Portugal

Portugal is one of the oldest countries in Europe with a rich history, where untouched nature is carefree neighbors with a developed tourist infrastructure.

What to visit:

• The historic center of Porto is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a must-visit attraction
• Lisbon is known for its historic neighborhoods, including Alfama, Bairro Alto, and Baixa
• The Algarve has some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, with clear blue waters and golden sand
• Madeira is known for its Levadas, a network of irrigation canals that run through the island's mountains

Need to know:

Visa: Schengen

Currency: EURO

State capital: Lisbon

Time in the country: GMT +1/ UTC

Portugal, officially the Portuguese Republic (Portuguese Republica Portuguesa, Miranda Republica Pertuesa) is the westernmost country in continental Europe. The state is located in the southwestern part of the Iberian Peninsula. It borders Spain in the north and east, and is washed by the Atlantic Ocean in the south and west. The name of the country comes from the city of Porto (lat. Portus Cale - "warm port").

The capital of the state is Lisbon

The language is Portuguese

Currency - Euro

It is most convenient to arrive already with euros or exchange dollars at the airport. Exchange rates in different banks can differ significantly from each other, some commercial banks do not charge commissions for transactions of less than 10 EUR.

Religion - 94% Catholics

The climate is a subtropical Mediterranean climate: mild, without sharp temperature fluctuations. In the north, due to the Gulf Stream, a maritime climate prevails. Summer here is dry and sunny, but not hot (average temperature is about +20 °C, in the mountains - about +18 °C), winter is cool (from +4 °C to +10 °C) and rainy. It is warm and dry in the south of the country. Average temperatures in January are +5 °C..+10 °C, in July - from +20 °C to +27 °C. The water temperature in summer is +20..+23°C.

The time GMT +1/ UTC

Visa - Portugal is a member of the Schengen Agreement

The cuisine is simple dishes, in the preparation of which fish and seafood, meat, cabbage and a huge selection of cheeses are used. Residents of Portugal, like citizens of other southern countries, like to eat delicious and hearty food. But not only what they eat is important to them, but also the time of the meal and the company at the table. The Portuguese like to start their lunch with hot dishes. Fish is used as the basis of dishes. Beef is preferred as meat, although there are many different recipes for poultry. Especially in Portugal they treat vegetables, they are served whole (raw or boiled). Carrots, cauliflower and beans are among the most popular. Desserts and pastries should also be noted in Portuguese cuisine. There is a wide selection of almond and cinnamon desserts. Most residents of Portugal have lunch around the same time - from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. At this time, it is not possible to find a free seat in the restaurants. Families with children and employees come here for their lunch break

Portuguese wines are famous all over the world for their exquisite taste. The country produces many red, white and "green" wines that resemble champagne. Port wine is the hallmark of Portugal: white is drunk as an aperitif, and red is for dessert.

Beaches – In Portugal, all beaches are municipal. The cost of the set (2 sunbeds + an umbrella) is 8-10 EUR per day. On the Lisbon Riviera and the Algarve there is fine white sand, on Madeira the beaches are pebbly or artificial. Flags on the beach warn about the state of the ocean: red - the sea is rough and swimming is strictly prohibited, yellow - you need to be very careful, green - swimming is safe.

Hotels - 4-5* hotels of a high level mostly prevail in Portugal. Most of them work on the basis of breakfast, half-board is rare, there is no all-inclusive. This is explained by the fact that the country has a very tasty and diverse cuisine: tourists prefer to try as many different things as possible in different places, rather than eating at a hotel from a buffet.

The best hotels are old hotels (pousadas) corresponding to the level of four or five stars. Historical "backyards" are old castles and fortresses that have been reconstructed and turned into luxury hotels (there are about 50 of them in total). Staying with them is considered prestigious. There are also regional "pozads", which are manor houses or houses built in the characteristic architectural style of the area and feed their guests mainly with local cuisine.

Lisbon is the capital and largest city of Portugal, and it offers a mix of historic charm, vibrant culture, delicious food, and beautiful scenery. Here are some tips for a trip to Lisbon:

Explore the historic neighborhoods: Lisbon is known for its historic neighborhoods, including Alfama, Bairro Alto, and Baixa. Wander through the narrow streets, admire the colorful buildings, and visit some of the city's most iconic landmarks, such as the Belem Tower and the Jeronimos Monastery.

Taste the local cuisine: Lisbon is a food lover's paradise, with a variety of traditional Portuguese dishes to try. Be sure to try some of the city's famous seafood dishes, such as grilled sardines, octopus salad, and codfish cakes. You should also try some of the sweet treats, like the pastel de nata, a traditional Portuguese custard tart.

Take in the views from Miradouros: Lisbon is a city of hills, and there are many viewpoints or "miradouros" that offer stunning views of the city. Some of the most popular ones include Miradouro da Graca, Miradouro de Santa Luzia, and Miradouro de Sao Pedro de Alcantara.

Visit the museums and galleries: Lisbon is home to some of the best museums and galleries in Portugal. Some of the must-visit places include the National Museum of Ancient Art, the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, and the Berardo Collection Museum.

Take a day trip to Sintra: Just a short train ride from Lisbon, Sintra is a magical town filled with historic palaces, stunning gardens, and breathtaking views. Be sure to visit the Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle.

Enjoy the nightlife: Lisbon is known for its vibrant nightlife, with a variety of bars, clubs, and music venues. Head to Bairro Alto for a fun night out or explore some of the city's more alternative spots in the Cais do Sodre neighborhood.

Relax at the beach: Lisbon is located near some beautiful beaches, including Cascais, Estoril, and Costa da Caparica. Take a break from the city and spend a day soaking up the sun and enjoying the ocean.

Take a tram ride: One of the best ways to see Lisbon is by taking a tram ride. The famous Tram 28 will take you through some of the city's most picturesque neighborhoods, including Alfama and Bairro Alto.

Porto is a beautiful city located in the north of Portugal, famous for its historic center, colorful buildings, port wine, and delicious food. Here are some tips for a trip to Porto:

Visit the historic center: The historic center of Porto is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a must-visit attraction. Walk around the narrow streets, admire the colorful buildings, and don't forget to visit the iconic Clerigos Tower.

Taste the Port wine: Porto is famous for its Port wine, which is produced in the Douro Valley. Visit one of the many Port wine cellars in the city to learn about the history and production of this wine and to taste some of the best Port wines.

Eat traditional Portuguese food: Porto is a foodie's paradise, with many traditional Portuguese dishes to try. Don't miss the francesinha, a sandwich filled with different meats and covered in cheese and a spicy sauce. Also, try the bacalhau, a dish made with salt cod, which is a staple in Portuguese cuisine.

Walk along the Ribeira: The Ribeira is a lively area located along the Douro River, with many restaurants and cafes. It's a great place to relax and enjoy the views of the river and the colorful buildings.

Take a boat tour: You can take a boat tour along the Douro River to admire the city from a different perspective. You can also visit some of the wine estates located along the river.

Visit the Serralves Museum: The Serralves Museum is a contemporary art museum located in a beautiful park on the outskirts of the city. It's a great place to spend an afternoon and admire some of the best contemporary art in Portugal.

Go to the beach: Porto has several beaches located just a short drive away from the city center. Some of the most popular beaches are Matosinhos, Praia da Luz, and Praia do Ourigo.

Enjoy the nightlife: Porto has a vibrant nightlife, with many bars and clubs located in the city center. Enjoy a drink or dance the night away in one of the many venues.

The Algarve is a region in the south of Portugal, known for its beautiful beaches, scenic coastline, and sunny weather. Here are some tips for a trip to the Algarve:

Visit the beaches: The Algarve has some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, with clear blue waters and golden sand. Some of the most popular ones include Praia da Rocha, Praia do Vau, and Praia da Falesia.

Explore the coastline: The Algarve coastline is stunning, with cliffs, caves, and rock formations. Take a boat tour to explore the caves and grottos, or hike along the cliff tops for breathtaking views.

Try the seafood: The Algarve is known for its delicious seafood, with a variety of fresh fish and shellfish available. Be sure to try the cataplana, a traditional seafood stew, and the grilled sardines.

Visit the historic towns: The Algarve has several historic towns with beautiful architecture and charming streets. Some of the most popular ones include Lagos, Tavira, and Faro.

Go on a nature walk: The Algarve has several nature reserves and parks where you can go on a hike or a walk. Ria Formosa Natural Park and Costa Vicentina Natural Park are two of the most popular ones.

Play golf: The Algarve is a golfer's paradise, with several world-class golf courses. Some of the most popular ones include Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo, and Vilamoura.

Visit the market: The Algarve has several markets where you can find fresh produce, local crafts, and souvenirs. Loule Market is one of the most popular ones.

Enjoy the nightlife: The Algarve has a vibrant nightlife, with a variety of bars, clubs, and music venues. Albufeira and Praia da Rocha are two of the most popular destinations for a night out.

Madeira is a beautiful island in the Atlantic Ocean, known for its natural beauty, mild climate, and lush vegetation. Here are some tips for a trip to Madeira:

Explore the Levadas: Madeira is famous for its Levadas, a network of irrigation channels that run through the island's mountains. There are several Levada walks that you can take, offering stunning views of the island's landscapes.

Visit Funchal: Funchal is the capital city of Madeira, and it has a lot to offer visitors. Explore the charming streets, visit the museums and galleries, and enjoy the local cuisine.

Go whale watching: Madeira is a great place to see whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. Take a boat tour to see these magnificent creatures up close.

Try the local cuisine: Madeira is known for its delicious food, with a variety of traditional dishes to try. Be sure to try the espetada, a skewered meat dish, and the black scabbard fish.

Visit the gardens: Madeira is known as the "Garden Island," with several beautiful gardens to explore. The Monte Palace Tropical Garden and the Botanical Garden are two of the most popular ones.

Take a cable car ride: The cable car ride from Funchal to Monte is a must-do activity in Madeira, offering stunning views of the city and the surrounding landscapes.

Go hiking: Madeira has several hiking trails, offering a variety of landscapes and difficulty levels. The Pico Ruivo hike is one of the most popular ones, offering breathtaking views from the island's highest peak.

Taste the wine: Madeira is famous for its wine, with a rich history and unique taste. Take a tour of one of the island's wine cellars to learn more about the production process and taste some of the local wines.