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Travel & Tourism For those visiting or
planning a vacation in Portugal, here is some general travel
information that may be useful. Experience local culture through
year-round festivals and celebrations browsing our Calendar of
Events. Learn more about each of our unique regions. Search for
Tour Operators & Travel Agents and check out our links to
Portugal Tourism Websites.
DISCOVER PORTUGAL An independent kingdom
since 1143, Portugal established its continental frontiers in
1297 and is one of the oldest nations in Europe.
Situated on the west side of the Iberian Peninsula, its
geographic location along the Atlantic coast soon determined its
vocation to the sea.
In 1415, the Portuguese set sail on an epic voyage that would
make them the first to discover the ocean routes to India,
Brazil, China and Japan, and at the same time founded
settlements on the east and west coasts of Africa.
Traces of this worldwide historic presence may be seen as
trademarks of the Portuguese genius. The Portuguese language
became one of the most widely spoken in the world, and the
Portuguese people were privileged for being exposed to so many
different civilizations. The vast monumental, artistic and
archaeological heritage does witness not only the 850 years of
history of encounters with distant cultures, but also the
presence in the territory of more ancient peoples (Celts,
Suevians, Visigoths, Romans and Arabs).
The natural advantages of a sunny country with such diverse
geographic features have turned Portugal into a chosen
destination for many holidaymakers, an ideal place for
practicing water sports and playing golf, offering modern
tourism facilities, and quaint and personalized means of
accommodation, such as ‘turismo de habitação’ (privately owned
homes ranging from wonderful farmhouses to manor houses),
‘hotéis de charme’ or ‘pousadas’.
A member-country of the European Union since 1986, Portugal
currently enjoys a steady economic growth. For centuries
Portugal has kept the greatest treasure of a renowned reputation
for hospitality that makes the country a haven of congeniality
and safety.
Travel Info For those
visiting or planning a holiday in Portugal, here is some general
information that may be useful. Further help is available from
Icep Portugal offices or at tourist information posts within
Portugal.
Entry requirements
A valid passport is the only requirement for US citizens. All
other nationalities, please contact the nearest Portuguese
Consulate in order to obtain any requirements information. (see
list at bottom of page)
Going to Portugal
International airports are: Lisboa, Porto, Faro, Funchal
(Madeira), Ponta Delgada (São Miguel, Açores), and Lajes (Ilha
Terceira, Açores). The national airline is TAP–Air Portugal. The
regional air company, SATA, flies connections to the Açores
Islands. There are also air links between Funchal (Madeira) and
Porto Santo. Portugalia (www.pga.pt) and Air Luxor also operate
schedule flights to and from Portugal in Europe. Every day,
international trains run between Paris and Lisbon (Sud Express);
Lisbon-Madrid train Lusitânia, and Porto-Vigo
Customs
Residents or non-residents
who leave or enter Portugal territory are free to take with them
national and foreign currency in coins and notes, travelers
cheques and other securities intended to pay for the travel
expenses, but are obligated to inform the customs authorities if
the values involved exceed 12,000 Euros (approximately
US$13,000.00).
Travelers over 17 years old, may bring in the following items,
duty free: 2 bottles of table wine, 1 bottle of hard liquor, 200
cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco, 1.75 ounces of perfume and
small quantities of tea or coffee for personal use. Bringing
fresh meat into Portugal is forbidden. For further information,
contact the Embassy services or the Portuguese Consulates.
Time
Continental Portugal and Madeira Island are on the Greenwich
time - five hours ahead of Eastern Time & eight ahead of Pacific
Time. The Azores Islands are 1 hour behind the Portuguese
mainland. Daylight savings time begins the last Sunday in March
(clocks are turned one hour ahead) and ends the last Sunday in
October (clocks go back one hour).
Climate
Mild year round. Summers are dry and clear, with warm sunshine
extending long into Autumn. Winters are moderately cool and are
the rainiest time of year, except in subtropical Madeira, where
there is little rain. Mid-Summer temperatures range in the 70 F,
while Winter temperatures range from the low to mid-50s.
Weather Chart reflects average temperatures
Getting around
Urban public transport In the main towns there is a complete
public transport network. In Lisboa there are buses, the
underground, and trams. One may also use public elevators
(lifts). Tourism Information Centers at Carris (Lisboa) and STCP
(Porto) sell tourist tickets every business day from 8 am to 8
pm.
Taxis are painted mostly cream with a roof-light to identify
them. However, there are still some taxis which keep the old
colours, green and black. In towns they use taximeters, but once
outside urban boundaries the service is charged by the
kilometre, and includes the price of the driver’s return trip to
his starting point. From 10 pm to 6 am the rate increases by
20%. It is normal to give a tip of 10% on top of the fare.
Luggage is charged according to a fixed rate. All taxis have an
updated chart in two languages.
Express trains run between Lisbon and Porto stopping in Coimbra
(Alfa trains), while regional trains (Intercidades and
Inter-regional) connect the different parts of Portugal. These
trains have first and second class carriages, except for local
and suburban trains, where there is only one class. Special
tickets - including tourist tickets valid for 7, 14 or 21 days,
may be bought, while there are special return ticket discounts
on “blue days” for trips exceeding 100 km.
Business hours
Banks open from 8:30 am to 3 pm from Monday to Friday; closed on
bank holidays. Shops open rom 9 am to 1 pm and from 3 pm to 7 pm
(working days). On Saturdays, most shops close at 1 pm. In the
shopping malls located in larger towns, shops are normally open
on 7 days a week and holidays from 10 am to 11 pm.
Museums open from 10 am to 12:30 am and from 2 pm to 5 pm.
Closed on Mondays. Some palaces also close on Wednesdays.
Pharmacies open from 9 am to 1 pm and from 3 pm to 7 pm, Monday
to Friday, and Saturday mornings. There are also 24 hour
pharmacies which operate according to an official chart
displayed on Pharmacy windows. Tour Operators
& Travel Agents
You could try making calls or surf the Net yourself looking for
rental cars, hotels, air arrangements and pousadas, but that is
time-consuming and complicated. Imagine arranging for hotels in
6 different cities, then reserving the car rental, then finding
out the best airfare is available only 3 days later!
Tour Operators specialised in Portugal are able to offer you
travel packages already available on their brochures or quickly
combine the elements you need. And you'll be dealing with
experts, who can advise you of pitfalls, suggest better
alternatives, and give you assurance that you are choosing a
vacation tailored to your needs.
Amongst Tour Operators there are those who belong to ATOP -
Association of Tour Operators to Portugal. These Tour Operators
deal with Portugal every day. The cost of the services that go
into a vacation often add up to less than when purchased
separately.
The Association of Tour Operators to Portugal (ATOP) is an
organization of major U.S.-based tour operators with a strong
commitment to organizing tour programs to Portugal. Each member
must meet the highest standards of quality and service to enjoy
membership in ATOP. The fundamental objectives of ATOP are to
achieve the quality of service, security, environmental
standards, and tourism promotion necessary to create an
attractive destination for the U.S. consumer with optimum
quality and value for money.
Lisbon Lisboa, the
capital of Portugal since 1255, was conquered from the Moors by
Portugal’s first king in 1147. It lies on the right bank of the
Tagus river and in a region that offers a rich landscape
diversity.
Library, Mafra Convent.
The imposing Tagus river (Tejo) flows alongside Lisboa from east
to west. Its source lies in Spain, but a good part of its
journey to the sea lies inside Portuguese frontiers before it
meets the Atlantic ocean. As it approaches Lisboa, the river bed
widens to create a green and fertile plain called the lezíria.
The effect as it nears the capital is to grace the landscape
with its broad blue estuary. The special beauty of the riverbank
enriches a number of towns past which the Tagus makes its way:
Abrantes, Constância, Vila Nova da Barquinha and Santarém. The
whole green river valley is like a stage setting upon which
deeply-rooted cultural traditions are enacted. There is popular
music and dance, and the traditional costume worn by the
horsemen still seen rounding up their cattle in rural pastures
is a real feature.
Lisbon, the dazzling city that stretches along the banks of the
Tagus, is an enchanting capital. There is the fortress around
which the city originally sprang up, and which is now circled by
neighborhoods drenched with medieval charm. Everywhere are fine
monuments that bring to mind the great Age of Discoveries, and
picturesque houses whose facades are decked with ornate ceramic
tiles. As the dusk turns to night, the yellow electric tramcars
continue to wind their way up and down the hills of the old
capital, while the sound of traditional Fado songs enlivens many
a candle-lit dinner table in restaurant or home. But the capital
also provides ample opportunity for seeing popular celebrations,
for shopping, and for enjoying the nightlife along the river
bank. With the port and marinas situated nearby, water sports
are a natural attraction too.
Not far from the capital lies the town of Sintra, with its
marvelous surrounding vegetation and landscape, Sintra is
classified by Unesco as of outstanding cultural importance.
There is no better way to see the exuberant trees and vegetation
than to take a horse-drawn carriage ride and pass by ancient
mansions before reaching the Palácio da Pena at the top of the
hill. Its fabulous romantic architecture keeps vivid the
atmosphere of a truly royal residence.
Back in the Lisboa area, there are many other places worth a
visit: the imposing Mafra Convent, the cosmopolitan seaside
resort of Cascais, the Arrábida hills and their nature reserve
stocked with ancient trees or picturesque Sesimbra, the city of
Setúbal and the aristocratic country-houses of nearby Azeitão.
The area provides something for every taste: beach, water
sports, golf courses and, in the summer, open air music
festivals.
The Atlantic coast, which stretches to the south, north and west
of Lisbon, is of surprising beauty: here the landscape swiftly
changes from high, sweeping cliffs to beaches of white sand,
backed by lagoons. Let us not forget that here, at Cabo da Roca,
is Europe’s westernmost point. This is a region of enchanting
coastal villages or towns such as Sezimbra, Peniche and Nazaré,
where the brightly-coloured fishing boats still ply their trade.
Further inland, at Alcobaça, Tomar and Batalha, are to be found
the ancient monasteries and convents of the religious orders,
which are part of UNESCO’s global heritage. They stand as
witnesses to Portugal’s rich historical and cultural traditions.
These are lands that were won back from the Moors by the first
king of Portugal, Afonso Henriques. And the memory of that era
lives on in the ancient castles that loom above Leiria, Tomar,
Óbidos and Santarém.
Place or Interest
Alcobaça
Monastery of Santa Maria de Alcobaça, Alcobaça.
Monumental Cistercian Abbey of Santa Maria, founded in 1152
(classified in UNESCO’s International Heritage list). Inside in
the church, beautiful Gothic tombs of King Pedro I and Inês de
Castro; the cloisters; the chapter house and an enormous
kitchen. Churches: Misericórdia (Renaissance portal and
17th-century tiles) and Conceição (17th century).
Batalha
The Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitória was built in answer to a
vow made by King John I to the Virgin, if the Castillian's
invader were defeated in the Battle of Aljubarrota. Elected by
UNESCO as World Heritage, it is a grand monument to the closing
phase of Portuguese Gothic whose building began in 1388.
Cascais
Stylish summer resort. Amongst the numerous restaurants, bars
and discotheques are the following historic places: Castro
Guimarães Museum and Sea Museum, the 18th century churches of
Nossa Senhora da Assunção and Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes; the
chapels of Nossa Senhora da Guia (15th century) and São
Sebastião (16th and 17th-centuries) and the 17th century
fortress. Just a few minutes away lies Guincho beach (a great
place for those who enjoy surfing and windsurfing).
Estoril
Renowned worldwide as an important tourism spot (casino, golf
course and racing track). The beautiful Santo António Church
stands out in this cosmopolitan resort, which also boasts an
exciting nightlife.
Fátima
One of the most important Marian centers of pilgrimage in the
catholic world. Basilica and Capelinha das Aparições, standing
in the place where it is said that Our Lady appeared to the
three shepherds.
Leiria
A striking medieval royal castle hangs atop the graceful town of
Leiria. Other important monuments: the Cathedral (16th-17th
centuries, with an archeology museum on its premises), São Pedro
Church (Romanesque), Nossa Senhora da Pena Church (Gothic),
Nossa Senhora da Encarnação Sanctuary (16th century).
Lisboa
Spreading out along the right bank of the Tagus, its downtown,
the ‘Baixa’, is at the 18th century area of Rossio. East of the
arcaded Praça do Comércio, are the medieval quarters of Alfama
and Mouraria, crowned by the magnificent St. George’s Castle. To
the west lies Bairro Alto and Madragoa, with their typical
streets, and on the western extreme lies Belém, with the Belém
tower, the Jerónimos monastery (masterpieces of Manueline
architecture and classified in UNESCO’s International Heritage
list) and the Cultural Centre of Belém.
Museums: Ancient Art, Chiado, Tile Museum, Archeology,
Design Museum, Ethnology Museum, Carriage Museum, Costume,
Theatre, Maritime, Military, City, Gulbenkian Museum, Modern Art
Centre, and the Ricardo Espírito Santo Silva Foundation.
Palaces open to the public: Ajuda and Fronteira.
Churches: Cathedral (with treasury); São Vicente de Fora;
Conceição Velha (Manueline), São Roque (with a sacred art
museum); Madre Deus; Santa Engrácia Pantheon (Baroque), and
Estrela Basilica.
Shopping: downtown; Avenida de Roma, Praça de Londres, Avenida
Guerra Junqueiro and shopping centers Amoreiras, Colombo and
Vasco da Gama.
Nightlife: Bairro Alto and Avenida 24 de Julho, Alcântara and
riverside discos and bars.
The area where the last World’s Fair of last century (EXPO 98)
was held is today called the Nations Park, and here are to be
found the great Lisbon aquarium, restaurants, leisure activities
as well as shows and exhibitions.
Mafra
Palace-Convent, built in the 18th century, is the largest
Portuguese religious monument. It consists of royal apartments,
magnificent library, bell tower and basilica.
Óbidos
A typical house, Óbidos.
Completely enclosed by lofty medieval walls, this is a small
town with whitewashed houses brightened up by colorful
bougainvilleas. The massively-towered castle has now been
converted into an elegant pousada. Churches: Nossa Senhora do
Carmo (Romanesque-Gothic), Santa Maria (Renaissance, housing an
art collection by the Portuguese painter Josefa d’Óbidos),
Misericórdia (15th-18th centuries) and São Pedro (18th century).
Nearby, Senhor da Pedra Sanctuary.
Palmela
Dominated by a magnificent castle, which houses the ancient
Santiago Convent (currently a pousada).
Queluz
Summer palace of the kings of Portugal in the 18th century, it
encloses a series of rambling and beautiful gardens with lakes
and sculptures, and houses an important collection of furniture,
paintings, tiles, and decorative arts. Within the palace
property stands the Pousada D. Maria.
Santarém
Castle of Roman origin overlooking Portas do Sol (Sun Gates) and
opening on to a panoramic view of the Tagus river. Monuments:
the Roman-Gothic Church of São João de Alporão (with an
archeology museum); the Gothic Convent of São Francisco and the
Gothic churches of Graça and Santa Clara; the Renaissance Chapel
of Nossa Senhora do Monte; from later periods, the churches of
Santíssimo Milagre and Seminário Patriarcal.
Sesimbra
Picturesque small fishing town, with a medieval castle atop a
hill. Whilst here, do not miss the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora do
Cabo, at Cabo Espichel, and Lagoa de Albufeira, a favourite spot
for windsurfers.
Setúbal
Opposite to the Tróia peninsula (11 miles of beaches and golf
courses) lies the city of the Sado river (an important natural
reserve). Places of interest: museum, churches of Jesus and São
João (Manueline), São Domingos, Boa Hora, Santa Maria da Graça
and São Julião. The castle includes a pousada, overlooking
Setúbal.
Sintra
(Classified in the UNESCO World Heritage list) In the center
stands the National Palace, with its beautiful painted rooms and
huge pair of conical chimneys, the village’s ex-libris. Other
palaces: Pena (royal palace, 19th century), Seteais (18th
century and currently a luxurious hotel) and Monserrate,
renowned for its gardens and water courses. The churches of São
Martinho (Romanesque origin), Santa Maria (Romanesque-Gothic)
and São Pedro de Penaferrim (15th-16th-centuries). Nearby are
the church of Santo António do Penedo (16th-century) and Peninha
Chapel (Baroque tile works). The Toy Museum, over 20 000 pieces
from the 16th to the 20th-century and the Berardo Collection of
Modern Art. In the suburbs: the Capuchos Convent (16th-century)
and Cabo da Roca (the westernmost point in continental Europe).
Tomar
Tabuleiros Festival, Tomar.
Christ Convent, classified in UNESCO’s International Heritage
list (12th-16th centuries). With its famous Manueline window, it
is the town’s supreme landmark. Other places to visit: Templars’
Castle (12th century); churches of Santa Maria do Olival
(Gothic), Nossa Senhora da Conceição (Renaissance) and São João
Baptista (Manueline); and a 15th century synagogue.
Other places of interest
Abrantes, Almeirim, Azeitão, Azenhas do Mar, Berlengas
(islands), Caldas da Rainha, Cartaxo, Chamusca, Colares,
Constância, Ericeira, Ferreira do Zêzere, Golegã, Lourinhã,
Mação, Minde, Peniche, Porto de Mós, Salvaterra de Magos,
Sardoal, Seixal (ecomuseum), Serra da Arrábida (beach and
convent), Torres Novas, Torres Vedras, Vila Nova da Barquinha,
Vila de Rei, Vimeiro (spa).
Local gastronomy
Fish soups and stews
Fish and seafood
Barbecued sardines and mackerel
Eels (stew and marinade)
Azeitão and cottage cheeses
Sweets: queijadas (cheese tarts) from Sintra and pastéis de
Belém (custard cream tarts) from Lisbon.
Wines: Arruda, Carcavelos, Colares, Palmela, Bucelas, Ribatejo
and Moscatel (Setúbal).
Handicrafts
Glass and crystal from Alcobaça
Wicker baskets and other objects
Copper utensils
Embroideries and lace
Pottery, artistic and popular ceramics (Caldas da Rainha)
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