Portugal

Once maligned as ‘The sick man of Europe’, modern Portugal, one of Europe’s unspoilt tourism jewels, is booming. Portugal’s rich and turbulent history shaped the country, from the 15th- and 16th-century days of discovery, to the autocratic leadership of Estado Novo (New State) from 1932 to 1974. 

Portugal contains enough World Heritage Sites, natural and cultural wonders to keep any visitor busy for a long time. It is a country of astonishing diversity, idyllic weather and welcoming people. Not to mention picture-postcard scenery with a rugged windswept coastline, pristine beaches where fishermen mend their nets beside brightly painted sardine boats, cobbled streets, dazzling whitewashed houses and fairytale castles.

Portugal is a land of infinite options from mingling with the crowds in one of the more sophisticated beach resorts to wandering through the medieval quarters of historic cities like Lisbon, Porto, Braga or Coimbra. To explore the more remote beauty spots, stay overnight in a romanticpousada - a converted farm, monastery or manor house enjoying a wonderful setting.

When it comes to sporting holidays Portugal is one of Europe’s premier golfing destinations while the tennis schools are second-to-none. Big game fishing, horse riding, windsurfing and waterskiing are just some of the other activities on hand. Other unmissable experiences include Fado (Portugal’s answer to soul music), country fairs where centuries-old folk traditions are lovingly re-enacted, port wine tastings and mouth-watering fish suppers.

Author

Christopher Rice

Western Europe.

Area

92,345 sq km (35,655 sq miles).

Population

10.6 million (2006 estimate).

Population Density

114.8 per sq km.

Capital

Lisbon. Population: 600,000; 1.9 million in Greater Lisbon (2006 estimates). 

Government

Republic since 1910.

Portugal occupies the southwest part of the Iberian Peninsula and shares borders in the north and the east with Spain, while to the south and west lies the Atlantic Ocean. The country is divided into various provinces, including the Atlantic islands of Madeira and the Azores; the latter lying some 1,220km (760 miles) due west of Lisbon. The Douro, Guadiana and Tagus rivers flow across the border from Spain. North Portugal is mountainous, the highest part being the Serra da Estrela, a popular area for skiing. The vast plains of the Alentejo region stretch south of Lisbon. A range of mountains divides the Alentejo from the Algarve, which runs along the south coast, and is one of the most popular resort areas with wide sandy beaches and attractive bays.

Language

Portuguese. English is widely spoken within the business community.

Religion

Roman Catholic.

Time

GMT (GMT + 1 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).

Social Conventions

The Portuguese way of life is leisurely, and old-fashioned politeness is essential. Warm hospitality is the norm. The country has a deeply individual national character, although each province has its own traditions and folklore. Casual wear is widely acceptable, although beachwear should not be worn in towns. In restaurants, it is usual to smoke only at the end of the meal. Smoking is prohibited in cinemas, theatres and on buses.

Electricity

220 volts AC, 50Hz. 110 volts in some areas and 230 DC in parts of the south. Continental two-pin plugs are in use.

Head of Government

Prime Minister Jose Socrates since 2005.

Head of State

President Anibal Cavaco Silva since 2006.

Passport Note

(a) Sufficient funds are required for all except EU nationals. (b) Portugal is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.

Passports

Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals of countries referred to in the chart above except:
1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.

Note: EU nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit shouldnot be imposed.

Visas

Not required by all nationals of countries referred to in the chart above for touristic stays of up to 90 days.

Visa Note

Nationals of countries not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy/consulate to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).

Currency

Euro (EUR; symbol €) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.

Currency Exchange

Many banks offer differing exchange rates depending on the denominations of Portuguese currency being bought or sold. It is common practice for banks to charge 0.5% commission with a minimum charge of approximately €10. However, some banks do not charge any commission on transactions of less than €25. Check with banks for details and current rates. Additionally, ATMs, identified by the symbol MB (MultiBanco), are increasingly being installed and tend to be more efficient and only charge 2% commission. There are also many bureaux de change.

Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs

American Express, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted.

Traveller's Cheques

These are readily exchanged. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in Euros.

Banking Hours

Generally, Mon-Fri 0830-1500 (certain banks in Lisbon are open until 1800).

Exchange Rate Indicators

Getting Around By Air

TAP Air Portugal (website: www.flytap.com)and Portugália Airlines (website: www.flypga.com)run services between Lisbon, Faro, Madeira, Porto Santo, Porto and the Azores. Charter flights are also available. The airline for the Azores is SATA (Sociedade Acoriana de Transportes Aereos) (website: www.sata.pt), which operates its Air Açores service between the various islands.

Getting Around by Rail

Caminhos de Ferro Portugueses (Portuguese Railways) (tel: 808 208 208, in Portugal or (21) 318 5990, outside Portugal; website: www.cp.pt) provides a rail service to every town. Alfa Pendular trains offer the fastest rail link from Lisbon to the Algarve and from the capital to the north (Porto, Braga or Guimarães, with stops in Coimbra and Aveiro); the Intercidades (Intercity) service covers Lisbon, Porto, Alentejo and Lisbon to Algarve routes.

A vast network of regional, inter-regional and suburban trains covers the country. The tourist areas of Cascais and Sintra are connected to Lisbon by frequent express trains. High-speed Alfa trains run between Lisbon and Porto via Coimbra and Aveiro. Fertagus trains cross the River Tagus in Lisbon, operating between Entrecampus station to Fogueteiro (on the south bank).

Rail Passes

InterRail One-Country Pass: offers travel for three, four, six or eight days in one month within Portugal. Travel is not allowed in the passenger’s country of residence. Travellers under 26 years receive a reduction. Children’s tickets are reduced by about 50%. Supplements are required for some high-speed services, seat reservations and couchettes. Discounts are offered on Eurostar and some ferry routes. Available from Rail Europe (website: www.raileurope.co.uk/inter-rail).  

Intra-rail card: gives those aged 12 to 30 years three or 10 days’ travel in four pre-defined zones in Portugal plus two or nine nights in youth hostels. Available from main railway stations in Portugal.

Tourist tickets: valid for seven, 14 or 21 consecutive days and available from main railway stations.

Cheap fares: Child and senior citizen fares are discounted by 50%, group travel (10 or more people) by 20%, return tickets by 10% and youth travel (Cartao Jovem or Euro<26 cardholders) by 30%. Family railcards and rover tickets are also available. Check Portuguese Railways online (website: www.cp.pt) for current promotions.

Getting Around by Road

Traffic drives on the right. Every town and village can be reached by an adequate system of roads. Petrol stations generally open 0700-2000, although some are open 24 hours. Travel by motorway is subject to a toll according to distance covered and type of vehicle.

Bus: There are frequent coach services between all Portuguese cities. For further information, contact Rede Nacional de Expressos (tel: (21) 258 1460; website: www.rede-expressos.pt).

Taxis: Taxi drivers are tipped 10%.

Car hire: Available from major and local providers in main towns and airports, with or without driver.

Regulations: The minimum age for driving is 18 (but drivers must be at least 21 to 25 if hiring a car). Cars may be imported for up to six months. Traffic signs are international. Drivers should dip headlights in built-up areas and use side lights when parking in badly lit areas. Children should not travel in the front seat. Seat belts should be worn. Warning triangles are compulsory. It is forbidden to carry cans of petrol in vehicles. Speed limits are 50kph (30mph) in built-up areas, 90kph (56mph) outside built-up areas and 120kph (70mph) on motorways.

Emergency breakdown service:Automóvel Club de Portugal (ACP) (tel: 707 509 510, within Portugal only; website: www.acp.pt) operates a 24-hour service.

Documentation: International Driving Permits or foreign driving licences are accepted. Third Party insurance is compulsory. Under the requirements of the Portuguese Road Code, those wishing to drive a car must possess a valid national/international driving licence, other official documentation with photograph, log book or rental contract and adequate car insurance. Failure to produce, on request to the authorities, any of the above will result in an on-the-spot cash fine. A Carnet de Passage is needed for a van.

Getting Around Towns and Cities

Lisbon’s extensive underground system is operated by Metropolitano de Lisboa , while trams and Companhia Carris de Ferro de Lisboa (Carris)buses also provide efficient ways of getting around. The city’s suburban rail lines, operated by Portuguese Railways, are useful for covering longer distances and Transtejoferries ply the Tagus.

Porto also boasts an underground (Metro de Porto), trams and buses.

Taxis are readily available in both cities.

Journey Times

The following chart gives approximate journey times (in hours and minutes) from Lisbon to other major cities/towns in Portugal.

Food and Drink

Seafood is popular, especially in Lisbon. Soup is a main dish. Portugal’s sweet pastries are also worth a try.

Things to know: Table service is normal. There are no licensing hours.

National specialities:
•Sopa de marisco (shellfish soup cooked and served with wine).
• Caldo verde (green soup made with finely shredded green kale leaves in broth).
•Bacalhau (dried cod, cooked in over 100 different ways).
•Caldeirada is a fish stew with as many as nine kinds of fish, cooked with onions and tomatoes.
•Carne de porco á Alentejana, in which bits of fried pork are covered with a sauce of clams stewed with tomato and onions.
• Puddings include arroz doce (rice pudding), Madeira pudding and nuvens (egg custard).

National drinks:
• Portuguese wines have changed beyond recognition over the past 10 years. Many of these new, modern wines are indigenous varieties with distinctive flavours. Sparkling rosé wines are mostly produced for export.
•Mateus Rosé is a famous lightweight rosé.
• Portuguese brandies are also good; the best are produced around Porto, where port wines originate.

Legal drinking age: 18.

Tipping: Generally 10-15%.

Nightlife

The large towns offer every kind of entertainment. There are many nightclubs, theatres, cinemas, stage shows, folk dancing and music performances. The traditional Fado can be heard in many restaurants, and performances begin at about 2200. Gambling is authorised and Espinho, Estoril, Figueira da Foz and Monte Gordo have casinos. The elegant Estoril Casino is the most renowned.

Shopping

Items include leather goods, copper, ceramics, handcrafted silver and gold, embroidery and tapestry, woodcarving, cork products, porcelain and china, crystal and glassware.

Shopping hours: Generally Mon-Fri 0900-1900, Sat 0900-1300. Shopping centres are usually open Mon-Sun 1000-0000.

• Take in sweeping vistas of Lisbon and the River Tagus (Tio Tejo) estuary on a walk around the hilly capital. Ascend the highest of the seven hills surrounding the city and discover the magnificent 12th-century CastleofSt George. 

• Get close to the sharks in Europe’s largest oceanarium, enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the Tagus from the cable car and check out the Knowledge Pavilion at the Park of Nations, 5km (3.5 miles) east of Lisbon (website: www.parquedasnacoes.pt).  

• Explore Lisbon’s riverside suburb of Belém from where Vasco da Gama set sail in the 15th and 16th centuries. Its must-see attractions are the striking Torre de Belém and the Monastery of the Hieronymites, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

• Experience the magic of Sintra (also a World Heritage Site), a mountain town full of palaces 25km (15 miles) from Lisbon. Do not miss the former summer residence of the Portuguese royal family and the beautiful Monserrate gardens.  

• Strike out west from Sintra to the lighthouse at Cabo da Roca and watch the wave pound the rocks below at the most westerly point in Europe.

• Head inland and discover Évora, a virtual museum of a town that reached its golden age in the 15th century, when it became the residence of the Portuguese kings. Its monuments had a profound influence on Portuguese architecture in Brazil.

• Travel north to the Monastery of Batalha(Mosteiro de Santa Maria), another World Heritage Site which was built to commemorate the victory of King João I over a Castilian army in 1385, and marvel at its Portuguese gothic and Manueline architecture.

• Visit the nearby Monastery of Santa Maria d’Alcobaça (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), which was founded in the 12th century by King Alfonso I, and be rewarded by a masterpiece of Cistercian gothic art.

• Explore intriguing medieval history at the Knights Templar castle in Tomar; the Convent of the Order of Christ at the heart of the castle complex is one of Portugal’s premier artistic and historical structures and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Peel back layers of history walking around Porto’s UNESCO World Heritage listed old core taking in the Stock Exchange Palace, the Romanesque-gothic Cathedral, the Romanesque church of Cedofeita, the baroque Clérigos tower and the vibrant Cais da Ribeira (old waterfront) (website: www.portoturismo.pt).

• Head northeast to Portugal’s medieval capital, Guimarães. This exceptionally well-preserved and authentic example of the evolution of a medieval settlement into a modern town boasts a fine castle and the former palace of the Dukes of Bragança (website: www.guimaraesturismo.com).

• See an exceptional concentration of rock carvings from the Upper Palaeolithic period (22,000-10,000BC) at the Côa Valley Archaeological Park, esteemed by UNESCO as the most outstanding example of early human artistic activity in this form anywhere in the world (website: www.ipa.min-cultura.pt/coa).

• Soak up Portuguese culture in the charming town of Coimbra, home to one of Europe’s oldest universities, the old Romanesque cathedral(Se Velha), Jesuit cathedral(Se Nova) and the gothic church and final resting place of Portugal’s first king(Santa Cruz). 

• Discover one of the Algarve’s oldest and least spoiled towns. Constructed on the banks of the River Gilhao the picture-postcard settlement of Tavira boasts an arcaded town hall, seven-arched Roman bridge, old fortifications and an island beach. 

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.

• Soak up the sun or take a dip in the warm Mediterranean Sea from one of the myriad sandy beaches of the Algarve (website: www.visitalgarve.pt).

• Don a snorkel mask, hoist a sail or have a go at windsurfing or waterskiing from watersports centres dotted along the coast. Dive beneath the surface and uncover Portugal’s marine life. Contact the Portuguese Federation for Underwater Activities for more information (website: www.fpas.pt).

• Head for deep waters and cast a line out at sea for a chance of catching big-game fishlikeblue marlin. Big-game fishing is especially popular along the Algarve coast.

• Fall under the spell of the melancholy Fado music, Portugal’s best-known traditional musical form, at the atmospheric bars and clubs of Lisbon’sAlfama or Bairro Alto (Upper Town) neighbourhoods.

• Visit the port houses of Porto or Gaia for the country’s best port wine tasting. The vine district of Alto Douro is a UNESCO World Heritage Site on account of centuries of viticulture that have produced a cultural landscape of outstanding beauty. 

• Absorb the spirituality of the shrine at Fátima, which has been an important centre of Roman Catholic pilgrimage since 1917 when the Virgin Mary appeared to a group of children. Experience the torchlight processions of 13 May and 13 October.

• Cruise along the canals of the wetlands around Rio de Aveiro aboard a traditional Portuguese moliceiros (gondola-like sailing barge), or go boating in the Douro Valley.

•Hike, climb or canoe in the Peneda-Gerês, Portugal’s only national park, comprising 70,000 hectares (170,000 acres) of mountainous countryside near the Spanish border, to really appreciate the extraordinary diversity of its climate, environment and scenery (website: www.geira.pt/pnpg/index.html).

• Play a round of golf on the championship golf courses in the south of the country (there are 19 in the Algarve alone), or tee off at one of the country’s oldest golf clubs, Quinta de Marinha in Estoril.

• Attend a car or motorcycle race at the world famous Estoril racetrack, which is located a short distance from Lisbon, on Portugal’s Atlantic coast (website: www.circuito-estoril.pt). 

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.

Statistics

• GDP: US$173.1 billion (2005).
• Main exports: Clothing and footwear, machinery, chemicals and cork.
• Main imports: Machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, petroleum and textiles.
• Main trade partners: Spain, Germany, France, Italy and The Netherlands.

Economy

Portugal was traditionally an agrarian economy, but since it joined the EU in 1986 its industrial and service sectors have grown considerably by comparison. Agriculture still employs around 10% of the workforce (unusually high by Western European standards) and contributes around 5% of GDP, producing wheat, maize, tomatoes, potatoes and grapes. 

The manufacturing sector is dominated by the textile and footwear industries and machinery. Other important products are paper, cork and other wood products, electrical appliances, chemicals and ceramics. 

Portugal joined the Eurozone upon its inauguration in 1999. Unfortunately, since then, the economy has stagnated - growth was 1% in 2004 and just 0.3% in 2005. In 2005 unemployment stood at around 7.5% and inflation rose slightly to 2.7%.

Business Etiquette

Businesspeople are expected to dress smartly and formal attire is expected in some dining rooms and for important social functions. English is widely spoken in business circles, although when visiting a small family business it is best to check in advance. Business cards are generally only exchanged by more senior members of a company. July and August are best avoided.

Office hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1300 and 1500-1900.

Commercial Information

Associação Comercial de Lisboa
Câmara de Comércio e Indústria Portuguesa, Rua das Portas de Santo Antão 89, 1169-022 Lisbon, Portugal
Tel: (21) 322 4050.
Website: www.port-chambers.com

Confederação do Comércio e Serviços de Portugal (CCP)
Avenida Dom Vasco de Gama 29, 1449-032 Lisbon, Portugal
Tel: (21) 303 1380.
Website: www.ccp.pt

Lisbon Convention Bureau (Information on Conferences/Conventions)
Rua do Arsenal 15, 1100-038 Lisbon, Portugal
Tel: (21) 031 2700.
Website: www.visitlisboa.com

Porto Convention Bureau (Information on Conferences/Conventions)
Avenida Inferior a Ponte D Luis I 53-1, 4050-074 Porto, Portugal
Tel: (22) 332 6751.
Website: www.portocvb.com

Conferences & Conventions

Lisbon is the main centre for conventions offering modern high-tech venues that can seat over 3,000 people and unique historic locations ideal for smaller groups, such as St Jorge Castle and the Coach Museum. Lisbon’s premier conference halls include Lisbon Exhibition Centre, the Lisbon International Fair, the Belem Cultural Centre and the Atlantic Pavillion. Close to the capital Casino Estoril and Sintra’s palaces are also popular venues. The city of Porto is another important congress destination, which boasts two major international exhibition and congress centres: The Porto International Exhibition Centre (Exponor) and the International Congress and Exhibition Centre (Europarque).

Telephone

Country code: 351. There are call boxes in most villages and all towns; there are also public telephones in many cafes and bars, from which international calls may be made.

Mobile Telephone

Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies. Coverage exists across the whole country.

Internet

There are Internet cafes in all urban areas, and some post offices offer Internet facilities. Wi-Fi access is available in various hotels and public buildings.

Media

Public TV and radio services are operated by Rádio e Televisão de Portugal (RTP). Today, Portugal’s commercial stations provide tough competition for the public broadcaster.

Post

Airmail to European destinations from continental Portugal and the Azores takes three days; from Madeira, up to five days.

Post office hours: usually Mon-Fri 0900-1800. Main post offices have longer hours and some are also open on Saturday and Sunday. The post office at Lisbon Airport is open 24 hours a day. 

Press

• Each region has its own Portuguese-language dailies.
• The Portugal News is an English-language newspaper published in print and online.
• Portugese dailies include Diario Noticias, Publico and Expresso.

Radio

• Rádio e Televisão de Portugal (RTP) is Portugal’s public broadcasting organisation. It operates public radio networks in the country.
• Radio Comercial and Radio Clube Portugues are two of the commercial channels.
• Radio Renascenca is very popular and owned by the Roman Catholic Church.
• Around 300 local and regional radio stations operate in Portugal.

The northwest has mild winters with high levels of rainfall and fairly short summers. The northeast has longer winters and hot summers. In the south, summers (March to October) are warm with very little rain except in early spring and autumn. High temperatures are moderated by a permanent breeze in Estoril (July to August).

Required Clothing

Light- to mediumweights and rainwear are advised.

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2007-December 2008 period.

2007
1 Jan New Year’s Day.
20 Feb Mardi Gras (Carnival).
6 Apr Good Friday.
25 Apr Freedom Day.
1 May Labour Day. 
7 Jun Corpus Christi.
10 Jun Portugal Day.
15 Aug Assumption.
5 Oct Republic Day.
1 Nov All Saints’ Day.
1 Dec Restoration of Independence Day.
8 Dec Immaculate Conception.
25 Dec Christmas Day.

2008
1 Jan New Year’s Day.
5 Feb Mardi Gras (Carnival).  
24 Mar Good Friday.
25 Apr Freedom Day.
1 May Labour Day. 
22 May Corpus Christi.
10 Jun Portugal Day.
15 Aug Assumption.
5 Oct Republic Day.
1 Nov All Saints’ Day.
1 Dec Restoration of Independence Day.
8 Dec Immaculate Conception.
25 Dec Christmas Day.

Note

Holidays falling on a Saturday or Sunday are not observed on the following Monday.