illuminated flame-propelled balloons over Porto’s cool summer sky. |
| 4-26 July | AgitÁgueda | Experience an unparallel festival of art and music in the city of Águeda. Every day is busy with exciting street performances, music, dancing, body painting, and much more! There is also the beautiful art installation of colourful umbrellas! |
| Mid-July – Mid-August | Obidos Medieval Market | If you want a medieval experience while surrounded by well-preserved history and culture, Óbidos is the place to go. During this festival, the town goes back in time where hundreds of actors and extras wander the cobbled streets dressed up as musicians, beggars, noblemen and jugglers. The days are filled with jousting tournaments, markets selling medieval-style crafts, clothes, and food, and there are numerous medieval-themed dinners. |
| English phrase | Portuguese phrase | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Olá | |
| Good morning | Bom dia | |
| Good afternoon | Boa tarde | |
| Good evening | Boa noite | |
| Yes | Sim | |
| No | Não | |
| Please | Por favor | |
| Thanks | Obrigado (Masculine) Obrigada (Feminine) |
|
| Thank you very much | Muito obrigado | |
| I’m sorry | Desculpe | |
| Good night | boa noite | |
| Good bye | Adeus | |
| See you later | Até breve | |
| Do you speak English? | Voce Fala Ingles? | |
| Where is the bathroom? | Onde fica o banheiro? | |
| Where is the bus station? | Onde fica a rodoviária? | |
| Where is the train station? | Onde é a estação de trem? | |
| One/two coffee(s) please | Um/dois café(s) por favor | |
| One/two beer(s) please | Um/dois de cerveja(s) por favor | |
| Cheers! | Saúde! | Means “To your health!” |
Learn more:
English to Portuguese translation
General:
- It’s customary to shake hands with people you don’t know well.
- With friends, it’s common for men to hug and for women to kiss on each cheek, from right to left.
- Men who greet women often wait for her to offer her hand before engaging in a handshake.
- Portuguese often don’t go out to socialise after work during the week and typically entertain only in weekends.
- Greeting passing strangers is not typically done in large cities and town. It’s more common in small villages or areas.
- It’s common for people to arrive late in social gatherings (the exception is business meetings).
- Lunch is typically between 13:00 and 15:00, whereas dinner is around 19:00 or 20:00.
- When toasting, everyone will raise their glasses and say “Saúde!” (“To your health!”).
- As Portugal is connected to Catholicism and Christianity, show respect for the religion (even if you are not religious).
- Most museums are closed on Mondays, along with having seasonal opening hours (shorter hours in winter).
Do:
- Speak and act politely and with respect.
- Use sunscreen during the hot sunny days.
- Try pastel de nata!
- Formally address an unfamiliar adult or someone older than you as “Senhor” (Mister) or “Senhora” (Miss).
- Wait until a host lets into his or her house; don’t let yourself in. Don’t let yourself out either; the host does this.
- Bring a small or thoughtful gift such as chocolate if you are invited to a meal at someone’s house.
- Accept the host’s refreshments if offered – it is rude to decline.
- Wait to eat until a Portuguese host says “Bom apetite!” (“Enjoy your food!”) when dining at their home.
- Leave a little food on your plate once you have finished. In Portugal it is seen as polite.
- Get excited and talk about football as the Portuguese love their football!
Do not:
- Dine at tourist hotspots – the food quality is inconsistent and the prices are often inflated for tourists.
- Assume starters/appetisers in a restaurant are free.
- Assume that the vegetarian soup is fully vegetarian. Caldo verde is a vegetarian soup but it, along with other vegetarian soups, can have traces of sausage in it.
- Assume everyone speaks English.
- Compare your country to the local’s and highlight differences.
- Compare Portugal to Spain (and vice versa).
- Raise your voice in public.
Vaccinations in general take many weeks or months and multiple shots for full immunisation so it’s best to plan ahead before your travel date.
Please note that the below vaccination information is general advice.
It is highly recommended that you consult a registered GP or doctor for professional and specific medical advice regarding vaccinations for your travels.
Learn more:
Comprehensive health information for Portugal
| Disease/Vaccine | Causes | Precautions |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Contaminated food, water, medical and cosmetic equipment. | Avoid contaminated medical and cosmetic equipment.
Eat well-washed and/or hot food only. Avoid unpasteurised dairy products. Avoid drinking water in rural areas. Don’t share drinks. Don’t share medical or cosmetic equipment. Wash your hands often with warm water and soap (or use hand sanitiser). |
| Hepatitis B | Bodily fluids such as from sexual contact, contaminated medical equipment such as needles, unscreened blood transfusions, and contact with open wounds. | Use latex condoms correctly/Avoid unsafe sex.
Avoid sharing needles and medical equipment. |
| Rabies | Being in contact with the saliva of infected animals (being bitten, for instance). | Avoid wild animals, especially bats in Portugal. |
Portugal is one of the more affordable and budget-friendly European countries to visit.
Learn more:
Cost of living in Portugal
Daily costs per individual will always vary from traveller to traveller due to different styles of travelling and different interests with varying costs.
Typical costs include:
- Accommodation
- Transport
- Food
- Attractions such as museums and tours.
Like any budget, see the number as a limit and not as a target!
Learn more:
Portugal Travel Budget
Budget
€50
Hostel dorm bed: €15–22
Lunch: €8
Free walking tour: €5
Pastel de nata: €1
Midrange
€50 to €120
Hotel double room: €50 – €100
Lunch: €8 – €20
Douro river boat tour: €15.00
Top end
€120+
Luxury hotel room: From €120
Lunch: €20 – €50
Porto wine tour: From €30
Carry some cash with you. While a lot of the bigger and tourist shops offer and accept card payments, there are still a lot of small and independent shops accept only cash as payment.
It is common to round up to the nearest Euro when dining in a restaurant. In more touristy areas, it is usual to tip 10% in restaurants. Tipping in hotels and taxis is up to your discretion.
Exchange rates & converter
<!---
--->Always be vigilant but not paranoid or naive regarding scams.
It is highly recommended you have travel insurance to cover any potential loss in your personal belongings and safety.
| Scam/Crime | Method/Behaviour | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Charity petition | A ‘charity worker’ approaches you with a clipboard with a petition asking you to sign the fictitious petition before either:
|
Walk away.
Say “No, thanks” and keep walking. |
| Fake drugs |
A person will offer to sell you drugs that are fake. | Decline all drug offers. |
| Fake tickets |
A person will offer to sell you a cheaper but invalid ticket to a popular attraction. | Decline any offers of cheaper tickets by people on the street. |
| Non-existent accommodation |
A booking website lists an accommodation place available at an attractive low price but the accommodation does not exist in reality. | Always book through reputable and secured websites where there are multiple verified reviews for the accommodation listing. |
| Overcharging restaurants |
A waiter gives you a menu and menu specials with set pricing but the bill presented shows higher prices and charges – sometimes, after you contest the bill, the waiter will present a menu with the contested different and higher prices. | Always read online reviews about the restaurant before reserving/dining.
Take a photo of the menu given to you before actually dining. Don’t eat the unordered appetisers (also known as Couvert) given to you; they are not free. |
| Overcharging taxis |
While taxis in Portugal by law are required to use a taxi meter, some may not in order to scam you.
A taxi driver can try and inflate your taxi fare by:
Some taxi drivers can:
|
Check if the taxi meter is turned on.
Check online taxi fare estimators, taxi booking apps, or ask hotel/hostel staff for a fare estimate. You can use this information to negotiate a reasonable fare price if appropriate. Use a map app on your smartphone (GPS) to check the distance and the average time between the airport and your destination, along with seeing if you are being driven in the correct direction. Decline taxi tour offers. Note you often need to pay extra per luggage or suitcase (Around €1.50 per item). Use public transport – it’s cheaper. |
| Pick-pocketing |
Working as a single person: he or she will quickly grab an item from your pocket or slowly unzip your bag to grab the contents inside. This person can pick-pocket you from behind or by bumping into you.
Working as a gang: one person targets you, another distracts, one grabs your possession and passes it to another to escape with. They are prevalent at busy streets, congested tourist areas, public transport hubs, buses, trams, and trains (be aware of a person suspiciously blocking the entrance to a train carriage – you maybe targeted from behind). Be aware of being ambushed and targeted from left and right sides. |
Leave valuables in a locked place at your accommodation. Keep a printed hardcopy of your passport on hand.
Do not carry excess cash and credit cards. Zip up and lock the pockets of your daypack/bag. You can carry your bag in front. Never leave your bag unattended or out of sight. If you’re in a restaurant or cafe, put your bag on your lap or in front and between your feet with a strap around a foot. Keep a hand on your front pocket where your valuables could be stored (such as smartphone). |
| String bracelet |
The scammer offers or tries to tie a string bracelet, often stating that the bracelet is ‘free’.
If the scammer is successful, he will demand a donation from you. The bracelet can often be difficult to untie. |
Walk away.
Decline and keep walking. |
Learn more:
Scams in Portugal