ABOUT PORTUGAL

Portugal, located on the Iberian Peninsula in Southern Europe, is a country celebrated for its fascinating history, rich culture, and stunning landscapes. Its capital, Lisbon, is known for its picturesque districts like Alfama and Bairro Alto, historic landmarks such as the Belem Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, and a vibrant nightlife that attracts visitors from around the world.

Stretching over 1,700 kilometres, Portugal’s coastline offers an array of breathtaking beaches, dramatic cliffs, and world-renowned surf spots, particularly in regions like the Algarve and Nazaré. The country’s inland areas are equally captivating, featuring rolling vineyards, medieval castles, and charming villages that highlight its cultural heritage and traditions.

Portugal is also famous for its cuisine, which boasts an abundance of fresh seafood, aromatic spices, and hearty stews. Signature dishes like bacalhau (salted cod), caldo verde (kale soup), and pastel de nata (custard tart) are essential for any food lover to try. The country’s wine regions, such as the Douro Valley, are known for producing exceptional wines, including the world-famous Port and Vinho Verde.

Beyond its natural beauty and culinary delights, Portugal is renowned for its warm, friendly people. The Portuguese take great pride in their heritage and are eager to share their traditions, festivals, and music, such as Fado, with visitors. Thanks to its mild Mediterranean climate, the country enjoys pleasant weather year-round, making it a perfect destination for both relaxation and adventure.

Whether you're exploring the lively streets of Lisbon, relaxing on the pristine beaches of the Algarve, or savouring the fine wines of the Douro Valley, Portugal offers a truly unique and memorable travel experience. Its combination of historical charm, cultural richness, and natural beauty makes it a favourite destination for travellers from all over the world.

Entry into Portugal

For citizens of European Union member states, travelling to Portugal is straightforward. As Portugal is part of the Schengen Area, there are no visa requirements or major travel restrictions. You can enter the country using just your national ID card, without needing a passport. For travellers from outside the EU/EEA, entry rules vary.

If you’re from a visa-exempt country like the US, UK, Canada, or Australia, you can visit Portugal without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits. A valid passport is required for entry. However, if you're from a country that does require a visa, you'll need to apply for a Schengen visa before your trip, which permits stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period for short visits.

Currency

In Portugal, the currency is the euro. Most businesses now accept payment cards from all major global card networks. However, if you're planning to rent a car, make sure to bring a credit card, as regular debit cards are typically not accepted for this purpose. There is a dense network of ATMs across all cities, but we recommend using those operated by banks. Be cautious of ATMs operated by third-party providers, like Euronet, as they often charge withdrawal fees of up to €10 or 10% of the transaction amount.

Electricity

In Portugal, the standard voltage is 230 V AC with a frequency of 50 Hz, which is the same as in most continental Europe.

Mobile services

Portugal provides reliable mobile services through major providers such as MEO, Vodafone, and NOS, offering extensive 4G coverage and growing 5G networks. Both visitors and residents can choose from a range of prepaid, postpaid, and tourist-specific plans for flexible and affordable connectivity. SIM cards are readily available, and EU residents enjoy no additional roaming charges, while non-EU visitors can easily purchase local prepaid options.

However, if you don't have an EU number and need mobile data, we recommend apps like Airalo.

Important telephone numbers

When in Portugal, it's important to know some key telephone numbers along with the country code (+351):

Interesting facts about Portugal

Cork
Portugal is one of the largest cork producers in the world, accounting for around 50% of the global cork market. The cork oak tree, native to the Mediterranean region, thrives in Portugal’s extensive cork forests, making the country a leading exporter of this sustainable and versatile material.

First global maritime power
During the Age of Exploration in the 15th and 16th centuries, Portugal emerged as the first global maritime power. Pioneering explorers like Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan opened new sea routes to India, Africa, and South America, cementing Portugal’s significant role in global exploration and trade.

Language
Portuguese is the sixth most spoken language in the world, with over 230 million speakers. As the official language of nine countries—including Brazil, Mozambique, Angola, and Portugal—it is a truly global language.

The longest bridge in Europe
Portugal is home to the longest bridge in Europe, the Vasco da Gama Bridge in Lisbon. Spanning over 17 kilometres (10.6 miles) across the Tagus River, this impressive engineering marvel serves as a crucial transportation link in the region.

Music
Portugal is famous for Fado, a unique genre of music known for its melancholic and soulful melodies. Fado songs, often expressing themes of longing, love, and nostalgia, hold a special place in the cultural fabric of the country.

Oldest nation-state
Portugal, established in 1139, is the oldest nation-state in Europe and boasts a rich history and cultural heritage. Lisbon, its capital, is one of the oldest cities in Western Europe, predating Rome by centuries. The city is known for vibrant neighbourhoods, historic landmarks like the Tower of Belém and Jerónimos Monastery, and Fado music, which is recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The World’s oldest bookstore
Home to the world’s oldest bookstore, Portugal boasts Bertrand Bookstore in Lisbon, which has been in operation since 1732. This historic bookstore is a testament to the country’s long literary tradition.