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.

Portugal

See also in Portugal