Portugal Travel Facts

The Basics

Country: Portugal

Where is it: Portugal is located in south-western Europe, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Spain.

Why do people go here: Port, parties and Praia da Rocha. Porto is home to the sweet desert wine from which it gets its name, much like the champagne region of France. Divided by a river that is filled with classic wooden ships owned by the various port purveyors, Porto is Portugal’s second largest city. Its capital, Lisbon, one ruled the world’s vastest empire. The southern part of the country is home to Lagos, party capital and one of Europe’s best backpacker meat-markets. Away from the nightlife, Portugal’s beaches like Praia da Rocha can be stunning.

What are the main entry points: Cheap flights from the UK into Faro are available on budget airlines. Train travel from Spain into Lisbon or Porto is common.

Currency used: Euro

Country Code for Phones: 351

Area codes for Major Cities: Lisbon 1

Religion: Roman Catholic 94%, Protestant

Population: 11 million

Ethnic Breakdown: 96.87% Portuguese and 3.13% legal immigrants

Government: Parliamentary democracy

Languages: Portuguese (official), Mirandese (official – but locally used)

Travel Information

Major Cities: Lisbon, Porto

Attractions: Port, Beaches, Lisbon

Accommodation: Portugal Hostels, Portugal Hotels

Tourism Office locations and links: Portugal-ICEP/Turismo Palacio Foz, Pra�a dos Restauradores 1200 Lisbon +351-1-346-3643;; FAX +351-1-342-5231, www.portugalinsite.pt www.portugal.org

Tips for Visiting

Off-the-Beaten-Path: Folgosinho, Sabugal, Sortelha, Amarante

Health Issues: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over 1 year of age coming from infected areas. The requirement applies only to travellers arriving in or bound for the Azores and Madeira. Health care is on par with the rest of Europe and the U.S.

When to go: The southern beaches pack ‘em in early spring through late fall, and summer is the most popular (and hottest) time to visit.

Common Phrases: Yes = Sim, No = No, Please = Por favor, Thank you = Obrigado,

Specific Events/Holidays: Portugal Day, 10 June (1580)

Getting Around: Outside of the most popular train line (Braga-Porto-Coimbra-Lisbon), buses are the best way to get around the country. Eurail is valid in Portugal.

Good to know: Portugal tends to be cheaper than other Western European countries

Cheapest airport to fly into: The cheapest airport to fly Portugal is the Lisbon International Airport.

Need more information?: Check out the Portugal travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.