www.discoverportugal2day.com
This page contains some general information that will acquaint you with travel in Portugal.
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he first time that I visited Portugal was while serving in the U.S. Navy. I'll give you some hints as to the year that visit took place: Nazaré, really, was a small fishing village, the "Carros Electricos" ran on the Rua Augusta ( see photo below ) and António de Oliveira Salazar was the Prime Minister.
Carros Electricos on the Rua Augusta
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was impressed by something. Because I felt that someday, I would return. On that visit I saw some of Lisbon, took the bus trip to Fátima and saw Nazaré when it really was a small fishing village. What I remembered most was the friendliness and warmth of the people.
Policeman directing traffic in Largo do Chiado Lisbon
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nother picture of a street in Lisbon that I took on my first visit to Portugal. These pictures bring back fond memories from my visit some forty+ years ago.This is the Rua do Alecrim from Largo do Chiado in April 2000
Rua do Alecrim from the Largo do Chiado my first visit 1955
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n the early spring of 1994, we were thinking about planning a trip to Europe. My wife wasn't too interested in going to London or Paris. I suggested "How about Portugal?" Much to my amazement the suggestion was accepted.
Undertaker
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n a friend's suggestion, we went to a local Portuguese Restaurant to see if we could get any information about traveling in Portugal. We were very fortunate. The restaurant owner knew a local travel agent that was Portuguese and worked at a local travel office. He also suggested that we should stay in Pousadas . Well, we didn't stay at any Pousadas on the first trip but we have stayed at them on subsequent trips and they are wonderful. We did get in touch with the agent and he was extremely helpful in assisting us in planning our trip. He provided us with a number of suggestions of places that we should visit. That is why I recommend that you get in touch with an agent that is familiar with Portugal.You may also obtain information from Manor Houses of Portugal by completing the form on any page of their site.
Since that first trip, I have usually developed my own itinerary, but I used Air Portugal to make and confirm the actual bookings and to obtain additional suggestions. If you prefer to travel with a group, there are a number of Tour operators that specialize in trips to Portugal. On our last trips, we used the powers of the Internet and e-mail to work out all our travel arrangements.
I would strongly recommend that you do as much pre-planning and pre-arranging as possible. Since you are currently browsing the Discover Portugal Pages, it is easy to do some planning now. Just click around these pages and you will find a lot of useful information about Lisbon, Portugal, and the other Portuguese WWW locations that you can visit on the Internet.
If you can, try to find a travel agent that has some familiarity with Portugal. Some suggestions would be Abreu, Sun Travel, or Air Portugal Discovery Vacations. On both trips in 1994 and on the 1995 trip, we made as many reservations in advance as possible. I did make some hotel reservations after arriving in Portugal, but I would recommend that car rental or special hotel reservations are made prior to leaving home. This is especially true for the
Pousadas and Manorhouses because these accommodations are usually booked well in advance.Making the flight reservations in advance may also give you a benefit of substantial savings. If the timing of your trip is flexible, you should check the low versus the high season rates. There can be a considerable difference in the price range on transportation and lodging. Prices change with the seasons and are most expensive from April through October and during the Christmas and Easter seasons. Air fares also have three distinct seasons - Low November through March (except holidays), shoulder - April through September, High June 10 through Aug 31. Also since other Major Events are held in Lisbon in during the year, you should make your travel plans and bookings early. Just another reason that you should consider using a travel agent who is familiar with Portugal.
To assist you with your planning and perhaps to establish a proper relationship between areas and cities, I have prepared a trip planning guide to help acquaint you with the country.
When I discuss my travels to Portugal with my American friends, I am amazed that so many of them know so little about Portugal. So I will try to provide a little information about the country ---- its' culture and its' people.
In view of its geographical position, Portugal enjoys a temperate climate the whole year round, though somewhat less so in the north. During the winter, the north receives plenty of rain and it can be a bit chilly. You will notice many palm trees in the Lisbon area and north at least to Coimbra area. The spring is very pleasant. Temperatures were in the 70F to 80F, but there was no humidity and the air was extremely clean. In the fall the rainy season starts at the end of October, and while there was some rain on most days, a whole day was never completely lost. The yearly temperatures range from 80F to a low of 50F.
In our visits to Portugal, we have driven over 8,500 miles of the country and we never get over the diversity and the beauty that the country has to offer. From the North with its green pine forests and mountains to the very South with its Moorish architecture and breathtaking beaches with modern facilities, Portugal is a fairyland. It seems that just around every bend in the road is a wondrous new surprise. The microclimates of Sintra near Lisbon and Monchique by the Algarve are perfect examples of this.
Temperature Ranges
Lisbon area 57F/15C - 75F/25C
North - Porto 50F/10C - 68F/20C
Central and East 57F/15C - 78F/26C
Algarve 60F/16C - 90F/33C
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hese temperatures are averages and I may be a little bit off in my conversions. Temperatures in Portugal are given in degrees centigrade rather than Fahrenheit.T
he advantages of the Portuguese climate make it a perfect location for a vacation. This is a fact that many Western Europeans have known for years.I
f you would like the current weather in Portugal for the next four days, visit these sites.Current Lisbon
Time- Weather
Current Portuguese weather CNN
The Portuguese people are very friendly, polite, and eager to help you. The one thing that we have taken away with us from our trips has been the quality and sincerity of the people. There is an Old Portuguese saying "Come to Portugal a stranger -- leave Portugal a friend". I can absolutely say that this is a very accurate saying.
One American friend who has been living in Portugal said, "Portugal is like the U.S. was 15 or 20 years ago". This statement was not made in a negative way. The Portuguese still carry on a life style that so many others have forsaken. To the Portuguese -- respect... honor... tradition... family... faith... is a canon that they live by and pass down through generations
.A good example of the friendliness is the experience that we had in the city of Porto. The first time that I entered Porto I got hopelessly lost. I stopped and asked a Portuguese family the directions to the hotel. They didn't speak English and I couldn't translate their directions. Finally they realized this. They got into their car and said follow us, and drove three miles out of their way to show me the hotel. That is what I mean about the friendliness of the Portuguese people.
These suggestions and comments may or may not be useful, but I found that they were helpful in planning my trips. Also some of them I learned the hard way.
The Portuguese Tourist Office has set up what is called the Green Line "Linha Verde". It is a free telephone support system for visitors. The line offers help in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese with hotels, sightseeing and restaurants. The number called from within Portugal is 0-800-296-296.
The Euro is official currency in Portugal. The Euro is the official currency in most of the European Union.
The unit of currency in Portugal is now the Euro.
The Euro will made its appearance in Portugal starting on January 1, 1998. This will be primarily in Banks and Stock Exchanges. It will become the primary currency in 2002. The Euro rate is fixed at 200.482 Portuguese Escudos.
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he following site will provide you with the current exchange rate. Then click on performs the currency conversion button.Try to have at least $100 US exchanged into Euros before leaving home. You can exchange money at the Lisbon airport but I noticed that most financial institutions will charge you a fixed service charge for the transaction regardless of the amount. So, if you are not exchanging a substantial sum of money this will lower your exchange rate considerable. Information that I received recently confirmed that if you use ATM's the only fee charged is about $3.00 per transaction
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Popular credit cards (American Express, MasterCard and VISA) are excepted at most hotels and stores. VISA is excepted at gasoline stations. There are many ATMs in Lisbon. You should check with your local bank for the service that is available in Portugal (this method may also provide you with the best exchange rate). The hotels will readily exchange travelers' checks. Their exchange rates may be a little lower than the official exchange rate, but when you factor out the service charge you may be better off.
Most of the major hotels either has computers or lines available for a fee that provide internet connections. Internet Cafes are also springing up around the country. The larger Post Offices have equipment that will permit you to access the internet and at least check your e-mail. You simply buy a card at the desk that will grant you access.
All of the Portuguese hotels that we stayed in were clean and provided very good service. Hotels are graded from two up to five stars, as are the smaller inns - hotels. The hotels 4 star (first class) and 5 star (deluxe), also provide a Continental breakfast daily which is included in the rate. Also all the first class hotels provide all rooms with private bath and showers. Most of the rooms have a mini bar and television. In addition to the local channels, the hotels either have CNN, SKY or both available
.In addition to the hotels, Pousada's are also available. They are located at significant locations throughout the country. The Pousada's are of two types: Historical and Regional. Historic Pousada's are located in castles, exquisite palaces, or other historically important buildings. Pousada's are known for their excellent cuisine and wines. Since the Pousada's have a limited number of rooms, you will have to make reservations before leaving the United States. We stayed in five beautiful Pousada's, in Setúbal, Palmela, Sagres, Beja and in Évora. We have met a number of people that stayed in only Pousada's in their travels throughout Portugal. The Pousada's are located in convenient locations throughout the country. A list of all the Pousada's in Portugal is available here. Also provided is a detailed listing of the accommodations that are available at these Pousadas.
A list of the Pousadas of Portugal
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he Manor Houses of Portugal are another option. These Manor Houses are available throughout Portugal. Accommodations are offered either in the main house or cottages on the estate. Stay as a guest of a count or an ambassador with traditional Portuguese hospitality. The Manor Houses are located in convenient locations throughout the country. A list of all the Manor Houses in Portugal is available at the below listed site. Also provided are detailed listing of the accommodations available at these Manor Houses.A list of the Manor Houses of Portugal
If you are interested in Self catering Villas, Manors and Cottages for a longer stay or to accommodate a group visit this site Villa Vacations World Wide.
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or the budget minded, there is a wide range of choices in Boarding houses, Inns, Hostels, Motels, apartment hotels and even youth hostels. You should have no trouble-finding accommodations to suit anyone's budget throughout the country.The local hotels directory is a directory of hotel reservation sites in more than 60 countries giving you the opportunity to compare rates and information at your destination.
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have received a lot of E-mail about what accommodations are available. A site that has some very good information on accommodations that are available throughout Portugal including Madeira and the Azores is provided for your information.You might also try this site for last minute accommodations and prices.
A list of Portugal Travel and Hotels
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ampsites are also available. Orbitur is a Campsite chain, which has 21 sites spreading from the North to the South of Portugal. Apart from camping, it is also possible to rent bungalows, which are available at a number of sites.Driving
All, the major car rental firms, (Hertz, AVIS, Alamo, National etc.), have location space at the Lisbon airport. If you chose to rent a car, I suggest that you make the reservations prior to leaving the United States. If you do not drive a stick shift, make it known before you rent the car. Most of the rentals are stick shifts. Automatic cars are normally very expensive.
On the past few trips I've used Auto Europe and was very well satisfied with the service and the rates. You may get additional information by clicking on the logo below.
Click here for Rental Rates
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ortuguese drive on the right and vehicles approaching from the right have the right of way at junctions. Seatbelts are compulsory and you might even be required to buckle up when ridding in a taxi. Gas is a major expense in Europe, costing three times what it does in the U.S. Also remember gas prices may be deceptive for Americans. They are posted by the liter, which is slightly, more than a quart. All the rentals that I have had - use unleaded which is called sem chumbo. In and around the large cities, I've see any number of 24hr BP stations. In the smaller villages it is best to fill up early.I
have also had the car delivered to my hotel when I was ready to leave Lisbon. Parking is horrible in Lisbon and with all of the various types of transportation available, you really don't need a car to see the city. It has become increasing difficult to get a car delivered to your hotel especially on a scheduled basis. You may have to take a cab to the rental agency deliver point. For delivery of your car to your hotel and extra fee will be charged.City Line Sightline has a hop on hop off tour that permits you to enjoy most of Lisbon.
click on Map to enlarge
BIKING
For those of you seeking an experience of the Iberian Heritage, Landscape and Culture while traveling on a bike. This local Company, Bike Iberia, offers Bike Rentals, and fully supported Mountain Biking and Road Biking Tours, since 1999. You may also call at Cell 351 96 242 3455 or Phone/Fax 351 21 342 9790.
Transportation in Lisbon
In Lisbon, CARRIS operates all the busses, trams and elevators. If you plan to take a few rides, you should investigate one of the many type passes that are available. For information on routes, schedules and fares go to the
Carris Information
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lights inside Portugal are expensive but TAP Air Portugal, Portugália and Sata Air Azores provide daily flights to Porto, Faro (Algarve), Madeira and the Açores.Railways
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he Caminhos de Ferro Portugueses, Known by "CP", Portugal's national railway system also operates trains throughout the country. Lisbon has four train stations. The Estacao Rossio located between the Praca dos Restaurandores and the Rossio for Sintra and all western lines. The Estacao Santa Apolonia, located on the banks of the Tejo near the Alfàma, for international, northern and eastern lines. The Cais do Sodre for Belem, for Estoril and Cascais - and across the river at Barreiro is the train station that serves the Algarve.There is service over the second deck of the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge that is available.
Portuguese Railway Information
Motor Coaches
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owever, you may find that it is quicker and cheaper to travel by bus. Also busses will take you to places that the trains cannot. Services are provided by express busses and all the major cities and towns are included in the routes. Lisbon's main coach station can be found at Parque das Nações bus terminal since Jan 2000. From here, Rodoviá Nacional coaches (RN) regularly leave for every part of Portugal.For information on how to take the Metro to the bus station please visit our Lisbon page.
Portuguese RN Coach Information
EVA transportes SA also operates bus services to the Algarve and other places.
Portuguese EVA Coach Information
The language barrier really is not a problem. Either the person speaks some English or they will find someone who does. English is the second language and is widely understood, except in some of the remote areas. I found that all the people are very friendly and will go out of their way to help you. Most of the time when I tried out my very poor Portuguese, the reply that I got was "Sir, do you speak English?". I found that it was very interesting and helpful, if you learn a few Portuguese words
.Let's take a little time and learn a few Portuguese words. You are going to the University of Braga for this lesson. Please come back.
However, if the nature of your business requires translation services, you may contact for additional information
E-Mail Translation Services.
The food through out the country is extremely good, very reasonable and served with generous portions. My wife likes seafood and was in her glory on all our trips. She tried everything from the Bacalhau to the grilled Sardines and a few things in between. I prefer meat and I also had a good selection of very fine food. We ate in some very notable restaurants and also in some lesser-known local restaurants. In all the establishments that we ate in, the food was delicious. The cost (for two) ranged from 15 dollars to 50 dollars. You will find some of the best value restaurants in Europe. Wine is important to the Portuguese so you should sample some of their famous wines with your meals. Most Hotels and Restaurants automatically add an amount for service to the bill. Still 10 percent is a normal tip in Portugal. Oh by the way,
a conta por favor, will bring you the check.
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o not plan dinner until at least 8:00PM at the earliest. Most of the major restaurants do not open for dinner, jantar, until 7:00PM or later. The dinner hours are usually from 7:00PM till 10:00PM Lunch, almoco, is usually served from 1PM to 3PM Sometimes, you may just want a cup of coffee with milk - Café com leite. Then you might have to make a decision - large, grande - or small, pequneo. If your still in doubt, just order an Expresso Coffee that will surely wake you up.Some of the foods you may wish to try:
A recent visitor to these pages asked for some Portuguese recipes. The following link will give you some sample of Portuguese food served in the Azores
.Página de Culinária de Ana Taveira
If you are interested this is a well known site about the gastronomy and chefs in Portugal its in Portuguese but I think that it is helpful.
This is a site with many Portuguese dishes on it and is a fine example of Portuguese Gastronomy. It is currently only in Portuguese but I am told that an English version is coming. The site's name is Comezainas.
Shopping in Portugal
When to go
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ctually I would go back, in a heartbeat, but here are some suggestions. I've found the spring and fall to be some of the best times, especially if you want to avoid the crowds. From the middle of April to the end of May the weather is beautiful. I've also found that from the middle of September to the middle of October to also be an exceptionally fine time. On one trip, we went at the end of October into the middle of November. This was the start of the rainy season, we never lost a whole day but some days were not the best for enjoying some of the views.After Lisbon where do you want to go?
W
hile you are in Lisbon enjoying the city, you should consider taking the time to see some more of Portugal. We were in Portugal during April 2000. We hope to come up with some more information on suggested tours that you may take. In the meantime here are a few suggestions from our past travels in Portugal.A sample of some suggested tours of Portugal
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ost offices (Correios) are usually located in the center of towns and are open 09:00 until 12:30 and again from 14:30 until 18:00, Monday through Friday. Mail Offices in large cities remain open through the lunch hour and are usually open on Saturday morning.Electricity in Portugal runs at 220 volts AC with a continental round pin plug. So you will need a converter and also a plug adapter set.
Mainland Portugal is in the Greenwich Mean Time Zone (GMT) which means that the time is 5 hours greater than EST zone, the time in Eastern U.S. cities.
Current Lisbon
Time- Weather
The leading daily newspapers are the Diário de Notícias and the Público. If you would like to read the Público right now Jornal Público ( in Portuguese ).
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f you would like to read the Diário de Noticias, you may read it here Jornal de Noticias ( in Portuguese ).The English speaking community also has a weekly newspaper called Anglo-Portuguese News (APN) which offers news, listings and the weeks television
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peaking of Television there are two State-owned TV channels RTP1 and RTP2 RTPi Radio Television Portugal.
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here are also two privately owned Television stations in Portugal. SIC Television Portugal or Sociedade Independente de Comunicacao which is on channel 3 in Portugal. SIC is also available in the United States on some ethnic Portuguese cable stations for more information you may contact them at
. SIC was founded in 1992, by a group of private investors headed by the former social democrat Prime Minister Francisco Pinto Balsemao.
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he other station is TVI. TVI Television Portugal .
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f you need any business or local phone numbers you can find them here. Let your computer do the walking through the pages.On 1 November 1999, the telephone numbering system throughout Portugal was altered. For most of Portugal, the 0 indicating an area code has been replaced by a 2 and incorporated into the telephone number. The full 9 digit number beginning with the 2 has to be dialed even for local calls.
Example:
| Location | Old Number | New Number |
| Lisbon | + 351 1 XXX XXXX | + 351 21 XXX XXXX |
| Faro | + 351 89 XX XXXX | +351 289 XX XXXX |
GOLF in PORTUGAL
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don't play golf but my sons and son-in-laws do. So for them and the other 50 Million golfers in the world, I will give you a little information about golf courses in Portugal.T
he golf tradition in Portugal dates back to 1890, when a group of wine exporters set up the first golf club close to Espinho with a nine-hole golf course.T
oday, there are 43 courses in the country, 36 of them are in mainland Portugal, of which 19 are in the Algarve. A further 14 are in the Greater Lisbon area, and are easily accessible from the city. The Algarve accounts for 44% of the courses followed by the Lisbon coast 32%, the North of Portugal 12% and the islands (Madeira, Azores 12%).D
emand is highest in spring and autumn as a consequence of Portugal's exceptional climate for playing golf.Y
ou might even consider - the best of both - combine your Golf tour with a stay at the Pousadas of Portugal. This arrangement allows you to play the best courses, stay at exquisite locations and enjoy the best in regional cuisine. For your planning purposes, I've included a list of Pousadas that are nearby the golf courses. Actually, I can't take credit for this idea. One daughter and a daughter in law that are married to golfers think that it is a great idea. Also my wife thinks that any excuse to stay at a Pousada is a great idea.You may also obtain information from Manor Houses of Portugal by completing the form on any page of their site.
The Algarve has been reconstructing three of its three most famous golf clubs, Vilamoura One, Penina's Championship Course and the Royal Golf Course at Vale do Lobo. Lisbon is about to unveil a new championship golf course at Belas just 22km northwest of the city and Viseu will inaugurate the 18-hole Montebelo course. São Miguel Island in the Azores is about to open a second 18-hole golf course - see links to this on my Azores page.
For more details on the Golf Courses in Portugal visit my Golf page and take a look at some of the Golf Courses. For information on Golf Tours that are available see Golf Tours.
Since I'm not a golf expert, I may have missed some courses. If you know of any other courses or have some golfers' tips please sign my guest book and share them with other golfers. If anyone knows of actual links to any course sites, drop me an e-mail and I will put the link in. Thanks
.Please sign the guest book and leave a golf or sports tip if you have one.
Sign My Guestbook
View My Guestbook
Other Sports and Leisure
Horseback Riding
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ortugal is well known for its Lusitanian pure-breed horses. The Thoroughbred is mainly used for the Gineta, competitive exercises for which it is famed, hunting or bullfighting.O
n a recent visit, we were privileged to see just such a show. As we arrived at the Palácio de Seteais in Sintra, the Portuguese Riding School was putting on a wonderful show on the front lawn. It was very impressive to watch.Another Portuguese tradition is the Ervideira Stud. During its existence this stud has won many prizes and awards. For more than 100 years the Ervideira herd has grazed on the Fonte Boa estate near Évora. You can visit this beautiful estate and appreciate these fine horses for yourself. It is located on the road to Redondo.
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ne of the best ways to explore Lisbon's surrounding countryside is by horseback. You can hire horses at the Quinta da Marinha Riding School in Cascais.Sailing and deep-sea Fishing
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ou can hire sailboats and sail on the River Tagus. For deep-sea fishing call the Sesimbra Tourist Office for more details.The Bullfight
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ull fighting in Portugal is a battle of wits with horsemanship being the key to a matador's success. The bull isn't killed as it is in Spain. If you are interested, it is at the Campo Pequeno bullring outside Lisbon. The season runs from April - May. Bullfights are also held in other areas of the country. Watch for the colorful bull fight posters.Tennis
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he are many tennis centers in and around Lisbon. Courts are always available for hire and many of the larger hotels outside of Lisbon have their own courts.If you need additional information, contract an travel agent who is familiar with Portugal. We have used the following agent.
You may also obtain information from Manor Houses of Portugal by completing the form on any page of their site.
Creation Date: 04 Dec 1995
Last Updated: 15 Jan 2008
Copyright © 1995-2008 Thomas J. Sullivan MA
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